Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

My all time favorite must have product: Nutivia Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Thought I'd share with you my all time favourite product. 

I use this for EVERYTHING and I  mean everything! I use it in cooking, baking, bathing, remove makeup, moisturizing my face/body, put it in my hair, my son's hair, his body, fry my eggs, use on toast it is the most versitile Product everyone should have in their home!

Coconut oil is highly nutritious ~ Full of Lauric Acid (Don't believe me, look at the ingredient list of any good quality Infant Formula) It is great for weight loss, diabetes

This product is @Nutivia Organic Virgin Coconut Oil !

Nutiva is Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is Cold-Pressed & Pure white and best of all only contains one ingredient! Organic extra-virgin coconut oil.

• Certified organic and non-GMO
• Made from fresh coconuts, not dried copra
• Unrefined
• Chemical-free
• Unfermented*
• Unbleached
• Undeodorized
• Unhydrogenated
• No Solvents
• Pure white like fresh coconut
• Tastes like fresh coconut
• Has a fresh coconut fragrance

Did You Know?

* Other brands wait more than 10 hours between chopping the coconut and pressing the oil, adversely affecting flavor.

How virgin coconut oil is processed is the key to optimizing its taste, texture, color, and aroma.

There is no comparison between Nutiva's cold-pressed, Organic extra-virgin coconut oil, with its light taste, pleasant aroma, and pure white color, and industrialized coconut oil, with its bland taste, faint aroma, and off-white color. Please note that any tiny brown specks found at the bottom of Nutiva's Coconut oil are from the coconut fiber and are indigenous to extra-virgin coconut oil.

Coconut oil is about 50 percent lauric acid, a rare medium-chain fatty acid found in mother's milk that supports healthy metabolism and is now being studied for its anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial, health-protecting properties. Overall, coconut oil contains 92% saturated fats, and only 1% Omega-6, the fat Americans get way too much of.

The benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil

Since the 1960s, coconut oil has been unfairly labeled as "unhealthy". The media reported studies of how tropical coconut oils were laden with artery-clogging saturated fats. What was left out of these reports was the fact that the coconut oil used in the studies was not the virgin oil used for centuries, but rather hydrogenated coconut oil.

We have since learned it's the hydrogenation -- artificially adding a hydrogen molecule to oil in order to make it shelf-stable -- that's the problem, not the coconut oil itself. Hydrogenated soy, corn, and canola oils -- loaded with dangerous trans-fats and processed with toxic hexane solvents -- are routinely added to packaged foods. Hydrogenation fattened corporate profits and American waistlines, and is now linked with trans-fats and associated heart disease.

Baby formulas often include pure coconut oil as an ingredient because coconut is such a healthy super food. Virgin coconut oil is rich in the essential fatty acids, the "good fats" that doctors recommend and is cholesterol - and trans-fat-free.

Health Properties of Lauric Acid

One of the "good fats", which makes up about 50% of coconut oil, is lauric acid. Lauric acid is a rare medium-chain fatty acid found in mother's milk. It is now being shown to have anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial, health-protecting properties. Some researchers predict that lauric acid will one day become as well known in health circles as Omega-3 is today.

As studies reveal the downsides of consuming too many Omega-6 vegetable oils with their saturated fatty acids, coconut oil is making a comeback. We suggest consuming 3 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil per day.

Hydrogenated Trans Fat or Healing Coconut Oil?

The FDA started requiring the labeling of "trans fats" in 2006, and as a result, the entire fat category is undergoing a review of its traditions and assumptions. Hemp and coconut oil products deliver the nourishing "good fats", which can play a vital role in our health. Millions of Americans are questioning the outmoded assumptions regarding "zero fat is good", "tropical fats are bad", and "lots of vegetable oils are beneficial".

The traditional Pacific Islander diet included large quantities of coconut meat and oil, and those who still follow this diet have a low incidence of heart disease or weight issues. When a Western-style diet including vegetable oils replaces their traditional, all of the fat-related diseases common in the developed nations, such as coronary heart disease begins to appear, their immune systems get weaker and serum cholesterol levels go up.

Besides its nutritional value, pure coconut oil also makes a luscious and soothing massage and body oil for dry and/or damaged skin.

Please Note: Nutiva's Organic Extra-Virgin coconut oil is solid at room temperature and melts at 76°F. No refrigeration required.

For 100"s of recipes visit Http://www.nutiva.com

I am currently experimenting with a Gluten Free Organic Brownie recipe using organic coconut flour, Nutiva coconut oil, and agave nectar... I'll let you know how it turns out!

 Brownies turned out great! Huge hit! so moist and packed with flavor! 

David's Tea timolino Leak-proof Travel Mug with infuser

Hubby is a big tea drinker and has recently delved into the world of loose leaf tea.  We purchased a pot infuser at our favorite Asian grocery store along with a package of true loose green tea and he was hooked.  Once he got the taste of the loose leaf, he does not look at bagged tea the same.  One thing about drinking loose leaf is that it can be messy and generally not something you'd think about traveling with.  That's all about to change.  David's Tea has a line of products designed to change the tea world. They have quite the selection! Some made out of glass with silicon sleeves ~ I bypassed that one as hubby can be quite hard on things and a glass tumbler would not last long! After inspecting a few different models, I chose to go with the timolino ($29.99) not as big as I would have liked for him but it looked very durable.  I also liked the fact that although small, this tumbler packs a lot of punch! it has an incorporated infuser you can use for loose leaf or *bagged* tea :) and the deciding factor for me was that the lid contained a little storage compartment, enough to hold another serving of loose leaf ~ Ingenious! Happy with my purchase I left the store thinking about how surprised he will be when he unwraps this at Christmas..........   Ya, I couldn't wait that long. Not seeing him enjoying this fabulous creation on our cold morning commute into work all the while drinking my morning *bagged* tea in my eco-friendly reusable tumbler, I broke and gave him his "early" Christmas present  boy was he surprised! Once I gave him the spec. lowdown he was truly impressed and vowed to put it to the test.

The next morning washed and ready, he loaded the basket with his carefully measured loose leaf and poured the boiled water in.  We noted that you can't expect to over pour the water as it is seeping through the quickly expanding loose leaf. You have to allow for a slow steady stream.  We also noted that it was difficult to tell when the timolino was full until the water welled up on top.  No big deal, poured some out.  While I was doing this hubby filled the storage container with another serving giddy to be able to have his favorite drink on hand all day at work.  

He said he got busy at work and forgot he had this with him the entire morning and 5 hours later when he went to drink from it... it was.... still.... HOT?!! He was blown away and sold on his new little friend.  He told me on the ride home from work that it is unbelievable that such a little tumbler stayed hot for so long, he thought it was going to be cold ~ and with no way to re-heat a stainless steel tumbler was disappointed.. until he opened it and sweet steam came rolling out much to his surprise.  He hadn't even had to use the extra stash of loose leaf that day.  Now, he carries it everywhere we go! As hard as he is on things, so far this tumbler has stood up to the test, it's manly.. you know, for a loose leaf tea tumbler ;) and has not leaked one bit into his bag.

Some like it hot ~ with Infuser and Lid

Ah, Timolino.  A design so slim and stylish you'd never guess its stainless steel walls conceal pure functionality.  There's the removable infuser, perfect for steeping loose or bagged tea. The vacuum-sealed double walls keep tea warm or cold for hours. So light, you can toss it in your bag and never feel it.  There's even a hidden compartment under the lit to store loose tea. 

Secret's out...

And this Product Junki is Jelly!! Second guessing myself for giving it to hubby and not coveting it for myself... but 'tis the season.  (To return the favor!!) I spied timolino in a nice pearly pink color that this junki would be tickled *Pink* to find under the tree..

David's Tea Timolino is Product Junki Approved!

All reviews are my own opinions and I have not been compensated for this post.

I broke and got a Keurig!

I have coveted these machines since they hit the market.  Not wanting to buy into the hype, I decided to wait and see which ones made the the mile before splurging. Keeping my trusty ol' drip multi-cup in use, and watching senselessly time after time pouring 1/2 the pot down the drain.

You see the only down side to owning in drip machine is that you have to make a full pot to get the taste right. Being the only steady coffee drinker in the house, only my eldest son partakes in the black gold when hes around (which is hardly ever):)

I finally make the decision to adopt one. But which one should I get?  Really it depends on your likes and lifestyle. I choose the Keurig as I'm more of a Coffee drinker, not so much a Latte, cappucino, mocalate type gal. Not that I don't like them I just like my coffee :).  Portability is also important to me. I wanted something that I can use my travel mug with and brew and go.  The Keurig special edition has a convenient removable tray that allows you to fit a fairly large travel mug as you can choose your cup size S, M or L, what other machine lets you do that??!

Unpacking and setting up the machine is a breeze, it does command a bit of counter space so my old coffee maker was banished to the garage (Product Storage room) to make room for my new love and love it I do.

In true Product Junki Style, I reached for my  Mug and got lost in the multi-pack of flavors that were included to try, elated to see one of my favorite coffee regions ...Jamacin me crazy! Mountain special roast  (YA MON *Shout out to all my Jamaican friends and fam!) I excitedly snapped the Kcup into place and set the machine on.  It took less than 2 minutes to brew my fresh cup of coffee after the machine had heated up and was ready.  I pressed the large cup setting to see how it would work with my travel mug. It filled it 3/4 of the way, trying to be the frugal gal I am, decided to add another small cup to see if I could get it full. Cautiously watching it was too much and would have over flowed had I not switched cups..oops... lol

Although I chose the large cup, the coffee did not taste diluted in the least bit. It was perfectly brewed and solidified my love for my shiny new fixxx.  

While I was contently enjoying the fruits of my labor my 16 year old came creeping into the kitchen, I must have had a look of bliss on my face as i cradled my hot mug of coffee. Noticing the new gadget on the counter he asks if it only makes coffee.  I quickly scanned my thought processes debating weather to disclose that it does not only make coffee. That there was a box of hot chocolate as well, and it does teas and much, much more than just coffee..

It makes hot chocolate too I let it out.. his eyes lit up, really? it does? how? Can I have some?
lovingly yet grudgingly, I open the box and demonstrate how to use it. in less than 2 minutes there was a steaming mug of hot cocoa just what a tall ravenous teenager needs after a long walk in the rain after basket ball practice.

I think he liked it as the mug was empty in his room later that evening

I'm still debating if I should tell Hubby it also brews green tea.. he's been on a green tea kick, and has gotten uppity about his tea, currently experimenting with loose leaf... perhaps we'll leave it that way for a bit ~

I am wholeheartedly excited to explore the array of flavors at my finger tips. Elated that I wont be wasting anymore half drunken pots of coffee and super exited to learn that there is a re-usable pod I can get that will allow me to use my own favorite blend and not have to spend too much money on pre-fabricated K-cups, which, I will still do and open my palate to the coffees of the world.

I know it's just the first day but I already can't wait to wake up tomorrow and play with it again.



 Keurig Special Edition is Product Junki approved.

Burt's Bees Bzzz Agent campaign

December 5th, 
Woo Hoo it's here!! My @BzzAgent @BurtsBees products!! My Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cream cleanser and night cream flew right to me, In true junki style I just had to use it right away, needed my product fixx. I opened my Bzz Agent campaign materials and delighted in the Products simple packaging and cute samples to bzzz with. 

Burt's Bees' Intense Hydration cream cleanser with Clary Sage 99.0% Natural. ($15.99)  Infused with Clary Sage and Probiotic technology, this formula is scientifically proven to remove dirt, oil and make-up while leaving skin feeling soft, supple and hydrated. 
~ With Probiotic Technology ~ Hydrates dry or aging skin
~ Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Over the past 2 years, I've really noticed the fine lines setting in a lot more recently, yes, they are smile lines tale tale signs that this Leo Sun-worshiping lioness has had lots of love and lots of laughter in her earth years. 

So when I buffed on the cream cleanser, I was pleasantly pleased with the light scent that instantly invigorated my mind and skin! It is such a  nice and truly luxurious experience and certainly left my skin feeling intensely hydrated and baby soft.  Had to tell my hopes to stand down, its only our first time, and one thing I have learned is that everything in nature goes through cycles, seasons, need to give it time.  Marveling at how nice my face felt I immediately set my eyes on the Intense Hydration Night cream ($29.99) with Clary Sage. It had a similar energizing scent  and was just what I was hoping for, for winter.  A thick deep moisturizing formula to battle the harsh Canadian winter.  I felt a slight tightening once the cream absorbed, it was non greasy. I found the scent was so soothing that it was easy to drift off into herbal slumber. 

December 15
Okay it's been 2 weeks now since I've been using the Burt's Bees' Intense Hydration cream cleanser I love, love, love this face wash! It works well with my skin and is perfect for waking up your senses in the morning and soothes them at night ~ it just smells natural. 

The night cream, for this product Junki, was an unfortunate disappointment. I wanted so bad for this to be my miracle newly forming crow's feet eraser.  I found after a few nights it left quite a dry waxy feel. Like a layer of product on top of my skin, I would Instantly produce baby sweat bubbles on my nose, lip and eyebrow! It felt as though my skin couldn't breathe properly, the next week, I had 2 breakouts on my generally blemish-less 30's face.  I had such high hopes for this night cream and was in denial that it wasn't the right mix for my particular skin. At this point, I decided to stop using it, it was not a doing my skin very good.  That doesn't mean it's not going to work for you, we are all different. I am disappointed and saddened to report that The night cream has retired to the "Grave Yard" In a cupboard down below is where the empty promises go. In bottles, jars and boxes be the best false advertising that memorized me.  Amen. 

The Intense Hydration cream cleanser will always have a spot on my counter, I use it daily and will continue to buy it. 

Effect on laugh lines, is not noticeable, but I don't expect it to be from just a cleanser ;) 

I bzzzed this around the office and handed out some samples to a couple of girls at work, they seemed to like it and did not feel any film on their skin ~ again, everyone's different :)

If you want a chance to try before you buy and see if it works for you, I have 6 Samples left to give out to my Loyal Readers, the first 6 to Pm me your Name and address and I will have a FREE Sample shipped out ! 




Up Date: December 21st. 2012
Well it's supposed to be the end of the world today, so far so good. 
Although the night cream was a bit too heavy for my skin, the face wash is giving me amazing results! I've been using it everyday and on a busy, makeup free day I don't even need moisturizer after I use it! 
I also had the opportunity to BZZZ about the products to some mom's at daycare the result was so positive I've now turned one into a "Burt's Bees Junki" she went out and bought the whole line!!!