NOTICE

At the time of publication, all recipes were free of the allergens listed as being free of in the title (i.e. soy-free, milk-free, etc.), and all other information shared was accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Though I strive to update outdated information quickly and work diligently to make sure you have the most accurate information possible at all times, it is your duty to double check labels EVERY TIME to ensure that the ingredients you use are SAFE FOR YOU.
DO NOT RELY SOLELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS INGREDIENTS AND INFORMATION DO CHANGE.
Your doctor or allergist should also be your first go-to for information on how to handle your medical needs. That being said, if you DO notice an error, please send me an email letting me know (tell me what page or recipe the error is on, what the error is, etc.), and I will correct the error ASAP.
Thank you so much!

Please Be Advised:
I make sure all of my recipes use foods that are free of the allergens they say they are free of. You will need to do the same. For help with this, please see the appropriate "Alternative Names" page for the allergen(s) you need the recipe free of.

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Saturday, March 25, 2017

Monthly Milestones 2017 {4}

Today is the fourth Monthly Milestones of 2017 (posted a week early because I will be on vacation next weekend and unable to post then).  If you want to share a milestone post, just leave a comment below with a link to your milestone post, and I'll pop over and visit it and leave a comment, and hopefully some of my other readers will, too. :)  Normally, Monthly Milestones, where I will be giving you updates on how I am doing physically, mentally, etc., will go live on the first Saturday of every month, though sometimes I may be a day early or late depending on circumstances.

Here is how I am doing as of today:


  1. My weight is down another 3 lbs.!  I am so excited that my weight loss continues.  I've not been down to 210.5 lbs. or less in about 6 years, and I'm down about 20 lbs. since Thanksgiving.  Being aware of portion sizes, drinking enough water, avoiding sugar and caffeine, avoiding junk, and being active have paid off!  My biggest goal is to be down under 200 lbs. for my birthday in June, so here's hoping I can do that and beyond! :D
              
  2. The weather is thinking about getting warmer, but it's also been rainy and windy.  I like to identify spring in Michigan as having an identity crisis.  It can be almost summertime warm or wintertime cold, and all within 24 hours.  It can go from rain to snow to sleet to any other choice of precipitation within hours, too.  We are dealing with rain and rain/snow mixes right now, but the weather is warming up a bit more.  The wind still has it's days of being insane, but that, too, is dying down a bit.  As I can, however, I get outside and walk.  My other source of activity is spring cleaning.  It keeps me busy, and that's not a bad thing! :)
     
  3. I have to stay on top of my diet and exercise.  It is so easy to get off track when I am losing weight, and it is mainly because I feel like I can cheat a little and it's ok.  It's not.  It really messes with my gut, my health, my sleep - everything.  I do find that I do better if I allow myself a treat per day that is not completely horrible than when I deny myself all together.  It keeps me from overdoing later.  I'm glad to have figured that out.  I think it has spared me from going off the deep end too much.  It's hard to find the right balance - it's taken years for me - but it is so great once you find it!  It makes life enjoyable, and eating, too.  It doesn't feel like you're sacrificing too much, and that's the only way you stick with anything, I'm finding.  If it feels like a chore, you're less likely to continue doing it.
         
  4. I'd dealing with some cramping in my legs and some vision/hearing issues off and on along with some viral/seasonal allergy things, but otherwise, I'm doing well.  I'm not sure what the source of the cramping is, but it may be in part due to the higher level of activity.  I'm sure that part of it is dietary, but I haven't quite figured out the source yet.  I'm sure I'm lacking a vitamin or mineral somewhere.  It's probably potassium, so I'll have to work at trying to get more of that in my diet.

    The vision and hearing issues are what they have been for the last several months.  I have an eye doctor's appointment next month, so I will talk with my eye doctor about that when I see her.  I will see my regular doctor later this summer, and will talk with him about the hearing again, and he may refer me to an ENT.  We'll see.

    Viruses and seasonal allergies have been just horrendous since fall.  I guess it's the right combo of weather conditions to make all those things thrive.  I am grateful I've been able to avoid the doctor for myself, and that any viruses have been short-lived.  It's amazing how eating better and being active help with those things!

    We've not been back to the chiropractor yet, but we hope to do that soon.  The walking and stretching that my chiropractor recommended months ago does help, though.  That's a blessing for sure!

    Also, I want to thank all of you who have kept me and my family in your prayers.  It means so much.  Without your prayers, I don't know where I'd be, and I know those prayers have lead me to answers I wouldn't have found any other way.  Thank you so much!  Keep them coming! :)

  5. It's Spring Break for the next week, and I hope to be able to work on the blogs a bit.  I am hoping to get some recipes ready to post on Natural and Free that will go live in the future (probably one per month starting in  April and going at least a few months out).  I am not sure what I will be able to post here, but I will at least do Monthly Milestones.  We'll see how much I get accomplished.  I've got a lot planned for around the house, too, so I may have too much ambition and not enough ability.  At any rate, we'll see what happens! :) 

That's about it for now.  How are you doing?  Are you reaching your goals?  Have you tried something new?  Come up with a new recipe?  I hope all is going well with you, and I hope you will leave a comment sharing your thoughts and/or milestones (with a link to your post, if you wish).  As always, I wish you the best of luck in all you do, and hope you will return soon! :)





(This post was originally posted on my original site, Fibro, Fit and Fab!)

Thursday, March 16, 2017

{Product Review} Ceela Naturals Review Day 4: Touch (Non-GMO, Top 8 Free, Corn-Free, Vegan and Cruelty-Free)



I was recently contacted by Ceela Naturals about doing some product reviews for them*, and decided to do so.  As you can see, I received a LOT of products to review, so this review will last for 4 days (today is the last day)!  This is my first ever non-food review, too, and I am so glad I did it!  These products are non-GMO, top 8 free, corn-free, vegan and cruelty-free, and I am more than a little excited to share them with you!

The links to the other days will be added here as they go live:
-Day 1: Resolve & Renew and MagiCalm
-Day 2: Clean S and Just 3 Plus
-Day 3: Clean, Tone, Eye Care and Hydrate
-Today, Day 4: Touch

I didn't take any before or after pictures for you because this review is for a massage oil.  However, I will show the before and after pictures of my face from using the other Ceela Naturals products so you can see the difference.


Before using Ceela Naturals
After using Ceela Naturals





I seriously hate make-up-less selfies. LOL :)

Anyway, as you can see, my skin looks smoother and softer, and there is definitely more of a glow to my skin.  I was very impressed with the difference, especially after just one use of each product!  Amazing!

(Note: I know there is more pink in my skin in the second picture.  This was due to the shower I took before I reviewed the last group of products.  The heat from the shower reddened my skin, not the products (my skin was pink before I used the products, and the products didn't change the color of my warm skin at all).  My skin always is a bit red after a shower for up to an hour - gotta love sensitive skin! LOL :)  After my skin returned to it's pre-shower temperature, my skin was it's normal color with no irritation or redness at all - and a lot smoother!  I should've taken another picture after the redness died down from the shower, but I didn't get the chance.)

Alrighty!  Now onto my last review for Ceela Naturals, Touch!

Let's take a look at the packaging.





I liked the look.  Easy to read, easy to see what was in it and what it was free of (more information can be found online).   Ceela Naturals did a great job on labeling! 

(Note: I reviewed the sample size of 1.4 oz.  They sell a 16 oz. size.  All links will be to the full size bottle.)


Let's take a closer look at the product.



This product is a massage oil, so I know it is harder to see.  This is about one pump of it.  It was sort of running off my finger, so it's hard to see the exact amount of one pump.  

The ingredients are: Organic Sunflower, Kiwi, Black Currant and Copernicia cerifera.  That's it!  No artificial anything!  So cool!


So, what did it smell and feel like?

This product has no real smell, just like the other Ceela Naturals products.  Again, I cannot state how amazing that is!  This would be perfect for those who have issues with strong scents.

It feels light, and is not really greasy or sticky even before it is absorbed, which blew me away.  Once it absorbs, it feels very similar to lotion on your skin, and has an almost identical result to the Ceela Naturals lotions.  It leaves your skin so soft and smooth.  It really felt amazing!


What does it cost?

Touch costs $38 for a 16 oz. bottle (plus and S&H).  That size bottle is said to contain 60 to 80 massages worth of product.  That breaks down to $0.48 to $0.65 per massage!  That's a great deal, especially considering that it is non-GMO, top 8 free, corn-free, vegan and cruelty-free.  Amazing!
The verdict?

If you are looking for a massage oil that is allergen friendly, not greasy or sticky, and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth, this is the one for you!  It is an amazing product!

(Note: I realize that all skin types are a bit different, and your experience may not be mine.  This review is just to reflect my personal experience with this product, and my results may not be typical or identical to yours.  If you have further questions or concerns about this product, please contact Ceela Naturals.)

One final word before I close out this review.


Ceela Naturals products are out of this world!  I mean it!  Everything blew me away.  

If I had to choose my favorites, I'd say Resolve & Renew, Clean and Hydrate would be my "must haves" for facial care.  I'd have to say that Just 3 Plus would make a great lotion for my dry, winter hands (it basically healed them in one use), though, too, so that is also on top.  MagiCalm is the one product that I would highly recommend to those with easily irritated skin, though, above all else.  In some ways, it is so hard to choose, because everything was so wonderful!

They also have a body care line, and that has me more than a little curious (read that as I may just have to set aside the money to buy them and try them, these products are THAT awesome), and I have a feeling it is just as amazing as everything else they have.  

Definitely, check these products out!  You won't be sorry!!!

How Can I Find Out More?
So glad you asked! You can find out more at the following locations:





   
  
To find out even more, you can contact them directly.

A big thank you to Ceela Naturals  for letting me  review your products!








*Any and all opinions are mine without censor and reflect my personal feelings on the products and not that of the person/company who sent them to me.  Though I received the products for free, that fact did not affect my opinion on said product in anyway.*



(This post was originally posted on my original site, Natural and Free.)

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

{Product Review} Ceela Naturals Review Day 3: Clean, Tone, Eye Care and Hydrate (Non-GMO, Top 8 Free, Corn-Free, Vegan and Cruelty-Free)



I was recently contacted by Ceela Naturals about doing some product reviews for them*, and decided to do so.  As you can see, I received a LOT of products to review, so this review will last for 4 days!  This is my first ever non-food review, too, and I am so glad I did it!  These products are non-GMO, top 8 free, corn-free, vegan and cruelty-free, and I am more than a little excited to share them with you!

The links to the other days will be added here as they go live:

-Day 1: Resolve & Renew and MagiCalm
-Day 2: Clean S and Just 3 Plus
-Today, Day 3: Clean, Tone, Eye Care and Hydrate
-Day 4: Touch


So you can see my face's progression from beginning to end, here's some pictures:

Before using any Ceela Naturals Products.
After using Resolve & Renew and Magicalm.














After using Clean S and Just 3 Plus

I know these are less than flattering pictures.  I took selfies with my phone without my glasses on, and it is very hard to know where to look.  Did I mention these are without make-up on?  Anyway, now you have a frame of reference.  As you can see, I don't have extreme problem skin.  My skin is a bit sensitive, but otherwise is your classic combination skin.  Being winter, it is a little drier than normal, too.

Ok.  The really hard part is out of the way. :)  On to the fun part!

The next products I reviewed were the Clean, Tone, Eye Care and Hydrate.



These are full size, FYI.

First up, Clean.

Let's take a look at the packaging.






















I like the look.  Simple, professional looking, easy to read.  You can clearly see what they are free of and what the ingredients are (more information can be found online).  They took great care to explain their ingredients more thoroughly, too, and I really liked that.  (Note: There are 2 Clean products, one for dry skin and one for oily.  The product I reviewed is for dry skin.)



Let's take a closer look at the product.


This is what 2 pumps looked like.  I used maybe another pump more to cover my whole face.  As you can see, this isn't a whole lot, and the product should last quite awhile.

The ingredients are: Water, Pro-Vit B5 (Panthenol), Potassium Carrageenan (Iota; Irish Red Sea Moss), Isomerized Linoleate (CLA from Safflower), Arginine Aspartate, and Rice Vit E Tocotrienol.  No sudsing agents, no perfumes - nothing harsh to irritate the skin.  Very nice!  (Note: There are 2 Clean products, one for dry skin and one for oily.  The product I reviewed is for dry skin.  To read the ingredients in the one for oily skin, click here.  Also, the ingredient list has changed slightly on this product.  It is now: Water, Squalane (from Olive), Isomerized Linoleic Acid (CLA from Safflower), Potassium Carrageenan (Iota: from Irish Red Sea Moss), Arginine Aspartate, Panthenol (pro-Vit B5), Rice Oil Extract (Vit E Tocotrienol.  For more information, go here.) 

So, what did it smell and feel like?


Like most of the Ceela products, there was no real fragrance, which is great for those who suffer with strong scents.  This is the one thing I think I appreciated most about these products along with their gentleness.

I was very surprised to find that Clean has zero suds.  That really threw me.  It is almost like putting on a lotion that the skin doesn't absorb.  It is very easy to wipe off using warm water and a wash cloth - no scrubbing needed.  I did notice that my skin seemed to tighten a little after I removed it, but not in an unpleasant way.  It was actually very nice, and left my skin feeling very soft.  I'd say this was my favorite cleanser out of the bunch with the Resolve and Renew being a close second.

What does it cost?

Clean costs $22 for a 1.7 oz. bottle (plus any S&H).  (Note: My bottle was 1.8 oz., but they no longer carry that size.  Any links are to the 1.7 oz. size.)  They recommend using the bottle within 6 months, and I'd wager (if you used it once daily), it would last 3 months or more.  If it only lasted 3 months, it would break down in cost to less than $7.50 a month.  I'd say for something that is non-GMO, top 8 free, corn-free, vegan and cruelty-free, it is definitely worth it, especially if you have trouble finding cleansers that fit within your allergen needs.
The verdict?

Clean is a great product, and I highly recommend it!  Some people without allergen issues may find the price too much for them, but for others it would definitely be a steal.  It leaves your skin feeling soft and firmer than before use, and that is also a big plus!

(Note: I realize that all skin types are a bit different, and your experience may not be mine.  This review is just to reflect my personal experience with this product, and my results may not be typical or identical to yours.  If you have further questions or concerns about this product, please contact Ceela Naturals.)


~*~*~*~*~
Next up, Tone.

Let's take a look at the packaging.



I like the look.  Simple, professional looking, easy to read.  You can clearly see what they are free of and what the ingredients are (more information can be found online).  They took great care to explain their ingredients more thoroughly, too, and I really liked that. 

Let's take a closer look at the product.


I know it is hard to see because the product is clear, but this is what it looks like on a cotton ball.  You don't need much - a spray, maybe 2 - to cover the entire face.  As you can see, this product will last awhile!

The ingredients are: Water, Glycerin, Organic Witch Hazel, Potassium Linoleate (Isomerized Linolate: CLA from Safflower).  (For further description, go online here.)  Again, no muss, no fuss - all natural, allergen-friendly ingredients.

So, what did it smell and feel like?

This product had a very slight scent, but nothing too strong or unpleasant.  I found that I was always amazed by that.  It was very nice to not be overwhelmed with fragrance.

When I put it on, I did notice a slight tingling and mild burning.  It was not painful, and I would attribute that sensation to the Witch Hazel.  The slight burn passed very quickly, and it left my skin feeling very soft, and it did not actually burn or redden my skin.  I think I would use the product to spot treat any trouble spots vs. using on the whole face in future.  I found that it was a bit too strong for my more sensitive skin that didn't need it, but would be ideal for acne spots.

What does it cost?

Tone costs $26 for a 5.3 oz. bottle (plus any S&H).  I would wager this product would last at least 3 months, probably closer to 6 for most who would use it once a day, especially if you only used it to spot treat.  If it lasted you 3 months, it breaks down to just over $8.50 a month.  This price might be too much for those without special allergen considerations or less troubled skin like mine, but would be more than worth it for those with skin issues and allergen needs looking for a great toner.  Considering that is also non-GMO, top 8 free, corn-free, vegan and cruelty-free, that makes it a real bargain for some!
The verdict?

Though it was a bit too strong for me to use all over my face, I think it would make a great spot treat toner for me.  I also think it would be great for those with acne prone skin.  It is definitely gentler than other toners I've used in the past.  If you have troubled skin and are looking for a good toner that fits your allergen needs, you'll want to give this one a try!

(Note: I realize that all skin types are a bit different, and your experience may not be mine.  This review is just to reflect my personal experience with this product, and my results may not be typical or identical to yours.  If you have further questions or concerns about this product, please contact Ceela Naturals.)



~*~*~*~*~
Next up is Eye Care.

Let's take a look at the packaging.



I like the look.  Simple, professional looking, easy to read.  You can clearly see what they are free of and what the ingredients are (more information can be found online).  They took great care to explain their ingredients more thoroughly, too, and I really liked that.  

Let's take a closer look at the product.


This is what 2 pumps looks like, which is more than you need for under the eyes.  This product should last for the 3 months recommended on the website easily.

The ingredients are: Water, Glycerin, Isomerized Linoleic Acid (CLA from Safflower), Glycine, Black Currant Oil, Squalane from Olive, Kiwi Oil, Sunflower Oil, Leucine, Iso-Leucine, Aspartate, Copernicia cerifera and Rice extracts, Hyaluronic acid, Pro-Vit B (Panthenol), Vit C (Ascorbyl Palmitate).  (Note: The ingredients have changed slightly since my review.  They are now:  Threonie, Leucine, Iso-Leucine, Phenylalanine, Alanine, Tryptophan, Valine, Glycine, Kiwi Omega 3, Black Currant Oil omega 3 rich, Safflower CLA, Chia Omega 3, Olive (Squalane) C-30 ultra long chained oils, Rice extract oils, Vit C, and Vit E tocotrienol rice.  All links are to the current Eye Care product.  For more information, go here.)   Though the names are long, they are still all natural and allergen friendly, and this product is free of so much junk!  So nice!

So, what did it smell and feel like?

As most Ceela Naturals' products, this doesn't really have a smell, and it reminded me a lot of the Just 3 Plus lotion in a lot of ways.  Again, this would be great for those with issues with strong scents.

Like the Just 3 Plus, this lotion is very thick but goes on pretty nicely, though it takes a bit to get it spread evenly.  It does absorb really well, but that absorbing is not instant.  Until it is fully absorbed, it feels just slightly sticky, but not greasy at all.  I felt it really made the skin under and around the eyes feel nice and soft and smooth.

What does it cost?

Eye Care costs $52 for a 0.5 oz. bottle (plus any S&H).  It is meant to last around 3 months, so it would cost just under $17.50 a month.  Now, I consider this more as a novelty product, and those normally cost a bit more.  Considering that this is non-GMO, top 8 free, corn-free, vegan and cruelty-free, the cost would be more than worth it for some.  Some may find the price a bit much for them, though, especially if they don't deal with a lot of eye wrinkles, under eye sagging, etc.
The verdict?

Eye Care is a novelty item that feels wonderful and is free of so much junk.  If you are in the market for an eye care product that is allergen-friendly, will make you feel pampered, and that leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth, this may just be what you're looking for!

(Note: I realize that all skin types are a bit different, and your experience may not be mine.  This review is just to reflect my personal experience with this product, and my results may not be typical or identical to yours.  If you have further questions or concerns about this product, please contact Ceela Naturals.)


~*~*~*~*~
Last but not least, Hydrate.

Let's take a look at the packaging.




I like the look.  Simple, professional looking, easy to read.  You can clearly see what they are free of and what the ingredients are (more information can be found online).  They took great care to explain their ingredients more thoroughly, too, and I really liked that.  (Note: There are 2 Hydrate products, one for dry skin and one for oily.  The product I reviewed is for dry skin.)


Let's take a closer look at the product.


This is 2 pumps of the lotion, which was more than enough to cover my face, though you may need another pump or 2 for yourself.

The ingredients are: Water, Glycerin, Isomerized Linoleic Acid (CLA from Safflower), Squalane from Olice, Glycine, Alanine, Sunflower Oil, Threonine, Phenylalanine, Tryptophan, Valine, Rice Bran Oil and Extracts, Hyaluronic Acid.  (Note: These are the ingredients for the Dry skin Hydrate formula, and they are slightly different now.  They are: Hyaluronate, Glycerin from Olive, Panthenol (Vit B5), Protein Amines, Threonine, Phenylalanine, Alanine, Tryptophan, Valine, Glycine, Kiwi Oil, Safflower Oil, Chia Oil, Olive (Squalane) C-30 Oil, Euphorbia C-30 Oil, Vit C, and Vit E tocotrienol rice.  To learn more, click here.  To learn more about the oily skin formulation of Hydrate, go here.)  Again, if you look past all the scientific names, these are all natural and wonderful ingredients.  Definitely loving that!  No harsh chemicals or fragrances here!

So, what did it smell and feel like?

As most Ceela Naturals' products, this doesn't really have a smell, and it also reminded me a lot of the Just 3 Plus lotion in a lot of ways.  Again, this would be great for those with issues with strong scents.

Like the Just 3 Plus, this lotion is very thick but goes on pretty nicely, though it takes a bit to get it spread evenly.  It does absorb really well, but that absorbing is not instant, though it does absorb slightly faster than the other lotions by Ceela Naturals.  Until it is fully absorbed, it feels just slightly sticky, but not greasy at all.  It was definitely my favorite of the lotions.  It left my skin feel very smooth and soft, too.

What does it cost?

Hydrate costs $42 for a 1 oz. bottle (plus any S&H).  This bottle is to last about 3 months, so that breaks down to about $14 a month.  For a product that is non-GMO, top 8 free, corn-free, vegan and cruelty-free and leaves your skin feeling amazing, I would say that it is definitely worth it for some.  Others may find the price a little too high for them, though, especially if they didn't have allergen needs or trouble skin.

The verdict?

I loved this facial lotion!  It was definitely my favorite.  If you are looking to pamper your face and are in need of a product that is allergen-friendly, this could be the product for you!

(Note: I realize that all skin types are a bit different, and your experience may not be mine.  This review is just to reflect my personal experience with this product, and my results may not be typical or identical to yours.  If you have further questions or concerns about this product, please contact Ceela Naturals.)

Here is a picture of me after using all the Ceela Products:


Things to note:  I used these products 3 days after the last group of products to let my skin rest in between.  My skin was still soft from using the last products, and only got softer and smoother after using these.  I feel like my skin looked younger, softer and firmer after using the Ceela Naturals line of products as well.

I know there is more color in my skin in this picture.  This is NOT due to the products.  I had taken a shower before using them, and my skin was reddened from that (so before I even used the products), and the products did NOT make my skin more red or irritated.  Once my skin returned to normal temperature (which normally takes an hour or longer after a shower - did I mention I have sensitive skin?), the redness was completely gone as is normal for me (I should've taken a picture, but I didn't get the chance).  


Again, I apologize for the odd look on my face.  Selfies are really hard to take when you can't see clearly, but I didn't want my glasses to hide anything.


One more thing.

If you want to purchase all of these products together in a kit, you can do that!  They are sold as Dry Basic Kit, and it costs $106.50 (plus S&H).  (They have an Oily Basic Kit, too, that can be found here.)  Buying them all together will save you $35.50!  What a deal!

How Can I Find Out More?
So glad you asked! You can find out more at the following locations:





   
  
To find out even more, you can contact them directly.

A big thank you to Ceela Naturals  for letting me  review your products!








*Any and all opinions are mine without censor and reflect my personal feelings on the products and not that of the person/company who sent them to me.  Though I received the products for free, that fact did not affect my opinion on said product in anyway.*


(This post was originally posted on my original site, Natural and Free.)