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GreenBlender Review

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Disclosure: I received a one-week GreenBlender subscription complimentary for review. This post also contains affiliate and referral links where I earn a small commission to help sustain Realm of Vibes. Thank you for your support.

Every Sunday, I wash, cut, and prep for a week’s worth of fruit for smoothies. They are super basic: water, spinach, and berries. Sometimes, I will add a vegetable (usually cucumber), a piece of ginger, chia seeds or a drop or two of essential oils. My husband never complains, so I keep creating the same concoctions in my Blendtec (The Blendtec, in my humble opinion, is the best blender on the market – and I have tried almost all of them).

Enter GreenBlender.

GreenBlender  is a smoothie subscription service, similar to Hello Fresh. Each week, GreenBlender sends its members original recipes and pre-portioned ingredients to make smoothies at home. Every box includes all of the ingredients needed to make 5 different recipes, with 2 servings in each recipe (for a total of 10 smoothie servings). You have the option of picking 5 of the most appealing smoothies from a selection of 8. GreenBlender  also meets a variety of dietary restrictions and needs (gluten and dairy free – like me!)

Green Blender Box Review

GreenBlender also focuses on sourcing from organic farms, urban and local farms, green markets, and vendors who value sustainable practices whenever possible. I live near farms and really try to buy locally to support real people, rather than big businesses.

GreenBlender costs $49.90 USD per shipment, but with my referral link, you will get $20 off a new subscription. That’s amazing! It is totally worth giving them a try at $29.90 USD!

My Smoothie Choices

Green Blender Box Review

  • Blueberry Punch
    • Prep: 5 minutes
    • I added 1 cup of water, the blueberries, banana, summer squash, amia powder and ice to the Blendtec and within a minute, had a perfectly blended smoothie. I never had heard of amla powder before, so I learned about the abundance of nutritional benefits. Amla powder is safe for pregnancy, too. I never made a smoothie with summer squash and was pleasantly surprised. The Blueberry Punch smoothie had the right amount of sweetness and was not only a beautiful start to my morning but a great way to be introduced to GreenBlender.
  • Kale Mango Glow
    • Prep: 10 minutes
    • I hate peeling mangos, so the prep took me a little longer today. Otherwise, It was happy to use kale, acai berry, flaxseed, and a banana. It was very creamy, sweet, and perfect to increase my energy, glow, and immunity. Absolutely delicious!
  • Orange Berry Basil
    • Prep: 5 minutes
    • It was my first time ever using collard greens and basil in a smoothie and I was left wondering why I hadn’t. What I like about GreenBlender is that I feel that the chefs really create out-of-the-box recipes that actually work! The Orange Berry Basil is your quintessential green drink; I noticed it was a little gritty, but then remembered I forgot to add ice. User error! Otherwise, it was super tasty and I would absolutely make this again!
  • Mangosteen Morning
    • Prep: 8 minutes
    • Since I am now an expert in cutting mangos, the prep was 2 minutes shorter today.  Mangosteen Morning included baby spinach, cantaloupe, kiwis, mangosteen powder, coconut flakes, ice and water. This smoothie was not as sweet as the others, and a little gritty. I wasn’t sure of the organic shredded coconut should have been blender or used as a garnish. It was a little gritty, and my least favorite of all the smoothie choices, but I drank all of it since it has immune boosting benefits.
  • Green Cucumber Mint
    • Prep: 6 minutes
    • This smoothie boasts anti-inflammatory and high fiber benefits. It also is low sugar, perfect for my gestational diabetes. I thought the combinationof the collard greens, pear, cucumbers, mint, lime, chia seeds, water and ice was super light, fresh, cooling, and a great start to my morning. My husband, Jason, said, “There are a lot of flavors in here, and it tastes really good!” If he compliments it, it must be good!

Verdict

I love GreenBlender. Not only are these recipes easy, but the flavor profiles are so different and versatile – I wouldn’t imagine coming up with some of the recipe combinations! I feel that the chefs really make sure they are holistic, healthy, and delicious. I also love all of the different options. I am excited for my next box!

 

Use my referral link to get $20 off your first subscription box! (So $29.90 USD – a steal!)

Namaste.

If you would like your products featured on Realm of Vibes, contact realmofvibesdg@gmail.com or visit the Contact page. 

Aravinda MOJO Aromatherapy Bracelets

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Lucky me – I grew up in the era of slap bracelets, pogs, manhunt, and playing outside with other kids on the block until my mother stood on the front steps and screamed for us to come home for dinner. Those were the days…I digress.

When Aravinda asked me to write a review on their MOJO Aromatherapy slap bracelets, I jumped at the opportunity. Since I became a Wellness Advocate for doTERRA, I have integrated essential oils into every sense of my wellness and self-care routine.

About Aravinda

Aravinda created MOJO slap bracelets combine color therapy with aromatherapy. Just add 1-2 drops (okay, I added 3) to the bracelet, and enjoy an all-day, lasting therapeutic effect. To wash your bracelet, just use a little soap and water. The MOJO bracelet is surrounded by microfiber, which is nice a soft. There are two middle layers; a waterproof neoprene layer and a stainless steel band, which slaps on your wrist for a comfortable, but snug fit. The neoprene layer prevents any irritation from highly concentrated, or hot oils, like Cinnamon or Oregano.

Aravinda MOJO Bracelets

Used with permission by Aravinda

MOJO Bracelets come in 4 colors.

  • Purple: Blessed, Crown Chakra, Wisdom, Compassion, Creativity
  • Red-Orange: Energized, Root & Spleen Chakra, Vitality, Joy, Courage
  • Green-Blue: Inspired, Heart & Throat Chakra, Balance, Self-Control, Love
  • Indigo: Relaxed, Brow Chakra, Calmness, Intuition, Imagination

Each MOJO bracelet is $14.99 USD.

Aravinda MOJO Bracelets

Used with permission by Aravinda

Experience

I added three drops of Cedarwood to the purple MOJO Blessed bracelet. Not only does Cedarwood keep the bugs at bay when I walk my dogs, but it is a super calming scent that helps me relax before a long shift at work.

The MOJO Blessed bracelet is a rich violet color, one that can help me to seek focus, wisdom, compassion, and creativity. All of those qualities I try to possess when I create treatment plans during my full-time job as an occupational therapist. I like how Aravinda integrates color therapy and aromatherapy – innovative concept, and I look forward to wearing more colors in the future.

I can’t help to get a nostalgic feeling as I slap the bracelet around my right wrist. I remove the bracelet and slap my wrist a few times, remembering how my sister and I used to chase each other around slapping each other…and collecting all of the fashionable bracelets that hit the market. The MOJO slap bracelet makes an excellent, useful adult version that is still fun, colorful, and comfortable.

Aravinda MOJO Aromatherapy Bracelets for Essential Oils

Used with permission by Aravinda

doTERRA’s Cedarwood still remains on my bracelet after a long 45-minute walk with my dogs and after an eight-hour shift at work. There is no need to refresh with more essential oils. It is comfortable and doesn’t make me sweat. It has a snug fit – no more or less snug than my FitBit on my left wrist. I found myself sniffing my MOJO bracelet throughout my day, and a few of my coworkers asking me, “What’s that?” only to take a step closer to say, “You smell like the woods.” Thank you. I smell like calm and happiness and feel like my MOJO is renewed.

Support small businesses like Aravinda. Visit them on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Disclaimer: Aravinda sent me complimentary MOJO bracelets in return for an honest review. All opinions within are my own. If you would like to see your product featured on Realm of Vibes, please e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com

 

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Bleu Bliss – Just for Denim Spray

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I’m obsessed with all-natural sprays. I’m NOT obsessed with doing 95% of the laundry in our household, so I am always looking for shortcuts. Enter Bleu Bliss – Just for Denim spray.

About Just for Denim

  • Non-toxic
  • Phthalate, Paraben and Synthetic Free
  • Antibacterial and anti-odor properties
  • Made with natural ingredients and Non-GMO grain alcohol
  • Made in the USA
  • Not tested on animals
  • Biodegradable
  • Ingredients: Grain Alcohol, Distilled Water, Essential Oils and Fragrance

Blue Bliss World - Explorer

 

Directions

Lay or hang garment in a well-ventilated area and spray from 5 inches away. Allow to air dry before wearing.

This product can also be sprayed on yoga mats, gym bags, shoes, luggage and car upholsteries.

Varieties

Just for Denim sprays are available in 2-ounce bottles in 3 different variations:

  • Explorer – citrus & sunshine
  • Traveler – lavender & powder
  • Voyager – woodsy, cedar, bergamot

Each bottle is priced at $5.99 USD a bottle.

 

 

Bleu Bliss World - ExplorerReview

I wear scrubs to work every day. (I call them professional pajamas). I bring a zip-up to throw on when I get chilly. Since I refuse to wear antiperspirant and haven’t found the best deodorant, the armpits of my zip-up can get rather…funky. Again, I abhor doing laundry, so I used Just for Denim‘s Explorer spray to trial on my pits of my zip-up.

I followed the directions – it definitely goes on strong, so don’t put your nose right up to the garment like I initially did. Give Just for Denim time to work. After a few minutes, take a sniff. I feel like I just stepped into a Floridian citrus garden. It smells like my entire house has been cleaned (Yeah, right…some wish!) with lemons, limes, and a big bottle of liquid sunshine. I love the smell.

As for the stench – bye bye! No more smelly pits. And, the scent lasts a long time, too.

I have used this on my favorite pair of jeans, bedding, and my stinky work sneakers. The results are consistent so I would absolutely recommend this product.

Support an Entrepreneur 

Carmela started Bleu Bliss Company and invented Just for Denim sprays. Her boutique store is based in California. Realm of Vibes prides itself on helping women with small businesses.

Make sure you support Carmela and follow her on Facebook and Instagram!

Disclosure: The product above was given complimentary to Realm of Vibes for testing and reviewing purposes. All opinions within are my own. If you have a product that would like to be featured on ROV, please contact realmofvibesdg@gmail.com

Grammarly Writing Support

homesick Candles

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Most of you know that I love my diffusers emitting aromatherapy, but sometimes I need the scent and nostalgic sight of a candle. It sets the mood – my mood – and makes me feel relaxed. 2017 was a year of change. I focused on creating my own products or switching to all-natural, healthier alternatives, which has included my candle selections.

I can’t thank homesick candles enough for sending me a beautiful Holiday candle. Homesick candles are hand-poured, using natural soy wax that is domestically sourced. The cotton wicks are free from any lead or plastics. Their scents are created from real ingredients like sage and peach. The candles are paraben, petroleum, and phthalate free. Even the glass container is 100% food grade quality and can be repurposed after a thorough wash. Each candle is $29.95 USD and made in the USA.

Homesick candles are known for their state candles. Each state represents a smell. My state, New Jersey, represents the beachy vibe from the shore including soft cotton and vanilla scents. Florida, one of my favorite states to vacation to, represents citrus, bergamot, amber musk and vanilla. What does your state smell like?

 

homesick nj candle

Picture from homesick.com

 

Take a look at the homesick collections – where you can purchase candles representing cities, countries, holidays, or memories. You can also shop home accessories (cutting boards, soaps, oils, honey) and apparel (t-shirts and sweatshirts). What amazing gifts for any occasion!

I really love my Holiday candle. I feel good knowing that it is soy based and not putting toxic fumes into my home. Holiday smells like pine, mixed with sugar cookies. My living room smells like Christmas. The burn time for this 13.75 oz candle is 60-80 hours. (As always – please cut the wick and never leave lit candles unattended.) 

Give homesick candles some love on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Disclosure: I received homesick’s Holiday candle complimentary for review. All opinions within are my own. If you would like your product to be featured on Realm of Vibes, e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com or visit my Contact page. 

BOOK REVIEW: Souping is the New Juicing by Cherie Calbom, MS

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. 

When my mom knows I am feeling under the weather, she expects that I will ask her to whip up some homemade chicken noodle soup to ease my sniffles and congestion. As the weather gets colder, I love to experiment with new soup ideas using my slow cooker and pressure cooker. I was eager to review Souping is the New Juicing by Cherie Calbom since I am mostly dairy and gluten free. I have tried juicing and wound up selling my juicer for $25 at a garage sale. I didn’t care for the blueberry stained ceiling. And, who has the time to clean everything? Not me – so souping seems like a more efficient option.

I read Souping is the New Juicing in two days. It’s a very easy, informative read.

Souping is the New Juicing begins with Cherie’s story. I really enjoyed learning about the authors experience that lead her to live a healthier lifestyle. Sometimes it takes tragedy and hardship to change our habits, routines, and roles and ultimately prevail

Living Foods was one of my favorite chapters where Cherie breaks down important components of soups (i.e. asparagus, watercress, cilantro) and explains why they are important. I like to know why foods are good for me to eat, and I learned that rosemary, one of my favorite herbs, has the ability to improve mood, increases intelligence, boosts memory, and relives pain (Souping is the New Juicing, p 55).

Souping is the New Juicing then educates us how to detox with soup. You take quizzes throughout this chapter, discovering if you have a build up of toxicity, and/or if you are in need of a colon, kidney, liver, or lymphatic cleanse. This section is very thorough!

Cherie has a chapter on soups for weight loss. Cherie taught me that mushrooms, legumes, watercress, almonds and coconut oil are great for weight loss. (Souping is the New Juicing, 117-118). I haven’t tried watercress, but am going to put that on my shopping list for my next soup adventure.

I appreciate all of the research that Cherie has put into Souping is the New Juicing. She has many studies and sources listed, which helps me to understand why souping works!

The last chapter of the book is dedicated to recipes. Categories of soup recipes include:

  • raw blender
  • gently warmed
  • creamy
  • vegetable
  • healing
  • detox
  • soups with legumes
  • soups with muscle meat

I appreciate that all of the recipes are gluten, dairy, and sugar free.

Although it’s ideal to cook soup in a stock pot on the stove, most of the recipes in this book can be prepared in my Blend-Tec, pressure cooker or slow cooker. I also recommend a good immersion blender.

I experimented – not quite following the recipes in the book, but including ingredients that Cherie mentioned in the third chapter. (The right picture, below contains chicken broth, water, spinach, leeks, sweet potatoes, jalapenos, and onions that I threw together in my pressure cooker. The left picture contains vegetable broth, sweet potatoes, leeks, and spinach that was the result of 8 hours in the slow cooker.)

Soups certainly warms my soul, and they definitely make me feel good about myself. I know that I am giving my body what it deserves – nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes…and the list continues… Souping is the New Juicing by Cherie Calbom

Souping is the New Juicing is a terrific reference and a constant go-to on my cookbook shelf. I would recommend Souping is the New Juicing to anyone looking to incorporate healthy soups into their diet.

About Cherie Calbom

Cherie Calbom earned a Master of Science degree in whole foods nutrition from Bastyr University. She is the author of 35 books including Juicing for Life with more than 2 million books sold in the U.S. and published in 23 countries. She has worked as a celebrity nutritionist with George Foreman and Richard Simmons, and has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows. Known as “The Juice Lady” for her work with juicing and health, her juice therapy and cleansing programs have been popular for more than a decade.

Visit Cherie’s website, and be sure to visit her on Facebook, and Twitter.

Namaste.