Review of Brewla Bars

A definite summer obsession in our household. Brewla bars are all natural popsicles without any artificial sweeteners or flavors. Now flavors are unique and tea based. Given that I am a huge tea lover, I had to give these popsicles a try. Besides being incredibly delicious, there is only 9 grams of sugar in each popsicle. Majority of frozen treats out there have a higher content of sugar (often 15 grams or even higher).

The favorite flavor in our house is the Cherry Pomegranate + Red Tea. The bars are gluten free, caffeine free and they are full of B and C vitamins.

The other flavors that the company makes include (flavors can also be found here):

• Peach Ginger + White Tea
• Craft Brewed Root Beer Float
• Tropical Fruits + White Tea
• Strawberry + Hibiscus Tea

If you are on the lookout of a healthy frozen treat, give these bars a try. They are so good, they disappear in our household way too fast, so I am honestly considering making something of my own, since we keep running out of them :)

Do you have a favorite ice summer treat that is not too high in sugar content? Please share the goodness, so we can give them a try as well!

Headspace Review - Meditation Made Simple

Hi All,

Headspace - Meditation Made Simple. I got a chance to try Headspace, which is a web and mobile meditation platform that allows one to cram some meditation into a daily life. While I always thought I am not one of those people that can mediate and allow my mind to calm down, this app has already proved me wrong.

Meditation is definitely a skill that needs to be acquired. But with this skill, we can find the help we sometimes need in our busy, stressful lives.

If you are in the place where you might benefit from a daily/weekly guided meditation, you can sign up for the 10-step foundation program that is free. If you like what you see and it works for you, Headspace offers much more - different series such as health (i.e. self esteem, anxiety, sleep, stress) or singles (i.e. sos/mini meltdowns, on the go, and classic). The company offers different subscription services from monthly subscription for $12.95/mo or yearly for 7.99/month.

This is how it works:

I have ONE FREE 3 months' subscription to Headspace. If you are interested, please comment on the blog post by end of August and let me know if you have ever meditated and what your experiences have been like. I will compile all the names and with the help of modern technology, a winner will be randomly picked! :)

I always enjoy learning about new technology/services and this was a winner for me. I hope you will find this interesting.
Cheers,

Sasha

P.S. Disclaimer - I was not paid to provide a review of this platform. This is my personal opinion of the product, including the free 3 months subscription that I am offering.

Review of the Cosmos Creations Salted Caramel Puffed Corn - Gluten Free Snack

I am a sucker for caramel. It's a simple as that. Anything with caramel does the trick. Add sea salt to it - and I am hooked completely. Recently I tried the Salted Caramel Puffed Corn made by the Cosmos Creations and a moment later - my little bag was empty...all I can tell you is that it is that good :)
On their website, the company describes the product as "It's a little sweet. It's a little salty. It's a lot fantastic." I wholeheartedly agree!

The product is:

• Gluten Free
• Uses Non-GMO corn
• Made with sea salt
• Does not contain high fructose corn syrup
• Made with natural ingredients
• No Trans fat

As with everything, please use in moderation ;) It is, however, very addictive. I am simply loving it though, as you can see from the pictures; even Dora was so excited that she ended up in the shot.

If you love anything caramel, try it. You might just love it.

Cheers,

Sash

Jo Malone Perfume Review

For those of you who are looking for a new scent, check out Jo Malone Perfumes. I was trying to get my hands on one of these bottles for a long time and finally got one.

Jo Malone perfumes have the most unique scents: from Earl Grey & Cucumber to Peony & Blush Suede to White Jasmine & Mint and many more.

I bought Blackberry & Bay for winter and felt it was a perfect scent for me. While fruity with notes of blackberry, it is really vibrant and warm and the notes of bay come through without being too spicy.

So if you are looking for a new scent or ever see a Jo Malone counter, a dare you to stop by...I can promise you will be surprised and hooked :)

Cheers,
Sasha

GRAMR Cards Review - A Perfect Way to Say Thanks!

Thanksgiving is coming up soon. Now is a great time to get your cards ready, since I am sure many of you will wait until last minute, well, at least I usually do…:)

I found out about this place from FatFibFun, which is a quarterly subscription service that’s full of beauty, fitness, and other goodies. It is different from other such services because it includes full size products.

One of the products that the FabFitFun team included in the latest box was GRAMR thank you cards. I have received 4 cards, 4 envelopes, an envelope sealing wax, and a wax press.

Not only the cards are unique, but they are of great quality. They are beautiful cards that anyone would be happy to receive. Currently, the company is only doing “thank you” cards, which are perfect for the upcoming Thanksgiving. 

Review of Vigilant Eats Superfood Cereal (Goji-Cacao)

If you are bored with your regular oatmeal and looking for something new to try, man, have I got a delish oatmeal for you! I tried it for the first time at the airport couple of years ago and was so shocked to really like it, simply because I am used to airport products being mediocre at best. It is perfect for traveling, especially for those of you who are trying to be on the gluten free diet or at least trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. 
This is an organic oat-based cereal that is nutrient rich, high quality, and simply delicious. It even has a spoon inside, so all you need to do is add water or milk and you are good to go. 
I have a busy schedule now and avoiding an unhealthy breakfast is a must. So if you are busy, on the go individual and looking to expand your breakfast or snack options, give this one a try.

You can find it in a healthy food store like Westerly in Midtown NYC or you can buy this on Amazon or http://www.vigilant-eats.com/

Hope you enjoy!
Cheers,

Sasha

Review of the Egyptian Magic Cream

I meant to post about The Egyptian Magic cream for months now, but kept getting distracted with everything else. Many of you have heard about this cream, some of you even bought it because of my recommendation, so it’s time to share with the rest J

The Egyptian Magic cream is an all-natural cream (even though I would qualify it as a balm, really) that has amazing moisturizing and healing ingredients. The cream has a celebrity following, but has also been used by doctors and even hospitals. It’s made of honey, beeswax, olive oil, royal jelly, bee pollen and bee propolis. It only takes six ingredients to show its magic! No additives, preservatives, fragrances, chemicals or parabens.

It says that it’s an “all purpose” cream, and I definitely concur J I refused to believe the hype, but when I was on vacation, my skin got very irritated. I had a small sample that I received from BeautyHabit (you can find it here), so I thought I’d give it a try. I used it both on my face and on my body and it worked beautifully.

The trick to it is to take the balm, warm it between your fingers until it softens and turns into oil, and gently apply it to your skin.

I recommend to use this cream on any irritated skin, even if you have some eczema or psoriasis. It gives relief to burns, wounds, and anything else you can think of! One of my friends that was struggling with allergies, needed some natural relief and the cream helped so much, that family now has several jars, in case somebody would travel and take the cream J

The cream can be found in quite a few natural stores, including Whole Foods. If you are looking for something like this, give this cream a try. It is worth every penny!

My All Time Favorite Toners

Hello Friends!

Since it's offically summer, I wanted to share my favorite toners with you. When it's hot and humid, as it usually is in NYC, the toner brings the cleansed skin moisture and exfoliation that we need to keep it clean and clear. I am going to give you a quick overview of my favorite toners.

The Body Deli Cucumber Juice Elixir

First, my face loves this toner. It really drinks it. There is no other way for me to explain it. It is only $26.00 and it is made out of pure raw ingredients - ionized water, to aloe vera, chamomile, comfrey, nettle, dandelion and some other raw and healthy ingredients. This toner is very refreshing, soothing, and definitely hydrates the skin. The Cucumber Juice Elixir is also perfect for cooling your skin when you were out in the sun.

https://thebodydeli.com/Products/Face/All-Facial-Products/Cucumber-Juice-Elixir.html

The Simply Divine Botanicals Gypsy Rose Tea Toner

I've used this toner for the last 6 years, and it is simply divine! It is only $29.95 and it is a natural toner/astringent that’s based on organic apple cider vinegar. According the company's website's description, the recipe was inspired by a 1500-year old formula made by Gypsies for the Queen of Hungry. The blend is infused for 6 weeks. The toner is very refreshing and is definitely effective. It works wonders on keeping oily skin feeling fresh, but does not dry out your skin at all, so it will work if your skin is dry. I love it in the summer.

http://www.simplydivinebotanicals.com/gypsyrosetea.html

Yonka Paris Lotion for Normal to Oily Skin Toner

This toner is absolutely amazing. If your skin is dry, they have a similar product for different type of skin. It is $41.00, but the bottle is pretty big and lasts awhile. I love it throughout the year, but it is amazing in the summer, because of its immediate and refreshing qualities that it has. It really calms the sunburned and inflamed skin and I even use it as a compress once in a while for an area of the skin that needs its properties asap.

I am totally addicted to its smell, which works for both genders. Essential oils of lavender, geranium, rosemary, cypress and thyme make this a must have in my house.

http://www.beautyhabit.com/product13235.html

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

I already wrote about this mist in one of my earlier posts here. Even though it is not officially a toner, you spray your skin after it is cleansed or you can spray the skin when it needs to be refreshed, so I think it qualifies to be in this category :) It is $24.00 and it is worth every penny. It is balancing, restorative and definitely hydrating. It's smell is to die for and I absolutely love it!

http://www.jurlique.com/skin-care/category/toning-mists/rbm/rosewater-balancing-mist

The Body Deli Hydra Mist

This mist is amazing and even though it has a pump, it works well for traveling because the bottle comes with a little piece of protection. It is very hydrating, and it is amazing for summer's weather. It is full of nutrients and it's raw ingredients are absolutely amazing. I even recommend using it after you apply your moisturizer. It is a little pricey, $55.00, but I think it lasts awhile, so it is worth it. Give this one a try, if you are looking for a very potent mist that you can also grab when travelling - this one is perfect!

https://thebodydeli.com/Products/Face/All-Facial-Products/Hydra-Mist.html

The Terressentials Organic Flower Therapy Exfoliating Facial Toner

I found this toner when reading some magazine or an article, when they were reviewing skin care products. This toner won the Best Toner Award in 2008. Now, it not very accessible in NYC (even though they sell it in some states, including CA), but I buy it online from the website, 4 bottles at a time, since it is worth it. It is $16.75, and it is another toner that my skin "drinks." It reduces blotchiness and brings your skin a glow. It is suitable for normal to oily skin, but I think it works for every skin type. This toner is really pure - hibiscus, green tea, aloe vera juice, and various other essential oils.

http://www.terressentials.com/facialcare.html

Ok. If you are looking for new toners, I hope you will find this review helpful. Always feel free to reach out, since I feel like I tried way too many products and might have a suggestion or two ;)

As a disclaimer, all the products that were featured were purchased by me. This is my personal opinion :)

Review of Trader Joe's Gluten Free Four Ottopam with Coconut Chutney

I went to Trader Joe's late tonight to see if there is anything delicious that I can throw in the freezer at work in case I am swamped and have no time to stand in crazy lunch line. I am sure you found yourself in this situation more often than not.

I came across Four Ottapam with Coconut Chutney box. Ottopams are gluten free rice breads that also have onions and cilantro. The box also came with two small bags of coconut chutney. The bread can be re-heated in microwave in 45 sec-1 min, the chutney is ready in 30 seconds. My only complaint is that there are only 2 small bags of chutney for 4 ottopams J I wish they would include 4 bags of chutney, because the combination of the chuntey with the ottopam was so delicious.

Give this one a try in case you are looking for something new to try at Trader Joes that’s gluten free.

Review of Seasprinkles and the Best Baked Yams Ever

Hi All,
For those of you who want to bake a yam instead of a regular baked potato, have I got a special ingredient for you! :) Months ago, when we wanted to bake some sweet potatoes, Will, hubby of mine, requested that I buy some bacon bits. I was trying to eat less meat (not that I eat meat that often), so was browsing in the grocery store to replace the bacon with something else that’s crunchy. Alas, I found it – Sprinkles – Roasted Seaweed Snack that supposed to work great over salads. These sprinkles are so addictive! But they are healthy, vegan, and gluten free, so who cares? We have been making these sweet potatoes with sprinkles ever seen. I don’t have the best pictures for you, but bake the potatoes as you usually would, cut them in half, add some butter, and cheese. In our case, we add at a minimum, seaweed sprinkles, and if we have, some chopped scallions as well. If you can’t find the shredded sprinkles, the “fun & go pack” boxes would also work (which can nowadays be found more easily in grocery stores), just mush the flat sheets with your hands and it’s good to go.
Hope you will try it. It is absolutely delicious!
Cheers, Sasha

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Hello Friends!

Meant to post this much earlier, so sorry about that. For those of you who are still looking to buy some Mother’s day gifts or for the ones that forgot the day is almost here, I’ve got some ideas for you.

These are my top choices in the beauty department:

Jurlique Rose Hand Cream

It is a rich luxury cream that is worth every penny. I’ve been buying it for years and it is definitely my mom’s favorite hand cream. Trust me, it is worth it.  It smells of roses like no other cream…

Morrocan Oil

The legendary Morrocan Oil hair treatment. The one in the picture is the “Light” version that I have at home, but there is also a regular one. You can use it before blow drying your hair or after. It is light and makes your hair silky smooth. It is definitely a must have beauty product!

Aeto Botanica Organic Fortifying Mask (Bamboo and Wild Mango)

I’ve used this mask for years now and I do not travel without it. In the past, I’ve struggled with my hair when traveling. My hair would usually get dry and simply not-manageable (different water different hair products in the hotels made my hair cry :)). After discovering this mask, I always make sure to have it in my house. I use it as a conditioner if I don’t have time in the morning or as a mask when I don’t need to hurry. This mask will make a great mother's day gift.

Suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser

I already mentioned this product before, but wanted to add it to this post as well. The reason is, both, my mother and my mother-in-law love love love this cleanser. After I bought it for one mother, and the other one smelled it, the product was shared in minutes. The smell is divine and it can be a perfect gift on the Mother’s Day.

Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask by Origins

One of the Origins top sellers. It is a heavy cream that you use overnight that absorbs into your skin and makes your skin hydrated. Your skin will love it. It’s been stamped and approved by mothers, trust me ;)

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

It is an amazing product. You can use it as a toner or just a pick me up product throughout the day. It is a great compliment to a rose hand cream by Jurlique, but can make a phenomenal product by itself. Give it a try!

Deep Sleep Pillow Spray by This Works

If you think this is just another pillow spray, you are wrong. It is a perfect gift. For anyone who wants to sleep better and try to relax before falling asleep, this product is a must. I’ve bought this for couple of people in my family/friends and they all love it.

In Fiore Chamomile Pedicure Luxury Treatment Balm

It is a nourishing and restorative foot balm. It is a divine product like anything else made by this brand. It is one of the products that your mama (or you) would want to have on the night stand.

Hope this helps for anyone who was looking to snag something last minute. These products have a Brackenheimer stamp of approval ;)

All-Time Favorite Cleansers

Well, the days when I thought facial cleansers were useless for your skin…are over. For the last year or two I realized how crucial they are (to keep the skin clean, healthy, and happy), and I will never go back and not clean my skin thoroughly before going to bed. Don't get me wrong, I always used cleansers, but thirty second cleanse is just not good enough...

For those of you who are looking to try a new cleanser this spring and refresh your routine, I've got some recommendations.

These have been re-bought quite a few times, so they have been tested and tried on a very sensitive skin. 

Suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser ( ~ $33.0)

Natural sugar crystals exfoliate your skin and leave your skin feeling refreshed and awake in the morning. I prefer to use in in the morning when I am in the shower, but you can use it in the evening too, I am sure. I use it 2-3 days a week. Sugar crystals melt away very quickly allowing your skin to get exfoliated and thoroughly cleaned at the same time.

 Jurlique Balancing Foaming Cleanser ( ~ $34.0)

It works great on sensitive skin. It is not drying and leaves your skin feeling squicky clean (but in a nice way)! It helps with impurities and leaves your skin clean but still hydrated. You can use it any time of the day.

You Can’t Zit Here by Simply Divine Botanicals ( ~ $25.0)

I have used this cleanser for the last 6 years, and never travel without it. It’s been a staple in my house and I absolutely love it. Try it and I promise you, you will love it. It works great on blemishes and has special ingredients that help with them -  Tamanu oil, Neem oil, and various essential oils.

Eve Lom Cleanser Balm ( ~ $50.0 - $135.0)

This became my favorite one for the evening cleansing. It is a pricey one, but worth every penny. It comes with a 100% cotton muslin cloth and is an award-winning cleanser that cleanses, decongests, and exfoliates at the same time. It has more of a “medical” smell to it (for the lack of a better word), but I love it. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated and very clean. I don’t even need to use a toner afterwards.

I have tried a lot more cleansers and many I have liked, but these are my absolute favorite. As my friends call me, I am a skin care junkie, so if you are looking to add a new cleanser to your routine, give one of these a go.

Cheers,

Sash

A Perfect Lip Balm for Winter – A Nuxe Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm Review

Good morning!

I wanted to share a quick beauty review with you today. This winter, I have been searching for a perfect lip balm. I’ve always struggled to find a perfect lip product because usually, I can taste the product in my mouth and my throat, which drives me crazy. Especially during this winter, I was on a mission to find a perfect lip balm, since it was colder than usually in NYC.

I wanted a nourishing lip product that would be thick enough for winter, but not too heavy; After trying every lip balm I could find in in the house, none of them did a trick. I felt like I was putting them on every hour and there was no relief.

For those of you in NYC, you can find this even in Duane Reade stores, but not in all of them. Quite a few places have been sold out for months, and let me tell, for a good reason. This product has a texture of cocoa butter, with a pleasant smell (not too strong), and no horrible aftertaste.

Last thing – not the cheapest product ($19.00 w/o tax), but worth every penny. If you are looking for a perfect lip balm, try it, you’ll love it!

Cheers,

Sash

A Must-Have Product - A Bioderma Makeup Remover Review

Hi All,

Happy New Year! Haven't written in a while...I am sorry about that. Many of you know that my mama got very sick last year, so I had to focus on that. I plan on posting more things this year, including product reviews. While traveling and going through my products, I realized that there are certain products I cannot live without. So that being said...this is my first. Hope you like it.

Today I would like to share with you the best make up remover - by BIODERMA. In addition to removing your eye make up, you can also use it on your face. However, I cherish it, so only my eyes get this good stuff ;)

Try it, you'll love it. I promise. I am sure you can find it in more places that this, but I know at least these two places carry it.

• Beautyhabit - http://beautyhabit.com/
• New London Pharmacy in Chelsea, NYC - http://www.newlondonpharmacy.com/

Cheers,

Sasha

Body Deli's Glacial Mud Masque - Review

Dear Friends,

I hope all of you are doing well. I wanted to share another beauty product that I stand by completely. It’s called Glacial Mud Masque. It is made by Body Deli company, which proudly makes their products from scratch once you order them. They use raw ingredients and ship their products with ice packs.

Website: http://thebodydeliaffiliate.com/375.html

My face craves this mask. I’ve been using it for two years now and it is a staple in my skin care routine.

I do not travel without it. It is a product that I use more frequently if I fall from my healthy diet routine, which happens to all of us. 

Best way to use it – before the shower in the morning. Your skin will be fresh, pink, and healthy.

Price: $24.00

If you are looking for a deep cleansing mask that will keep your skin healthy, this is it.

Cheers,

Sasha

Product Review - Best Body Moisturizer Ever

I know I promised many of you to post my favorite beauty products. I thought I’d start today.

One of my favorite products ever that I cannot live without is Jao Body Oil. According to the company’s description, Jao Oil consists of a combination of 28 plant fruit and flower oils and butters. Lightly scented with Monoi from Tahiti. It goes into the skin quickly and leaves it feeling incredibly smooth. Lighter than a typical body butter, longer lasting than a moisturizer, this formulation has a high percentage of Jojoba oil.

I purchased it first for my honeymoon in Maui. Not only did I use it every day, it works great on sun-burned skin. It really saved me and my skin. It is 3 oz, so it is perfect for traveling. You won’t need any other body moisturizer. It will work for your hands, feet, and even hair. I love it and I no longer travel without it.

Price: ~ $30

Trust me, it simply rocks!

Gluten Free Beer Review - The Votes are In!

Hello Dear Friends!

As promised, this post is dedicated to Gluten Free beers that are out there...well, at least the ones that we were able to find, taste, and compare. I can honestly tell you that the results were a little surprising to the tasters.
Since my regular glasses are dark brown, we poured the beer into wine glasses so everyone can see the color. So laugh all you want :)

I hope this review will help some of you to realize that there are more GF beers than one and that some are better than others.

Green's Tripel Blonde Ale 

http://www.merchantduvin.com/brew-greens-gluten-free.php

We felt that this beer was not bad, light. One taster felt it was too light, the other taster thought it was "soapy" and had aftertaste. We all felt that it was OK but there was something better out there.

Green's Amber Ale

http://www.merchantduvin.com/brew-greens-gluten-free.php

Tasters felt it was good and had clean aftertaste; it had good balance. We all thought that it had better aftertaste than the Blonde Ale. 

Green's Dark Ale

http://www.merchantduvin.com/brew-greens-gluten-free.php 

This was our favorite and definitely became the real contender. We felt it was perfect. It was not too bitter for dark ale and it was the smoothest of all three, which was surprising for all of us. 

IMPORTANT: Ingredients for all three Green's ales: water, millet, buckwheat, rice, sorghum, hops, yeast.

St. Peter's Sorghum Beer

http://www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk/

We all felt it was good, but had bitter aftertaste. Already, we felt that Green's Dark Ale came on top. Personally, I was a little surprised that for such a light beer it was that bitter at the end. Too bad…

IMPORTANT: Ingredients: unknown. It only says that it is gluten free, made from sorghum, and contains no wheat or barley. 

Redbridge Beer

www.redbridgebeer.com

This beer has been our favorite before the tasting. It is smooth and delicious beer. We felt that it has mass appeal. There was, however, a slight disappointment. After tasting it and looking over ingredients, we realized that the beer contains corn syrup. 

IMPORTANT: Ingredients: water, fermented sorghum (sorghum, corn syrup), hops, yeast.

Bard's Beer

http://www.bardsbeer.com/

I have had the pleasure drinking this beer before and really liked it. During the tasting, we all liked this beer very much. It was not bitter, just as good as Redbridge, BUT, there was one difference - it had  no sugar!

IMPORTANT: Ingredients: water, sorghum, hops, yeast. 

The only difference between the Redbridge and Bards is the corn syrup. We were all surprised because both beers taste very similar and knowing that Bard's doesn't have the corn syrup, we were impressed and all preffered Bard's over Redbridge.

Out of all the beers that we tasted, two came out winners: Green's Dark Ale and Bards.

Overall, this is how we ranked these Gluten Free beers:

1.       Green Dark Ale and 

1.       Bards 

2.      Redbridge 

3.      Green’s Amber Ale 

4.      St. Peter’s Sorghum Beer 

5.      Green’s Blonde Ale

On a separate note, we also had the pleasure of tasting the Original Sin cider. We bought two bottles and both disappeared very quickly. The taste was very light and quite festive. This cider is critically acclaimed and, of course, gluten free. Try it, you will like it!

Original Sin Cider

http://www.origsin.com/v4/

I hope this review was helpful to all of you and I hope you learned something new about gluten free beers!

Cheers,

Sasha