Ava Shower Filter

We love water. I drink around 160 ounces of water throughout the day. We used to have Ever Drop, but I found it a little inconvenient to use with the amount of water we drink. We then switched to a Brita water filter pitcher. We refill the pitcher a few times per day, so we are still looking for other options. I would invest into something more permanent, but we don't find that appropriate because we rent. We also found a water filter for our shower. Ideally, I would want to shower with rainwater harvested on my own lot, but my Hippie dreams have to be on hold until we have our own land. The water filter we have is the Ava Shower Filter.

The Ava Shower Filter was not as easy to install as my HotelSpa Showerhead was, but it wasn't difficult. The water pressure seems to be just as good as before, so there is no difference. I do not have any which way to test it to see if it holds up to what it says it does. I did read a few reviews that said it removed a lot of chemicals but that the fluoride didn't seem to change. That is a real bummer for me because I'm aware of the nasty effects of flouride. On the other hand, I did notice my hair doesn't feel as dry afterwards. I haven't noticed any other differences as far as skin.

About the Ava Shower Filter

Cost : $59.99 on Amazon

REMOVES FLUORIDE & OTHER CHEMICALS - Filters 99.9% of Chlorine, Algae, Dirt, Fluoride, Lead, Chloramine, Bacteria, Arsenic, Chromium, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Mercury and Heavy Metals and many more chemicals. Shower filter also reduces scum build-up using kdf.

HEALTHY SKIN - Balances the pH of water. Promotes and maintains smooth, glowing skin, shiny hair, and healthy nails. Effectively reduces hard water and stops itchy and skin after shower

EASY INSTALLATION - Fits all modern shower arms. Comes with installation manual and installs easily. No plumber needed.Not sold with shower arm or shower head.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE - Made in the USA with a 30-day money back guarantee included. Experience powerful results within days or receive 100% of your money back

LONG-TERM - High performance filter lasts for an entire 9-12 months before needed replacement.

I received this product in return for an honest review. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Toddler Series : Aiden's Playroom

When we lived in the apartment, Aiden had a section in the living room with his toys and area to play.  It was a tiny one bedroom apartment, so all his toys seemed to be scattered throughout the house. And when I cleaned them, he would act out because he can't seem to cope without his toys being scattered everywhere. We had one simple rule. No toys in the bedroom. This caused him to fall asleep better. He understood that the bedroom was for sleep only. Now that we moved into a new place, which is also a one bedroom, I decided to give him his own bedroom to play in. This means that our bedroom is in the living room, which is fine by me since we rarely have visitors aside from Hubby's family who live next door.

I have ordered a few things to decorate his play room with. Not all items have arrived yet, but his playroom has been coming along nicely. When I mean nicely, I mean it is still a mess, but there is some order to it. We did put his crib in there since Aiden has been sleeping in my bed (this is a whole different issue) to get him comfortable with at least sitting on it by himself. While we do not have a dining table anymore due to the size of our new place, Aiden has his own small table where he sits and eats. I have decorated his "bed" area with some wall decals I got from Amazon. I decorated his toy storage area with some Bobee wall decals. A few months ago I posted about their Elephant wall decals that we got, and now I got the Dot decals in two different colors.

I was worried that two packages of dots weren't going to be enough to cover this specific area, but I was actually just right! I used my third package to decorate his "calm down" area. I use this area when he is having a meltdown, tantrum, or is over stimulated. In his Calm Down area, we cuddle, talk, or read a book. I made his "calm down" area in a weird place of the house. In between Aiden's playroom and the bathroom there is an awkward hallway and had no clue what to put there. It turned out great because it is a dark area separated from the rest of the house. Sometimes when I get a migraine I go to his Calm Down area as well. It really helps! I simply placed our old couch cushions and wrapped it in a blanket. Further down the line I plan to buy some fabric and cover the whole thing together.

I really like the Bobee wall decals. They stick to the wall really easily and are relatively easy to apply. Its like putting a sticker on the wall. I picked out two Baby Blue and one Mint colored Polka Dot decals. I prefer wall decals to painting. It is a great way to bring some POP to a room without paying a fortune. You also don't have to paint after you move either. ;)

About The Bobee Polka Dot Wall Decal

Price : $7.47 for each packet 

Removable and repositionable stickers

32 polka dots in one color per package - Mint Green stickers

11 Colors to choose from

Five different sizes vary in width from 1.25" to 3"

Safe for walls, leaves no sticky residue

Proudly MADE in USA

I received this product in return for an honest review. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions stated are my own. Prices stated are correct as of post dated.

Do People Not Know What A Pastry Blender Is?

Today I came across a post on Facebook that showed a picture of what I know to be a Pastry Blender with the caption, "Who remembers what this is?" It surprised me that this is not something that is kept in many households or that my generation is not aware what this kitchen tool is used for. A pastry brush is mainly used for "cutting" shortening or cold butter into dough, ie pie crust. It does have other uses aside than just making pie crust. I have used it to help make bread, mix cookie matter, and to "mash" homemade mashed potatoes. When I opened the comments of the Facebook post, I saw a few other uses. One lady stated that she uses it to cut up hard boiled eggs instead of using a fork and knife, and someone else said they use it to beat their eggs.

I have the Orblue Pastry Cutter in stainless steel. I got mine from Amazon for around $10 and use it frequently. Since it is made out of stainless steel, it won't break or rust easily. The blades aren't thin or flimsy like other ones I have used in the past. This makes it great for when I am kneading dough or thick cookie batter. It is a great product to keep in your kitchen if you do a lot of baking from scratch like I do.

Bella Organics Deodorant Review + Giveaway

If you have followed my blog for a while you know that I highly prefer organic products of all kinds instead of processed junk. I have tried many organic brands like Boom Chica Pop, Rawr Bars, and The Lovely Candy Co. That is why I loved to try out the Bella Organics Deodorant - Vanilla Mint. Bella Organics is a company that was born in 2012 with organic and all natural products in mind.

I have tried a few different organic deodorant ones and each one have their own pros and cons. For this specific deodorant, I only have one con. The size. It is much smaller than I anticipated. But that is because I have the .25 ounce and the regular is 2 oz of deodorant. However, the 2 oz should last the entire month. The sample container is about the size of a quarter. But as far as positives, this deodorant has all you need in an organic deodorant. There is no water or non organic ingredients that make up the deodorant. It smells great, and it last all day long. Some people may feel that using your fingers to spread the deodorant is a negative, but I have grown used to it since I have used mainly organic deodorants.

I'm a fan of some of the ingredients in this deodorant. Here is the list : Organic Shea Butter, Organic Arrowroot Powder, (Vegan), Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Aluminum-Free Baking Soda, Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, Organic Vanilla Extract, Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil. 

About Bella Organics Vanilla Mint Deodorant

Cost : $10.25

Organic, chemical-free cream deodorant that really works!  Organic arrowroot powder absorbs wetness naturally. Organic Shea butter soothes and moisturizes dry skin. Coconut oil has natural anti-bacterial properties as well as soothes and conditions the skin. Organic peppermint and organic tea tree essential oils provide anti-bacterial and germ-killing anti-septic properties. It leaves you feeling confidently cool, fresh and clean. 

Now you can check this deodorant out yourself. Bella Organics is giving away one of these deodorants to one of my crunchy readers. Simply enter below :) Remember to come back daily to get extra entries! Also, post a picture of your favorite organic product you own and tag me, @Hippie7Love or #HippieTrippyFam as one of the entries!

Bella Organics 

I received this product in return for an honest review. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions stated are my own. All prices stated are correct as of blog date posted.

What Night?

I rarely drink. I am 23 and I have only bought 2 bottles of wine. Ever. Which is weird since my mom was a bartender and my step father was a bar  manager on cruise lines. Our house was always stocked with many different kinds of alcohol, but It never really became a part of my regular life. On the other hand, I will drink on special occasions. If it's my birthday, or I am on a cruise... Bring. It. On. I hate red wine, but actually really like white wine. So when I found this glass, I really wanted it.

Find the "What Night?" Novelty Wine Glass on Amazon.

 About the "What Night?" Novelty Wine Glass

THE BEST NOVELTY WINE GLASS ON AMAZON - Choose a good night, a great night, or one so fun it's a blur the next day! Make a statement at the next get-together just by taking a sip!

MADE FOR GIFT GIVING - Simply the only funny wine glass on Amazon that was designed in and out as a great gift. They will know you put in the extra effort to pick out the best. A great birthday gift for her, or mothers day gift for mom.

GUARANTEED SAFETY - Don't take a chance on other wine gifts that may arrive shattered in pieces. Unlike other "discount" novelty wine glasses, we bubble wrap each glass and place it inside of a strong gift box. Make sure their special moment really counts.

BUILT TO LAST - Our funny wine glasses are handcrafted in the USA. The text is fired on and 100% guaranteed to last. Unlike the others, the glass is even dishwasher safe! Perfect for reds & whites alike.

SHIPS FAST - Direct from Amazon's warehouses all across the country. Get it fast and in time for a special occasion with Amazon next day, 2-day or standard shipping.

 

It is very cute. Since I rarely drink, I usually fill it to the "Great Night" line. But if it was a difficult day, I will fill it to the "What Night?" line. Hubby always seems to make a joke when i fill it to the "What Night?" line because he can easily tell that I had a rough night. The glass is not thin but not thick either. The quality is up to par with the $14.95 price tag.

I received this product in return for an honest review. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

Priority Chef Knife Sharpener

When we move into our first apartment approximately a year ago, we had to buy everything you would need in an apartment. A couch, dining table, plates, cups, and utensils. We bought most of our knives at Ikea on sale. The knives were actually better than I expected them to be. Unfortunately they have dulled up over the past year. I have not wanted to put them to rest, so I decided to try out a knife sharpener to bring life back into them.

Check out the Priority Chef Knife Sharpener on Amazon.

About the Priority Chef Sharpener on Amazon

Not All Knife Sharpeners Are Created Equal! - This Priority Chef knife sharpener is different from the many other knife sharpeners available on the market today. Most sharpeners will create a typical straight 'V' shaped finish. This Priority Chef knife sharpener model PC-KN02 will create a concave shaped finish to your knife, giving an extra sharpness that most other sharpeners can't compete with.

Ergonomically Designed Handle and Non Slip Base - The stylish knife sharpener's handle has been designed to fit comfortably when in use allowing you a good firm grip and has a soft, cushioned non-slip base under that stylish steel base!

Save Your Dollars And Never Buy Another Knife! - Why waste you valuable dollars in replacing those blunt knives with a new set? Save yourself money today by investing in one of the best knife sharpeners on the market. The Priority Chef sharpener can breathe a new lease of life into even the dullest of knives.

Please Note - This knife sharpener is not suitable for serrated or ceramic knives.

2 Stage Knife Sharpening System - Priority Chef's professionally designed advanced knife sharpener has 2 stages that can transform any straight edged knife to a new level of sharpness that almost any professional chef would be proud of. Stage 1 uses Tungsten carbide blades and should only be used for the dullest of blades. Around 3-4 pulls through this section will prepare your knife shape for the the next step. Stage 2 uses 2 ceramic wheels that will give your knife a high quality finish and a razor like edge.

Now, what I like about this knife sharpener is how easy it is to use it. You simply slide the knife through the firs compartment 3 times and repeat the same motion in the second compartment. The first slot is made out of premium tungsten carbide while the second slot is made out of ceramic wheels. It also brings a handle for to hold on to while you sharpen your knives. It is much easier to use than the sharpening stones.

I decided to test out my favorite knife on some tomatoes. I cut through the tomato before testing out the Priority Chef Knife Sharpener and it was a little more difficult than it needed to be. The knife pushes on the skin of the tomato instead of instantly slicing through the skin. The reason I don't like this is because it pushes the juices around. After slicing through the tomato, I tried out the knife sharpener and went back to slicing the tomato. This time it was comparably easily to slice through the tomato. After this, I started sharpening all my other knives. Hubby has also taken it to work to sharpen some of his knives at work because he likes it better than the sharpening stone they have at the restaurant.

I received this product in return for an honest review. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions stated are my own. 

Moscow Mule Copper Mug

After almost all of my dresses have been broken by Aiden, I have been looking for alternative cups to use throughout the day. I now have a few silicone cups, a shatterproof magnetic wine glass, and now I am a copper mug. I am trying out the Moscow Mule Cupper Mug. I love how it keeps your drinks nice and cool even after a while. This is great for hot summer days! You will see the cup "sweating" while keeping your drink seriously cold. It has a nice bronzed look to it where the light shines off of it, and you can se your reflection as well. The mule cup can hold 16 ounces.

About the Moscow Mule Cup

Measures 4.2" x 4.0" x 4.2" and Holds 16 Oz Moscow Mule

Food-safe Lacquer Coating Preserves Stunningly Beautiful Look. These Mule Mugs Make Fabulous Gifts. Remember, these are NOT dishwasher safe and are not for Microwave use.

Moscow Mule Copper Mugs With Solid Double Wall Construction and Brass Handle

Special 37 Page Cocktail Recipes e-book bonus - Valued at $19.97 for FREE ( e - book link provided. Please look for the details inside the box )

*** Lifetime Guarantee *** For Any Manufacturing Defect. We Stand Behind Our Products And You Can Buy With Confidence! Plus Full Time Customer Support Agents To Assist You With Any Post Purchase Concerns

Buy the Moscow Mule Copper Mug on Amazon.

Simple Moscow Mule Recipe 

Squeeze lime juice into Moscow Mule Copper Mug 

Add 2 or 3 ice cubes 

Pour in 2 oz of vodka 

Fill with 4 to 6 oz of cold ginger beer 

Garnish with a wedge of lime and serve with a stirring rod

I received this product in return for an honest review. All opinions stated are my own, 

Our Toddler Easter

One of my favorite memories as a kid was all the Easter mornings waking up and searching for nests full of chocolate eggs. My dear Grandmother would make it such a fun and memorable experience. I still have pictures of when I was little searching for them. It is one of my favorite Holidays! Last year we were in a difficult spot after moving into our first apartment together and weren't able to make do much. So this Easter I decided to go all out and bring some of that joy to my son.

I decided to start Easter the day before. I hid a an egg in his snack tray in the fridge, so when he asked for his daily string cheese snack, he would open the tray and find the egg. He loved it! I also hid another egg in his playroom, and one under his blanket for him to find before his nap. I decided to do this because I doubted that he would have remembered his Easter last year since he was only 1 year old. After he went to sleep on Saturday, I quickly cleaned up his room and scattered some eggs. I also hid some in the trucks he plays with a lot, and some in his shoes. I also bought some bunny foot prints to place on the floor to help guide him in finding the eggs that were "hidden" in plain sight. I bought one basket with cars and a few treats at the store, and I made a separate basket with some bubbles, a chocolate bunny, and a personalized book from KD Novelties.

The morning off, as we finished watching an episode of Blue's Clues in bed, I told him that the Easter bunny came to visit. Of course, he didn't really understand what I was talking about, so I told him that we should go play in his playroom. As we came around the corner he saw the bunny prints on the floor and he looked so confused and intrigued at the same time! I loved how he was trying to figure out what was going on. I asked him to pick up the eggs that were on the floor by the door and to place them in the basket. As he picked them up I opened the door to his room and he ran in picking up all the eggs he could find! Aiden was convinced that it was Blue from Blue's Clues that left the prints and there was no convincing him otherwise! Haha

He loved playing with the bubbles! I added a little dish detergent before placing them in the basket to give it a little extra potency. The bubbles disappeared throughout the day while the chocolate bunny disappeared within minutes. We don't really eat chocolate and treats like this on a regular basis but I let him have them on special occasions. He loved the personalized book from KD Novelties. I chose the Mother Goose story book. Not only is the book dedicated to him, but so are the stories. He goes through the story with Mommy and Daddy!

About Mother Goose from KD Novelties 

Your child goes on an adventure to help Mother Goose find her way home. On their journey they take part in nursery rhymes and meet Humpty Dumpty, the Cat and the Fiddle, Little Miss Muffet and many more favorite characters in this classic tale.

© Best

Hard cover 6 x 9 personalized children's book with 24 pages full of colorful illustrations.

Chrck out Aiden's personilzed book he got on Easter :) #personalizedbook #easter #toddler #unschooling #instashot #nocrop

A video posted by valerie moreno (@hippie7love) on Apr 10, 2015 at 6:37pm PDT

Find Mother Goose and other personalized books for kids on KD Novelties on their website.

After all the chocolate hunting, chocolate eating, and book reading, we spent some much needed family time and finished off with some Chilean food! It was a great holiday that our family needed. I got some great ideas for next year and some future holidays as well! How did your family spend Easter?

I received this book in return for an honest review. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

Insta Natural Essential Oils

Earlier I stated how I like different kinds of oils. Mixed concoctions have a lot of advantages if you use them for one specific purpose, but essential oils of one specific oil can be used for various things. I use peppermint oil for headaches primarily, and for muscle pain secondly. It is also good for nausea and motion sickness when inhaled. You do have to use a carrier oil because peppermint oil can burn your skin. I use lemon essential oil primarily as a cleaner in homemade household cleaners. It is also good to clean crayons off the wall. Lemon oil can be used to freshen up the air as well as many other uses. I was suppose to receive a lavender oil as well from Insta Naural, but due to a manufacturing delay I did not receive it.

Through shipping, a little of the lemon essential oil spilled, but most of the bottle arrived without a problem. It was wrapped carefully, so after further inspection I found it was a problem with the dropper cap. The peppermint bottle arrived just fine. Both bottles arrived quickly through Amazon. I have placed both oils in my cupboard and every time I open the cupboard door, I get a huge wiff of lemon. I have to find a different place to put all my essential oils! Do they make a storage product to store just essential oils? I will have to look for one soon since my cabinets are overflowing with them.

As far as potency, they are just as strong as other brands I have used. I do like that they are 4 oz bottles, because I go through the smaller ones quickly. I find these brand up to par to my other essential oils, but I just happened to get one with a faulty dropper cap.

About Lemon Insta Natural Essential Oil

Citrus Limon - InstaNatural Lemon Essential Oil is extracted from the fruit peel of the lemon, giving it a refreshing citrus fragrance. It is cold-pressed during the extraction process to retain the vitalizing aroma for long-lasting use.

Premium Quality - There are no added ingredients or fillers in the formula. InstaNatural's Lemon Essential Oil is 100% pure and natural for top quality.

Big 4 OZ Bottle - Each bottle contains a large four ounces of essential oil for exceptional value, and it includes a dropper top for convenience. Made in the USA in advanced FDA registered facilities.

Endless Possibilities - Lemon Essential Oil has been known to be antiseptic and antimicrobial, making it a perfect aid for cleaning. Its antioxidant properties make it a great addition to skincare recipes as well. Use in tandem with an Essential Oil Diffuser to fill your living space with the refreshing, cheerful citrus aroma.

About Peppermint Insta Natural Essential Oil

Mentha Piperita - InstaNatural's Peppermint Essential Oil is extracted from dried or fresh leaves from the Mentha Piperita herb, giving it a sharp menthol fragrance. This incredible multi-purpose plant is steam-distilled during the extraction process to preserve the refreshing aroma for long-lasting use.

Premium Quality - There are no added ingredients or fillers in this premium formula. InstaNatural's Peppermint Oil is 100% pure and natural for top quality.

Big 4 OZ Bottle - Each bottle contains a large 4 ounces of essential oil for exceptional value, and it includes a dropper top for convenience. Made in the USA in advanced FDA registered facilities.

Boundless Benefits - Peppermint Essential Oil offers a pleasantly sweet and minty aroma which makes it a premium choice for aromatherapy to reduce stress and achieve ultimate comfort and tranquility. Pair it with an Essential Oil Diffuser to fill your living space with a clean and refreshing scent that enlivens the body and mind.

Both Essential oils come with Manufacturer Guarantee - InstaNatural is proud to back their products with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Policy, no matter where you buy the products. If you are not completely happy with your purchase, please contact InstaNatural for a refund - no questions asked.

I received these Essential Oils in return for an honest review. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

Mia Mariu Relax Essential Oil Review + Giveaway!

After testing out my first essential oil last year, I fell in love. I have been trying out different kinds throughout this time and have come to have a few favorites. I like essential oils that have just one kind of oil in them, and I also like a few that have different concoctions of different oils to make one powerful essential oil for a specific purpose. Mia Mariu is one of those powerful concoctions that is designed for relaxation, calming, anti-stress, reduces nervous tension and anxiety. This is perfect for someone who needs help relaxing or with sleep.

Mia Mariu offers fragrances, make up, skin care, wellness, and essential oils. I chose to review their "Relax" that restores balance and harmony. The concoction is made up of Lavender, Sandalwood, Cedar, and Clary Sage organic essential oils. If you remember, I am growing my own thyme here at home for the same benefits! There are different ways to use this essential oil. You can add it to pulse points on your wrists, temples,and the back of your neck in circular motions. You can also apply to any muscle you would like to relax, but I advise to do this with a carrier oil. Another option is to use it with a diffuser. Inhaling these oils will greatly help your mind calm down on stressful days. I still use my favorite diffuser that I received a few months ago. I run it all day long with the Relax EO. 

About Relax Essential Oil from Mia Mariu

-Promotes inner peace and emotional well being.

-Induces relaxation and reduce nervous tension & anxiety.

-Soothes discomfort with menstrual cycles.

-Supports restful sleep.

-Made with 100% organic essential oils.

-Alcohol free

-Sulfate free

-Paraben free

-Fragrance free

-For all skin types and ages

-2 fl. oz./60 ml

Mia Mariu is also giving away a bottle of Relax to one of my lucky readers. Enter below and remember to come back every day for extra entries! Remember to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Mia Mariu

I received this Essential Oil in return for an honest review. I am not required to give a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

Organic Fruit Jewelry Giveaway!

Ever since I adopted a plant based diet last yer, I have fallen in love with the beauty of fruit. When I saw these beautiful jewelry on Organic Fruit Jewelry Instagram page, I fell in love again. Organic Fruit Jewelry is an Etsy store with beautiful handmade real fruit jewelry! The slices of fruit are reserved in a special resin to keep its beauty alive. It is amazing how something so simple is so beautiful! On her Etsy page you can see different jewelry made out of oranges, kiwis, strawberries, bananas, and other fruits. You can pick your favorite fruit to wear to the beach, park, or stroll around in your spring garden! My favorite fruit is watermelon, but I'm not crazy enough to wear earrings that size, so I chose the Kiwi earrings and necklace because kiwis are my second favorite and they are beautiful to look at!

This Kiwi set is just perfect for my upcoming cruise! What better way to get into vacation mode than wearing fruit! I bet those bartenders will offer me a kiwi inspired drink after seeing my jewelry. I can see myself laying down on the Norwegian Cruise Line private beach, Great Stirrup Cay, drinking some fruity concoction while listening to the waves. Ahh.... Perfection! This jewelry just screams "Get out and get some sun!" And I will do just that!

When I was looking at the Organic Fruit Jewelry Etsy page, I wanted it all! There are so many great selections to chose from. And for someone who's diet consist of a lot of fruit, I felt like i was shopping for an extension of me. After all, isn't that what jewelry is all about? I rarely wear jewelry, but when I do, i want it to be as close to natural as possible. In the past I have worn a lot of rock type materials, like amethyst earrings and necklaces. So fruit jewelry is a great addition to my collection.

Connect with Organic Fruit Jewelry:

Etsy 

Store

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Now, who wants some fruit Jewelry? One lucky reader will win a Kiwi Set of earrings and necklace just like mine! How cool is that? Enter below for a chance to win! Come back daily for extra entries, and if you don't win, you will have another chance of winning on my Facebook page in a few weeks!

Organic Fruit Jewelry

I received this jewelry set in return for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions stated are my own.