Fennel Essential Oil for Asthma [review]

Essential oils are a big part of my life, especially during the flu season. I mainly use essential oils for healing and boosting immunity. I also use essential oil to deodorize my home and for use in homemade cleaning products. When our Pediatrician told us that our has Respiratory Affective Disorder ("pre-asthma"), I started researching how I could use essential oils. We were already eating clean and organic, using homemade and natural cleaning products and body products. There was really nothing but whatever allergens were outside that were causing his respiratory issues. After a lot of research, I found out that there were many essential oils that were targeted at respiratory issues and asthma. Simply Earth Fennel Essential Oil is a high quality, unfiltered, undiluted essential oil with many beneficial uses.

Simply Earth Fennel Essential Oil            

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Pure and undiluted	Not certified organic
Comes in dark amber glass bottle
Euro dropper cap
Bottled in the US

Simply Earth is a small  family company that strives to provide eco-friendly products. They offer a number of natural products for the home, including a line of unfiltered and undiluted essential oils.

Fennel Essential Oil (foeniculum vulgare var. dulce) has an anise-like, peppery aroma. It is pressed from seeds and has a medium strength odor. The country of origin is Spain. The oil is bottled in the US. The bottle is 15ml and is made from dark amber glass. Storing essential oils in dark glass bottles is the best way to keep the high quality and protect them from going rancid.

The benefits of fennel essential oil include being supportive and restorative. Fennel essential oil has expectorant properties, which helps with respiratory disorders. Fennel essential oil helps with excessive mucus in the lungs, chronic coughs and cold, and asthma.

Usage: The main ways I have been using fennel essential oil is diffusing it on the first floor open living space. I add about 5 drops in water to the essential oil diffuser. I also plan on using fennel essential oil (diluted) as a chest rub.

Essential oils are very concentrated and it is recommended that it be diluted for any topical uses. If applied directly to the skin, essential oils must be diluted in an appropriate oil (Jojoba Oil and Grapeseed Oil make the best carrier oils, but can also use Sweet Almond Oil or Olive Oil).

Results: I have really enjoyed diffusing fennel essential oil. I was a bit skeptical at first because I"m used to fennel as a culinary spice and did not quite know what I would think about my house smelling like fennel, but I have liked it! The odor is medium strength and it lasts for a very long time. With some essential oils, the scent tapers off after a while, but the fennel scent is present until the diffuse uses all the water up. I really like that the scent is long lasting!

I love the generous 15 oz bottle and the long lasting scent of the Fennel Essential Oil. Everyone in our family has had a cold or outdoor related allergy coughing over the past 2 weeks. I have been diffusing this oil every day and feel like it has helped us to heal quicker. With the high quality and affordable prices from Simply Earth, I would recommend this company!

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and I am not a medical professional. Please consult your physician regarding using essential oils for any medical condition.

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Speekee - Spanish For Kids [Giveaway]

I believe that learning a second language is an important part of education for kids. Learning a language from a very young age gives the opportunity to retain the language for life. Speeke is an online Spanish program for kids aged 2+. That means a child can start learning Spanish even before they enter formal school. Enter below for a chance to win!

SPEEKEE IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE ONLINE SPANISH PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN EVER MADE. IT SUITS CHILDREN AGED 2+.

Video based Spanish for Kids

Serving parents, teachers and their children since 2006

Give your child the language advantage today!

1 Winner will receive a full year subscription

100 Winners will receive a 1 month subscription.

BONUS: On the entry form you have a second chance to win!

Hosted by Michigan Saving and More

Sponsor: Speekee

Giveaway is 10/30 – 11/13

Open Worldwide

Co-hosted by:

Java John Z’s

Tyrneathem

Before and After Baby

Life in a House of Testosterone

Holiday Contest and Sweeps

Tales From A Southern Mom

Joyful Gifts By Julie

Deliciously Savvy

A Girl Rocks Life

God’s Growing Garden

ALSO WE WANT TO GIVE A HUGE THANKS TO ALL THE WONDERFUL GROUP OF PROMOTING BLOGGERS! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INVITING YOUR FOLLOWERS TO ENTER!

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. You are not eligible if you have won a prize from any of the sponsors in the last 12 month. This Giveaway is valid Worldwide must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 11/13/15. The winners email address will be turned into sponsor for code to be emailed. The sponsor is responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Laura Smith at las930 (at)gmail (dot) com.

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Welcome Fall with See Kai Run Boots [review]

In my mind, one of the most essential things for babies and toddlers are high quality shoes that provide structure, support and flexibility for developing feet. Babies feet grow very fast in the first 2 years and then slow down to about 1/2 size increase every 6 months. While you feel like you might be purchasing so many shoes in the first few years of your child's life, the investment is well worth it. See Kai Run recently released a new line of Fall and Winter boots to keep your child's feet warm and comfortable.

See Kai Run Ian       

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
High quality materials	Some styles run a little large/loose
Adorable style
All weather traction outsole

See Kai Run Ian boots are your classic high top boot. The brown leather boots feature rubberized toe and heel protection, elastic gores on the side, and an adjustable strap at the top. The outsole is made with all-weather traction, which is perfect for rainy weather or for walking on snow. The boots are lined with suede. The collar and the tongue are slightly padded. I really like that the shoe are made with leather on the outside and on the inside. This is important for breathability of the foot.

I have ordered shoes online for my toddler a few times now. Though I feel more confident than I did the first time, it still seems to be a bit of a guessing game. The best strategy is to use the sizing guide and/or to talk to customer service about their recommendation based on the shoe style. Since my son has been wearing See Kai Run sandals and closed toed shoes, I knew what size he was in now and could account for 1/2-1 size growth.

How do See Kai run shoes fit?

• Leather closed toed shoes fit relatively true to size
• Sneakers fit relatively true to size
• Sandals tend to run large, order 1/2 size down
• Skimmers run small, order 1/2 size up

Fit: The length of size 8 fits pretty true to size. I would even say the length is a little longer, but my son is not tripping on his shoes, so I assume they fit well. Both straps cinch down very well, so I can get a good fit of the sandals around his skinny foot. The top strap is almost to the end. I love the large opening to easily put the shoes on and remove them.

Results: My son will be wearing the Ian boots in the coming months as the weather gets colder and winter arrives. I like that the shoes have high tops to keep his feet warm and dry. The rubber sole is more grippy than the standard See Kai Run sole. Since the exterior of the boot is made from leather, See Kai Run recommends spraying with a non-toxic water repellent for extra protection against rain ad snow. I usually do this with leather winter shoes.

UPDATE: My son has been wearing these boots since the Fall. I have loved how adorable and stylish these shoes look on his feet. The high top covers the ankles and that was important during the really cold days. The shoes have held up very well and look almost brand new. I did notice that when wearing pants/jeans that were slimmer on the bottom (tapered or slim fit), they wouldn't go over the high top of the boots and would bunch up. Just something to consider! Though, skinny jeans can always be tucked inside!

To clean the shoes, use a little mild detergent on a damp rag. Allow to air dry. I have also found that just using a damp rag to wipe dirt off has worked well.

I would highly recommend See Kai Run shoes for 3 reasons:

1. High quality materials (leather top/insoles and rubber outsoles)
2. Designs are made for growing feet
3. Comfortable

I would purchase See Kai Run shoes in the future and have been recommending them to my mom friends. I really like the selection of shoes for every season, the high quality leather materials, and the comfortable, ergonomic design that is perfect for growing feet.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest.

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Harry Connick Jr That Would Be Me Album [review]

I usually listen to music every day. I love listening to upbeat songs when I am running. I love listening to mellow, easy listening songs while cooking dinner or cleaning. One of the things that music does for me is put me in a specific mood. Harry Connick Jr. has always been one of my favorite singers for his easy listening style. Harry's new That Would Be Me album is a collection of a variety of songs for all moods.






Harry Connick Jr. That Would Be Me Tracklist:
1. Smile
2. Like We Do
3. Trying to Matter
4. Songwriter
5. Do You Really Need Her
6. You Don't Need a Man
7. You Have No Idea
8. Prisoners
9. Love U A Little Bit
10. Every Time I Fall In Love
11. Hurts

The album starts off on a positive note with Smile. I really like the faster beat of this song. I will be adding it to my running playlist. Trying to Matter and Songwriter are some other upbeat songs for easy listening. A few songs in, the album started to remind me of someone whose heart has been broken with the Do You Really Need Her song and You Don't Need a Man song.

I really like that this new album from Harry Connick Jr. has songs for just about every mood, from happy to sad. Harry has a soothing, raspy voice and this album would be great for any person.

That Would Be Me album can be purchased on iTunes and on Amazon.

Disclosure: I participated in the That Would Be Me album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.

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Organic Coconut Oil Softgels [review]

Coconut oil is one of my favorite all purpose oils. I use coconut oil for cooking, moisturizing, healing red and irritated skin, and as a supplement. When I purchase coconut oil, I look for organic, extra virgin coconut oil to ensure that I am getting the highest quality with the highest amount of vitamins and nutrients. Eukonic Organic Coconut Oil supplement, in fast dissolving softgel pills, support a healthy heart and provide extra energy.

Eukonic Organic Coconut Oil Supplement       
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Organic Coconut Oil	Not USDA Organic Certified
Cold-pressed and unrefined	Did not experience significant changes
GMO free

Eukonic Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil softgels are created from unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil. Each bottle contains 120 fast dissolving softgels, which last 1-2 months depending on how many times they are taken per day. Recommended dosage is 1 softgel taken 1 to 2 times per day, preferably with a meal.

Eukonic Organic Coconut Oil Softgel Ingredients:
Coconut Oil (1000mg), Gelatin, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Vegetable Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide, Purified Water.

Eukonic proposes that the coconut oil supplements support a health heart, weight loss, and provide more energy. I feel like the coconut oil supplement is great for prevention. Although I have not noticed any weight loss (not currently trying to lose weight), I noticed a bit more energy during my recent race training. I felt like my body could push a little more during my runs. This only occurred when I was taking the softgels twice a day. Although I did not experience significant changes, I feel like taking an organic coconut oil supplement is a great approach to staying healthy.

The size of the softgels is a bit on the bigger size. My husband has difficulty taking "horse pills," so he turned his nose up at the size of these. However, I found that they are easy to swallow with a swig of water. Based on the size of the softgells and the additional ingredients, I would assume that 2 softgels provide about 1/2-3/4 of a teaspoon of coconut oil. I know this is quite under the recommended daily intake of coconut oil. However, if you are incorporating coconut oil in your diet in other ways, you would be ingesting much more.

If you are looking for an easy way to take coconut oil on a daily basis, try the fast dissolving coconut oil soft gels from Eukonic.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest. I am not a medical professional. Please consult a physician before beginning any exercise program or taking a supplement. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

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