New UK band: One eskimO Music Review

Photo Credit:  One eskimO

Self-titled debut from UK band
~ One eskimO


I was thrilled to be given the chance
to review the One eskimO's musical debut CD.

Although, at first, the group's name didn't ring a bell, I connected quickly once I recognized the song, "KANDI".

Not a surprise as"KANDI" digital sales are at 45k and the single sells to 4k per week! It's also the #1 Adult Alternative Single and has been the most played song on all adult rock radio for 4 weeks and counting! pr release

Photo Credit:  One eskimO

The band:
Kristian Leontiou
vocals
Adam Falkner
drums,
Jamie Sefton
bass & horns
Peter Rinaldi
guitar





I really enjoyed the opportunity to hear the whole CD. Although One eskimO certainly has a sound all their own. I can say, as a Dave Matthews fan, if you enjoy his work, you'll love One eskimO! The music has a comforting and intriguing depth. Lead vocals go straight to the heart. Grab a glass of wine, take some time for you in the evening air and relax with this CD!

One eskimO is making a huge splash in the US.

Want to see them in person?
Get on it as their US tour, opening for Michael Franti & Spearhead, began on May 14th! See the listing of tour dates below and get your tickets NOW!

(All dates opening for Michael Franti & Spearhead except Coachella, Mountain Jam and Mile High Festival)

May 25 - The Music Farm - Charleston SC USA
May 26 - Smith's Olde Bar (solo date) - Atlanta GA USA
May 28 - Outland on Liberty - Columbus OH USA
Jun 01 - The Guvernment - Toronto ON CAN
Jun 03 - The Beach at Governors Island - New York NY USA
Jun 04 - House of Blues - Boston MA USA
Jun 05 - Champlain Valley Exposition - Essex Junction VT USA
Jun 06 - Mountain Jam Festival - Hunter NY USA
Jun 08 - Royal Oak Music Theatre - Royal Oak MI USA
Jun 09 - Orbit Room - Grand Rapids MI USA
Jun 10 - Radio Radio - Indianapolis IN USA
Jun 12 - Minglewood Hall - Memphis TN USA
Jun 13 - Crossroads - Kansas City MO USA
Jun 15 - Blueberry Hill (solo date) - St. Louis MO USA
Jun 17 - 3rd & Lindsley (solo date) - Nashville TN USA
Jun 18 - Southgate House (solo date) - Newport KY USA
Jun 19 - Taste of Randolph Street (solo date) - Chicago IL USA
Jun 20 - People's Court (solo date) - Des Moines IA USA
Jun 21 - Waiting Room (solo date) - Omaha NE USA
Jun 28 - Largo (solo date) - Los Angeles CA USA
Jul 01 - Anthology - San Diego CA USA
Aug 14 - The Fields at Dick's Sporting Goods Park - Mile High Festival - Denver, CO USA
Nov 13 - Fox Theater - Boulder CO USA


Don't miss out on the latest about One eskimO!  Stay in touch via their website

Photo Credit:  One eskimO

Get the debut CD:
Now available from itunes and from all online retailers in the US!

What do you think about One eskimO?  Leave me a comment and let me know!

I received a copy of this CD for purposes of creating this feature.  The opinions above are both honest and of my own experiences.  Non-original images cited above.

Karess Krafters ~ handcrafted soaps and body products

CCrafters  
inspired by nature
a division of Karess Krafters

CCrafters is a division of Karess Krafters,
a North Carolina Bath & Body company, specializing in handcrafting natural soaps in small batches using premium ingredients.  98% of products
are vegan-friendly!

Photo Credit:  CCrafters

Via the CCrafter Etsy shop, this soap artisian offers a variety of products designed to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize from head-to-toe!


CCrafters offers three categories of handmade soaps.
Fragrant:

Photo Credit: CCrafters

Made with aromas derived of fragrant oils from around the globe.

Jamaican Paradise
$5.00 4-5 oz bar
Fresh, fruity smell of mandarin, tangerine, lime and kumquat on a bed of watermelon and honeydew.
Loaded with Olive, Rice Bran and Sunflower oils for enhancing skin moisturizing ability.

Photo Credit:  CCrafters

Chai Tea
$5.00  4-5 oz bar
Sweet vanilla, creamy coconut milk and rich maple syrup with hint of floral notes.
Clove buds and cinnamon bark enhance the appeal of bar.
Mango, hemp, shea butters, as well as,  rice bran oil and  Rose Water added for a delicate feel.

Photo Credit:  CCrafters

Essential Oil/Vegan Soaps:
Scented with premium essential oils extracted from natural plant sources for skin healing benefits; herbs, spices and botanicals.


Tangerine Crush
$5.00 4-5 oz bar
Specially formulated for extra conditioning.
Made with Cocoa and Shea Butters, Olive, Safflower, Sweet Almond and Sunflower Oils, Mango Puree and Carrot Juice.
Signature essential oil blend that consists of Tangerine and Orange 5-Fold.

Photo Credit:  CCrafters

Spa Bar with Dead Sea Mud
$5.00 4-5 oz bar
Infused with Dead Sea Mud for its ability to open pores and pull impurities from the skin.
Also allows the mineral and vitamins to penetrate skin deeply. 
Made vegetable oils and exotic butters.
Beautiful spa-ish aroma blended from premium essential oils.









Goat Milk Soaps:
  CCrafters' handmade soap recipe is formulated with Olive, Coconut, Palm, Safflower and Castor Oils and we enhance the majority of our soaps with a generous helping of luxurious Shea, Mango or Cocoa Butter.

Photo Credit:  CCrafters

Organic Carrot, Goat Milk & Honey Soap
$5.00 4-5 oz bar
A wonderful bar that can be used for the entire body! Gentle enough for the face.
Moisturizing for the body.
Power cleansing for the hair.
Made from signature vegetable-base recipe.
Fragrance Free.

"I love the soap making part of Karess Kraftes because I love to watch the consistency, color(s), appearance and overall reaction of the batch as it goes through the chemical chain from start to finish. The combination of oils, butters, botanicals, milks, etc. can have a significant impact on the feel and look of each bar. In some cases the appearance of a batch can be different even though I have used the same ingredients and method. This is the beauty of soap making…each batch is unique in its own way."

Photo Credit:  CCrafters

Almond, Goat Milk & Honey Soap
$5.00  4-5 oz bar
Made with Cocoa and Shea butters.
Mild and moisturizing soap.
Sweet, comforting fragrance derived from blend of almonds, milk and honey with a hint of cherry and musk

Photo Credit: CCrafters

Babassu Herbal Essence Shampoo Bar
$5.50 4-5 oz bar
All natural conditioning shampoo in a solid form.
Formulated with rich oils, soothing herbs and premium essential oils.
Designed to naturally clean, strengthen and condition your scalp and hair.

Leaves your hair soft, shiny, and healthy.
Contains Marshmellow for detangling,
Burdock Root to promote hair growth,
Nettle adds natural dandruff control and
Hibiscus sooths the scalp.




For the purposes of creating this feature review, Rochell of CCrafters generously sent me some samples of her products.  We loved them!

As I suspected, my favorite among the handmade soap samples was Jamaican Paradise!  The scent was wonderful; totally transported me!  Functionally, the soap performed it's cleaning duty, but in doing so, left my skin luxuriously soft and scented!

I was the most excited to try the Babassu Herbal Essence Shampoo Bar, especially as I had never tried a solid shampoo before.  It took just a moment to work up a lather and little effort to cover my hair, which is quite thick and a few inches past my shoulders.  I did not condition after using the shampoo bar, and although my hair did not have the slick feel I am accustomed to post conditioning, I was pleased to discover I had no difficulties going through my wet hair with a wide-toothed comb.  The best part, once my hair dried, was the wonderful shine and texture, unlike anything I have experienced using traditional shampoos and conditioners!

I'm hooked on solid shampoo!  Beyond every day use, I can really see an advantage, especially when traveling, of using a compact bar of solid shampoo, as compared to a bottle of gooey liquid that so often ends up opening in the luggage!

Beyond Soap:

Photo Credit:  CCrafters

Lemon Mint Foot Balm
$7.50  2 oz
Get your feet ready for sandal season!
Formulated for rough, dry, peeling or cracked feet. Made with beneficial and healing oil of Emu, skin-loving Fair Trade African Shea Butter and moisture-binding Jojoba Oil.

"None of our soaps are massed produced and are done by hand by me in small batches to ensure quality with each bar. We use cold-pressed oils in all of our soaps and never jeopardize the integrity of our soaps for the sake of cutting cost. In addition soap making for me is a labor of love. I love everything about the process from researching to customer feedback. It is something I can do day in and day out without any hesitation. The love, dedication and respect I have for the craft of soapmaking is what sets Karess Krafters soaps apart from the others."

Karess Krafters

I received product samples from CCrafters for the purposes of exploring her work to create this feature review.  The opinions stated above are both honest and of my own experiences.  Non-original images cited above.

You Shave Eco-friendly Shave Kit ~ Review

Photo Credit:  You Shave

Do you know how many disposable razors are dumped in US landfills each year?

Over 2 billion.

That's 2,000,000,000. Just in the US.

I had to sit and ponder that figure for some time. Not only does the volume boggle the mind, it truly makes you consider the grander scale impact of our consumption.

I have been patting myself on the back for my family's increased recycling efforts this year. 2 billion. We don't do enough. We need to continue to challenge ourselves to keep searching for more ways to conserve, re-purpose and recycle.


In that spirit, I truly have to extend KUDOS! to Ryan Johnson, the inventor and developer of the You Shave system: Shave Box and Natural Blade Lubricant.


"By making your razor go the distance, you are not only saving money, you're also saving our earth from kilograms upon kilograms of plastic and metal waste."

Ryan Johnson took a common problem, dulled razors, considered the cause of the problem and developed a solution that significantly lengths the life of your razor and reduces waste!

Photo Credit:  You Shave

Ryan Johnson's analysis of razor "wear":
After your first shave with a brand new razor, the razor's blades begin to feel dull. After only 3 or 4 uses, the blade feels so dull that you're tempted to throw it away and start using a new blade.

The problem is... your "old" blade was never dulled from shaving in the first place.

The blade stopped cutting because the blade surfaces were covered in a hard scale of solidified debris. Corrosion (rust) occurs when the metal blades come into contact with air, water, shaving cream, soap, and your body. The blades also tend to collect raw deposits of these substances. A nasty scale of deposits and
corrosion forms on the blade surfaces making them rough. This is why a brand new blade is shiny silver and an older blade has a crusty or powdery appearance.

The You Shave Solution:
The Shave Box razor storage box and All Natural Blade Lubricant!

The You Shave system is designed to lubricate your razor blade before shaving and prevent scale build up from forming on the blade.

The Shave Box is a compact box in which you store your razor. There is a small well at the base which holds just the right amount of Natural Blade Lubricant to keep your blade submerged. The Shave Box is easily mounted to a variety of surfaces with two suction cups, one at each end.



True to the You Shave philosophy, the You Shave system incorporates conservation by design. The Shave Box is light weight, using the minimal necessary material to accomplish it's task. Both the Shave Box and the All Natural Blade Lubricant bottle, as well the system's packaging are completely recyclable. You Shave works with only eco-friendly suppliers and utilizes recyclable overstock components when previously recycled packaging solutions are not available.


My family was given the opportunity to test the You Shave system and I attest that You Shave hits the mark! I immediately put it to the test on my razor, which I had felt was overdue to be replaced. It was at the point where it was just as likely to remove skin as anything else. I soaked my blade for two days and was astounded by the results! It was like shaving with a new blade! My legs were soft and silky and I began thinking about how much money we would save!


I received a You Shave Kit to explore for the purpose of creating this feature.  Statistics sourced from You Shave sites and representatives.  The opinions above are both honest and of my own experiences.  Non-original images cited above.

Artist Feature: Rachel Cohen ~ Ceramic, Mosaic and Lampwork Art

Rachel Cohen Boutiques ~

Amazing Ceramic/Mosaic Etsy Boutique

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cohen

  
Vintage style floral hand painted & crafted ceramic tile
$13.40   approx 4" x 4"

These tiles are unfinished on sides and back for grouting purposes and would make stunning decorative features indoors or out.  The possible applications are endless.

Rachel Cohen works out of her home studio in a small village in Israel.  Wife, mother, and soon-to-be grandmother, she has worked in a variety of mediums.  Rachel has discovered that her passion is working with ceramics and glass.  Mosaics are Rachel's speciality.

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cohen

All of Rachel's works are unique and inspired.

She hand-paints ceramic tiles with a variety of colored  glazes prior to firing the pieces.  Later, she embellishes with numerous techniques, including enhancements with Swarovski crystals, gold and decals.

Hand crafted and painted Ceramic Circle Tile

$15.50 approx 8"

these tiles are perfect to include within any mosaic work

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cohen

Hand crafted, hand painted green ceramic pendant with Hamsaa
 $24.50

Rachel's ceramic boutique offers a variety of ceramics.  Tiles, coasters, jewelry, buttons and magnets.

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cohen

Vintage style magnet with Butterfly 

$11.20

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cohen

Vintage style hand painted button set

$61.30

hand painted and exquisite


Magic Glass Etsy Boutique

In this boutique, Rachel offers stunning pieces she has hand crafted.

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cohen

Hand crafted Lampwork Flower Disc Bead Necklace 
$87.40
A one of a kind piece sure to turn heads!
Length is approximately 17"
Moretti glass

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cohen

Hand crafted Lampwork Disc Bead Necklace in Red & Black
$65.00
Length is approximately 17"
unique and stunning
Moretti glass

Rachel jogs daily at the beach and takes her inspiration from the elements surrounding her ~ 

air, sand, water and waves.

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cohen

Hand crafted Bubble Disc Beads,
set of 6
$29.50




The Magic Glass Boutique also offers an assortment of Bubble Beads, available in either solid or multi color sets of 6.

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cohen

An example of possible creative applications for Rachel's gorgeous beads. 

I'm certain you are as taken with Rachel's work as I am.  That being the case, prepare yourself to be further dazzled by the grand mosaic pieces available via her website, 

www.mosaicart-beads.com

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cohen

Photo Credit:  Rachel Cohen

Rachel welcomes custom orders!  Simply contact her through conversation via either of her Etsy shops:   

The Magic Glass Boutique  

Amazing Ceramic/Mosaic Boutique 

I received no compensation in exchange for this post.  We simply feel Rachel's work is fabulous.  The opinions above are both honest and of our own experiences.  Non-original images cited above.

Pamper him this Father's Day with Designer, Handcrafted Soap

NO MORE TIES, PLEASE!

Juicybath Soapworks Handmade Soap & Bath Treats offers some unique and pampering choices for dads! You wont' mind the terrific way he smells after using these soaps, either!


Canadian Maple Bar
$5.00 4-5 oz
What a wonderful scent to snuggle up to!
This mild cold process soap is made with olive oil and other vegetable oils for luxurious lather and moisturizing properties...
Scented with a warm, homey blend of maple syrup and oats. Smells good enough to eat but so comforting to bath with...

Speaking of snuggling, try

Extremely Sexy Soap, for Men
$5.00 4-5 oz bar
A spicy citrus blend, has top notes of pink lime, bergamot leaves, and tangerine. Middle notes of cinnamon bark, limewood, and sage. Vetiver and orange flower comprise the dry down. Very Sexy...yes he is!

And while you're at it, add a bar for you!

Lick Me All Over
$5.00 4-5 oz bar
Lick Me All Over is a wonderful exotic fragrance with base notes of raspberry, cantaloupe, and watermelon, middle notes of jasmine and violet, and fresh top notes of grapefruit and kumquat.

If a woody scent is more his style

Sensual Sandalwood
$5.00 4-5 oz bar
This Sandalwood is the most alluring, sexy scent you will ever smell.
It has a woody, lush and sensual feel- a fantastic mens's scent,
but women love it too.

For the ultimate gift for Dad

Six Pack o' Suds Beer Soap Gift Pack
$25.00Six 4-5 oz bars
packaged in a 6 pack container
includes handmade 100% cotton facecloth
Fantastic handmade soaps, made with SIX different types of beer
Variety of amazing scents (one unscented) All made using vegetable oils and shea butter for that extra touch of luxury
Ginger Lime Beer Soap included in 6 Pack o' Suds gift pack
or purchase separately
$5.00 4 -5oz bar
Fun soap made with BEER - Dead Frog brand Nut Brown Ale
Luxury bar with added shea butter
Scents of ginger and lime
A nice fresh, unisex scent


Salty Sea Scent Beer Soap included in 6 pack o' Suds Gift Pack
or purchase separately
$5.00 4-5 oz bar
Another great soap made with BEER - Spyhopper brand Honey Brown Lager
Luxury bar with added shea butter
Scented with a fresh fragrance called Salty Sea
It's an ocean fresh, unisex scent

Whatever his taste, you are certain to find a luxurious scent to please at

JUICYBATH SOAPWORKS 

Canadian Handmade Soaps

I received soaps from Juicybath to explore for the purposes of creating this feature.  The opinions above are both honest and of my own experience.  Images sourced from Juicybath.

Random Line SQUIGGLE Review

My son and I were recently given the opportunity to review Random Line's SQUIGGLE drawing pads. After perusing his options, the DINO pad was chosen by my resident expert!

Unlike coloring books, the SQUIGGLE pads encourage children to use their imaginations by transforming a random SQUIGGLE on each page into a specific drawing before enhancing it with color. Each pad comes with a selection wheel that the budding artist can spin to determine what the SQUIGGLE will become. On the DINO pad, the possible options are various dinosaurs. The pad we tested came with the sketching pencil as shown above and can be attached to the pad so it is always handy. The DINO pad is suggested for ages 4 & up.When we received the pad, my 9yr old son, who loves to draw, looked the pad over and off he went. I could tell, as I watched him, that he was expecting more bells & whistles.

The following day, on the way to school, he was full of enthusiasm about his DINO pad. He shared with me that he had completed a number of pages and wanted to make sure I saw his works after school that day. He further told me that he was challenged by a couple of the pairings of spun dinos and SQUIGGLES and had to spend some time determining just the right way to work out the "puzzle". I was surprised when he mentioned that he was unfamiliar with one of the dinosaurs listed on the spinner, as I consider him a dino expert! We enjoyed researching the unknown dino online that evening.

SQUIGGLE drawing pads come in a variety of themes, with different age recommendations and features, which you can view on the Random Line website. Among some of the 4 & up choices are Barn Animals, Bugs, Animal Safari and Ocean Creatures.

For ages 6 & up, SQUIGGLE offers a ON THE MOVE pad which features vehicles and a 4 pack of mini markers.

For the budding fashion designer, ages 7 & up, try the STYLE kit, which sports two spinners, a dry erase board and 6 dry erase markers.

SQUIGGLE also offers a collection of educational pads with recommendations for appropriates ages, as well a collection of games suitable for ages 4 to 108!

No matter which SQUIGGLE style suits your child's fancy, these pads are compact and portable, yet just the right size for function and kid hands. The construction is great; this is not one of those pads whose pages will all fall out when you remove one! I have to say the pad adhesion is incredible!

SQUIGGLE pads are perfect for in the car, in the waiting room, on the sidelines at your sister's never-ending double header softball game. A great choice for rainy days, summer days laying in the grass. Perfect for gift giving!

ENCOURAGE THEIR CREATIVITY AND SPARK THEIR IMAGINATIONS!

I receive a Squiggle Pad to explore for the purposes of creating this feature.  The opinions above are both honest and of my own experiences. Non-original photos cited above.

NEW PROACTIVE with Micro-Crystal Technology REVIEW

There is nothing quite like the challenge of helping your teen cope with acne. My daughter is the acne sufferer in our family. She's a bit younger than most of her classmates and I was prematurely optimistic about her future acne troubles when she started middle school; all of her friends were struggling with breakouts and her complexion remained clear.
It wasn't long, however, before my optimism was dashed. As regularly as her monthly cycle, her forehead turns into a violent eruption of impossible to hide blemishes.

We had tried every over the counter treatment known to man, from washes and scrubs, to astringents and masks. Nothing really made much of a difference. We adjusted her diet and she made certain to style her hair away from her forehead. No improvement.

I was ready to throw in the towel and try to manage the hefty expense of treatments from the dermatologist, which, of course, would not be covered by our health plan when...

(cue the trumpets!) TEEN ACNE INTERVENTION!!!! aka

PROACTIVE'S NEW FORMULA with Micro-Crystal Technology saved my daughter's complexion!


I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true. I received an opportunity to review the new Proactive 3 step system, plus refining mask and I jumped on it.

We received the 3-Step system which includes: Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, Repairing Treatment and also a bonus Refining Mask.

My daughter, who was in the throws of breakout, started using it immediately.
Day one: followed treatment
Day two: followed treatment, eruptions reduced in size by 80%, nearly all redness gone
Day three: followed treatment, blemishes only visible as slight discolorations with one or two blemishes slightly raised
Day four: followed treatment, faint shadow of mark where blemishes had been

We were stunned!

An overview of how the 3-Step System works: 

Proactive has now been enhanced with exclusive micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide which will help users achieve "faster and gentler results".

Step One: Renewing Cleanser

*contains prescription grade benzoyl peroxide and mild cleanser

*tiny beads exfoliate dead cells and impurities *penetrates quickly to attack bacteria

*apply twice daily

Step Two: Revitalizing Toner

* alcohol free

* balances skin tone

* removes dead skin cells and excess oil

* apply twice daily

Step Three: Repairing Treatment

* contains benzoyl peroxide

*drys up blackheads

*prevents future breakouts

*use twice daily

We also received the Refining Mask.

*contains sulfur to deep clean and unplug pores

* pampers inflamed skin

* softens and refines skin texture

* use 2 -3 times per week

Not to mention great information to educate and help us to keep my daughter's acne troubles at bay.

"New Proactive is Designed to Penetrate Pores Fast to Gently and Effectively Treat Acne; Customer Experience Becomes a Virtual Visit to the Dermatologist"

Ready to try new Proactive with Micro-Crystal Technology?

You can order a kit like the one I received, plus receive a

*bonus travel size Green Tea Moisturizer

* guide to lifetime of clear skin

*ActivMember benefits

 for only $19.95 ($72 value)

Compared to $100 a visit to the dermatologist, the fantastic results and affordable price make this a no-brainer!

Visit Proactiv online to fill out a simple questionaire, submit your "before" photo and receive a FREE mini maintenance system and a chance to be selected to share your story on television!

I received a 3-step system from Proactiv to test for the purposes of this review. Specific information about Proactiv was obtained from the Proactiv website and from literature received with my kit. The opinions in this review are my own and experience relayed within this review is an honest description.