I received samples of products in order to complete this review. I was not compensated in any way and the opinions expressed are given freely and my own.
Summer finally rolled into our area and with it the need to keep hydrated both internally and externally – we all want to be comfortable in our skin. Don’t you want to look, feel and smell your very best? Check out some of the great new finds for summer.
Comfort starts with how we feel about ourselves and our bodies. In the last year I have undergone a lot of changes to health and found that I can not eat all of the things I used to love: including wheat, garlic and onions. When I do my stomach and intestines lead a revolt against me that has me curled in a fetal position and lacking sleep. That’s when I grab for juices or cleanses. I am not a fan of juicing – it leaves you with no fiber and lots of sugar, and I don’t believe that the population needs to cleanse but when my intestines are freaking out I like to go with something very basic with one or two ingredients that I know I can eat and get nutrients from without any of the inflammation.
Enter Kaeng Raeng
Unlike other cleanses, you can eat as many raw fruits and vegetables you’d like over the course of the detox, and you don’t have to change your exercise 
routine. Created by certified personal trainer Lindsay Reinsmith, Kaeng Raeng means “be healthy, be strong” in Thai. Each Kaeng Raeng pouch is a full meal replacement and contains more than a full serving of fruit and fiber, 15g of lean non-GMO protein, probiotics, essential amino acids and vitamins, so you can detox without depriving yourself of important nutrients—or of flavor.
Kaeng Raeng is vegan, gluten-free, caffeine-free, eco-friendly, and contains no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, laxatives or stimulants. Celebs such as Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Silverstone and Lauren Conrad are all fans. I followed the mixing instructions and even added a little extra water but there was an overall too earthy taste for me with the flavors not shining through enough. I also wound up with a paste in the bottom of each water bottle I used – it was nasty – like mushy flaxseeds. Other than the taste and texture at the bottom, it was quite filling and not unbearable. Again, I used it when I needed to eat “clean” for me – with a guarantee of nothing new to over stimulate my system, I don’t recommend using cleanses to lose weight or stay healthy – those goals should be achieved through moderation and a healthy lifestyle.
Along with IBS can come dehydration, especially in the summer. My younger son also has epilepsy and as part of his treatment we need to be sure he does not overheat or become dehydrated, that is where SOS+ steps in. In a nutshell SOS is a “drinkable IV,” the only drink to use the World Health Organization’s oral rehydration solution standard to provide the right balance of electrolytes and sugars for optimum hydration. It comes in single serving packets that are simply added to water, creating a drink with mild lemon flavor.
The Science Behind SOS
SOS is a complex, specially formulated blend of sugar, sodium, potassium, citrate and magnesium. When fluid arrives at the first portion of the small bowel SOS activates the body’s sodium/glucose co-transport system when one molecule of sodium is pulled from the small intestine into blood vessels by one molecule of glucose. Due to osmotic forces, water is absorbed because it follows sodium.
Many sports drinks attempt to hydrate and fuel, but higher sugar levels often leads to GI distress. Sugar increases osmolality (the measure of solute concentration), and instead of pushing water into the blood vessels, it pulls it into the gut, causing bloating or even diarrhea. For this reason SOS has only 25 calories per serving and a low osmolality of 230 Osm/L to more effectively transport water into the body.
SOS does have a very mild lemon flavor, it can be hard to get children to drink because it is quite salty tasting. I could not trick mine to believe it was lemonade, but when they were thirsty after running around they definitely enjoyed sipping this, especially handy to keep around during flu season to keep everyone hydrated. It is of course great for athletes and to use before, during and after exercise to keep yourself hydrated.
After Workouts Stay Sexy
With the weather warming up, people flock to the gym to get that beach body that’s been hiding all winter long. Rocking a summer body is in this summer, but those intense workouts can have you sporting a not-so clear complexion. The combination of warm weather and sweat can make skin even more breakout prone, which is not on any summer check list.
M3K’s Bare Face & Fabulous Face Wash/Toner and Make-up remover is a must have for summer facial routines. Bare Faced & Fabulous face wash is packed with wonderful supernatural ingredients such as Goji Berry, Acacia Berry, Aloe Vera, Grape Seed Extract, Peppermint Oil, Ginko Biloba Leaf and much more. This three-in-one foaming cleanser comes in a convenient no spill pump and is ideal addition to anyone’s gym bag.
I have been giving this a try over the last week and was instantaneously a fan of the pump and foam. I hate leaving facial bars in the shower to get mushy or attract errant facial hair from the hubs shaving. The first time I used this cleanser though I was disappointed by the smell, it was very medicinal and smelled much like over the counter acne products. Then I took I shower with my kids in the bathroom, they touch everything and pulled my cleanser off of the tub ledge and it rolled to the floor – getting all shook up. That did the trick. With a shaken liquid the foam that comes out smells of peppermint and leaves your face feeling tingly and toned. My skin has been looking brighter too.
Don’t Smell like a Workout
Would you ice an organic, low sugar cake with store bought tub frosting? No. Then why would you take such good care of yourself, eating, exercising and cleaning your body with the best products only to spritz on anything other than natural fragrances? Your scent should be as gentle on your body as the rest of your self care routine. Step into the smell of Pure Natural Diva. You can even test drive the smells with a sample set. I received a sample set and immediately my inner diva slapped a little Diva on. It was too cloyingly vanilla in its scent for me – but I’m not used to a pure vanilla botanical and may have slopped on instead of slapping on.
Natural was my favorite scent probably because of its notes of ylang ylang with hints of rose, along with the dilating scent of grapefruit.
Elixir was a favorite of my children who used almost the entire vial – which could definitely be too much when first applied. Before it evaporates it has the smell of household cleaner, but once on the scent lightens up into something unique and subtle, very familiar though I could not place the notes individually it reminds me of cooking smells – not quite the smells of baking like vanilla or cinnamon, but more like those of my favorite Indian restaurant – maybe jasmine?
I did not receive Pure but it is listed as sensually uplifting, like sunny day in a mixed field of lemongrass and Lavender. Notes include uplifting cassie, soothing chamomile, lemon, lime and an Egyptian neroli. I am a big fan of lemongrass so I may have to snag my own trio sample once we land in Portland so I can try it out.
Crispy Tofu Sticks
Family Can B Fit 