Articles archived for January 2010

Updated to add: This contest has closed and a winner has been chosen. Thanks!

Thank you to www.ohnuts.com for sending a one-pound bag of raw pecans for me to review, as well as a bag for me to send to one of you (lucky) readers.

Tell me you didn’t honestly think I was ONLY giving away those ginormous, delicious (RAW) macadamia nuts.

And I still have lots more raw goodies up my juicy sleeve – I work hard for you all!

And, like a crazy blogger, I’m launching a SECOND contest:

What You’ll Receive

ALL you need to do to enter this contest, is leave a comment saying what your favorite way to use pecans is, or why you absolutely MUST win this bag of raw pecans from www.ohnuts.com.

BUT… If you want to put in a little extra effort….

(and receive a LOT of extra entries – aka chances to win) keep reading…

Numerous ways to get extra entries!

Note: The reason I ask you to leave a comment for EACH, SEPARATE entry is because I enter the total number of comments at random.org once the contest has ended.

• Become a fan of Oh!Nuts on Facebook. Leave a comment (on their page) saying Raw Juice Girl sent you. Then, come back here and leave a comment to let me know you did that.

• Become a fan of Raw Juice Girl on Facebook. Leave a comment saying you did.

• Follow Healing with (Raw) Juices on Facebook’s Networked Blogs. Leave a comment saying that you did.

• Do you use Twitter? Tweet about this contest and then leave a comment with your Twitter name. You can swipe this tweet:

 @RawJuiceGirl is giving away a ONE pound bag of RAW pecans. Visit www.healingwithjuices.com to enter now!

Then, leave a comment that you did – with your Twitter name or status link.

FOR EVEN MORE ENTRIES: Re-tweet this contest as many times as you like and come back and leave a different comment for each time you want – no limit on how many! Get those extra entries, folks!

• Do you Plurk? Plurk about this contest and leave a comment with your Plurk URL.

• Share this contest on your blog, linking back to this post. (The pingback will be counted as an extra entry.) If you don’t see your pingback, just email me at healingwithjuices at gmail.com and let me know. It may have gone to spam for some reason.

• Follow @OhNuts on Twitter. Leave a comment, saying you did.

• Follow @RawJuiceGirl on Twitter. Comment, saying you did.

• Add me as a friend on Wellsphere . Leave a comment saying that you did.

• Add me as a friend on RawFu. Leave a comment saying that you did.

• Add me as a friend on Give it to Me Raw. Leave a comment saying that you did.

• Subscribe to Raw Juice Girl’s YouTube channel. Leave a comment saying that you did.

• Are you a Stumbler? Stumble and review any post you want to–just leave the link to your SU review in (its own) comment.

• Do you have a Digg account? Digg one of my posts. Take your pick. Come back and leave a comment on this post with a link to your Digg post.

• Leave a comment on the review post:  Oh!Nuts (Raw) Georgia Pecans Review. Come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did that.

• If you share this contest on Facebook or some other social media account, I’ll accept that as an extra entry. Just share the link to this contest on that site and leave the link here in the comments to let me know you did.

• Follow me or friend me on any of the social media sites for an extra entry. If you follow or friend Lisa (or me) on more than one social media site, simply add an extra comment sharing that you did.

NOTE: Please leave a comment for each entry (tweet, plurk, etc.) because each comment will be counted as a number when I enter the total number of comments at Random.org once the contest ends. (Don’t just say “thanks for the contest” or something like that–I do not publish those type of comments because they seem like spam and aren’t fair to the other contestants who leave a thoughtful, genuine answer.) Thanks!

This contest is open to EVERYONE – 0h, and I’ll be using Random.org to choose the winner.

Contest ends Sunday, February 1st. I’ll accept comments until midnight. (Central Time). Winner will be posted the next morning.

That gives you ONE  week to get your entries in. Hurry and spread the word. The more entries you have, the higher your chances of winning a one-pound bag of these beauties!!!

Let the contest begin!!!!

Updated to add: This contest has closed and a winner has been chosen. Thanks!

Another Contest

You can also enter my OTHER contest for a one-pound bag of raw macadamia nuts. Get those entries in! <—That contest has ended and a winner has been chosen for it, too. Thanks!

Disclaimer: I received a one pound back of raw macadamia nuts from Oh!Nuts to review. They also agreed to sponsor this contest. They provided a one pound bag of raw macadamia nuts for you to enjoy. I am responsible for shipping costs on this contest.

Due to the Federal Trade Commission’s ruling, I must always make you aware of when I receive free samples. I have always done that in the past (see my Reviews page and read my full disclaimer there) and will continue to do so.

And, most importantly, I have NOT been paid to write this review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are from me and of my own free will.

I’m glad you enjoyed my review of Oh!Nuts (RAW) Macadamia Nuts – and that you’re having fun with all the numerous ways to get extra entries in on the contest to win your very own one-pound bag!

Now, on to those…

Big (RAW) Georgia pecans!

Just look at those beauties!

And like I’ve mentioned before: Don’t fear those healthy fats – our bodies need ‘em!

You’ll know your lacking in healthy fats when your hair is brittle and your skin is dry and your eyes are dried-out and giving you a fit all the time, etc.

Health Benefits of Raw Pecans

So, what’s a raw pecan good for – no, not baked, sugary pecan pie!

Well, besides being filled with healthy fats, pecans contain potassium, zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin A. Talk about promoting healthy skin and fighting infections!

Pecans may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They are heart-healthy, filling, delicious and so good for us!

  Nutritional Information

If you’ve been looking for a yummy, low-carb snack or ingredient, you only have to count 3 carbs in each serving of raw pecans!

How did I enjoy these jumbo Georgia pecans, in the raw?

• by the handful
• on top of salad

What can I say? Sometimes I’m just boring.

Of course, I wasn’t selfish – I shared some, too. And I was a sad gal when I saw the bottom of the empty bag. Too bad it wasn’t a magical bag that could just replenish itself!

About Oh!Nuts – The Company

As legend has it, a number of the Klein’s friends who heard the idea said you could go nuts trying to name a store like that. In their excitement, the Klein’s thought their friends said "Oh Nuts" instead of "Go Nuts" and proceeded to throw caution to the wind—and themselves into designing a 15×15 retail space into a warmly cozy experience that would become their flagship store.

While their products were both dairy and non dairy, their first Oh Nuts hand a definite dairy dynamic if for no other reason than the fact they used milk crates as display shelves.

Though as these shelves were displaying absolute freshest selections of imported and domestic nuts, dried fruits and confections, they quickly realized that consumers liked their fresh approach to retailing.

And while the milk crates were eventually replaced by more conventional retail displays and shelving, and the flagship store welcomed an even more impressive sibling less than a year later, one thing that didn’t change then—and won’t ever change, is the Klein’s approach to retailing "Keep It Fresh," "Keep It Fun," "Keep It Phenomenal."

Today, the Oh Nuts brand is a nationally recognized one stop shop for everything in dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, candies, related confections (both finished products and raw ingredients,) custom and pre-configured gift baskets for any occasion, (real or imagined)—even hard to find items like sugar-free and organic products—become remarkably easy to find when you enter the world of Oh Nuts.

Pros

Some things I loved about this bag of raw Georgia pecans is that the nuts came in a resealable bag.

I love the giant size of the pecans, that they’re whole, and that they’re really delicious!

You could do a gazillion things with these raw nuts: make raw desserts, crusts, eat ‘em alone, add ‘em to veggie or fruit salad, etc.

If you have a Vita-Mix or other equipment, you could even make your own raw pecan nut butter. YUM-O!

These raw pecans are KOSHER – for those of you who find that important.

Honestly, what’s not to love about a giant raw pecans that are loaded with nutritious health benefits?

Cons

As I’ve mentioned before, one of the biggest cons I try to look out for when writing reviews (other than if it’s honestly a healthy/worthy product – and these are), is cost. I realize price is a huge factor for most of us, and is the biggest reason people tend to shy away from raw foods.

This one-pound bag costs $8.99 per pound (plus shipping) but if you buy in bulk, cost per pound goes down with each additional pound your order. (That’s a plus!)

And although these raw pecans are indeed RAW, they aren’t organic, in case you’re sensitive to that aspect.

That’s really the only “cons” I have to share. I genuinely loved the pecans and also the correspondence with the company itself.

Verdict/Grade

I’ve decided to give these raw pecans a  B+ (same as the macadamia nuts) and here’s why: Although I love ‘em and they’re raw, they aren’t organic. They ARE Kosher Certified, though. And that’s a bonus for a lot of us.

The company seems to be doing a fantabulous job. If you want to see all the other fantabulous products they offer (and they DO offer organic products, they just aren’t all raw), visit: www.ohnuts.com .

What’s your fondest memory of eating pecans? Did you (or your grandparents) have a pecan tree in your yard when you were growing up? Do you have one now? Do you wish you did? Since I grew up in the South, I guess I have to admit my fondest memory of pecans are eating the pecan pie my grandma made from scratch. She also made coconut cream pie, but that’s a story for another day.

Want some raw pecans for yourself?

Click HERE to enter the Contest!

Another Contest

You can also enter my OTHER contest for a one-pound bag of raw macadamia nuts. Get those entries in!

Disclaimer: I received a one-pound bag of raw pecans from Oh!Nuts to review. They also agreed to sponsor this contest. They provided one-pound bag of raw pecans for you to enjoy. I am responsible for shipping costs on this contest.

Due to the Federal Trade Commission’s ruling, I must always make you aware of when I receive free samples. I have always done that in the past (see my Reviews page and read my full disclaimer there) and will continue to do so.

And, most importantly, I have NOT been paid to write this review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are from me and of my own free will.

Updated to add: This contest has ended and a winner has been chosen. Thanks!

Thank you to www.ohnuts.com for sending a one-pound bag of raw macadamia nuts for me to review, as well as a bag for me to send to one of you (lucky) readers.

Hope you enjoyed my in-depth review of Oh!Nuts (Raw) Macadamia Nuts. Were you wishing you could reach through the computer screen and snatch that one pound bag for yourself? I hope so, because one of you will be receiving just that!

What You’ll Receive

ALL you need to do to enter this contest, is leave a comment saying what your favorite way to use macadamia nuts is or why you absolutely MUST win this bag of raw macadamia nuts from www.ohnuts.com.

BUT… If you want to put in a little extra effort….

(and receive a LOT of extra entries – aka chances to win) keep reading…

Numerous ways to get extra entries!

Note: The reason I ask you to leave a comment for EACH, SEPARATE entry is because I enter the total number of comments at random.org once the contest has ended.

• Become a fan of Oh!Nuts on Facebook. Leave a comment (on their page) saying Raw Juice Girl sent you. Then, come back here and leave a comment to let me know you did that.

• Become a fan of Raw Juice Girl on Facebook. Leave a comment saying you did.

• Follow Healing with (Raw) Juices on Facebook’s Networked Blogs. Leave a comment saying that you did.

• Do you use Twitter? Tweet about this contest and then leave a comment with your Twitter name. You can swipe this tweet:

 @RawJuiceGirl is giving away a ONE pound bag of RAW macadamia nuts. Visit http://tinyurl.com/ykj67nl to enter now!

FOR EVEN MORE ENTRIES: Re-tweet this contest as many times as you like and come back and leave a different comment for each time you want – no limit on how many! Get those extra entries, folks!

Then, leave a comment that you did – with your Twitter name or status link.

• Do you Plurk? Plurk about this contest and leave a comment with your Plurk URL.

• Share this contest on your blog, linking back to this post. (The pingback will be counted as an extra entry.) If you don’t see your pingback, just email me at healingwithjuices at gmail.com and let me know. It may have gone to spam for some reason.

• Follow @OhNuts on Twitter. Leave a comment saying  you did.

• Follow @RawJuiceGirl on Twitter. Comment, saying you did.

• Add me as a friend on Wellsphere . Leave a comment saying that you did.

• Add me as a friend on RawFu. Leave a comment saying that you did.

• Add me as a friend on Give it to Me Raw. Leave a comment saying that you did.

• Subscribe to Raw Juice Girl’s YouTube channel. Leave a comment saying that you did.

• Are you a Stumbler? Stumble and review any post you want to–just leave the link to your SU review in (its own) comment.

• Do you have a Digg account? Digg one of my posts. Take your pick. Come back and leave a comment on this post with a link to your Digg post.

• Leave a comment on the review post:  Oh!Nuts (Raw) Macadamia Nuts Review. Come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did that.

• If you share this contest on Facebook or some other social media account, I’ll accept that as an extra entry. Just share the link to this contest on that site and leave the link here in the comments to let me know you did.

• Follow me or friend me on any of the social media sites for an extra entry. If you follow or friend Lisa (or me) on more than one social media site, simply add an extra comment sharing that you did.

NOTE: Please leave a comment for each entry (tweet, plurk, etc.) because each comment will be counted as a number when I enter the total number of comments at Random.org once the contest ends. (Don’t just say “thanks for the contest” or something like that–I do not publish those type of comments because they seem like spam and aren’t fair to the other contestants who leave a thoughtful, genuine answer.) Thanks!

This contest is open to EVERYONE – 0h, and I’ll be using Random.org to choose the winner.

Contest ends Sunday, January 31st. I’ll accept comments until midnight. (Central Time). Winner will be posted the next morning.

That gives you ONE  week to get your entries in. Hurry and spread the word. The more entries you have, the higher your chances of winning a one-pound bag of these beauties!!!

Let the contest begin!!!!

Updated to add: This contest has ended and a winner has been chosen. Thanks!

Another Contest

You can also enter my OTHER contest for a one-pound bag of raw Georgia pecans. Get those entries in! <— That contest has ended also and a winner has been chosen. Thanks!

Disclaimer: I received a one pound back of raw macadamia nuts from Oh!Nuts to review. They also agreed to sponsor this contest. They provided a one pound bag of raw macadamia nuts for you to enjoy. I am responsible for shipping costs on this contest.

Due to the Federal Trade Commission’s ruling, I must always make you aware of when I receive free samples. I have always done that in the past (see my Reviews page and read my full disclaimer there) and will continue to do so.

And, most importantly, I have NOT been paid to write this review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are from me and of my own free will.

First, I’d love to thank www.ohnuts.com for sending me samples to review, and for sponsoring a contest so y’all can try some, too!

Raw Juice Girl is excited to bring to you:

Raw Macadamia Nuts

If you’re afraid that macadamia nuts do nothing but make you gain weight, you may be misinformed.

Let me share with you what a powerful and healthy food these nuts are…

Macadamia Nuts Health Benefits

Macadamia nuts can be used in more ways than just white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, y’all. Tell me a rich cookie, cake, or pie wasn’t on your mind when you look at those macadamia nuts, eh?

These nuttylicious babies help promote heart health and fight cancer. You’ll find the following in macadamia nuts:

• Omega-3
• Vitamin A
• iron
• niacin
• riboflavin
• thiamine
• Vitamin E

Of course, you know vitamin E promotes healthy skin. Move over chemical beauty products – we’re eating healthy fats to make us PURDY (and handsome)!

Nutritional Information

Check that out! Do you see that carb watchers? With the three grams of fiber, each serving only has ONE carb! Woo hoo!

And don’t stress over the fats – those are healthy fats and our bodies need ‘em to thrive!

These raw macadamia nuts were SO delicious!

Let me tell you how I enjoyed these yumilicious babies:

• by the handful
• on top of raw veggie salad
• with Greek yogurt

I also shared some. I was so sad to see the bottom of this bag. Of course, when I stock up on macadamia nuts again, I’m going to use them for raw dessert recipes and get really creative.

About Oh!Nuts – The Company

As legend has it, a number of the Klein’s friends who heard the idea said you could go nuts trying to name a store like that. In their excitement, the Klein’s thought their friends said "Oh Nuts" instead of "Go Nuts" and proceeded to throw caution to the wind—and themselves into designing a 15×15 retail space into a warmly cozy experience that would become their flagship store.

While their products were both dairy and non dairy, their first Oh Nuts hand a definite dairy dynamic if for no other reason than the fact they used milk crates as display shelves.

Though as these shelves were displaying absolute freshest selections of imported and domestic nuts, dried fruits and confections, they quickly realized that consumers liked their fresh approach to retailing.

And while the milk crates were eventually replaced by more conventional retail displays and shelving, and the flagship store welcomed an even more impressive sibling less than a year later, one thing that didn’t change then—and won’t ever change, is the Klein’s approach to retailing "Keep It Fresh," "Keep It Fun," "Keep It Phenomenal."

Today, the Oh Nuts brand is a nationally recognized one stop shop for everything in dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, candies, related confections (both finished products and raw ingredients,) custom and pre-configured gift baskets for any occasion, (real or imagined)—even hard to find items like sugar-free and organic products—become remarkably easy to find when you enter the world of Oh Nuts.

Pros

I love that these macadamia nuts came in a resealable bag, making it easier for storage and future use.

I love that these are whole, good-sized macadamia nuts, and not small ones.

I love that there’s a TON of uses for these yummy nuts. Even if you wanted to roast ‘em, you could.

Want your own macadamia nut butter? Grind yourself some of these raw macadamia nuts and you’ll have raw macadamia nut butter, freshly made!

These raw macadamia nuts are KOSHER – for those of you who find that important.

Honestly, what’s not to love about a giant raw macadamia nut that’s loaded with nutritious health benefits?

Cons

The biggest con I try to look out for when writing reviews (other than if it’s honestly a healthy/worthy product – and these are) is cost. I realize price is a huge factor for most of us, and is the biggest reason people tend to shy away from raw foods.

This 1 pound bag costs $1o.99 (plus shipping) but if you buy in bulk, cost per pound goes down with each additional pound your order. (That’s a plus!)

And although these raw macadamia nuts are indeed RAW, they aren’t organic, in case you’re sensitive to that aspect.

That’s really the only “cons” I can think of to share with you – I really enjoyed the macadamia nuts, and the correspondence with the company itself.

Verdict/Grade

I suppose I’ll give these raw macadamia nuts a B+ – and here’s why: Although I love ‘em and they’re raw, they aren’t organic. They ARE Kosher Certified, though. And that’s a bonus for a lot of us.

The company seems to be doing a fantabulous job. If you want to see all the other fantabulous products they offer (and they DO offer organic products, they just aren’t all raw), visit: www.ohnuts.com.

Do y’all love macadamia nuts as much as I do? Oh gosh, I fantasize about having an endless supply of macadamia nuts all. the. time!

Want Some Raw Macadamia Nuts?

Click HERE to enter the contest!

Another Contest

You can also enter my OTHER contest for a one-pound bag of raw Georgia pecans. Get those entries in!

Disclaimer: I received a 1 pound back of raw macadamia nuts from Oh!Nuts to review. They also agreed to sponsor this contest. They provided a 1 pound bag of raw macadamia nuts for you to enjoy. I am responsible for shipping costs on this contest.

Due to the Federal Trade Commission’s ruling, I must always make you aware of when I receive free samples. I have always done that in the past (see my Reviews page and read my full disclaimer there) and will continue to do so.

And, most importantly, I have NOT been paid to write this review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are from me and of my own free will.

Good news, folks: If you entered the ShimmerOrganics contest, you’re going to be extremely happy…

Lisa Ann Turkel has offered a generous discount on your first order!

I was elated when I read an e-mail from Lisa today, saying:

“For everyone who entered the contest – I would like to offer a 15% discount on their first order.”  — Lisa Ann Turkel

15% discount on your first order!

If you’re interested in this oh-so-kind offer, and would like a 15% discount on your first order, send Lisa a message on Facebook or an email (shimmerorganics at yahoo dot com) and she’ll provide a coupon code for you.

Did you miss the post where I interviewed Lisa? Do check that out.

Also, you’ll probably enjoy my personal thoughts (and photos) of the ShimmerOrganics Mandarin and Honey Revitalizing Mask.

Thank you, Lisa! You’ve been so generous with us here at Healing with (Raw) Juices – and we appreciate you – and your raw, pure, eco-friendly business – very much! Keep up the fantabulous work! You are truly shining brightly and beautifully!

I’ve blogged about yoga before. It complements raw living so well in my life. I honestly feel like it is wholesome for me, like it grounds me, and brings me full circle from deep within. It’s still amazing to me how many differences there are when I compare the times I’m practicing yoga, and when I am not.

Doesn’t the gal in this photo look so at peace? Of course, there were lots of other cool yoga photos I could’ve chosen for this post, but I thought the hay was the best fit – considering I’m in Amish country.

I’m going to share the pros and cons of yoga vs no yoga in my life later (below) but first, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite go-to yoga resources.

YogaisYummy.net – I came across this gem a while back. I immediately loved Polly’s bright, sunny, positive attitude and her fun yoga videos. I continue to use her videos – especially if I’m short on time (her videos are each 10 minutes in length).

Stacy McCarthy’s Yoga Body Lean & Defined Total Body Workout DVD – I loooooooooooooooooooove this DVD. Seriously, y’all. I think it’s fantabulous! Stacy’s voice is so reassuring and one thing she says that really resonated with me the first time I ever played it, was this:

“Be slow to judge and quick to acknowledge your efforts toward a healthy life.”

That’s a difficult thing to do, but so rewarding!

The Bolder Mat Company – I love this company! They’re passionate about the environment and they make beautiful mats that are not only inspiring to practice yoga on, but they’re actually sticky mats that are good quality and serve a purpose. They’re cushy, too!

Ali MacGraw – Yoga Mind & Body DVD – This was a gift from a reader. Mika sent me her very own (treasured!) copy and I was so honored that she blessed me with that gift! By the time I get to shavasana with this DVD, I feel like I’ve died and gone to Heaven! (I blogged about Mika’s gift here.)

Where the Lemon Water Comes In

A lot of you have asked why I love drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach). I shared my answer on the FAQ page but I’ll paste it here for your convenience.

Lemons are loaded with goodies your bodies need such as Vitamin C and heart- and cancer-fighting compounds like limonin and limolene. I love them. I have been drinking warm lemon water each morning before breakfast for a long time now. My Mom is a HUGE advocate of lemons and we have been having them in our iced tea for oodles of years. The warm lemon water (drank on an empty stomach) helps alkalize the body, jumpstarts your liver and bowel and flushes your kidneys and bladder. It’s very cleansing to your body. Lemons boost your immune system, lower histamine levels, and help give your skin an overall healthy glow. I definitely feel less energetic and have less “umph” on days I don’t get my lemon!

Hope that helps you understand my obsession with warm lemon water.

Warm Lemon Water Recipe

Ingredients:

• a slice of lemon (you can use up to a half of a lemon)
• a cup of hot water
• a drizzle of (raw) honey or organic stevia (optional – I drink mine plain, without sweetener)

Directions:

1. Add some water to your tea kettle.
2. Heat the water (don’t let it boil).
3. Squeeze the lemon slice/wedge into your cup.
4. Pour hot water in to cup (about 3/4 full).
5. Sip and enjoy.

Tip: Don’t chug this down. Slip it slowly. I eat about half an hour (sometimes up to 45 minutes) after I’ve drank all my warm lemon water.

Back to Yoga

So, when I’m not practicing yoga and drinking warm lemon water every morning, I feel:

• stagnant
• stiff
• lethargic
• moody
• out of balance
• hungrier
• sleepy
• blocked on my writing/blogging
• etc.

When I am practicing yoga and drinking warm lemon water every morning, I feel:

• stronger
• happier
• more grounded
• more alert
• healthier
• less hungry
• more radiant
• more confident
• like I’m bursting at the seams with words to write
• and much more

I sleep better, too, when yoga and lemon water make their way into my day!

What about you? What grounds you and makes you feel more centered and just healthier and better? Is it yoga? Raw foods? Smoothies? Running? Please share!

Photo Credits:

jhoc (yoga)

spakattacks (lemon)

Hi, y’all!

I hope you enjoyed my interview with Lisa Ann Turkel and my review of ShimmerOrganics Mandarin and Honey mask! The contest was fun, but it had to end sooner or later.

Mr. Random (random.org ) chose the winner. He says comment #11 won…

And… comment #11 says

Upcoming Posts

Yoga + Warm Lemon Water = a (Very) Happy Raw Juice Girl

Plus, more contests, reviews, and YouTube videos!

Hi, y’all! I’m glad so many of  you enjoyed my first-ever YouTube video. Subscribe to Raw Juice Girl on YouTube if you want to be notified when future videos are published.

Don’t forget about the contest I currently have running (for ShimmerOrganics) but I’m sharing Katie’s Vita-Mix giveaway with you today…

Isn’t it beautiful? Wow….

If I win, I’m going to go crazy making stuff I’ve seen raw foodies make with their Vita-Mix! Get yourself over to Chocolate-Covered Katie’s blog and enter now! Hurry! This is a fantabulous opportunity!

Hi, y’all! I’m pretty nervous but there’s always a first time for everything, right? And I decided that today was as good a time as any to publish my first-ever YouTube video!

I realize the quality (lighting, really) is weird. I’m not sure why. I did sit near a window in hopes that would help – but it seemed to only make it weirder when the sun went behind the clouds!

Oh, and this video length is 10 minutes! I thought 10 minutes would be really hard to reach – apparently, I’m a chatterbox on video just like in real life. *giggles*

And if you want to subscribe so you don’t miss future posts, here’s my channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/RawJuiceGirl

Thanks for watching!

Contest Alert

As promised in the video, here are the links to the two contests I mentioned:

Averie Sunshine, over at Love Veggies & Yoga, is giving away a 2 pound bag of chia seeds!

And don’t forget about the contest I currently have running. The winner receives a 4.5 ounce container of pure, raw, eco-friendly, organic clay mask. The contest is sponsored by Lisa Ann Turkel, owner of ShimmerOrganics.

Video Advice

Feel free to share any tips you might have so I can make future videos better for you!

Remember that beautiful pink package from ShimmerOrganics? And the interview with Lisa Ann Turkel, owner of that RAWsome, organic, eco-friendly beauty company?

You know… the one that made me look like this:

Well….

She’s given me the RAWsome opportunity to HOST A GIVEAWAY for ShimmerOrganics!

Thank you, Lisa!!!

Winner receives the 4.5 ounce Mandarin and Honey Revitalizing Mask (the biggest container) – a $36.00 value!

There are FIFTEEN ways to enter the ShimmerOrganics contest (US residents only):

#1 is mandatory – the others are optional. But the more entries you get in, the greater your chances are of winning!

1. Leave a comment sharing  why you absolutely MUST try the ShimmerOrganics Mandarin and Honey Revitalizing Mask.
2. Become a fan of ShimmerOrganics on Facebook. Leave a comment saying you did.
3. Become a fan of Raw Juice Girl on Facebook. Leave a comment saying you did.
4. Add ShimmerOrganics to your Hot List on Artfire. Leave a comment saying you did.
5. Do you use Twitter? Tweet about this contest and then leave a comment with your Twitter name. You can swipe this tweet: RT @RawJuiceGirl is giving away a 4.5 ounce container of #raw #pure #ecofriendly ShimmerOrganics clay mask! ( http://tinyurl.com/y8uhde7 )  Then, leave a comment that you did – with your Twitter name or status link.
6. Do you Plurk? Plurk about this contest and leave a comment with your Plurk URL.
7. Share this contest on your blog, linking back to this post. (The pingback will be counted as an extra entry.) If you don’t see your pingback, just email me at healingwithjuices at gmail.com and let me know. It may have gone to spam for some reason.
8. Follow @RawJuiceGirl on Twitter. Comment, saying you did.
9. Are you a Stumbler? Stumble and review any post you want to–just leave the link to your SU review in (its own) comment.
10. Do you have a Digg account? Digg one of my posts. Take your pick. Come back and leave a comment on this post with a link to your Digg post.
11. Leave a comment on the ShimmerOrganics Mandarin and Honey Revitalizing Mask review post . Come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did that.
12. Leave a comment on the package arrival post and let me know what you like about (or recommend for) the packaging. Come back and let me know you did, with a comment on this post.
13. Leave a comment on my interview post with ShimmerOrganics owner, Lisa Ann Turkel. Leave a comment here saying that you did.
14. If you share this contest on Facebook or some other social media account, I’ll accept that as an extra entry. Just share the link to this contest on that site and leave the link here in the comments to let me know you did.
15. Follow me or friend Lisa Ann Turkel (or me) on any of the social media sites for an extra entry. If you follow or friend Lisa (or me) on more than one social media site, simply add an extra comment sharing that you did.

NOTE: Please leave a comment for each entry (tweet, plurk, etc.) because each comment will be counted as a number when I enter the total number of comments at Random.org once the contest ends. (Don’t just say “thanks for the contest” or something like that–I do not publish those type of comments because they seem like spam and aren’t fair to the other contestants who leave a thoughtful, genuine answer.) Thanks!

This contest is open to US RESIDENTS ONLY (sorry, international readers!!) – 0h, and I’ll be using Random.org to choose the winner.

Contest ends Wednesday, January 20th. I’ll accept comments until midnight. (Central Time). Winner will be posted the next morning.

That gives you TWO weeks to get your entries in. Hurry and spread the word. The more entries you have, the higher your chances of winning!!!

Let the contest begin!!!!

Disclaimer: The ShimmerOrganics Mandarin and Honey Revitalizing Mask was sent to me to review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not paid to write this review.

Remember that beautiful pink package from ShimmerOrganics? And the interview with Lisa Ann Turkel, owner of that RAWsome, organic  beauty company?

Wow. Have I been itching to share this review with y’all!

It’s pretty cold here in Missouri so the woodstove is already working overtime to keep the chill knocked out of this Amish house. Wood is a wonderful, warming, cozy heating source but it also dries out my skin -  big time.

Take a look for yourself.

(Note: I took the photos outside because the lighting in an Amish house isn’t the best. )

Before ShimmerOrganics Mask

Note the dark circles under my eyes (that’s from having a gazillion freelance projects going on at once AND living on an Amish farm without a finished kitchen or bathroom). And see the lines that have crept up (Ack! Tell me it isn’t so!!)

Tip: I don’t have those lines when I’m living a 100% raw food lifestyle, or close to it. I’ve let too many non-raw foods slip into my mouth. So I get reminded of that by age creeping up on my face. Blech.

I’m feelin’ really, really ugly in these pics, y’all. Just a wee bit embarrassed, I am! But I wanted authentic before and after photos so you could compare and see for yourself the genuine results of the ShimmerOrganics Mandarin and Honey Revitalizing Mask.

As you can see, I’m needin’ some revitalizing! It’s okay if you agree. I’ll still love ya!

Of course, it wouldn’t be any fun if I didn’t show you the actual mask while it was on my tired face. Right? Right!

Deep breath…

ShimmerOrganics Mask at work

According to Lisa’s directions, I needed to wash my face, apply the mask, and: “Leave mask on for 15-20 minutes for Sensitive and Dry skin, 20-25 minutes for Normal skin, and 25-30 minutes for Oily skin.”

Key Ingredients
* Pure Clay Minerals
* Raw and Organic  Aloe Vera
* Raw and Organic Antioxidant Rich Oils
* Raw and Organic Honey
* Organic Blend of Essential Oils

When I put this mask on, something magical happened: I felt like I had pulled into “Rejuvenation Station!” I’m serious, folks.

I love how this mask made my face tingle and feel so fresh. I could tell the ingredients were hard at work, cleansing and revitalizing my skin!

But something more happened… I literally felt all tingly and refreshed all over, from head to toe. It’s like the ingredients entered my body through my skin and had a huge party while they were inside.

Before Digging In

After Digging In

(Notice the wagon wheel in the background – Amish living at its finest! )

After One Use

Before & After

View Full Album

And I’m not the type of gal who splurges on “special treatments.” I’m not a tomboy. Don’t get me wrong… Believe me, I hate getting my hands dirty! But I’m not a woman who pampers herself with facials, spa treatments, or beauty products. This was such a treat for me!

My face feels softer, and I feel so refreshed. It’s a sense of renewal I’ve been missing since I haven’t been practicing yoga or doing anything else to make myself feel better.

ShimmerOrganics Mandarin and Honey Revitalizing Mask is a “something for me” gift I’ve been missing out on!

After Second Use

(Just two uses, people – two uses!!!!)

Before, After 1st Use, After 2nd Use

Pros

This mask is raw and organic. It’s an eco-friendly solution to your skin health. Not only is it safe for our precious environment, it’s safe for you – and that’s priceless!

Also, something I not only noticed myself (but have been told more than once), is that the lines are less noticeable and that my skin looks more hydrated and healthy.

According to Lisa:

“Using a thin layer under and on the outer corners of your eyes reduces puffiness, dark circles and lines. It’s also great as an overnight spot treatment, or anytime spot treatment to heal blemishes.”

I’d say that’s a plus, wouldn’t you?!

Lisa takes special care to select her ingredients:

“I choose manufacturers who are Fair Trade Certified. Fair Trade guarantees fair wages for farm workers and farmers, fair labor conditions, provides environmental stability and offers farmers and farm workers autonomy is choosing how they invest their money. Fair Trade ensures proper nutrition, suitable shelter, sufficient clothing and essential education. Fair Trade enables community development, protects the health of farmers and farm workers and protects our precious environment for future generations.

All ingredients are from manufacturers whom I have chosen for their commitment to protecting animals and our environment and who are dedicated to creating superior quality products. I have hand selected every ingredient for its healing and restorative properties. There are no synthetic chemicals, synthetic colors, or synthetic fragrances added.”

And who doesn’t love a business who cares deeply about their customers?

“We are all connected in this world. I feel that it’s very important to be there for others and to help others. I love to hear from customers who tell me how youthful, beautiful and healthy their skin looks and feels. It’s so great to hear from customers who tell me that using my organic clay mask has given them more confidence. To make a positive difference in someone’s life is such a wonderful feeling!

I love to make people happy. I enjoy wrapping and mailing your new product and picturing you opening up your package and smiling. Connecting with others is what I love most about creating my skin care products.

If you are giving my organic clay mask as a gift, I would be happy to personalize your gift by including a lovely card in your own words.”

Lisa’s passion for providing raw, vegan, organic beauty products to the world shines through so brightly, it’s blinding!

Cons

According to the Federal Trade Commission’s ruling, we bloggers must be specific with any pros and cons we can find to share with you, our readers.

I honestly can’t think of any cons with the ShimmerOrganics mask. A 2.5 ounce mask is $22.00 and a 4.5 ounce mask is $36.00 – but even at those prices, you are getting SO much value. If you consider those prices a con, you must take into consideration that you only use a teaspoon or so of the mask and will end up with many, many uses.

Verdict/Grade

I have absolutely no choice but to give this mask a 100% – with bonus points! Did you see this grade coming? My experience with Lisa (and her mask) has been nothing but phenomenal!

As you can see, Lisa is very beautiful and is a fantabulous reflection of what her mask accomplishes!

Be sure to check out Lisa’s ARTISAN BIO and find out more about her and her beauty business.

Want to try this mask yourself?

Lisa has been very generous and has offered to give away a 4.5 ounce mask to one (very) lucky winner (details coming soon)!

Have you tried the ShimmerOrganics Mandarin and Honey Revitalizing Mask? Would you, now that you’ve read my review? Can you see the difference in my before and after photos? Aren’t you glad there’s such a caring, compassionate person like Lisa who works so hard to provide healthy, eco-friendly beauty products?!