Hello, Cuppies! Summer is almost upon us and soon it will be happy times and good sunshine. Let's see what products shine in June's Daily Goodie Box! Inside it's glowing with goodies, some of which are brands I know and others that are new, but I am excited to try them all just the same. As you may know, Daily Goodie Box likes to showcase small businesses and provide healthy products made from natural ingredients.
Goodies:
- Amy & Brian - Refreshing Coconut Water
- DayClear - Nighttime Sleep Aid
- Essential Oxygen - Pristine Protocol 3-step Oral Care
- Blister Balm - 100% Natural Cold Sore Cream
- Prince & Spring - Organic Coffee Pods
- YumButter - Organic Chocolate Espresso Peanut Butter
- Goddess Garden - Daily Facial Routine
- Van Holten's - Pickle-Ice
- Balla For Men - Original Formula Body Spray
- Volo Vitamins - Energy Stickpacks
1. Amy & Brian - Refreshing Coconut Water
Amy & Brian's Refreshing Coconut Water comes in a variety of flavors and offers amazing health benefits. It’s very popular in the health and fitness world since it acts as a good source of nutrients, antioxidants, can be a diabetes preventative and is great for hydrating after intense workouts. It's also worth noting that coconut water has fewer calories and sodium than sports drinks, and is an amazing source of potassium.
Despite all the amazing benefits, I personally have a hard time getting past the taste right out the chilled can (as recommended). I was surprised because I love the taste of coconuts in everything else, but drinking it was a whole different story. In my opinion, it tasted milky and smelled like a coconut sunscreen. I don’t think it’s the brand necessarily, but rather the fact that I just don’t like coconut water.
However, I tried several ways to drink the remainder, because I really would like to take advantage of the health benefits! I diluted it into water and added ice and it was much better, making sure the taste was very subtle. Overall, I truly wanted to like it and I’m not holding out on the possibility the other flavors such as grape or lime, and could I throw in the suggestion of strawberry!? That just might make a world of difference in how it tastes.
You may have already heard of DayClear, from their allergy medicine to pain relief products, but for when the sun sets they also offer NiteClear! It's a nighttime sleep aid that helps you get the rest you need with its active ingredient Diphenhydramine HCl (Nighttime Sleep-Aid). It is perfect for relieving occasional sleepiness and reducing the time it takes to fall asleep when it’s difficult. A single dose contains 1.93 fluid ounces that should only be taken once in a 24 hour period. NiteClear also says goodbye to unnecessary ingredients like acetaminophen, gluten, sugar, alcohol and artificial dyes and flavors that are often found in other medicines. Most importantly, it is non-habit forming.
I suffer from insomnia, so often times over-the-counter products don’t do the trick for me, but after a long day I was able to unwind and give it a go. The formula had a sweet taste and it was like downing a shot. It took some time to start working, but I started to drift off effortlessly as I made sure to meditate and be mindful that I needed to get rest. I can say it gave me a solid 6.5 hours of sleep, which is excellent compared to what I normally get. I usually have to take a prescribed sedative to knock me out (it's almost as tough as tranquilizing a horse), so for a natural product to be this effective and non-habit forming is a big win in my book.
I think for the average person it would be more effective, working quicker and longer, so I would definitely recommend it to anyone needing help getting to sleep. Overall, I love the transparency of ingredients that make it a clearly healthier sleep aid, the convenient travel size, and the liquid formula, which is perfect for those who struggle with or dislike pills.
*Disclaimer* I have been off of my prescribed sedatives for quite some time, DO NOT combine these, and please read the complete Drug Facts here.
I don’t think my entire mouth has ever felt so refreshed and clean as it does after using Essential Oxygen Pristine Protocol, a 3-step oral care system. This woman-owned business believes in creating effective, clean, and natural products that everyone can benefit from, even the earth! Their products are free of alcohol, glycerin, fluoride, chlorine bleach, sodium lauryl sulfate and are cruelty-free. Their Pristine system works to whiten teeth, help with receding gums, tooth sensitivity, morning mouth, canker sores and even bad breath.
Step 1 in the system is the Organic Brushing Rinse, which is a first for me. You essentially swish a good portion into your mouth for 60 seconds while accomplishing other tasks, which for me is getting my makeup ready. Don’t spit out just yet: with the rinse still in your mouth, move on to Step 2 and start brushing your teeth and tongue with the BR Organic Toothpaste. You will feel the foamy lather working along with a minty freshness. Once that’s complete you are on to the last step, which is not mandatory, but totally worth it! Step 3 BR Tooth Polish is a gentle powder that removes plaque and refines your teeth so you can confidently show off those pearly whites.
What I love most about Pristine Protocol is that my boyfriend and I can finally share an organic toothpaste, since he suffers from canker sores due to sodium lauryl sulfate in the vast majority of toothpastes. You can also feel good about your Essential Oxygen purchases since they give back a portion of proceeds and products to various community initiatives such as Autism Hope Alliance, Shelter Partnership and others. This is a truly unique system that hands down is my favorite product out of all my Daily Goodie Boxes, and will most definitely be added to our online shopping cart.
Blister Balm Cold Sore Cream is made with a 100% natural formula that is safe and effective at treating stubborn cold sores and fever blisters. Scientists have found that using Jojoba seed extract is more successful at treating HSV-1 than the synthetic docosanol found in the name brand Abreva.
It’s crafted and patented ingredient is 50x stronger than comparable brands and works to alleviate pain, discomfort quickly and effectively. I personally have never had a cold sore before nor fever blisters, but to try it out I placed a tiny bit on my lips, and what I felt was a cooling tingle that I imagine would be a lot of relief. If I were a cold sore sufferer I would feel a lot more comfortable turning to this all-natural product than chemical solutions.
Prince & Spring, a private brand of Boxed.com, offers a new line that of organic, fair trade, and 100% Arabica coffee. The varieties in this line include Breakfast Blend, Colombian and French Roast, all of which are made with a commitment to quality and taste. The coffee can be purchased in a variety of types from whole bean, ground, or even Keurig pods. I may not have a Keurig, but my Nescafe Dolce Gusto Esperta 2 also does the job along with my environmentally reusable capsule that I can add any coffee to. If you have neither of these pod machines, you can always use the grounds in a standard drip coffee machine.
To start, I tried the Breakfast Blend, the lightest of roasts that delivered a lively flavor or citrus and nutty notes. I think it's a perfect complement to the beginning of any day. I don’t regularly drink light roasts, but this one was packed with a decent amount of flavor to help get my morning going.
The next, and probably runner up to my favorite out of the three was the Colombian. The Colombian is a medium roast coffee that had a subtle, nutty essence but is rich in flavor and has a smooth finish that I loved. The final variety, French Roast, was my personal favorite. Considering that I love stouts, dark chocolate, and often times darker coffees, this one takes the “chocolate” cake! This roast has great, intense smokey notes combined with dark chocolate flavors. The entire line of coffees is great and a offers a variety of options for all coffee lovers out there. I know I will definitely need to pick up more French Roast!
YumButter has a variety of nut butters that are rich in protein, healthy fats and contain an extensive range of micronutrients, making them the perfect healthy snack. It comes in a fun squeeze pouch that makes it easy to take it anywhere: whether it’s to school, a picnic, hike or wherever, just squeeze and enjoy! Without a doubt, the graphic design and overall aesthetic is pleasing to the eye, and not only do they give you a delicious product, but every purchase gives back to those in need. YumButter is closely partnered with a non-profit called Primeros Pasos in Xela, Guatemala. Through YumButter’s BuyOne|FeedOne model they are able to provide holistic care to malnourished children and their mothers and since 2015 were able to help feed over 150,000 children.
YumButter Chocolate Espresso Peanut Butter is an organic peanut butter that contains fair trade coffee alongside cacao, cinnamon, and vanilla. It is rich in flavor with a creamy texture that revs up any snack from bananas, crackers, bread, toast, to apples. I am a coffee lover, IPA drinker and a dark chocolate fan so I wasn’t so taken aback by the bitterness when I tried it first. However, I did end up mixing it more to bring out the other flavors, since initially I think I was tasting mostly the espresso.
Now I love it and find that it’s a great source of energy in the morning when added to some toast, but I also like it as an evening snack on some crackers. This delicious healthy butter is worth buying over and over again not only because it’s delicious, but it helps YumButter grow, which in returns makes a big impact on the children and families in need.
This is not my first time using Goddess Garden’s Sun & Skin Care line. Their products are made with natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals, perfect for even the most sensitive skin. I received a sample size of both Day Undone and Dream Repair, a combo of an overnight serum and cream. I always prep for my night regimen with a clean face before applying any sort moisturizer. Goddess Garden Day Undone is a softening night serum that quenches dry skin and combats wrinkles, dark spots and rough skin that we accumulate from sun exposure. The serum quickly settles into the skin leaving it soft without the greasy feeling.
I then, as recommended, applied Goddess Garden Dream Repair a brightening night cream. The cream smells like nature thanks to the licorice root and instantly feels nourishing on the face. It easily spreads and smooths into skin for a rich hydration. Combine both for extra nourishment while you sleep. Although I am not sure what the long-term results would be, I was able to use the samples for a couple of nights and noticed a boost in my skin’s smooth texture and hydration. Goddess Garden successfully delivers plant-based and cruelty-free skin and sun care products that not only healthy for your body, but for our environment as well.
*Sun Alert* These products contain an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use adequate sunscreen protection while using this product and for a week afterwards.
Who ever thought to freeze pickle juice!? Van Holten’s Pickle Ice takes eating anything pickle to the next level. It’s made from the brine of their pickles plus added electrolytes, which is great for post-workouts to replenish lost minerals, rehydration and promoting a healthy balanced body. I love pickles, so I was initially intrigued since I have been known to drink a little of the pickle juice in the jar. It may sound disgusting to all those non-pickle lovers out there (Shout out to you, Eric) but you’d be surprised how tasty that juice can be.
I was still a bit hesitant and I waited for a hot day to rip it out the packaging and give it a taste. Wow, the flavor is strong! Just with one lick it’s like you ate 2 whole pickles; I can most definitely taste the spices and vinegar. I saved the remainder of the Pickle Ice and placed it back in the freezer until after my workout. It grew on me after trying it again, and was a refreshing treat. Overall, the experience was different, but frankly I'd rather just eat a real pickle. Fortunately for me they make Pickle Rick, too, and if you not a Rick & Morty fan, you should be! I definitely would love purchase the PickleInAPouch!
Balla Body Spray for men unfortunately arrived with the cap partially removed, so it leaked everywhere in my box. I guess I wouldn’t mind too much, but the scent was absolutely repulsive. Balla is made balanced blend of natural essentials with their unique musky, woodsy and spicy scent. It also contains natural odor-deterrents like aloe leaf, chamomile and jojoba seed extract. Furthermore, it is cruelty free and contains no aluminum, menthol or parabens and comes in a non-aerosol spritzer bottle.
I wanted to give it to my boyfriend, but as soon as he smelled it radiating from the box he stood back and asked “what the hell was that?” I was also surprised there was no one else, out of all the reviews, that found this cologne overwhelming and disgusting. Once sprayed onto the skin the scent did calm down, however it’s still unpleasant and smelled like body odor. Hopefully I will be able to find someone who likes the scent that will put it to good use. Just like the Balla Body Powder, this one was a pass in my household.
Volo Vitamins Energy are vitamin-enriched packets of powder that, combined with water, provide a healthy boost of energy anytime, anywhere. Every drink is a fruitful experience with its inclusion of 17 different fruits and all sorts of vitamin benefits such as immune support, eye skin and hair health plus many more! It comes in individual packets that are convenient to just pour in water and stir, whether you are on your way to the gym, class or work.
With no sugar, no artificial sweeteners or flavors, zero gluten, only 5 calories and made right her in the USA, this easily replaces sugary sports drinks and makes an excellent pre-workout drink. As directed, only consume 2 of these packets in a day. I received the Citrus Flavor, which really tasted like lemonade to me. Even with the 17 other fruits, the lemon really stood out, and I found it tasted best prepared with cold water and ice. I drank this while completing some grueling work and it helped me to feel energized and push through to the end!
As always you can find individual links to the products by clicking the headings!
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| I owe a big thank you to Daily Goodie Box for giving me an opportunity to indulge in some great new products! |
This post was sponsored by Daily Goodie Box. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.
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