My first time with Amy's Organic Products

I probably wouldn't have tried any of Amy's Kitchen: Natural and Organic Foods if I had not heard through the great vine that they taste yummy and offer great coupons.  Part of my hesitation came from my impressions of natural/organic foods. Many lack flavor are under-seasoned and the portions are only enough to feed my toddler.  Amy's Kitchen taught me a lesson.  I have tried 4 products from this Natural/Organic food line, the Bean and Cheese Burrito, Organic Lentil Soup, Mexican Cassorole Bowl, and the Broccoli & Spinach White Pizza.

Amy's Bean and Cheese Burrito (Organic flour tortilla wrapped around organic pinto beans, rice and vegetables in a mild Mexican sauce, with cheddar cheese added. Description from Amys.com)

The Bean and Cheese Burrito was my first choice.  I had a coupon and it was on sale a Kroger, so I got it for around a dollar.  I love Mexican food and I love cheese so this was definitely the choice for me.  Now it isn't the healthiest choice I could of made, seeing as one burrito has 310 Calories, but it sure was yummy. I paired it with a side salad and around 16 ounces of water, which filled me up quite well.  Stand alone it tasted pretty good, but I did add a little Taco Sauce to give it an extra kick. Overall I will have to say that it was worth the money, and if I can find it on sale plus have coupons it will find a home in my freezer from time to time.

Ingredients : 0g Trans Fat/No Added MSG/No Preservatives Organic pinto beans, organic whole wheat & wheat flour, filtered water, organic brown rice, organic tomato puree, expeller pressed high oleic safflower and/or sunflower oil, organic onions, Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses (pasteurized milk, culture, salt, annatto [color], enzymes [without animal enzymes or animal rennet]), organic bell peppers, organic sweet rice flour, sea salt, spices, organic wheat gluten, organic garlic. Contains wheat and milk. (List From Amys.com)

Amy's Organic Lentil Soup (Amy, who is a picky eater, loves this nourishing lentil soup, made from her mom's favorite recipe. It's high in protein and fiber, and has a rich, satisfying flavor. Description from Amys.com)

The Lentil Soup was definitely the healthiest option I chose.  The overall flavor was okay, it left a little something to be desired though.   I ended up adding Lawry's seasoning salt, garlic and onion powder which transformed the flavors into what my pallet was looking for.  Though the label says that there are two portions in a can, I ate the whole thing for lunch with a piece of toast. It was quite filling this way.  Lunch is typically my largest meal of the day.  I may or may not buy this particular soup again, but will definitely try some of the other varieties when I catch them on sale.


Ingredients : No Trans Fat/No Added MSG/No Preservatives (Vegan) Filtered water, organic lentils, organic celery, organic carrots, organic onions, organic potatoes, organic extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, spices*.*100% pure herbs & spices (no hidden ingredients)(List from Amys.com)

 Amy's Organic  Mexican Casserole Bowl(Organic white corn masa, black beans, sweet golden corn, olives, tomatoes and a careful blend of chili peppers and spices. It's a delicious addition to Amy's family of Mexican food. Description from Amys.com)

The Mexican Casserole Bowl was okay, I added some Taco sauce for extra flavor.  I wasn't quite satisfied as I was with my other choices.  During lunch I followed it with about 8 ounces of Bothouse farms Green Goodness and 8 ounces of water.  I probably won't buy this particular item again unless it is my only option and it is prices super low.  I don't really pay attention to if products are Gluten free or not, but that is plus.

Ingredients : 0g Trans Fat/No Added MSG/No Preservatives Corn masa (filtered water, organic stoneground corn, expeller pressed high oleic safflower and/or sunflower oil, trace of lime), filtered water, organic black beans, Monterey Jack cheese (pasteurized milk, culture, salt, enzymes [without animal enzymes or rennet]), organic corn, olives, organic tomato puree, organic onions, organic sweet rice flour, expeller pressed high oleic safflower and/or sunflower oil, spices, sea salt, organic garlic, cilantro. Contains milk. Contains milk. (List from Amy's.com)

Amy's Organic Broccoli & Spinach White Pizza(Instead of the more familiar tomato based sauce, you will find finely minced organic spinach and broccoli in a delicately flavored cream sauce spread evenly over Amy's light, tender crust. It is topped with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Description from Amys.com)


The Broccoli & Spinach White Pizza was definitely my favorite.  The label says that there were three servings in every box, um no, maybe two. When I took it out of the oven it looked exactly like the packaging.  Every bite was delicious and even my skeptical hubs liked it, though he wanted to add some turkey pepperoni.  This could easily become a staple in my household at the right price.

Ingredients : 0g Trans Fat/No Added MSG/No Preservatives Organic unbleached wheat flour with organic wheat germ and organic wheat bran, filtered water, Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses (pasteurized part-skim milk, culture, salt, enzymes [without animal enzymes or rennet]), organic cream, organic spinach, organic extra virgin olive oil, ricotta cheese (whey, vinegar, salt), organic broccoli, organic green onions, organic honey, sea salt, organic basil, expeller pressed high oleic safflower/sunflower oil, yeast, spices*. Contains milk and wheat.(List from Amys.com)

Overall I am glad that I had the opportunity to try these products and can't wait to try more.  Hopeful I can get more coupons.


Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks

Disclaimer: I was not compensated by Amy's Organic in any way. This is my honest opinion of these products.

Curlitude: Hair Products I'm loving right now

Over the past few months I have spent a lot of money and tried a lot high-end and low-end products.  I am still in the trail phase of creating my hair regimen. There have been a lot of hit and misses, but some of the products that I have tried are on the way to becoming staples.  I wanted to share some of my favorites with my fellow curlies out there.

For Conditioning...

Yes to Carrots Pampering Conditioner: I absolutely love this product. It leave's my hair feeling soft  and well moisturized. It has excellent slip which is great for detangling and co-washing. I also create my own leave-in conditioner by mixing...

-8 fl. oz. of  water

-1 teaspoon of jojoba oil

-approx. 2 teaspoons of olive oil

-1 tablespoons of Yes to Carrots Pampering Conditioner

It runs between $8.49-8.99 for a 500ml - 16.90 fl. oz. bottle and can be found at your local Target or purchased directly from the manufacturer at yestocarrots.com. 

For a list of ingredients CLICK HERE.

Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner by Organix: This is my number two. It gets that rating because it has more suspect ingredients (chemicals or man made ingredients) than Yes to Carrots Pampering Conditioner. It doesn't give me as much slip as Yes to Carrots, but it is great for creating a deep conditioning treatment for my hair, which I do about once a week.

To make a deep conditioning protien treatment I mix 

-3 tablespoons of Nourishing Coconut  Milk Conditioner

-1 egg

- appx. 1 table spoon of olive oil

I typically leave it in my hair about 15-20 minutes with a plastic cap, then shampoo and condition as normal and my hair feels fabulous.

A 13 fl oz  (384.5 ml) bottle runs between $5-7.99 and can be found at your local drugstore, Walmart, Target, Meijer or online through amazon.com.

Ingredients: Dl Water (- Aqua) , Cetyl Alcohol , Behentrimonium , Cetearyl Alcohol , Cetearyl Glucoside , Glyceryl Stearate , Glycerin , Cyclomethicone , Dimethicone , Jojoba Oil , Panthenol , Silk Amino Complex , Coconut Milk , Egg White Protein , Coconut Oil , Tocopheryl Acetate (- Vitamin E) , Tetrasodium EDTA , Fragrance , DMDM Hydantoin, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

For Shampooing...

Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap Dr. Brooners is definitely my go to product for hair, skin, and household cleaning.  The uses for this product is endless.  When I was younger it was a staple in our household for body care, I didn't know till a couple of months ago that it is great for hair.  It only takes a few drops and it has an excellent lather without  all of those harmful detergents.  A little bit of this product goes a long way, but you definitely want to be careful not to get it in your eyes because of the peppermint that is in it.  Rather you have a dandruff problem, or just need to get product build up out of your hair, this is definitely the product to use.  

An 8 oz. bottle runs between $5.99-7.99 and it can be found online at www.drbrooner.com, in Target's natural beauty section, or at any health/natural beauty store.

INGREDIENTS: Water, Organic Coconut Oil*, Potassium Hydroxide**, Organic Olive Oil*, Mentha Arvensis*, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil*, Citric Acid, Tocopherol  * CERTIFIED FAIR TRADE INGREDIENTS  ** None remains after saponifying oils into soap and glycerin

Dr. Brooner has a host of other natural care lines to take care of the whole family and your home. Find out more by visiting http://www.drbronner.com/index.html 

For Hot Oil Treatments...

African Royale Hot Six Oil I was rummaging the limited selection of African American hair products at  Walmart one day, when I was surprised to find an old friend.  My mom was a kitchen beautician from time to time. Between visits to the salon, or somebodies basement, my mom went through the ritual of washing, conditioning, drying, and pressing my hair.  Among the Motions and Cream of Nature, there was African Royale's Hot Six Oil.  Organic and all natural hair products weren't trendy then, but who knew that something old would become my something new.

This product usually runs between $4-8 depending on where you pick it up. It was definitely a steal when I found a single bottle alone for $1.94, I couldn't resist.  Hot Six is power packed, with all your essential oils plus some.  It is great for hot oil treatments, but it can also be used as a body, scalp, nail, bath, or massage oil.  It's found in a limited number of Kmart and Walmart stores, many beauty supply stores, or purchased online.   It is definitely one of my go to product, and worth a try for any of you naturalista's out there.

Ingredients: Olive Oil , Canola Oil , Wheat Germ Oil , Sweet Almond Oil , Safflower Oil , Castor Oil , Sesame Oil , Vitamin E , Vitamin A , Vitamin D , Cyclomethicone , Sheep Sorrell , Yarrow , Slippery Elm Bark , Sage , Henna , Comfrey , Burdock Root , Ginseng , Goldenseal , Cherry Bark , Black Walnut , Chamomile , Alfalfa , Hyssop , Wheat Germ , Fragrance

 

Lisa's Hair Elixir by Carol's Daughter

This definitely is my number two, but that's only because of the price. Unlike African Royale's Hot Six, Lisa's Hair Elixer is alot lighter and is definitely a splurge at $20 for an 8 fl. oz. bottle and is a lot lighter

I purchased this product along with several other Carol's Daughter products in the Best Tressed Hair Set.  All the products worked fairly well and  I may review them in the future in between nap times, but Lisa's Hair Elixer was definitely my favorite out of the bunch. This product can be put in the hair as a pre-poo treatment, used for a hot oil treatment, or as a massage oil. 

Because of the price I only buy it every now and then, but when I have the money I definitely add it to my collection.  It adds shine to my hair and many of the essential oils that I need to protect my hair from damage.  

Ingredients: Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Fragrace (Parfum).   

These are just a few of my go-to products and I will definitely be adding and updating my reviews in the future.  

Check out these products for yourself...

Product Review: Shea Moisture, Organic African Black Soap Shea Butter Lotion

I have struggled with dry skin and eczema for most of my life. Over the past few years I have not had a huge issue with my eczema, but dry skin  plagues me on a constant basis.  I am always looking for something to protects, nourish, and give my skin a natural glow. I want my outer beauty to be reflection of the inner beauty that God is creating in me.

Since I have been pregnant, those bumpy patches that I experience from eczema, decided to make a comeback.  For the first few months I had no clue what to do.  My go to products weren't working, my signature scents from Bath &  Body Works made me red and itchy, and I didn't feel like going to see a dermatologist again.  The eczema was back with a vengeance, until I found the naturals aisle at Target.  There it was, waiting for me, Shea Moisture, Organic African Black Soap Shea Butter Lotion. I have used Shea Moisture's hair care line several times before, but never knew they had a natural's body line.  Within two weeks of using this product I saw a tremendous drop in the bumpy patches on my skin, several childhood scars diminish, and my skin felt softer than ever. This is now, one of favorite go to products.

This product is very thick, so if you are thinking about using it I do suggest putting it on directly after getting out of the shower for proper skin absorption.  I often follow my application of this product with some extra virgin olive oil, it just gives me the extra silkiness that I'm looking for. This product gets five starts in my book, for doing exactly what it says it does, and so much more. My husband used this product on a pimple that developed on his neck and it disappeared within a couple of days

This product is both natural and eco-friendly. It is free ofof Parabens or Phthalates, Parrifin, Formaldehyde, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, Synthetic Fragrance, PABA, Synthetic Color, DEA, Animal Ingredients, and is not tested on animal.  You can feel good about using this product for your whole family.

Shea Moisture has several other products in their skin care line that I would like to try in the futures. These products include-

Lavender & Wild Orchid, Joint & Muscle Relief Dead Sea Salt Soak

Lemongrass & Tea Tree Body Scrub w/Orange Peel

Argan Oil & Raw Shea, Eczema, Psoraisis &Dry Skin Relief Balm

Organic Body Wash African Black Soap

Organic Bar African Black Soap

If you are looking for a natural body line, without all the yucky stuff. I definitely suggest trying Shea Moisture. 

Peace and Love,

Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks
"I believe in Kingdom blogging!"

 Disclaimer: This is my unbiased opinion of this product. I was not compensated in anyway by Shea Moisture, Sundial Brands, or any of its affiliates for my review of this product.

Product Review: Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series Dry to Moisturized Conditioner for CO-WASHING

Note: This product review is based solely on my use of the product for the purpose of co-washing.

I decided a couple of weeks ago , after seeing bad reviews oPantene Pro-V Curly Series, that I was not going to invest in this product. Well I stuck to my guns and didn’t, but I did receive a free sample of the conditioner in the mail, so I figured I could use it for one of my weekly co-washes.  I am not picky about the products that I use for co-washing, but I do require that the product leaves my Type 4 Hair soft, moisturized, with a reduce amount of tangles.  

How I co-wash (Conditioner Wash): Before co-washing I detangle my hair with a wide tooth comb and a spray bottle with a olive oil-water mix. I rinse my hair thoroughly with warm water lifting any dirt that may be near my scalp. After water washing once, while my hair is still damp, I vigorously wash my hair using my selected conditioner, in this case Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series Dry to Moisturized  Conditioner. Rinse, add conditioner again, this time leaving it to sit in my hair about 15 minutes. Finally I rinse the remaining conditioner out, add a leave- in conditioner, then a styling agent.

What happened: When I first added the product to my hair, I was surprised to find that it actually felt pretty soft. However after reapplying the conditioner, and leaving it in my hair for 15 minutes it felt dry, the opposite of what I was looking for.  I didn’t feel like co-washing so I decided to use some of Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Leave- in Conditioner and Some of Marguerites Magic.   I braided it up, put on my bonnet and went bed.  When I woke up this morning my hair was soft, with a light coating, just like I like it. I attribute this to my go-to Carols Daughter products.

My View: I tried out this product for one purpose, and one purpose only, co-washing.  I definitely will not use it alone for this purpose again because it left my hair dry. I haven't totally given up on Pantene though. In the future I plan on trying other products in this line,  including the Deep Moistrizing Treatment and Shampoo.  I would also like to try out the Pantene Relaxed and Naturals , Nature Fusion, and  Medium-Thick Hair Solution.

Peace and Love,

Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks

Disclaimer: I was not paid in anyway to review this product, this is my honest unbiased opinion.

Judge for yourself, check out some other reviews on Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series.

Product Review: Johnson's Natural Baby Shampoo

Since becoming a mom I am becoming increasingly more conscious of what I put in and on my family's bodies.  I am not an organic fanatic or a natural guru, but I love a good product without all the yucky chemicals in it from time to time, especially hair products.

My 18 month old daughter(Elise) is classified as a Type 3 on the hair scale.  For the most part I use the same products that I use on my hair on her's.  (I'm somewhere in the Type 4 category.) I love Elise's curls so I try to take care of them. I frequently try out new products, talk to older curlies in her category, read product reviews, and do as much research as possible in order to find the right fit for her curls.  One of the main issues that I have with most baby shampoo's on the market, especially when it comes to Elise's hair, is that even after conditioning, hair is left dry and frizzy, which is not the look were going for.

While at my local Target a few days ago, I was surprised to find an affordable shampoo option, Johnson's Natural Baby Shampoo. It is 98% natural and has no paraben's, dyes, Animal Byproducts, Silicons, Lanolin, Parrafins, Petrolatum, or Phthalates.  This a low foaming product, but I can tell you after using it on Elise's hair, it leaves hair soft and clean. The Johnson's Natural Line also includes both a Natural Baby Lotion, a Natural Baby HEAD-TO-TOE Foaming Baby Wash, and a Kid's Line.  I have not had the opportunity to try any of the other products from this collection, but it definitely is on my tuh-do list and will have a review on them as well.

This product definitely gives you a whole lot of bang for your buck, running around $5 dollars at your local department store.  Johnson & Johnson has done it again,  producing a great product that can fit any moms budget.  I give it 5 stars for creating moisture rich manageable curls at an affordable price.

Note: Stay tuned video review's coming soon.

Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks

Find out more about this Product Line at http://www.johnsonsbaby.com/naturals
Disclaimer: This is my unbiased opinion. I was not paid in anyway to review this product.