An Ice Bag That is Zebra Print! Sold!

As a chronic illness warrior, I am always on the lookout for products that can help with my symptoms, and anything that is zebra print! "When you hear hoof beats, think of horses not zebras". I was stoked when I saw this Hot/Cold Pack with zebra stripes by Naniga. I could use this to help with numerous aches and pains, swelling, and most frequently my migraines. This is way easier than soaking a washcloth in cold water every five minutes. 

This bag stunk to high heaven when I opened it. An awful plastic/chemical smell. I washed it with warm water

and soap and aired it out overnight. That resolved the issue. The cover is easy to unscrew and the mouth is large. I could fit a couple of my thin ice cubes at a time, and i could easily fill with water from the sink. When filled the bag covers a lot of surface area. It stays both cool and hot for a full 20 minutes which is the amount of time I like to apply hot or cold therapy. 

The main reason I wanted this particular ice bag was the "zebra" pattern, all lot of the color is warn away. A lot of the black is missing, or rather, displaced onto the white stripes. The bag has not leaked and hasn't even produced any sweat so I don't know why the pattern is ruined. The fabric is soft, and feels pretty durable, so I suppose its just a problem with the "paint". It's just a cosmetic issue, but it still bums me out.

I give the Naniga Ice Bag 4 out of 5 stars. The initial smell was awful, but after a wash it dissipated. If the paint didn't wash off/move around, I would have given this bag a perfect score. It's simple and convenient to use. It's portable, so I will bring it when I in my medical kit when I travel. It keeps it's contents warm or cool for as long as I need it. It doesn't leak and it's very comfortable. I would recommend it.

Grab one on Amazon.

I received this product at a discount. My reviews are 100% my own, honest opinion.

~Crystal Vicious

Best Digital Thermometer

As someone with a crap ton of chronic illnesses, it is very important that I have a reliable oral thermometer. I have gone through countless thermometers over the past decade alone and one thing I have learned was that I need a thermometer with a flexible tip. This is important to me because non flexible thermometers cause pain in my mouth. Nanci Perrin's Thermometer already scores one point for being comfortable under my tongue. 

This digital thermometer comes in a hard plastic case that protects it. It is a good size, not small but not huge. The LCD display is huge though, but that is great. It makes reading your temperature easy, even if your so sick you can't focus. I have yet to have a fever, so I have not heard the fever alarm yet. It appears to take accurate readings as I have felt fine and my temp has been between 97.9-98.2 which is my usual range.

Another great aspect of this thermometer is that it is waterproof! This makes cleaning a breeze! I have ruined some thermometers in the past by accidentally splashing water on the display while cleaning. Taking a temp has never been so fast, I only had to wait about 10 seconds to get a reading. The thermometer is made well and seems quite durable.  It is super easy to use. I did need to hold the button down for a few seconds before the first use to switch from Celsius to Fahrenheit, but after that...simple. Push the one button, place the sensor, wait for beep, read, and then push button to turn off.

This thermometer can be used for babies and children as well. It can take axillary and rectal temperatures.

I like everything about this thermometer and am glad to add it to my drawer of medical supplies. I trust it will do it's job and it will hold up for quite some time. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I received this product at a discount. My review is 100% my own and I have given my honest opinion.

Order one off Amazon.

~Crystal Vicious 

Cute Cat Clothes for a Cause!

Arm The Animals is an great company that creates unique, witty, thought-provoking apparel and donates a portion of the proceeds to animal rescues! How awesome is that! I just had to check them out. I am in LOVE with this Catastrophe 2.0 Racer Back Tank Top from their Amazon store. 

Let's talk quality first. This Tri-Blend tank is 50% Ring spun cotton, 25% Polyester, and 25% Rayon. It is the softest shirt I have ever worn. A++ for Comfort! This tank runs on the bigger side. As a woman of larger size, I was nervous that the XL would be too tight. 

According to the size chart, the XL top's Bust was 38" and Hips was 43.5". My Bust is over 42" in a tight fitting sports bra. My Hips are also a few inches bigger, yet this top was loose. I was thrilled! I would rather have a loose top than one I can't wear. I tied a little knot in the back of the tank to tighten it up a bit. Now it fits perfect, and has a little DIY twist! 

Have I mentioned how soft this is!? If it wasn't in the negative degrees here in New England I would be rocking this for more than just yoga. I can't wait for summer! The top is durable and the print is great quality, and still perfect after a few washes. So let's recap: super soft, comfy, and cute tank & Arm The Animals donates proceeds to help animals! You can't really get any better than that. I give this tank and this company 5 out of 5 stars. I will be checking out ArmTheAnimals.com to grab some more neat apparel and help out this great cause. 

I received this tank top at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. 

~Crystal Vicious

NOVICA 'Lime Knot' Earrings

I was without a Valentine this year, so I treated myself to this beautiful pair of Peridot and .925 Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings. These gorgeous earring are from NOVICA.

In association with National Geographic, this company works together with talented artisan designers around the world to produce stunning, fair trade treasures. 

Each item comes with a Story Card certifying quality & authenticity. These earrings were crafted by Bhavesh in India. They also came in a amazing gift bag adorned with elephants! I think this is such a neat extra touch.


These earrings are light, and at just under 2 inches very dainty, but still stunning. I am not a fan of huge jewelry, but rather small, simple pieces. The green color is perfect and the knot pattern is lovely. I have received many compliments already. 

They are well made and feel durable despite their light weight. The hook closures are just the right size to stay put in my ears. These earrings have not disappointed.

Grab your own Peridot "Lime Knot" earrings here!

The craftsmanship of this piece has totally convinced me to check out more products from other artisans that NOVICA works with. I love the concept of this company. I give both NOVICA and these Earrings 5 out of 5 stars. If you are looking these for gorgeous fair trade pieces, check out NOVICA.COM!

I received this item at a discounted rate. This review is my honest opinion of this item.

~Crystal Vicious

Marimo Moss Balls!

Sometimes trying to add some plant life into your decor can be tricky. Maybe you don't have enough light, space, or you were blessed with a black thumb. Look no further, because Marimo Moss Balls are here. They are actually an Algae that grow into green balls with a velvety appearance. Many people place them in aquariums with fish, but they can also live on their own in water filled containers with decorative rocks, shells, or ornaments. 



I had two vases with shells that needed a little something extra. I was thrilled to set up this centerpiece. 

I ordered these from the Marimo Pet Store on Amazon.

I was a bit worried because they shipped in an envelope. Inside was a tiny plastic bag with these six little guys, a tad flat but green and about 1/2 inch a piece. I followed the instructions provided. Rinsed them under water, squeezed them gently, and then added them to their container. Despite being in a baggie, outside during a frigid New England winter, they plumped up and brightened up. 

Marimo will grow in tap water at room temperature as long as the water is changed every one or two weeks.Their growth rate is about 5 mm per year. All they need is normal household lighting or indirect sunlight. You should turn them over once in a while for them to keep their shape. See, they are VERY easy to take care of. Anyone can do it! Some of mine appear to be growing extra filaments, so already they are healthy enough to think about growing.

When exposed to lamplight, photosynthesis occurs and the Marimo will bubble, (dance) and float in their container. I believe my Marimo are happy little guys. After two weeks, they are all still a vibrant green and they take turns dancing. 

I am very happy with these little guys and give them 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend them to anyone who would like to add a low maintenance whimsical little plant into their home decor. 

Fun Fact: As legend has it, the Marimo Moss Ball came to be by two lovers wishing a life together that was forbidden. When they could not fulfill this destiny, they fell into the water and their hearts became the Marimo Moss Balls. Also referred to as the “Love Plant,” this exquisite plant is believed to bring good fortune and luck to its owner.

I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

~Crystal Vicious

Thermalabs Exfoliating Gloves

I love all things natural, so I was wicked excited to try out these exfoliating gloves. Nothing feels better then a good scrub to get rid of all the dirt and dead cells off of your body right? This set came with three gloves, all made of different materials...Plus a Bonus Finger Exfoliator! 

Also included, is a printed in-depth guide to help you exfoliate like a pro.

It is loaded with information about each glove, care instructions, tip, tricks, and all kinds of other secrets to beautiful skin. It's a great addition to the set because it is so informative.

I hand washed each glove gently before using them. The loofah glove held up fine, but the sisal and jute ones already had bits coming loose, or falling off. Each glove fit my right hand well, but because they are one sided you could scrub everything but your right arm. If you are a lefty, you would probably be doomed...

The Bamboo Fiber 
and Loofah glove was said to be the best for dry skin because it holds the most moisture. The outside of the glove was fine. It was smooth and pretty soft, but the inside of the loofah glove was very sharp and hurt my hand. I took it off almost immediately. I was able to finish up by holding the glove in my hand like a cloth instead of as a glove, because the cloth backing protected my skin. I would not use this one again. 

The Sisal glove is the rougher, sturdier of the set. I was a bit nervous to try it because I have sensitive skin. It wasn't too rough, but a lot of fibers were falling off and sticking to me. It was rough on the inside, but not sharp like the loofah. 

The Jute glove was definitely my favorite, it is the one best for sensitive skin after all. It was a strange texture. Not soft, not rough. I was able to use some soap with it, so I could cleanse and exfoliate together. I will continue to use the Jute glove, maybe the Sisal...but I'm tossing the Loofah one.

Believe it or not, the Finger Exfoliator was my favorite out of the whole set. It doesn't look very comfy in the photo, but it not hard or rough. It's actually made of a soft fabric with some stretch. I have used it every day with a facial cleanser and I absolutely love it! It definitely made up for 2 of the gloves being sub par.  

I give this set 3 out of 5 stars. If you could buy them separate I would totally buy the Jute Mitt and the Finger Exfoliator. I would recommend them if you have tougher skin...unfortunately I do not, so half of this set is too rough for me. 

Grab some on Amazon.

And check out ThermaLabs.com



A free review sample was provided for a fair, unbiased, and honest review.

~Crystal 

OxyLED Ultrasonic Cool Mist Aroma Diffuser

This amazing product takes water and essential oils and turns any room into a magical atmosphere. This cool gadget has two mist settings (heavy and light), 3 timer options or ON (it shuts off automatically when out of water), and lights that cycle through a rainbow of colors, or you can select your favorite color and keep it there. 

I love using this in my bedroom to diffuse essential oils. Everything about this product is relaxing. It is simple to use, upkeep is easy, and all the settings make it versatile. It's also pretty big, 500 ml lasts a good amount of time. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and would totally recommend it to anyone that is interested in aromatherapy.

Today I tried to do my first video review. It's a little different because no one in my house could stay quiet long enough for me to film my opinion for two minutes, so I wrote my review on top of a video that demonstrates how to use the diffuser. It also shows how rad the lights are! 

Grab one on Amazon!

A review sample was provided for a fair, unbiased, and honest review.

~Crystal Vicious

ExfoliMATE!

Move over Loofah...I have a new shower buddy and it's the ExfoliMATE! At first, this exfoliating cloth doesn't seem all that special. It's just a strip of fabric, albeit leopard print.

I added some body wash,  held opposite ends of the cloth in each hand and scrubbed back and forth from different angles and my back has never felt better!

This thing lathers like crazy! After scrubbing my back, I balled the cloth up and used it like a loofah pouf all over the rest of my body. It worked perfectly, even on my sensitive skin. It gently removed all the dead skin, dirt, and oil. After my shower all of my skin felt super clean, smooth, and soft. It was like magic. As someone with short arms, chronic pain, and backne...this cloth is seriously a godsend. 

I am totally trading out my loofah for the ExfoliMate. It works great, it's super versatile, washable, and you can even fold it up and take it with you when you travel. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone that wants smooth skin.

Grab one at GreenHeartLabs.com





I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion.


~Crystal Vicious