Garden Sights

 My neighbor Julie took these amazing photos of my garden. Enjoy!

For more information about Julie take a peek at her site.  You will see more of my garden goodies in her vegetable category.  

www.gingersnap.smugmug.com 

I love my handy husband!

A few years ago some friends had a tree cut down and gave us all the wood. There was a very large piece that I thought would be a perfect planter but the idea never came to life. Until today!!  My husband is working in it and  I'm planning where it will go and what's in it. I love that man! 

Green Review Miessence Haircare

The Miessence Difference

Miessence is proud of the fact that they are the world's first extensive range of internationally certified organic products for skin, hair, body, cosmetic, oral and nutrition. Their certified organic products are grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilizers or genetically modified organisms otherwise known as GMO's.  You had me at organic.

You can read about Miessence organic certification here.

Their supply chain, manufacturing processes and freight distribution is 110% certified carbon negative.  That means they offset MORE than they emit from manufacturing, transportation and promotion process. MORE!

Non-toxic, non-leaching packaging meets the standards for organic certification? Swoon!

Miessence Ingredients

100% guaranteed integrity – all their products are certified to independent third-party organic standards (ACO, USDA, BFA).

100% pure - no toxic synthetics in any of their products.

100% beneficial – every ingredient is beneficial for you, your skin and the planet.

100% potent – 100% active ingredients, no fillers or bulking agents.

Cold formulation – protects the potency, vitality and freshness of our ingredients to ensure bio-available nutrients are delivered to your skin for maximum effect.

No tap water – they use organic aloe vera juice as their base.

Hand made fresh monthly – delivered directly to your door.

That just blew my mind. 

You can read about how they compare typical ingredients in products compared to their ingredients here. I can't believe how much junk is in products and came away with a whole new appreciation for Miessence after reading that. 

My Experience 

I received a full size bottle of 86% Organic Shine Herbal Hair Conditioner and Desert Flower Shampoo.  Also a few small sample packs of facial cleanser, conditioner and moisturizer.  I also received a sample pack of hand cream. 

I decided to review the hair wash/conditioner because I'm struggling with trying to find a product that works for my hair. My children are doing just fine with what we are using currently so this is why I decided to review these.  

I'm a mother of four daughters so you can just imagine how much hair wash we go through.  Since my girls don't use hair dye/hair sprays they will not be using this product.  I am happy with their current product and its results. But I do use a natural hair dye and on rare occasions I use organic hair spray.  

I have long straight hair but my long straight hair is a big frizz ball. Who would of thought that could happen? Certainly not me. Because of this I have a hard time with finding products that will work on my hair.  Over the years I find that once a week I need a good moisturizing hair wash to give my hair a added boost of shine.  Ive learned to just accept my frizz and usually just keep it up or flat iron it. 

Wash 1

My hair was wet and I added the shampoo.  It has a nice light scent which I appreciate very much. Unlike most people who like really good smelly hair I on the other hand cannot stand it. I'm super sensitive to strong smells and they make me physically feel sick after a while. This was a really nice light scent that I enjoyed.  The shampoo didn't lather but I made sure I rubbed it in all over every part of my hair.  I didn't lather much but this is something you get used to when you use organic or natural products. Its the toxic stuff that makes your hair lather! Also your hair is still coated with toxins from your other products you were using.  Takes time for all that to get out but once its gone your hair will lather up nicely.  Rinsed my hair and wow did it feel squeaky clean. So squeaky that I was a bit worried,

Next I added conditioner.  Once again it has a very lovely light scent.  It was very thick so I made sure to spread it over my hair making sure to get everything.  It recommends to leave it on as long as possible. Since I have a cast iron tub that means only a few minutes before my water starts to get cold.  I rinsed it out and again my hair was squeaky clean and not super moisturized like a average product would do.  Again I was worried.  

By the time I got out of the tub, dried off and put a towel on my hair I felt a difference.  My hair was fluffy soft. I didn't have any trouble using a pick to comb my hair.  It didn't have a overwhelming smell just a nice lovely scent.  I got dressed and did my daily routine.  After my hair was air dried I went into the bathroom to inspect.  

This is what I found

My hair was a bit more shiny. No more dull hair! 

My hair was not as frizzy but still a bit frizzy. Its my natural hair so it does what it does no matter what product I use. The fact that it was less frizzy totally made my day.

My hair was unbelievably soft!!! From top to ends amazing. 

I didn't need to wash it for 3 more days. Saving me water and energy!  

It didn't take much product to wash my long hair. I can get at least 16 or more washings out of one bottle.  

My review-Good bad and the ugly.

Good

I'm in love with this product. Really really love the results I'm having after each washing.  I get a feel good response every time I use this product or even think of it. 

Bad (maybe)

You cannot buy it in any retail store. You can find it online only. So shipping cost is a factor. I would keep an eye out for free shipping if they ever have it. I have a hard time with this because I like to buy most my items locally.  If and only if I cannot find it local will I buy online.  But for some people buying online is a only option so this might be a good thing for you. I'm a stay at home mom so I have the time to go to the store. I understand most people cannot and this is a only option. 

Ugly

Price. As I stated before I have 4 daughters and we go through plenty of hair wash and body products.  Me personally I couldn't afford to buy these for my whole family to use.  I could see myself once in a while splurging to buy these for myself only. But if you don't have a troop of kids like myself then you can easily spend the money and buy yourself an amazing product.  If you used this daily you would have the most amazing looking and feeling hair ever.  I wish I could have a endless supply of Miessence products. Anyone have a extra wish not granted? I would totally ask for this! Heck I would love it for a Christmas or birthday gift. No joke. Hint hint. 

My recommendation

For those mama's out there splurge and get yourself any of Miessence product you want. These are amazing and you get amazing results.  Their website is the most informative one out there. Have a question just contact them and they will explain anything you want fast. I recommend this company highly.  

P.S.

I also tried their skin care line. LOVE LOVE LOVE the results!!!!!! So if you already have a hair product you love and are looking for a good skin care line then I recommend trying them out. I can use any wash but moisturizer I am picky about. This is a nice thin moisturizer that made my skin feel so amazing.  You can find their skin care line here. 

May Food Budget $199.53

May Food Budget

The Meating Place

2 lb. Local Ground Pork ($3 per lb) and 1/2 lb local ground beef with bacon ($5.99 per lb) $9.00

New Seasons

4 organic oranges ($1.49 per lb)  $3.00

Organic Cilantro Sale .99 cents

Soy Creamer $3.39

TOTAL $16.38

The Meating Place-Ive been waiting for the place to finally open up for the public. Woot! I walked away happy for a few reasons.  All the meat comes from local farmers. The fact Im keeping our $$ in Oregon makes me happy.  I also asked for no plastic wrap and only paper.  The paper is just plain white paper with no plastic lining or wax. Woot!!! I also love how close it is to my home.  They sell everything from dozens of meats, bones, sandwiches and many local Oregon company products. They even sell my favorite Portlandia Foods Ketchup. Woot!

I had a coupon for 10% off my first order that they handed out to anyone who stopped by before they opened up. I used this and saved $1. Every little bit adds up!

Soy Creamer-I didn't want to pay the $4.49 price of my favorite coconut creamer. I also didn't want to drive extra miles just to get it at my Whole Foods price of $3.99.  So I decided to try this soy creamer out.  Lets just say I won't be buying it again. Yuck. Hubby and I didn't like it one bit. Never again. 

I will continue to update this food budget all month and adding in my total cost in the title.  At the end of the month I will know exactly how much I spent and see where I can improve it and where I'm spending too much. 

Grocery Outlet (185th location)

Coconut Bliss Ice Cream ($2.49 each) $9.96

Arrowhead Mills Cereal ($1.99 each) $7.96

Yellow Ring Peppers (not organic boo!) $2.49

Organic Apple Sauce ($2.39 each)$4.78

Organic Coffee ($5.99 each) $17.97

Miltons Multi Grain ($1.99 each box) $3.98

Total- $47.14

New Season's

Organic Kale ($2.49 each) $4.98

Organic Lemons $1

Organic White Rice (pictured below 2 bags $1.99 each) $3.98

Organic Watermelon ( .59 per lb) $5.90

Total-$15.86

Whole Foods (lost my receipt so going by memory alone)

Organic Tortilla Chips ($2.69 each) $5.38

Pretzels ($1.69 each) $3.38

Pesto ($2.99 each) $8.97

Organic Tomatoes ($1.49 per lb) $5.50

Organic Whole Wheat Noodles ($1.39 each) $5.56

Organic Bok Choy ($1.49 per lb) $3.00

Organic Celery ($1.49 per lb) $3.00

No Soy/Dairy butter $4.99

Organic Bulk Pepper ($15.84 per lb) $3.64

Coconut Creamer ($3.99 each) $7.98

Total-$51.40

Stopped by a different Grocery Outlet by my mama's place. Found these good deals 

1 case (12 count $1.99 each) organic, gmo free, corn tortillas $23.88

Kalamata Olives (6 jars $1.49 each) $8.94

Organic Brown Rice (2 lb bag 2 count)  $5.98

Total-$38.80

Costco

Organic Sugar 10lb bag $11.99

Organic Whole Wheat Pasta (8 pack) $8.89

Total $20.98

New Seasons

Heirloom Navel Oranges (4lb bags 3 of them) $8.97

Costco-My husband's work usually covers the cost of a Costco card and that is the only reason I have one or shop there.  Well in July it expires and his work had decided not to pay for them anymore. Organic sugar is expensive when bought in smaller bags and even when you buy it in bulk.  Because of this I will be buying a few more till July to last for a long time.  

Oranges-Normally I don't buy oranges in this netting but these were at a pretty good price and no fruit is on sale or so it seems. So until I can find a good seasonal sale on fruit these will have to do. I really just need them for my girls school lunches.  

2nd Hand Treasures

I've seen these before but cannot remember where. Maybe New Seasons? I wanted them so bad but couldn't afford to buy them. I walk by them with a sad face. But then I was in my local Goodwill and came across these. I'm not sure if they were dishes for your kitchen but I knew they would be perfect for my bathroom.  One for soap, one for tooth brushes and the dish with a lid would be perfect for my organic cotton balls.

I had a soap dish and tooth brush holder but they were falling apart and the dish was too big for my small sink. I happily brought these home to live in my bathroom.

I paid $12.00 total for all 3 pieces. These are handmade and I would of spent easily over $50.00 for them brand new. Money well spent if you ask me. I would much rather fill my home with handmade goods than manufactured cookie cutter goods.

As a bonus I took them home with no packaging or plastic involved. Just paid for them and walked out with them in my hands. Swoon!

Note-One has a capital letter A on the bottom so if you know what that means or maybe who made these please send me a email at survivingandthrivingonpennies@yahoo.com . I would love to give credit where credit is due. Thank you.

Dairy Free Diary

Well it's been a whole since I have updated you. I'm still avoiding dairy and coming up with alternatives like a pro. But I'm also finding rough spots along my journey.

The bad-I recently lost a beloved friend of mine. I was heart broken and grieving. I had a few bumps in the road that included a few ice cream cones and a slice of pizza. My stomach hated me. Gassy and stomach ache from hell. From now on I must resist the urge to go back to my old ways.

The good- I'm finding I don't miss the dairy. Cheese is heaven or so i thought. I do keep a tiny bit of shredded cheese in the fridge for my girls. Honestly they rarely use it.

Another good thing-I ran out of non dairy butter last night by using it in some oatmeal cookies. So this morning my usual toast wasn't so usual. Instead of butter I used coconut oil and then a thin layer of peanut butter. Oh my gosh was it heaven. And no it didn't taste like coconut.

Until next time....

April Food Budget $167.06

I decided to add this grocery bill to April because I ordered it in April. It won't be shipped till next week though. I order from Azure Standard  about once a month because it has excellent prices and large sizes of food. Here is what I ordered this time.

Code	Product Name	Size	Qty Ordered	Price	Total
HS221	Oregon Spice Tomato Powder, Dehydrated	1 lb.	1	$10.50	$10.50
HS592	Oregon Spice Cinnamon, Ground, Organic	1 lb.	1	$5.90	$5.90
EO075	Nature's Alchemy Peppermint	0.5 oz.	1	$4.90	$4.90
QP018	Fresh Produce Onions, Yellow, Organic	3 lbs.	1	$3.50	$3.50
GY948	Oregon Seafoods Albacore Tuna, Food Service Pouch	4 lbs.	1	$39.15	$39.15
HS217	Oregon Spice Taco Seasoning Mix	1 lb.	1	$6.35	$6.35
QP324	Fresh Produce Fresh Garlic, Organic	1 lb.	1	$5.00	$5.00
Estimated Total: $75.30

Tomato Powder-I am completely out of tomato sauce that I froze from last summer.  This year I will need to grow more tomatoes so I will not have to order this anymore.  I use tomato powder anytime I need to add a tomato taste to our food. Usually in mexican food. I find that it makes the dishes more moist.

Cinnamon-My girls LOVE cinnamon in their oatmeal or on their toast. I pay over $10 if I buy it locally from the bulk section. Here it's just about half that price. Just need to remember to order it and not over pay next time.

Peppermint Oil-I have been out of this oil for a long time. I use this oil in so many things from dog shampoo(keeps fleas at bay), candles and even for headaches. Its essential! In the stores I would pay over $10 so this is a great price. Again just need to remember to order it.

Organic yellow onions-I had to buy some from Whole Foods yesterday and they are $3.99 there. Here I can save 50 cents. Yes a tiny bit of money but hey it adds up to a big total later and then I feel bad. No more forgetting to order!

Albacore Tuna-My husband buys canned tuna from the stores and pays about .80 cents a can. Did I mention BPA laced cans? Yeah its horrible. So this is a test. Buying in large quantities and separating into smaller containers. This way we avoid BPA and avoid excess packaging.

Taco Seasoning-We love mexican food and cook it often. If I were to buy all these spices separately it would cost me at least $10 per pound.  Here Azure has the same spices already put together and for only a little over $6 per lb. This stuff is so good! It's not organic but its not filled with preservatives and has way less packaging than if I ordered packets. Win win if you ask me.

Organic garlic-I can find this locally at Whole Foods but it cost me $7.99 per pound. Here I pay $5. Yes $2 difference but hey its $2 and that adds up.

One thing I wanted to note as well is that when I order from Azure its free shipping (our total order for all families have to be over $750 to get free shipping making each of us having to order at least $50 to do this). Remember this when you decide to shop online. Most people forget about this small detail. Yes you might have picked a great deal on food but if your paying for shipping you have to add that in your total as well.  Make sure you remember this small detail.

These pennies that I save don't seem like a lot.  But when you add them up over time they make a big difference.

P.S. I LOVE AZURE STANDARD!!!!
Check them out, call customer service & see if they deliver in your area

Update: 

Grocery Outlet 

Adams Organic Peanut Butter $29.88

Coconut Organic Half n half $3.99

Coconut Milk $3.99

Total $37.86

Peanut butter-I didn't need any peanut butter but this was an excellent deal. These retail $5.00 each making these half the price. I can't even make my own peanut butter for that price. Plus these are glass jars with metal lids that I can reuse. Woot!