Discover the Health Benefits of Krill Oil

I received complimentary Krill Oil from Viva Labs for the purpose of  this review, however; all opinions expressed below are my own. 

Something you may not know about me, because I rarely blog about it, is that I live with a condition called Lupus.  Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can cause a lot joint pain, fatigue and other issues, especially during times of stress.  I have been very fortunate to have a well-managed condition, but during high stress periods in my life I struggle with joint pain, fatigue and inflammation.

In my journey toward whole living and seeking out natural remedies and sources of relief for symptoms brought on by my body's inflammatory responses, I have been fascinated by the success of omega-3's, DHA/EPA and antioxidants in reducing inflammation and joint pain in the body.  When I was contacted by Viva Labs (formerly Everest Nutrition), to review their Krill Oil I couldn't wait to get started.  

A Northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) by Øystein Paulsen

What is Krill Oil?  Krill oil is harvested from an ocean crustacean (krill) similar to shrimp only much smaller.  This small creature provides some of the purest Omega-3 available along with astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant shown to protect the body against free radicals and cell damage.  Krill Oil has shown promising results in reducing inflammation and joint pain, improving cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health and even reducing symptoms of PMS.  

Does this stuff really work?  I've been taking Krill Oil for several months now as a part of my daily vitamins.  After the first two weeks of using the product I started to notice a steady decrease in the morning joint stiffness I tend to get, and found myself feeling less fatigued.  I've also noticed less of the brain fog that comes with my pre-menstrual symptoms and a sharper mental state...goodbye mom brain!

I haven't had my cholesterol levels checked in a while, so I'm not sure what effect it has been having in that area, but I do feel pretty good in general.  I believe the Krill Oil is definitely helping with my day-to-day symptom management, especially my joint health.

Some of the questions I had about Krill Oil were about the difference in fish oil versus krill oil, how sustainable the product is and its environmental impact and how this particular brand measures up to competitors.  I was pleased to see all these questions and more, quite thoroughly answered on KrillOil.com.  I decided to include a couple of my biggies here for you:

How is Krill Oil different from Fish Oil? You can find a ton of information on Viva Labs' Krill Oil website, but to summarize, Krill Oil contains 54x the antioxidant power of Fish Oil, plus it has virtually none of the toxin exposure common in fish - making it one of the purest sources of Omega3 available.

Is Krill Oil sustainable? Krill is the largest biomass in the world - making it nearly impossible to threaten its availability, however; its harvesting is regulated by an ocean conservation organization to ensure maximum sustainability.

Is it expensive?  I've paid considerably more for fish oils and other supplements and have found that Viva Labs offers great deals on their product.  Depending on how much product you order, the product ranges $19-29 per 30 day supply.

I'm pretty convinced that Krill Oil should be a regular part of my daily diet going forward!  I'd love for you to check out this supplement and consider making it a part of your whole living plan going forward!

Visit Krill Oil for more information and to find out how to purchase!

       

Online Learning for Preschoolers Reading Eggs Review

 

Love it or hate it, technology is going to be a big part of our lives going forward.  I remember when I was in third grade - I was one of the very first classes of young students to be introduced to computers for learning.  The very first computer ever set before me was an old Macintosh - a machine that would look completely archaic to most people today.  I believe having been introduced to that technology at an early age gave me an advantage in terms of many skills I use today.

Now, my daughter, not even three yet - has been exposed to more technology than ever before - iPads, iPhones, and yes, now even the MacBook.  And while we do limit her exposure - I find that her intelligence and ability to navigate and use technology is incredible.  She learns new skills extremely fast when interactive technology is involved.  

I have been doing a very flexible home preschool schedule with Zion since late Fall last year, and I am often seeking out a variety of learning tools to incorporate all of her interests.  We recently became acquainted with an online learning resource called Reading Eggs.  Developed for children ages 3-13 years of age, Reading Eggs offers a variety of different engaging and interactive programs to help the earliest reading skills develop and the developing readers to practice and increase their reading skills.

Zion is currently working her way through their First Steps program which is geared towards 3-4 year olds.  The curriculum and activities range from basic letter and sound recognition to small word formation.  Each lesson is short and enjoyable - featuring an array of colorful characters, song breaks and completion rewards.

Even at just over 2.5 years old, I am impressed by Zion's ability to navigate through the lessons, and comprehend the lesson instructions.  I would say that she can do about 65% of the lessons independently with most help being needed when certain click and drag skills are required (a hard gesture to master with her little hands).  

We probably do anywhere from 1-2 hours of lessons on Reading Eggs per week.  She constantly asks me if she can do "schoolwork on the computer" - and she seems to really enjoy the lessons.  As for her understanding and progress in reading?  In the couple of months we've been using the program, she definitely demonstrates an increase in word recognition - and has nearly mastered all of the letter sounds.  I personally like the variety of learning lessons it offers, as well as the introduction to basic computer skills.

What kinds of online learning resources have you used for your kids?  How do you balance a desire to limit technology with the recognition that technical skills will be an important part of your child's future?

I received an extended free trial membership to Reading Eggs for the purpose of this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

       

Mani Monday JulepMaven February Box

My Julep Maven box for February arrived late last week, and I'm floored at all the great items within it. I may even go as far as to say this was the best regular box ever!!  My box came with two polishes - I chose to change styles this month to "Bombshell" profile because my usual "Classic with a Twist" wasn't really exciting me - and I couldn't be happier!  I also received a nail treatment and a topcoat, plus a bonus eyelash curler!  I mean, seriously - talk about going above and beyond!!

The picture above features the oxygen nail treatment which is like "makeup for your nails."  It helps to strengthen, smooth and condition nails when used 1-2 times per week.  It is the perfect creamy sheer pale pink - I am absolutely in love with it.

My first official mani using color from this box features Ginger - a holographic pink/grey color that is gorgeous - probably my new favorite color in my collection.  It is shown above on my tips over Kelly - a pale creamy pink from a previous box.  Also showcased above is the most amazing topcoat I've ever used - the Freedom Polymer Topcoat!!  Three minutes after applying my polish is completely dry-set and read to go - fully chip resistant and looks like I had my nails done professionally!

The last color - which I have yet to try is this creamy olive green - such a different and unique color that I can't wait to play around with!  

I can't believe the value of the box I received and how fantastic Julep Maven is - they have seriously mastered the subscription box service - they are like the Ritz Carlton of beauty boxes!!  What do you think of this box!?

Linking up here:



       

The Search for the Best Coffee in New York City

The New York City Coffeehouse Tour has begun!  I am excited to give you my reviews of local roasters and coffee houses in NYC, from my viewpoint as a Seattle native.  Before I post my first review, I thought I would  share a little background about the coffee tour.

What made me decide to start this tour?  It all began in the Fall of last year as I contemplated the direction I wanted to take BaxtronLife going forward.  I started to ask myself questions like, "what am I really passionate about?"  "What are the big themes in my life that I can share?"  And undeniably one of the first things that popped into my mind was coffee.  You see, I'm sort of a big coffee snob, having grown up in Seattle - the home of an endless plethora of local roasters and coffee hangouts.  I got spoiled with rich coffee flavors, warm and inviting cafes and rarely a mainstream coffee establishment.

Then, I moved to New York City.  Within weeks of being here I became a Starbucks loyal.  Side  note - let me just tell you that Starbucks, while okay for the occasional Frappuccino, was never on the list of regular places I frequented in Seattle.  And I believe that 95% of Seattle natives will agree - it is almost a crying shame to frequent there when you have so many amazing locally roasted brew houses all over the city.  I don't say that to knock Starbucks - hey, like most of the bloggers I know, I get excited for the seasonal favorites, Salted Caramel Mocha anyone? 

Well, after my first few tries of what I like to call "coffee water" in New York City, I was discouraged by the lack of coffee brewing skills I encountered.  I mean, cart coffee is pretty disgusting.  (No offense if you like that stuff, but seriously!? How CAN you like that stuff?)  I started googling coffee houses in my neighborhood, and was stunned to find virtually nothing that appealed to me.  How could the biggest city in the U.S., the center of the world (lol) be lacking in the art of coffee appreciation?  So, I began investing hundreds of dollars in Starbucks without the benefit of profit sharing.  

So what is different now?  Over the last couple of years there has been a growing influx of coffee lovers, Seattle natives and people who are just realizing that New York needs help to raise its standard of coffee appreciation.  The coffee puritans have arrived!  There are so many new local coffeehouses popping up all over Manhattan, and it made me realize that it is time to give New York City another chance.  It is time to put my Goldcard away and go on the search for the best coffee in New York City!!  

How will the tour work?  I am starting my tour at the top of Manhattan and working my way to the bottom!  Every weekend I will visit a coffeehouse that meets my criteria - uses local roasters or specialty coffee beans, coffeehouse vibe and has received word-of-mouth recommendations.  I will be basing my review on comparison to my absolute favorite coffee roaster in Redmond, WA - Victor's Celtic Coffee.  I am excited to share my love of coffee with you as well as have fun opportunities for you to experience some the tour for yourself (giveaways - coffee exchanges - coffee of the month, etc.)

Come on the tour with me - with new review posts on Tuesdays!  Have a coffee house you'd like to recommend?  Own/work at a coffee house you'd like me to visit? Email me!  

Check back this Tuesday for my first stop: Darling Coffee in Washington Heights!