Spending Ban: Updates & Wants #5

I picked up a staple product for me in the Tabitha James Kraan sale (£15.50 plus P&P). I use it every single day and at that great price it had to be bought!

Onto my wants this week:

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Narynda Face Care Pack (£7.50) - I'm always a sucker for try me sizes and this little set is great! It contains cleanser, toner, face & body scrub, day cream and night cream - see my reviews of the cleanser, toner and day cream HERE*. I'm also keen to pick up the Body Care Pack (£5.50) (the heel balm is ace!)

Staying on the travel sizes...

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I spotted this little Autumn Mini Treats set at LJ's Natural Solutions (£9.95) - it includes - 30ml Autumn Uplift Organic Body Oil, 5g Balancing Organic Moisturiser, 5g Organic Deep Cleansing Balm and 3g OMG Serum.

I was also tempted by (but didn't) an email offer from Naturisimo which was a free sample pack with any with purchase and included samples from: Spiezia, John Masters Organics, Inlight, Estelle & Thild and Patyka. Sign up for Beauty Alerts at the bottom of the main webpage.

I'm finding the spending ban fairly easy but I know there are going to be lots and lots of wants in the run up to Christmas! If you are on a spending ban how is it going?

August Empties

This is the smallest amount of empties ever I think! Stuff I used up on holiday I just threw out there rather than bring them home with me. I'm not going to use anymore this month so here goes -

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Make Up SPF15 shade 4 - I love this foundation and will buy again at some point. It is expensive but it lasts me around 6 months making it great value.

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom Bath & Shower Gel 100ml - this is my favourite Abahna scent. See my review here. Will pick up again at some point.

Blue Labelle Body Oil with Ylang Ylang & Frankincense 100ml - I love this body oil and already have another one in my stash. See my review here.

Tom Ford Santal Blush EDP 50ml - I had a teeny tiny bit of this left in the bottle which I was saving. Upon buying a new bottle in Jersey I just used it up! My favourite Tom Ford scent ever - see my review here.  I'm now on my third bottle and know I'll re-purchase. Expensive but so worth it!

Skin & Tonic Steam Clean 15ml - I just love this minty cleansing balm - it's my favourite cleanser this year. Already have a few in my stash but one I'll definitely re-purchase.

Mel Millis Phytonutri Qi Enriching Sea Plant Jelly 15ml* - I loved this. See my review here.

de Mamiel Summer Facial Oil 20ml - so sad to have finished this as I loved it. See my review here. I pre-ordered the Autumn blend before my spending ban kicked in.  I'm finding I just can't be without these oils. I also loved the version for Spring.

bodhi & birch Mint The & Jasmine Falls Bath & Shower Therapy both 50ml - I took these on holiday and the two mini bottles were more than enough for a week.  What can I say I love these two scents and keep buying them!

LJ's Organic Purity Rose Body Oil 50ml - another new product this year which I love. See my review here. Just cracked open a new bottle.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR sample

The Holiday Edit

I've been really ruthless on deciding what products I'll take on holiday. I've picked products I really love and know work for me.

Skincare:

Skyn ICELAND Glacial Cleansing Cloths x 10 - I don't use wipes that often but sometimes I use them after a night out for a quick cleanse and they are a holiday must have.

Skin & Tonic STEAM CLEAN 15ml - probably my favourite cleansing balm this year. I love it's minty scent and how quickly it gets rid of daily grime and make up.

The Organic Pharmacy Rose Facial Cleansing Gel 10ml (yep I picked up another mini set!) See my initial thoughts on this lovely cleanser HERE.

I'm a huge bodhi & birch fan and I'm packing the mini Rosa Rosa trio - Clarifying Cleanser, Hydrating Toner and Daily Moisturiser. All of these are 5ml. See my review HERE.

Also being packed are 3 Antonia Burrell minis - Forest Dew, Mask Supreme 7-in-1 (review) and Creme Supreme (review) (all 10ml). See my post on the discovery kit HERE.

For eyes it's got to be Josh Rosebrook's amazing Oculus Formula* 1oz which I love. See my review HERE.

Lastly, my favourite de Mamiel Summer Facial Oil 20ml which I simply adore. See my review HERE.

Bodycare:

bodhi & birch Mint Thé and Jasmine Falls Bath & Shower Therapy both 50ml - I picked two of my favourite minis which can be used both in the bath and shower. I'm thinking of a cooling relaxing bath after a day in the sun or sightseeing....aahh. See my reviews HERE.

Lj's Natural Solutions Organic Purity Rose Body Oil 50ml - I'm addicted to this stuff! One of my favourite body oils this year. I'm never without a bottle. See my review HERE.

Olivine Love+Salt Beach Hair & Body Mist 2oz - which is summer in a bottle. It smells deliciously of coconut and can be misted through the hair for beach waves or used as a body mist. This came in the S/S '15 a beautiful world box.

I love the shimmery Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR 10ml - for a light touch of summer shimmer.  My final item is a Dr Bronner's Lavender Shaving Gel sample.

Hair:

Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer 20ml - this came in the Latest in Beauty Awards Box (link). I'm a huge fan of this wonder product which makes my hair look healthy and glossy. It's a must have.  Also in there is another Philip Kingsley product Swimcap 50ml which can be used to protect your hair from the sun, wind, chlorine and sea water - it's a new try.

Another product from the #LIBawards box is COLAB Dry Shampoo in Monaco 50ml - I've been keen to try this after reading so many rave reviews.

Yarok's feed your ends leave in conditioner 2oz - is perfect for keeping dry ends conditioned and cared for.

I've also accumulated some sachet samples -

Perfume:

I like a little bit of choice:

Tom Ford White Suede EDP 4ml, The Library of Fragrance Salt Air 15ml, Creed Virgin Island Water vial, Miller Harris Coeur de Jardin vial, Diptyque Philosykos, Shay & Blue Watermelons 30ml* a delicious fruity scent (full review upcoming!) and a Travalo filled with Laboratory Perfumes Gorse (review).

What are your holiday picks?

*PR samples

June Empties

I've got through loads of products this month and I'm not going to use anything else up so my empties post is a little bit early this month:

A'kin Lavender & Anthyllis Leave-in Conditioner 150ml - really loved this and would buy again for sure.  It lasted ages.

Tabitha James Kraan Organic Hair Cleanser 30ml - lovely to use although I missed a bit of lather. See my review here. Not sure if I'd buy full size although I simply loved the Golden Citrus 4 in 1 Conditioner 30ml - it's on the wishlist!

Therapie Himalyan Detox Salts 100g - a staple and a buy-again and again and again product. Already got some more in my stash.

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash 60ml - this was lovely to use. Will probably pick this up again sometime.

Nourish Kale Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser 50ml* - I didn't get to finish this as it had gone off! I loved this. See my review here.  I've got a couple of sample pots to use.

RMS 'un' Powder - this is a staple for me. I'm already into a new one.

LJ's Natural Solutions Organic Purity Rose Body Oil 50ml x 2 - this is a another staple for me and a bit of an addiction! See my review here. Just opened a new one.

bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation SPF20 shade 07 30ml - I really liked this foundation and will buy again.

LJ's Soothing Organic Handbag Hand Lotion 8g - a rich and nourishing lotion. See my review here. Too many hand creams to use up right now but I'd consider buying it in future.

Beatitude Patience Bath Oil sample - gorgeous! See my review here. I'll be adding full size to my wishlist.

Inner Soul Organics Romance Me Skin Oil sample - huge Inner Soul Organics fan and love this body oil.  See my review here.

Eminence Sweet Red Rose Treatment Masque 1/2oz - this was scented deeply of rose and looked like strawberry jam!  It was nice to try out but probably wouldn't purchase full size as there are other masks I prefer.  See my review here.

Marble & Milkweed Nourishing Body Oil 2oz - this is one of my favourite body oils of all time. See my review here. I can luckily say I've got a back up of this in my stash which I've just cracked open.

Ruth Romano Lemongrass Dead Sea Bath Soak 400g* - I simply loved these bath salts. They smelled divine and made bathtime a total pleasure. Will buy soon. Very reasonably priced too! See my review here.

HAND Fig Organic Shea Butter Soap - I won this in Evelyn's giveaway a while back. Was lovely to use and smelled delicious. Still got a second one to use!

AMBRE Rosemary, Thyme & Mint Bath Oil 15ml - this was lovely to use and I'd maybe buy full size.

Caudalie Divine Oil 15ml* - a beautiful nourishing oil which I now want full size!

AS.AP Cleansing Oil 25ml* - I'm so sad this is finished as I loved it. See my review here. Will definitely buy at some point.

The Body Deli Jasmine Tuberose Nutrient Hand & Body Wash 8oz* - this is simply divine and I'm so sad I've finished it! Will definitely buy. See my review here.

SAMPLES:

Leonor Greyl Volumising Shampoo for Long, Thin & Limp Hair 16ml - this seemed an okay product but didn't love it so wouldn't buy.

Hairy Jayne Deep Cleansing Shampoo sachet - huge Hairy Jayne fan. See my previous review here.

Rahua Shower Gel 12ml sachet - this was ok. Had a gentle lather and mild minty scent a bit like murray mint sweets. Nothing special. Wouldn't buy.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Little Treats #9

ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanser 15ml* - a delicious, rich gel cleanser, mask and exfoliator in one! It leaves the skin deeply cleansed, radiant and renewed. Apply to the skin in circular motions until the jojoba spheres melt before removing with a warmed damp muslin cloth. Leave on for 15 minutes twice a week to activate the mask. This is a super luxe product which also smells incredible. Full size is on the wishlist!

BEING Bloom Lip Service 15ml - this lip balm is scented with Vanilla and Rose - what's not to love! See my review here.

Lyonsleaf Calendula Cream 10ml - this little pot helps to soothe the skin and reduce itching. It is great for treating eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne as well as dry skin patches.

The Body Deli Solar Skin Cream 10ml - this mini came in the recent a beautiful world s/s 15 sampler box. This lotion contains SPF15 and absorbs instantly onto the skin. Perfect to use right now!

lj's Natural Solutions Balancing Organic Moisturiser 8g - this lush geranium scented moisturiser is great for all skin types, absorbing quickly and balancing the skin.

Lush Imogen Rose Solid Perfume 12g - a rosey scent with amber, vetivert and green notes. Great for slipping into a pocket or handbag for some scent on the go.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask sample* - this mask is fantastic! It brightens dull skin leaving it looking refreshed, smooth and radiant. Apply a thin layer onto the skin once a week (you can feel it working straight away!) leaving on for 15-20 minutes or so before rinsing. 

Have you tried any of these?

*PR samples

Mini Haul

Here are some of the things I've been buying lately:

I couldn't resist the new John Master's Organics Body Scrub from Naturisimo. It's one of the best scrubby body scrubs I've used but....I'm disappointed with the scent. To me it smells nothing of raspberry and orange.  If you pick it up choose the one I picked for my friend Lemon & Lime (as she has assured me it smells lovely and zesty).  I think the one I chose comes under the heading of a disappointing product.

I signed myself back up to LJ's Natural Solutions Beauty Box. See my post about it here.

Bloom Remedies have an amazing offer on right now. You can buy a maximum of 2 of their 30ml trial size moisturisers for a fiver each including P&P! See the selection here. These are great sizes to see if they suit your skin - I chose Daily Detox Organic Skincare Moisturiser which is suitable for problem, oily and combination skin types and Daily Revive Organic Skincare Moisturiser for dry and mature skin types.  Full reviews to follow!

And yes...the blogger made me buy it! I read Hephzibah's amazing review of Lippy Girl's Rosie Posie Vegan Lipstick and I knew I had to have it! See her review HERE - as you will see it's a gorgeous shade and is also highly pigmented and feels lovely on the lips. The colour lasts and lasts too! I also picked up a couple of samples too.

What have you been buying lately?

LJ's Natural Solutions: The Beauty Box

I first purchased one of Lisa's Beauty Boxes way back in September.  I recently tried her amazing Organic Purity Rose Body Oil (review) (£14.95 for 50ml) and decided I couldn't live without it so decided to sign back up to the Beauty Box choosing x 2 of the body oil. My third item this month is the Limited Edition Spring Gift Bag (full price - £7.95).

What happens is you pay full price for 2 items and the 3rd and cheapest is half price. You also receive a free sample size every month.  P&P is £2.95. I've decided to get my box every 2 months.  See more details HERE.

Inside the Spring Gift Bag is:

OMG Serum 3g

Cucumber & Watermelon Eye Serum 3g (this is amazing!)

Organic Deep Cleansing Balm 8g (review)

Balancing Organic Moisturiser 8g

These are perfect sizes to take on holiday (should last a week) or for try me. My free sample was the very lovely Organic Handbag Handlotion (5g) which I reviewed here.

What's your favourite LJ's Natural Solutions product?

March Empties

Another month I've hardly used up much. I'm not going to finish anything else before the end of the month so here goes..

bodhi & birch Siam Ginger Vitalising Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - love this. See my review here. Will buy again.

The Naked Skincare Company Evening Relax Body Oil 30ml - this was really lovely to use and I'll definitely buy. See my review here.

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Hand Wash 250ml - this is my favourite Organic Surge scent and I love this hand wash. Will buy again.  See my review here.

Thea Organic Skincare Skin Brightening Fruit Enzyme Creme Moisturiser 15ml* - this moisturiser had such an uplifting scent. See my review here. Will buy once I reduce my stash a bit.

Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes x 30 wipes - I don't use wipes a lot but tend to have a pack on the go for late nights and after exercise. I'd buy these again.  See my review here.

Therapi Orange Blossom Honey Gel Cleanser 100ml* - I simply loved this refreshing and exquisitely scented non-foaming cleanser. Sure to buy at some point. Was super-sad it's finished!  See my mini review here.

John Masters Organics Evening Primrose Shampoo for Dry Hair 60ml - I really enjoyed this and would buy full size.

lj's Organic Purity Rose Body Oil 50ml - I simply loved this rosey scented oil. See my review here. I'm signing up to the Beauty Box again at the end of the month (2 of my 3 items (every 2 months) is going to be this luxe body oil. 

Bloom Remedies Peppermint & Lemongrass Foot Balm - this is gorgeous! Rich and luxurious and kind to your feet. I'll definitely buy again.

This Works Sleep Plus+ Pillow Spray 5ml - I loved this. Full size is on the wishlist. See my review here.

SAMPLE:

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Gentle Shower Cream sachet - this was lovely to use, smells gorgeous and lasted 2 uses. Would maybe buy.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

Little Treats #7

Mauli Rituals Nourishing Shave & Beard Oil sample* - this luxe oil is great for taming eyebrows!  It is a rich blend of oils and essences and has a lovely aromatic scent. I've also tried it out after shaving my legs.  Blue Labelle Hand Oil 10ml - this super moisturising oil is simply one of the nicest hand oils I've used. See my review here.

Caudalie Premier Cru The Elixir 10ml* - I first mentioned the elixir here. I've been trying it for a few weeks now and I can honestly say it's one of these must tries!  The elixir absorbs instantly leaving the skin nourished and radiant. It's a half oil-half serum and is packed full of good things for the skin. Just apply to the face and neck AM and PM before face cream.  

Ruth Romano Lime Lip Balm 15g* - this zingy award winning balm is super-moisturising, soothing and leaves the lips scented with lime.  lj's Cucumber & Watermelon Eye Serum sample* - this rich serum smoothes, hydrates and helps to reduce fine lines. Easily absorbed it rejuvenates and nourishes the eye area.

What mini products have you been enjoying lately?

*PR samples

lj's Natural Solutions: Organic Purity Rose Body Oil

I'm a huge fan of Lisa's lovely products and being a lover of rose scents I knew I'd have to try her new Organic Purity Rose Body Oil (£14.95 - 50ml).

This super luxe oil absorbs instantly into the skin leaving it with a gentle rosey scent.  Made with Organic Argan, Rosehip and Avocado oils along with Vitamin E and Rose Essential Oil.

It regenerates, hydrates, heals, has an uplifting scent and feels lovely on the skin. My only negative (and it's small) is that I'd like it to smell a bit stronger of rose (but I know rose oil is super expensive!)

Rub onto the skin after your bath or shower for nourished and happy skin! I'll be buying it again at the end of the month for sure!

lj's Natural Solutions products contain no parabens, petrochemicals, sulphates, artificial colours or fragrances.

Have you tried this body oil? What's your favourite product from the range?

5 Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Here are a few beauty ideas for Valentines Day. 

This little Kneipp Herbal Bath Collection* (6 x 20ml - £9.95) is available to buy at Big Green Smile and is perfect if you enjoy a soak in the bath. It contains Pure Bliss (Red Poppy & Hemp) - this is one of my favourites, Enjoy Life (May Chang & Lemon), Balancing (Lavender), Stress Free (Mandarin & Orange), Sweet Dreams (Valerian & Hops) and Eucalyptus. The herbal baths are free from paraffin, silicone and mineral oils.  They lightly scent and tint the bath water and are soothing and calming.

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lj's natural solutions Valentine Little Bottle of Love (50ml - £7.95) - this heavenly scented massage oil comes with a little bag of rosepetals which you can add to your bath or sprinkle over your bed.  This Organic bath/body/massage oil is scented with Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Amyris and will uplift, calm and soothe.

Nourish Radiance Rejuvenating Peptide Serum 30ml (£20)* - this serum rejuvenates and hydrates the skin. It is perfect to use as a primer before applying make-up. It has a gorgeous rosey scent and absorbs quickly leaving the skin soft and radiant. Wear over moisturiser for a dewy glow or under for a more matt look.

Make Lucy's gorgeous Floral Bath Melts - get the recipe here. Lucy very kindly wrote a guest post for me on these fab DIY treats.

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Bamford Body Splash One Morning (£75 - 245ml) - a delicious new body splash with notes of fresh violet, jasmine, iris, musk, amber and vanilla. Use all over the body to refresh and scent.

*PR samples

October Empties

Here's what I've been using up in October:

Pinks Boutique Lemongrass Organic Toner sample size* - loved this. In fact I loved the whole mini set.  See my review here. This is one I'll buy full size.

Rosemira Aloe & Pink Grapefruit Gel Cleanser sample* - I simply loved this refreshing and super fruity cleanser.  See my review here. Sure to pick this up full size at some point as I loved it.

Rosemira Organics Calming Toner sample* - this was lovely to use. See my review here. Sure to buy some bits from the brand at some point. Love that they sell samples too.

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil 3ml* - one of my favourite Aromatherapy Associates bath oils. See my review here. Sure to buy full size one of these days!

Marble & Milkweed Tulsi Facial Tonic sample - this came in the extra special summer getaway kit. Loved it and would consider buying full size. Everything from the mini kit I've loved.

bodhi Jasmine Falls Relaxing Bath & Shower Therapy 50ml - one of my favourite bodhi & birch scents. Got another in my stash.

L'Occitane Relaxing Bath Salts 300g - I loved these and have re-purchased. See my review here.

Hotel Costes Bath Flakes 7g - loved this single use sachet. Full size firmly on the wishlist.

Madara Refreshing Fresh Mint Soap 250ml - love this. This is my second bottle and sure to buy again.  See my review here.

bodhi & birch Camomile Sky Calming Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml* - a gorgeous newish launch. See my review here. Sure to buy at some point.

Bee Good Honey, Borage & Echium Intensive Hand Repair 50ml*- love this intensive hand cream. See my review here and see the Xmas box* here.  

Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Shampoo 27ml - this was a hotel room freebie and was nice to use although I probably wouldn't buy full size.

Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Conditioner 22ml - again nice to use but probably wouldn't buy full size.

balm balm Mandarin EDT - I got this in one of the earlier Souk Souk boxes. Really liked it. It featured in Little Treats #4. Would maybe purchase.

Be Yummy Skin Food sample - I really like this cream and would buy again. See my review here.

bite beauty lip gloss - shade six - my favourite shade from the Deconstructed Rose box.  I wore it constantly. Would definitely re-purchase this shade if available.

John Masters Organics Lavender & Rosemary Shampoo 30ml - enjoyed using this. Would maybe purchase.

Tay Rosehip Balancing Cleanser 15ml* - this was nice enough but not powerful enough to remove waterproof mascara.  I tended to use it on non-make up days. Wouldn't purchase.

LJ's Natural Solutions Balancing Organic Moisturiser sample - this was really nice to use. I'd consider buying once I use up my huge stash of moisturisers.

LJ's Natural Solutions Very Indulgent Organic Face Oil 30ml - this was really lovely to use.  See my review here. I'd buy once I reduce my stash.

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - these are a staple and I'll keep buying them. See my review here.

NHP Nourish Hair Bath 250ml* - I'm sorry to have finished this super moisturising shampoo.  See my review here. I'll definitely buy.

L'Occitane Relaxing Shower Gel 35ml - this was nice to use but unsure if I'd buy again.

Neal's Yard Aromatic Foaming Bath 100ml - I enjoyed using this bubble bath but as I really prefer bath oils I probably wouldn't purchase.

Hairy Jayne Pre-Shampoo Treatment Oil 30ml - this was lovely to use. See my initial thoughts here.

Odylique Superfruit Concentrate 5ml - I simply loved this serum. Full size is on the ever expanding wishlist. See my thoughts here.

Dahliana Overnight Fruit Lift Cream trial size - I simply love this. See my review here. Full size is on the wishlist!

What have you been using this month?

*PR samples

Shopping my Stash #58

Here's what I've been reaching for lately:

Maddi Alexander Rose Beauty Balm 15ml - a super rich and deliciously scented multi-purpose balm which I've been using on dry elbows, knees, hands and to tame flyaways.  See my review here.

LJ's Natural Solutions Double Minty Organic Foot Lotion 50ml - this rich and easily absorbed foot lotion came in my Beauty Box.  It leaves the feet feeling moisturised, cared for and smelling minty.  Love!

Balm Balm Little Miracle Rosehip Serum 30ml - this came in Love Lula's amazing September Beauty Box. I simply adore this super luxe serum.  It smells gorgeous and leaves the skin looking radiant and rejuvenated. I'll buy when it runs out!

LJ's Natural Solutions Balancing Organic Face Moisturiser and Aloe Seaweed Eye Gel samples - again these two samples came in my beauty box in The Little Bag of Loveliness. The moisturiser is suitable for all skin types and smells gorgeous! It contains geranium & Roman chamomile essential oils and leaves the skin nourished and cared for. The eye gel is cooling and refreshing and helps to tend to tired and puffy eyes.

Dr Organic Manuka Honey Cuticle & Nail Solution 15ml - huge Dr Organic fan and this is lovely to use. Leaves the area around the cuticles deeply moisturised.

What products have you been reaching for lately?

The Beauty Box: LJ's Natural Solutions

I first wrote about LJ's Natural Solutions Beauty Box way back in February.  I finally took the plunge and signed up last week.

Here's how it works: you choose three items and one is half price (the lowest priced one). You also get a free trial size.  You can receive your beauty box in weeks, months or maximum 2 months.

I chose OMG Serum (£15.95 for 30g) a trial size of which also appeared in this month's Souk Souk Beauty Box.  This is a rich and luxurious serum which I've only been testing for a few days.  A full review will follow.

My second item is Double Minty Organic Foot Lotion (£5.95 for 50ml) a lovely moisturising foot lotion with a fresh minty scent.

The third item I chose (the half price one) is The Little Bag of Loveliness (£4.95 for 5 sample sizes). These are great for try me/holidays.  I'll be reviewing them shortly.

My free sample this month is Organic Man Moisturiser (I was initially disappointed with this as I'd have preferred a woman's sample but I'll get hubby to test it out).

Not the cheapest of beauty boxes as my choices work out at £27.35 including P&P.  I've opted for the 2 month subscription offer.

What do you think of the beauty box? What's your favourite LJ's Natural Solutions product?