Every Drop Water Filter

I was really excited about trying the Every Drop Water Filter as a part of House Party Chatterbox. I received a free kit that included the drop shaped portable water filter, a three month replaceable filter cartridge, a carry case and a water bottle with a rubber stopper that ingeniously holds the water filter in place while filling the bottle. I really LOVE the look of the filter and clear case - they are compact enough to be truly portable and the water droplet shape is really slick. There is definitely a cool factor to the filter and carrying case. I've seen nothing like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4psbKXjeHo

I have city water, and while I am sure it is clean and completely potable, it has an unmistakeably chemical taste which actually affects the quality of the coffee I make. When I am spending $12 a pound for fair trade organic half caff, I am not going to stand for it to be compromised by funny tasting water. My solution thus far has been to use a Brita pitcher, which admittedly does fine for the coffee application. The drawback to the Brita is waiting for the pitcher to filter the water once it has been poured in. It's a minor inconvenience, of course, who can't wait 5 minutes to finish filling up the coffee pot? It's just a little annoying is all. That being said, it becomes a larger annoyance when filling something that needs more water than the pitcher can hold. I have found that using the Every Drop Water Filter is ideal for filling pots of water for cooking - it provides a continuous stream directly from the tap to the pot, with the filter straining out the impurities for better tasting food.

Next stop: work. Seemed like a great idea to have a portable water filter that travels to the gym, to work, on vacation, almost anywhere. I usually lug in a gallon jug of water to keep at my desk, but this seems like a great alternative. The water at work is city water also, but it doesn't taste as chemically as it does when it gets to my house. There is a distinct chlorine taste, however. I filled my rubber topped water bottle (which is really cool for holding the drop shaped filter in place for filling) right from the tap. I was unable to fill at the drinking fountain since the filter and water bottle combo is too tall to make that work. The filter itself is uniquely shaped like a water drop, so it draws attention. Co-workers wanted to know what I was doing, so I explained the Every Drop Water Filter and tried the water. I noticed a marked improvement in taste, although there is still a faint, lingering chlorine flavor.

Overall, I find this filter easy to use and pretty effective. Plus, it's cute! On the downside, gauging the correct water flow into the filter took a little getting used to, since too much water going in (faster than it drains out) causes an overflow and unfiltered water to pour into whatever container you are filling. The optimal tap flow is a bit slower than what I was expecting, but I think once I am accustomed to the proper flow rate, I won't have to pay so much attention to that. I admit that am not overwhelmed with excitement over this product, and continued use of it most likely will depend on the cost of the replacement filters. It does work as advertised and cutting down on water bottles is a worthy endeavor, so I will also see if I can get into the habit of reaching for the Every Drop every time I need water.

Meaningful Beauty Creme de Serum

Influenster recently provided me the opportunity to try a free product from Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty line. I was aware of the super model's line of skin care, more by accidentally coming across an infomercial than any first hand experience or word of mouth. I thought the products were available via QVC or perhaps directly ordering from a website, but it seemed like a gamble to order something I was unable to try. From a look at the Meaningful Beauty, it appears that the products have been available for 1o years, with new innovations added as they happen. it looks like the company focus is on selling packages - it makes sense to me to promote a coordinated line of skin care vs. a piecemeal approach. I think the theory is that all the products complement each other and work together. It is hard to guarantee success of your product if the client is also using something that is not helpful!

The product I was sent is the "Creme de Serum", which looks like a swirl of different colored lotions packaged together in a helix-like design that mingle when dispensed. From the website: "This crème de la crème treatment takes a triple approach to combating the signs of aging with three powerful anti-aging ingredients: superantioxidant melon complex, anti-aging peptides and hyaluronic acid. Combining the power of a serum with the rich, moisturizing effects of a crème, this super-boost is designed to help protect, increase hydration and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." A tall order, but those of us who regularly try and /or use anti-aging products are keenly aware of the big promises they advertise and the hope that they inspire. As a result, I always try these things with a healthy dose of skepticism...

The product itself is nicely packaged, and the pump nozzle of the container dispenses just the right amount of product. I must say that I absolutely LOVE how this creme goes on the skin. If a lotion could be cashmere, this would be it. The texture is divine - silky and soft, and spreadable without tugging. The swirled effect of the lotion itself is also appealing somehow. It makes it seem special, as though the 3 ingredients are really separate until applied. It feels very luxurious and high end. I was also really pleased with the hydration of this product. My skin feels wonderful! I have a problem sometimes with sensitive skin and so many anti-aging products seem focused on cell turnover, which in my case sometimes translates to dryness and flaky skin. Now that the winter weather is upon us,I have to be careful not to use anything too drying. This creme fills the bill - it is not dehydrating at all.

I like this enough to keep using it now that I have had the opportunity to try it. From the website, I see that I can order it as part of a skin care collection for $39.95. I haven't had a lot of opportunity to evaluate the anti aging properties of the creme - it can be difficult to rule on a new product until you have been using it for a while, since so much of anti aging skin care is preventative. That being said, I really like this product and if it works as good as it feels, my skin will never look better!

Learn more about the Crème de Serum: http://www.meaningfulbeauty.com/products/products,default,pg.html
Meaningful Beauty purchasing information: http://www.meaningfulbeauty.com/select-a-system/order,default,pg.html

#MeaningfulBeauty @Influenster #CremedeSerum # GotItForFree