Have an Eco-Friendly Christmas!
December 13, 2009 by Karissa
Filed under Info You Want to Know
Christmas is a ’spendy”, no holds barred, extravagant time of year. I can’t speak for Kwanzaa or Hanukkah as I have never been 
around a family celebrating those, but I am sure they are too!
So here are a few ideas to help you keep your year long green missions in check, and not ruin all of the eco-friendly efforts we all do.
- Use LED lights. find these at any home shopping store. HomeDepot, Lowes etc. You will not only save eco-face but save money on your energy bill too! Send old strands of old school incandescent lights to HolidayLeds.com they will take care of recycling!
- Make your own decor. Use pinecones, acorns, sprigs from trees, holly. Anything that is pretty, festive and not destined to be around for the next thousands of years (plastic). String Popcorn and Berries for your tree. It is a great family project. My mom and I always did this while my dad and brother went out for the tree. (my favorite memories)
- Reusable Bags for gifting and shopping. Make your gift a two-fer! Give them a reusable Christmas bag. I got 3 nice, Christmas ones at TJ Maxx yesterday for only $2.99. And make sure you take your own to the stores too. or use Ecoration bags!
- If you feel guilty not wrapping, or want the kiddos to be able to actually unwrap presents (i love this!) make sure you find a recycled christmas wrapping paper. And please recycle all papers! Find at EarthLoven.com and GreenPaperStudio.com.
- Buy and use a real tree! Fake trees are no good. not at all. Petroleum based and in no way recyclable or compostable. Either get a tree with roots and plant it (this is what we did growing up) or take it to be made into wood chips and use those around the yard.
- Buy Eco-friendly gifts. Replace your lotion and candle sets with some of the organic and/or natural ones you have read about on Prissy Green. Buy Soy or Beeswax candles. Find at Dancing Dingo and my store, Prissy Green!
- Skip paper cards. Unless you use a family picture for your cards, consider a phone call or an E-card instead. Try and keep the over 2 billion Christmas cards out of the trash and recycling bins!
- Holiday Dinner? Think of hitting up your local farmers market for a free range turkey. Fresh vegetables and anything else they might have. Cheese, milk etc. Dinner will taste better, be better for you, and you will be doing your part so you will feel better!
- Kill the paper plates and plastic forks. If you just have to have some of those items, try shopping at LetsGoGreen.biz so you are getting the most eco-friendly and compostable varieties. Use code KRG20 to save 20%.
Harry & David Giveaway *closed*
I am sad to say my review items haven’t arrived just yet. But considering I have nonched on a couple Harry and David Pears before, I am confident to say, my package will be nothing less then outstanding. Fresh and beautifully arranged.
I always remember their Pears being fresh and juicy, and no bumps bruises or blemishes to be found. I do know a friend who loves their chocolate covered gummy bears!
I won’t bore you with all of Harry & Davids green efforts, but wow, they are moving and cruisin that department. From cutting down on paper consumption since 2003 by 35%, to energy conservation. Plus they grow most of what they sell, so sustainable farming comes into play as well.
They even have organics!
Harry & David is far from being just Pears. They have baked goods, chocolates, home decor, salsa, jams and even ready to make baked goods. Make your own gift basket, or give them a price and you will get the perfect present anytime.
They have this amazing Fruit of the Month Clubs, that start at only $79! And right now you can get free shipping to go along with that by entering the code, GIVE at checkout. I would love a monthly gift like that! Who wouldn’t?
Harry & David would like to extend a marvelous Gift Code to one lucky Prissy Green reader. The winner will receive a whopping $250 gift code! AND the best news? Since it is a code, you can use it for the holidays!
To enter, visit Harry & David and tell me which Fruit of the Month Club you personally would most like to receive?
Extra Entries: (you must do the mandatory entry, then the extra entries, please leave a separate comment for all entries) =)
- Subscribe to Prissy Updates (emails) You must must validate the email. (2 entries)
- Sign up for my RSS feed.
- Stumble & write a SHORT StumbleUpon Review and/or Add to Del.icio.us Bookmarks. (leave user name for both)
- Become a Fan of Prissy Green on Facebook.
- Follow Prissy Green on Twitter and Tweet the contest. You can do this daily.
- Blog about this contest for THREE entries. ** You must link to the giveaway.
- Unlimited entries. Post on any non-giveaway post. Leave link. It must be relevant to the topic. Only one comment per post, but you can do this for as many posts as you like. Each comment is worth 1 entry, so you can not use it for multiple giveaways.
Winner will be contacted on Wednesday 12/16. Contest closes at 11:59pm EST on 12/15. Winner will be drawn from Random.org and verified per the rules.
Winner was Elana! Congrats! Winner has been contacted and responded. thank you all!
Vaska Moving on Up!
December 2, 2009 by Karissa
Filed under Promotions & Random
VASKA, a Berkeley based producer of green, botanically based laundry care products for the commercial, institutional and consumer markets, is pleased to announce that it has introduced its green laundry chemical system to Winter Park Resort in Winter Park, Colorado (www.winterparkresort.com), an Intrawest property (www.intrawest.com), making it the first resort to wash with green chemicals.
VASKA has changed the rules of commercial laundry by introducing a plant-based ‘herbatergent’ that was honored with the EPA’s SDSI (Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative) designation and other environmentally responsible biodegradable products that clean as effectively as traditional chemicals without damaging linens in the process. Vaska competes load for load on price and quality with traditional chemical approaches. The health of laundry workers and the local environment is a top priority, avoiding exposure to petroleum based detergents and solvents.
Michelle Petersen, Uniform Services Foreman, introduced Vaska products in the laundry facility that washes uniforms for the resort’s 2000 workers as well as the food and beverage linens for Winter Park’s four company owned restaurants. Petersen brought in Vaska to replace the previous chemical provider whose products were not cost efficient, not effective and not green.
According to Petersen, “The harsh chemicals we were using in our machines were ruining the waterproofing in the outdoor garments worn by the mountain staff. We have more than half a million dollars in high tech gear, and Vaska allows us to get these garments clean and protect our investment.”
Julia Fry, VASKA’s CEO, learned to ski at Winter Park with her family. She has wonderful memories of racing down the mountain with her siblings and cousins, and she is excited to be able to make a contribution to a resort that is a refuge for so many local outdoor enthusiasts.
“VASKA is passionate about cleaning without poisoning the planet. We need to do everything we can to preserve the environmental quality of national treasures like the Rocky Mountains.”
Vaska is also the cleaning agent for the uniforms for the San Francisco Giants.
And remember, you heard about Vaska here first!
Buy Vaska at Drugstore.com. OxBleach (no chlorine blech), herbatergent-lavenderV and unscented as well as spot remover!
The Tote Buddy Review and 48 Hr Giveaway (Closed)
When I got grocery shopping, I buy a cart full. I rarely bother to go if I am not needing multiple items. Craig sometimes goes to the store more then once a day. So when I go, I need all of my reusable bags with me. The problem is, they are all scattered about. My car, my trunk, my office, the garage. They are never all together and I am not sure why!
So when I received an email introducing me to The Tote Buddy, I laughed at how simple and yet how smart of a solution it is!
Watch this really quick video.
See what I mean about simple and yet sooo smart!?
And they come in a man’s inconspicuous black and a pretty flowery print too.
What I received was The Tote Buddy In floral, and with 3 heavy duty, jumbo sized reusable totes. It is so practical and helps me stay organized. AND instead of being a bag that become separated from the pack, all three are always with The Tote Buddy. What I have been doing is either leaving it in the laundry room on the doorway to the garage) or simply taking it back out to my car.
Each Solution contains 3 jumbo/heavy duty bags, and you can fit up to 10! And the Solution is only $7.99. Or you can buy the original Tote Buddy and it comes in Black and contains 1 black bag and it is priced at $5.99.
The Tote Buddy is The World’s First Reusable Bag Organizer!
It is made of 100% recyclable materials.
The Tote Buddy is the perfect shopping companion!
The Tote Buddy is passionately dedicated to ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’.
The Tote Buddy neatly organizes reusable grocery bags, so that they can be kept nearby and used for every shopping trip.
I have TWO Solution Tote Buddies to giveaway! Your choice of Black or Floral. Contest ends on 12/2!
To enter, tell me if you would use this for yourself or give it as a gift?
Extra Entries: (you must do the mandatory entry, then the extra entries, please leave a separate comment for all entries) =)
- Subscribe to Prissy Updates (emails) You must must validate the email. (2 entries)
- Vote for me at Divine Caroline and get THREE extra entries. leave your vote #. Only valid until 12/4, old votes do not count, sorry!
- Stumble & write a SHORT StumbleUpon Review and/or Add to Del.icio.us Bookmarks. (leave user name for both)
- Become a Fan of Prissy Green on Facebook and The Tote Buddy.
- Follow Prissy Green & The Tote Buddy on Twitter and Tweet the contest. You can do this daily.
- Blog about this contest for Two entries. ** You must link to the giveaway.
Contest winners are always chosen by random.org and verified per rules. Contest ends at 11:59pm EST, on 12/02. Open to US.
disclosure: I did receive items for review, but was under no obligation to report with a review. opinions are still 100% my own.
Olivia Gardens Healthy Hair P7 Review
This seasons hair trend seems to be Long & Luscious. So if you have that style or know someone who does, Olivia Gardens Healthy Hair P7 is the must have gift! I have been using mine for a couple weeks and I seem to be losing less hair. It also seems to smooth my hair much better then the cheapy brush I was using before. Well actually the fat comb I normally use on my hair.
I normally have to spray my hair down in the winter with a shine spray to keep it from getting static electricity. But I have a feeling with this P7, that might not need to happen this year. The way it is created will brush the natural oils of my hair evenly throughout, and hopefully prevent static!
A large paddle brush with ionic cushion and bristles, the Healthy Hair P7 helps to close off the hair cuticle, while creating a protective barrier that protects hair and adds shine. Perfect for smoothing and adding luster and body to your strands, it is gentle on your scalp and helps to restore moisture balance to even the dullest locks.
Made from 100% bamboo, the Eco-chic P7 is not only environmentally-friendly, it also works to stimulate blood circulation and leave you with scintillatingly sexy and ultra healthy hair. Natural bamboo hair brush wth Ionic cushion.
Scalp massage activates blood cell circulation
Helps stimulate hair growth & reduce hair loss
Promotes healthy hair cells & healthy scalp
Restores hair balance & Shine – Anti-static
The Healthy Hair Large Ionic Paddle Brush retails for only $12.50!
Purchase Olivia Garden products at Ulta, Trade Secrets, Sally’s and maybe even at your professional salon.
New Terra Living Review (round 2)
A couple weeks ago I wrote about how I was now in love with my new organic cotton yoga pants from New Terra Living.
Well now I have a t-shirt to go along with them!
Can’t even tell you how many times I have felt like saying this to family. As The Green Fly Shop (shirt creator) so kindly puts it: News Flash: There is NO Garbage Fairy, okay. So do what the shirt sez, wouldja’? Reduce, Recycle, Reuse. And if you’re community doesn’t recycle then let us know (info@greenflyshop.com) – maybe they’ll make our maggot of the month!
Ultra soft, ring spun, combed 100% Organic Cotton.
Made by member manufacturers of the Fair Labor Association: a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting international labor standards and improving working conditions worldwide
Warning: not for pansies, wimps, cry-babies, whiners, the faint of heart, people easily offended or boring folks that are just like everybody else.
In case you missed some of the products New Terra Living carries let me tell you they have a bit of everything for the green chic recycler in all of us. Organic Cotton baby clothes, household cleaning (ecover, seventh generation), eco-friendly jewelry and more! It is a must see for yourself site!
Green Chic and Eco-Friendly Finds
November 19, 2009 by Karissa
Filed under Info You Want to Know
Factio Magazine just returned for Islands of the World Fashion Week, Nassau Bahamas! Here’s our recap.
Fashion Pulse Daily lands an exclusive q&a with Wendy Crowe of Wendy Glez Organic, a fabulous new eco-friendly lingerie and lounge wear brand.
Looking Sharp! just discovered a Pittsburgh-based eco-friendly fashion line Jonano!
Posh Swaps checks out the latest in very stylish eco shoes with her post Terra Plana – recycled quilt shoes.
Runway To Retail checks out Carrie Underwood on the December cover of Lucky Magazine wearing Lana Jewelry’s Sin Earrings!
FaceFacts Review and Giveaway All Natural Lip Colors!
Natural Lipsticks and Lip Liners have somehow exuded my beauty arsenal for years. I basically went from lead filled awful lipsticks to only wearing lipbalm, or a balm with some color. Like Yes to Carrots and Kiss My Face Shimmers. The problem is that those shimmers come off pretty quick. Don’t have a lot of depth. Perfect for some occasions, but there are always times when I wanted to GLAM it up a little more.
And yes, today I am introducing you to FaceFacts. The brand that has brought me back to loving lipstick! Sincerely. All natural and even certified organic ingredients go into make their 100% natural Lipsticks and 100% Natural LipLiners. (the products themselves aren’t certified YET!) They have moisture for hours and color just as long.
* No Animal Testing * Recyclable Packaging * Contains Mineral Pigments * Parabens Free *
* No Mineral Oil * No Petrolatum * No Certified Dyes and Lakes * No Lead *
This line was created by Make-Up Artist Lori Hoffman, who saw the need to a luxury skin line, that was truly all natural. We do ingest lipstick so we need to make certain that what creates it; is nothing less then something we would not be afraid to eat!
LipFacts Lipstick is 100% Natural, color-rich, long wearing, ultra emollient formulation in shades ranging from natural beige and browns to vivid plum and burgundy. The creamy base conditions lips and provides a stay-put stain. Botanical ingredients provide nourishing moisturizers, smoothing waxes, non-greasy oils, and vitamins.
The White Stick contains a high brilliance and iridescence which customizes the other shades when applied beneath or on top. Gently scented with Ylang Ylang. (ooohh, now I have to try the White Stick!)
I was sent a couple colors to try, and they have been my go to lip products every since. I have the Berry Mauve and Plum Brandy. I have one in my bathroom and the other in my purse. I am not always an easy color with lip color, but no second guessing with FaceFacts colors seem to be universal- Any skin tone can wear them. Any hair color. Any eye color. Both colors light up my face and make me wonder why I didn’t go searching for natural lipstick before! I knew it was out there, but I guess I forgot how much I loved it!
I also have been playing around with FaceFacts LipFacts Lip Liner Pencils. Before applying our lipstick, use the pencil to outline and define your lip shape, as well as to prevent the lipstick from fading, bleeding, or feathering. Also use the pencil to fill-in the lips as a base coat before applying the lipstick for longer lasting coverage.
I have Plum and Wine. Wine is a little bit more dazzling and better suited for night out. Plum is m go to anytime color. Colors again set for any skin tone. so soft, they don’t tear at my lips even when they are dry. And these naturally derived color pencils are made from sustainably harvested California Cedar Wood.
**Don’t let that scare you about the Wine Pencil. I have a lot of color in my lips naturally, so everything goes on darker on me.
FaceFacts also has some new items coming out soon. A truly unique lip cream, healed my sick dry lips in one treatment AND a Lip Scrub!
These truly were the best beauty item to happen to me in a while. I missed lipstick and I didn’t even know it! I had become a gloss girl. A colored lip balm girl. No more! I am striking back with bold, healthy lips with a moisture and color!
And yes! THREE of you will be able to try FaceFacts LipFacts for yourselves for FREE!
The First Prize winner will receive: 3 Lip Sticks and 3 Lip Liners. Passion Fruit, Berry Mauve, Bronze Shimmer, Praline, Mocha and Wine. Plus some sample goodies! That pack is well worth over $120!!!
The TWO Runner-Up winners will each receive: a Berry Mauve Lip Stick and a Mocha Lip Pencil and of course some samples too! Two $40 prizes!
To enter please go to visit FaceFacts and tell me what color LipFacts LipStick and LipLiner you would most like to try!
I KNOW you can just look above, but Lori is sponsoring a very very generous giveaway for us here at Prissy Green, so I know you can take 1 minute out to open the page and go visit! =) If you really want to get a better idea of the colors, click on “buy now” and then click on the lipstick. From there you can enlarge the lipsticks and see the colors a little better.
Extra Entries: (you must do the mandatory entry, then the extra entries, please leave a separate comment for all entries) =)
- Subscribe to Prissy Updates (emails) You must must validate the email.
- Sign up for my RSS feed.
- Vote for me at Divine Caroline and get THREE extra entries. (must leave vote #.)
- Write a positive review (a sentence is fine) of Prissy Green at Alexa.com, and leave the name you used. 5 star review=2 entries.
- Use the Share button below, Stumble, Digg etc. Leave a link or User name. Do as many or as few as you like. (no technorati)
- Follow Prissy Green on Twitter and Tweet the contest. You can do this daily.
- Blog about this contest for THREE entries. ** You must link to the giveaway.
Contest winners are always chosen by random.org and verified per rules. Contest ends at 11:59pm EST, on 12/2. Open to US.
Disclaimer:I was provided me with a samples of these producst to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
Athleta Clothing Review
I would like to think most of you know my style by now. I am pretty relaxed, I like khakis and color. I love fun shoes. I love tee’s and sweatshirts, and sweaters. I love longish skirts and dresses in the spring and summer. As a friend dubbed my long ago, I am a Prissy Hippie. But really as far as dressing goes, I am far far far from being Prissy. Yes I do like to look nice, but most days you will find me in yoga pants and a tee, and if chilly a fleece.
So one day I was browsing the interwebz. I love window shopping. So I come across Athleta. Immediately I fall in love lust. Yoga gear, great shoes, running attire. Clothing that can take you straight from the Yoga mat to cocktails with a friend. Plus with Athleta being in the Gap family, I knew it would be quality.
I was the extremely lucky recipient of a couple boxes of surprises from Athleta. Basically I gave them some sizes and they sent it out. Knowing that I loved every item on the site, and every item I had previewed in the Holiday look-book, I was going to be thrilled! And outfitted!
Take a look at these!
athleta Lodge Pant Several colors
These pants are made like jean, pockets in back and all. But are made from recycled polyester and spandex. Which means they are water wicking. My sloppy butt loves that! no stains! I have lounged in these pants, thanks to the spandex and I have also worn them out for couple dinners.
The Lodge Pant has a boot-cut fit with a flattering flat front, an extended tab zip/snap closure, internal waist adjustment, two front mesh-lined jean style pockets, one right leg zip pocket, two back patch pockets, and Athleta chi logo rivets.
Love these Velvet beauties too! Called Covara. Might make it to my Christmas List!
Velvet is at its best when broken in, so we weathered the fabric on this semi-fitted, jean style pant to make it feel like an old favorite the first time you put it on. The straight leg cut and seams down front and backs of legs offer a flattering fit. Two jean pockets at front, two hidden zip pockets at back, and one hidden front zip pocket at right.
The most used, so far, from the items I was sent is this gorgeous Cashmere mix sweater. The warm fall weather has helped me get more use out it! The Yama Sweater vest.
Because of the Olive Brown tone, I am able to pair this with so many color combinations. My favorite color is green, so as you can imagine, I LOVE IT! I am 5′8″ but a lot of my height is in my torso, so this rides me a little high, but not really that big of a deal. I just happen to built a little “off.”
I have never owned anything Cashmere. Now this isn’t 100% but the combo of Bamboo and Cashmere make it so silky soft!
- Rayon from bamboo, Tencel Lyocell, Acrylic, Nylon, Cashmere
- Imported.
- Hand wash.
On cool days that need a quick warm-up, this semi-fitted hoodie vest is made from our soft Bambooloo sweater knit to be a perfect core-warmer. With a V-neck and rib knit trim, the Yama Sweater Vest has a removable tie, a three-snap front, and kimono cap sleeves. Two front snap pockets stash money and ID.
Altheta has some really nice sporty jackets and coats too. They can be multi-purpose and be sporty, but some of these are nice enough to wear no matter what you are doing! I am drooling. Athleta does a fantastic job mixing colors, with out making women look gaudy and older then they are.
Another new favorite of mine, Eco-licious Half Zip.
Made from eco-licious- recycled Spandex and Polyester blend. And believe me when I say, it is LUXURY at its finest in athletic wear. It keeps me warm, allows for movement, plus there is literally no bulk if I need to layer up.
If you are style impaired or just need a little help putting outfits together, Athleta has a special section called, “Get Outfitted.” Let Athleta put your ensemble together for you, right down to your handbag and shoes!
Right now All orders over $50 Ship free!
Plus they are with Piperlime, Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic so they are always having shipping sales and deals for buying from multiple stores!
Natural Grace Review and Giveaway
Owner Heather McCoy first became interested in natural skin care in 1995 when her oldest daughter, “Grace” was born. As a baby Grace’s skin was very sensitive and she was always breaking out with hive like patches all over her body which made her absolutely miserable! After several trips to the Pediatrician her doctor concluded that “it could be anything” causing the breakouts. Heather was desperate to find a solution so she began to research and learned about the dangers associated with the use of so many chemical ingredients found in most commercial or synthetic bath and body products. She then began educating herself in herbal skin care and Aromatherapy and was hooked! Once Heather started using quality natural products on her daughter’s skin she was happily cured of all the blotchy spots and a much happier baby. From then on her little girl was a “Natural” Baby and a company was born.
The key to a great product is using the best ingredients. All of their products are Aloe Vera Based, Safe, Affordable, Fresh, Earth Friendly & Made in USA.
They never use any toxic ingredients, parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance oils (Phthalates), artificial colorants, retinols, petroleum and are never tested on Animals (Cruelty Free).
The excitement exudes from Heather’s emails to me. It is so much more fun to work with an excited owner then a company just going through the steps of PR. Don’t get me wrong there are some fantastic PR reps out there, but working with the owner of a company allows for more insight and chemistry for a great review and product response.
Sensual from Natural Grace
Heather sent me two products to test out. I have to tell you. I heart them both. The first is a HUGE container of her Elegant Touch Perfume Balm Sensual. I wish I could use a scratch n sniff webpage just this once. The scent is alluring and yet so soft and light. Enriched with skin conditioning Cocoa Butter, Sweet Almond and Apricot Kernal Oils to sooth & an exotic blend of pure essential oils to entice the senses.
Scent: Exotic blend of Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Orange Sweet, Lavender, Sandalwood, and Jasmine. There is no scent from these that seems to be the top note. It is more like they all combine to make one sweet, exotic and sexy scent. Because of the large 2 oz. container, I have been using this as a cuticle cream too. I have it in a basket I keep in the living room and reapply all day. Not because the scent has left, but because I want to smell it all over again!
Olives and Butter Cream Body Whip
Heather also sent me Natural Grace’s Olive and Buttercream Body Whip with Aloe, Olive & Shea Butter. Finally, an incredibly moisturizing body cream, that I can dress immediately after applying. I don’t always shower in the morning, so being in the buff, an applying lotions can get chilly! I like to be able to throw on some clothes after, Or even use at night before dressing for bed, but the thoughts of getting cold is not always appealing. Knowing I can get dressed as I apply, helps keep my skin nice and moisturized! So far anyways! We’ll see if I still feel the same way come 20 degree highs!
With just a slight scent of Lavender, Rosemary and Citrus Essential Oils, you can layer with the Sensual Balm and really feel special! The Shea butter and aloe an truly healing, and feel so light and emollient. This may just become my go to moisturizer all year long! In fact I love the line so much, they will be one of the select few I carry at the new Prissy Green store! (coming soon!)
Natural Grace would like to offer one Prissy Green readers $25 gift certificate! There is so much to Natural Grace’s shop then just this Sensual Balm and Buttercream Whip.
So to enter, visit Natural Grace and tell me what other product there you would like to own or give for the holidays.
Please choose something besides the two items reviewed.
Extra Entries: (you must do the mandatory entry, then the extra entries, please leave a separate comment for all entries) =)
- Subscribe to Prissy Updates (emails) You must must validate the email.
- Sign up for my RSS feed.
- Vote for me at Divine Caroline and get THREE extra entries. must leave vote #.
- Write a positive review (a sentence is fine) of Prissy Green at Alexa.com, and leave the name you used. 5 star review=2 entries.
- Use the Share button below, Stumble, Digg etc. Leave a link or User name. Do as many or as few as you like. (no technorati)
- Become a Fan of Natural Grace on Facebook.
- Follow Prissy Green and Natural Grace on Twitter and Tweet the contest. You can do this daily.
- Blog about this contest for THREE entries. ** You must link to the giveaway.
Contest winners are always chosen by random.org and verified per rules. Contest ends at 11:59pm EST, on 11/30. Open to US.
Disclaimer: Natural Grace provided me with a free samples of these producst to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
