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Few months ago, awesome Judith sent me her wonderful products, Kishu. Here is their website.
You can purchase Kishu at their website store, or Rainbow Grocery (SF), or Staff of Life (Santa Cruz)

Kishu is a unique charcoal water-filter that has been used by the Japanese for centuries to purify the drinking water. This is exclusive to the forests of Wakayama. Holm oak trees are sustainable harvested then slowly fired in traditional kiln ovens over many days.
All you do is place the charcoal in a pitcher of tap water. Then it is immediately absorbs the impurities. It also puts healthy minerals like calcium and potassium. For optimal absorption, it’s good to let it sit overnight.
This charcoal makes the water taste almost sweet (in a good way). I can really taste “pure” water. VERY refreshing. One piece of this charcoal lasts up to six months. Then you can compost it! This products is good for both humans and environment!!!!
I am totally in love with this product. It has been only two months since I started using it. Now, I can’t drink tap water or even bottled water because this charcoal really makes water taste good and different! I stay hydrated longer too. The best part if that everything about this product is eco-friendly. Even the packaging can be composted!!! I cannot ask for anything better than this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: “Most charcoal water purification systems require the water to run through a filter. Given that Kishu just sits in the water, how does it take out all the impurities?”
Answer: “Charcoal is a natural absorber of impurities, whether it’s in the form of charcoal granules or a solid stick of charcoal. The absorption of impurities occurs whenever water comes into contact with the charcoal, no matter its form. Commonly used plastic casings are simply holding the charcoal granules in a container as opposed to using the full stick of charcoal.”
Question: “How long does one stick of Kishu last?”
Answer: “One stick of Kishu lasts up to six months, purifying approximately 2 quarts of water per day. It is recommended that the stick be boiled in a shallow pan of water for 10 minutes every month or so to keep the exterior pores open.”
Question: “How do I know when the Kishu is no longer working?”
Answer: “After six months, boil the Kishu stick again. If you don’t see a profusion of bubbles circulating around the Kishu stick when it is returned to the pitcher and water is added, the stick has reached its capacity to absorb toxins. At that point, you can either compost it in the garden or use it as an art object in your home-Kishu is beautiful after all!”
How It Works
Kishu is sterilized and ready to use upon opening the package.
Simply place the Kishu in your pitcher, your water bottle, your tea kettle and add water. Although Kishu begins absorbing impurities immediately, its optimal effect takes about 5 hours.
Because Kishu is so absorbent it will take on the odors in a refrigerator if stored in an uncovered pitcher. (See About)
Every 1-2 months, simply boil Kishu in a shallow pan of water for 10 minutes. Allow to dry. Then reuse.
Kishu is completely compostable and, in fact, will add nutrients to the soil, so bury it in your garden after you have finished using it.
Kishu’s packaging is also completely compostable so you can put it in your compost and it will break-down completely.
Conscious Box sent me one of the monthly boxes to review and giveaway on this blog, thank you~

Conscious Box is a monthly subscription service focusing on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. You’ll receive one Conscious Box per month, and you can choose the plan that works best for you (with some serious savings along the way!)
- Get a variety of unique pure & natural products every month
- From organic food to vegan beauty products, you’re sure to find new favorites
- Discover ethical and purpose-driven businesses of all sizes
- Get content on daily living tips, exciting monthly themes, and creative ways to use your box!
My Thoughts: I absolutely love their value and products. I love them especially because they’re vegan and sustainable for the environment. Not only are they good for us, but also for the nature too! That’s a plus!
I received November box and it included most of the products that are pictured above. I really enjoyed different types of the vegan snacks. Also, I loved discovering new facial (such as chap-stick) and environment-friendly (such as detergent, dish soap) things.
Another aspect I like about this company is the design. Loved the boxes that the products came in. I can tell that each box was carefully selected and made by hands. The box was wrapped in cute green ribbon and each product was carefully put inside green tissue paper. Things that could be broken were wrapped individually. I felt the love and care that went in the box. I felt special to receive such special box!
How wonderful that would be to receive a box like this every month! The price if unbelievable too. It is only $19 per month!!!! delivered right to your door
Lucky for you readers, I can choose one reader of this blog to receive this month’s special box.
1. Comment below, about anything you want to say.
2. Have you ever signed up for program like this, where products are delivered to your door? What is/was it?
3. Sign up to receive my posts! on the left column, please!
4. Subscribe to my blog via google reader!
This giveaway ends on the 21st of Feb!.
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
Hi everyone!
Do you guys remember my past posts on Somme Institute products? Here and here.
I have another review for you guys from the same company: Boost

What is it? A gentle warming mask that purifies, nourishes and leaves the skin feeling smooth with pumpkin enzymes, minerals, vitamins and Patented MDT5 Technology. Gentle enough for all skin types, this product prepares the skin to better receive and absorb the 5-Step Regimen.
Who is it for? ALL skin types & MOST skin conditions. Sun Damage, Fine Lines & Wrinkes, Acne, Rosacea all while improving skin discoloration, tone, texture and clarity.
Why is it different? In addition to Patented MDT5 and free radical fighting anti-oxidants, Boost contains pumpkin enzymes to increase cellular regeneration; Zeolite, a natural mineral to warm the skin and open the pores enabling Kaolin to aptly absorb excess oil, dirt and impurities.
How do I use it? 1-3 times a week is suggested but Boost can be used daily as well without harm. After Nourishing Cleanser on dry skin, apply Boost to forehead, cheeks and chin and massage Boost onto skin for a couple of minutes. Leave Boost on the skin for 7-10 minutes and then remove with a warm towel. Continue with Transport.
This helps to repair sun damage, reverse fine lines and wrinkles, eliminate acne without side effects, and will not clog pores.
My skin is really sensitive so I always have to watch out what I use. I am always afraid to use products that I’ve never used before because of this problem. However, after using several of Somme’s products, I can confidently say and use their products without worrying. None of the products I’ve used so far give me any problem. I love them so much!
Also, I’ve noticed a nice difference to my face. My face is glowing but is not oily. My face is feeling fresh without the coldness that delivers dryness. I really love their eye creme but this Boost mask seems to take my skin to the next level where I feel clean and clear. I used this product along with the 5-step regiment products that I reviewed in my first review of this company.
If you are looking for skin care products that can help your face to be healthy and glowing, you should give Somme a try!
Junghwa

