Yay, my first-ever tagged post! I was tagged by Chelsey from The Girly Enthusiast to do the "Get to Know Me" tag. I've seen YouTube vloggers participate in tags before, but I guess I never realized that they were out there for bloggers, too. So read on if you're interested in learning more about me :)
The Rules
1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus eleven questions for the people you have tagged to answer.
3. Choose eleven people and link them in your tag.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. No tag backs.
6. You legitimately have to tag.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Waxelene Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers
I recently received a jar of Waxelene in the mail to review, and I'll admit I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Here is the product description:
I love the cute little bumblebee on the jar! I knew that this was beeswax based, and I expected it to be, well, waxy in texture. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. Once I tried it, though, I realized that it was completely different than I had imagined. Turns out, the consistency reminded me most of a body butter. It's a very thick, creamy, and potent moisturizer. Waxelene has many uses: to remove makeup, to moisturize all over, to tame flyaways in your hair...I first tried using this to remove my eye makeup, but then decided to use it as a body butter for my dry ankles and elbows.
I love the consistency of this product! The jar I received contained 2 oz of product, which I know will last me a while because a little goes a long way. It works so much better than petroleum jelly and is so much better for you (in my opinion), too. There are only four ingredients, which are listed above in the product description. A 2 oz jar costs $6.99 and a 9 oz jar will cost you $15.99; you can purchase some online at the Waxelene website (linked below), or at various shops and Whole Foods markets.
The kind folks at Waxelene have offered a jar of this awesome product for one of my readers! You can enter to win after the "read more."
Waxelene - The Petroleum Jelly Alternative. Made of Organic Soy Oil, Beeswax, Organic Rosemary Oil, and Natural Vitamin E (from soybeans). That's it, no petroleum or artificial ingredients. 2oz size glass jar.When I first heard about this review/giveaway opportunity on Mom Blog Society and saw that description, I was very interested because I don't like petroleum jelly-based products, but I do like natural products. I'm glad I was selected for this review because I've found a new favorite product!
I love the cute little bumblebee on the jar! I knew that this was beeswax based, and I expected it to be, well, waxy in texture. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. Once I tried it, though, I realized that it was completely different than I had imagined. Turns out, the consistency reminded me most of a body butter. It's a very thick, creamy, and potent moisturizer. Waxelene has many uses: to remove makeup, to moisturize all over, to tame flyaways in your hair...I first tried using this to remove my eye makeup, but then decided to use it as a body butter for my dry ankles and elbows.
- Learn more about Waxelene, purchase a jar, or use the store finder at their website
- Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter
The kind folks at Waxelene have offered a jar of this awesome product for one of my readers! You can enter to win after the "read more."
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Howard B. Wigglebottom Review [CLOSED]
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I received a copy of Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship: Winning Isn't Everything to review through Mom Blog Society. Being selected for this review and giveaway made me smile because I've checked out Howard B. Wigglebottom and the We Do Listen foundation previously after learning about them on other blogs, but being able to review a hardcover copy of one of their books was really great!
I shared this book with my cousin, who is 7 years old. Aside from our mutual love of bunnies, I thought it would be great to share with her because she's active in sports. I didn't even know this before receiving the book, but the story centers around Howard and his soccer team, and my cousin plays soccer. I think she really enjoyed the fact that "her" sport was featured in the book. When I asked her what her favorite part was, she said the ending because Howard and his team worked together to win.
What I especially like about the We Do Listen Foundation is that they also provide plenty of free resources for parents and children! The Howard book I received retails for $15, which is a fair price for the excellent quality, but not everyone has extra money around so the free resources on the foundation's website are still great for all types of uses. Such resources include, but aren't limited to, posters, songs, and animated books. Currently, the hardcover books are on sale for only $6 (or you can buy all 10 for $50) at the We Do Listen website.
Bottom Line: The Howard B. Wigglebottom series of books and online resources is a dynamic way to empower children to be well-rounded and conscientious people. The book itself was well-written and beautifully illustrated. I highly recommend checking out the We Do Listen Foundation and Howard B. Wigglebottom for yourself and your young one(s)!
- Visit the We Do Listen Foundation and browse the whole line of Howard B. Wigglebottom books and online resources
- Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Blue Honeycreepers: Volume 1 Review
I have a confession to make: I am a total bird nerd! I love birds and everything about them. I'm really just a beginner, but that just means there is so much more information out there for me to learn. My interest in birds began when I was younger and my dad would take my brothers and I out on nature walks. I feel blessed to have woods in my backyard, which always meant there was plenty of wildlife to observe.
When I stumbled across the Blue Honeycreepers: Volume 1 book by Deborah Carney and Vinny O'Hare, I was interested in learning more because I don't know much at all about Honeycreepers. This coffee table book is full of gorgeous photographs and information about Red-legged and Yellow-legged Honeycreepers.
I learned that "Blue" Honeycreepers are actualy referred to by the color of their legs, and sometimes known as Sugarbirds. Deborah titled the book "Blue" because of the brilliant blue plumage that male Honeycreepers possess. Their scientific names are Cyanerpes cyaneus (Red-legged) and Cyanerpes caeruleus (Yellow-legged). I also learned that the main reason why I had never heard of them before is because they're indigenous to tropical areas from southern Mexico to Peru, Bolivia, central Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and Cuba. I'm a resident of western New York and have never been outside of the country other than north to Canada, so no Honeycreeper sightings for me!
The photographs in this book really impressed me. I also enjoy photography and consider myself to be at the intermediate level. I've shot backyard birds before, and it's no easy feat. You need to have high-quality equipment and a trained eye to be able to catch birds living out their natural tendencies. The Honeycreepers remind me a bit of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds I see frequently because they eat similar foods: nectars, fruits, and insects.
Bottom Line: I really enjoyed looking through the PDF version of Blue Honeycreepers! I would love to get my hands on a print copy, because I bet the photographs are even more beautiful up close on the page. The book is the perfect mix of informative text and lovely pictures.
When I stumbled across the Blue Honeycreepers: Volume 1 book by Deborah Carney and Vinny O'Hare, I was interested in learning more because I don't know much at all about Honeycreepers. This coffee table book is full of gorgeous photographs and information about Red-legged and Yellow-legged Honeycreepers.
I learned that "Blue" Honeycreepers are actualy referred to by the color of their legs, and sometimes known as Sugarbirds. Deborah titled the book "Blue" because of the brilliant blue plumage that male Honeycreepers possess. Their scientific names are Cyanerpes cyaneus (Red-legged) and Cyanerpes caeruleus (Yellow-legged). I also learned that the main reason why I had never heard of them before is because they're indigenous to tropical areas from southern Mexico to Peru, Bolivia, central Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and Cuba. I'm a resident of western New York and have never been outside of the country other than north to Canada, so no Honeycreeper sightings for me!
The photographs in this book really impressed me. I also enjoy photography and consider myself to be at the intermediate level. I've shot backyard birds before, and it's no easy feat. You need to have high-quality equipment and a trained eye to be able to catch birds living out their natural tendencies. The Honeycreepers remind me a bit of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds I see frequently because they eat similar foods: nectars, fruits, and insects.
- Learn more about Blue Honeycreepers
- Purchase a copy of the 36 page book for $12.99 on Amazon
- Enter to win a free print copy of Blue Honeycreepers
Bottom Line: I really enjoyed looking through the PDF version of Blue Honeycreepers! I would love to get my hands on a print copy, because I bet the photographs are even more beautiful up close on the page. The book is the perfect mix of informative text and lovely pictures.
Monday, March 19, 2012
March Conscious Box
It's Conscious Box time! My March box arrived a few days ago and I must say, they have the best shipping of any services I've ever tried. It only took about three business days to arrive -- some other services took as long as 10 days. I live in western New York, and my box made it all the way from their shipping facility in California in that short amount of time. Conscious Box costs $19 a month ($12 + $7 shipping) and contains 10-15 eco-friendly lifestyle items.
The theme for March's box was spring energy and invigoration. It was a little lacking compared to previous boxes, but I've been so pleased with the ones I've gotten since beginning the service in December that I could forgive this one for being a little less exciting. That's not to say it still wasn't good, though...
The first thing I thought when I opened the box was, "Yes! Chips!" I love food food food :) Here is everything that was included this month:
I've tried a majority of the items and my favorite is definitely the Tea Forte Minteas. They're pear flavored and made with white tea and are absolutely delicious! It's a full-sized tin and contains quite a few mints. My least favorite is the Eboost--I'm so sick of Eboost and "health boost" drink mixes in general! I've received them in boxes for quite a few subscriptions services and I just don't like them. They taste weird and I think they're pretty useless in general.
As you can see, this box was mostly food items. Actually, it's made up of all edible things (counting the throat lozenge), except for the gift cards/codes and the Olivella shampoo. But that's okay for me, since I like trying new foods. The Acai drink mix was not my style, but I loved the MixtBag chips and the multi-grain crackers. I'm a little apprehensive to try the whey because the idea of it kind of weirds me out. I know my brother uses whey protein drinks after he works out, so maybe I'll pass it along to him. Oh and I also tried the Java Juice -- it was too bitter for my taste but I think it's a cool idea.
The theme for March's box was spring energy and invigoration. It was a little lacking compared to previous boxes, but I've been so pleased with the ones I've gotten since beginning the service in December that I could forgive this one for being a little less exciting. That's not to say it still wasn't good, though...
The first thing I thought when I opened the box was, "Yes! Chips!" I love food food food :) Here is everything that was included this month:
- MixtBag Yellow and Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
- Mineral Hygienics $15 gift card
- Morning Sunshine Breakfast Cookie promo code for one free cookie
- EBOOST Pink Lemonade mix packet
- Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers
- Hip Mountain Mama $5 off gift code
- Olbas throat lozenge
- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds green lettuce
- Java Juice coffee extract packet
- Good Kind Coffee Creamer
- Tea Forte Minteas in Regroup
- Olivella olive shampoo
- Healthy To Go! Acai Energy Boost drink mix
- Tera's Whey Pomegranate Cranberry (bonus item)
As you can see, this box was mostly food items. Actually, it's made up of all edible things (counting the throat lozenge), except for the gift cards/codes and the Olivella shampoo. But that's okay for me, since I like trying new foods. The Acai drink mix was not my style, but I loved the MixtBag chips and the multi-grain crackers. I'm a little apprehensive to try the whey because the idea of it kind of weirds me out. I know my brother uses whey protein drinks after he works out, so maybe I'll pass it along to him. Oh and I also tried the Java Juice -- it was too bitter for my taste but I think it's a cool idea.
- Learn more about Conscious Box and sign up for a subscription
- Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter
Friday, March 16, 2012
Harvey Prince Parfums Review
Harvey Prince is an emerging fragrance company that was started in 2008 by two brothers in dedication to their mother. Their perfumes are special because not only are they luxurious, each of them have their own stories and proven science to back up their performance. I received their Eau Flirt and Ageless perfumes to try.
I was really excited to try Eau Flirt because it has pumpkin notes in it! Pumpkin is my all-time favorite scent. This perfume has been clinically proven to attract men with it's "wickedly irresistible" fragrance. I preferred this one over Ageless, but that's not to say I didn't love Ageless. Eau Flirt was just a better fit for me because I really, really love pumpkin. The scent notes I picked up on were a mixture of pumpkin and something slightly floral. After checking the Harvey Prince website, I found out that the floral notes I was picking up on were lavender. I love this scent and I definitely plan on buying a full-sized bottle!
- Learn more about Harvey Prince and see their full line of fragrances at their website
- Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter
If you'd like to try Ageless for yourself, you can get a free sample of the roll-on bottle with the code "sampleageless," you will only have to pay for shipping. You can also get a 100 ml bottle of Ageless in the first-generation vintage box for 50% off with the code "agelessvintage"!
Even better, the kind folks at Harvey Prince have offered four perfumes for my readers to win! Enter the giveaway after the "read more."
Cruelty-Free Beauty at EdenFantasys!
A few days ago I posted about how it's easy to support cruelty-free companies, so I figured it was only fair that I introduce you to one that I think is really great! EdenFantasys is an online retailer that sells adult products, which I have blogged about before. But for those who aren't interested in R-rated merchandise, never fear--there are plenty of G-rated products available there, too.
I'm specifically referencing their "Beauty and Body" section, which is home to tons of great skincare and beauty items. I was pleased to see Cake Beauty products available, since they're a really fun cruelty-free company. I've got my eye on their Velveteen Hand Creme, since no matter what I do my hands are always really dry. This one sounds wonderfully luxurious! There are four scents to choose from: Un-Sweet (unscented), It's a Slice, Coconut/Vanilla, and Raspberry Kiss/Vanilla. I think I'd like that last option the best.
There is such a broad range of Cake Beauty products available at EdenFantasys, which really makes me happy. There are hair products, cosmetics, lotions...take a look for yourself! You can use the link provided in the paragraph above to go directly to the Beauty and Body section, if you want to bypass seeing the adult toys. For those who might be interested in the more adult products that EdenFantasys offers, there is plenty of variety there, too.
*Disclaimer: I wrote this post in exchange for an online gift code from EdenFantasys. I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.
I'm specifically referencing their "Beauty and Body" section, which is home to tons of great skincare and beauty items. I was pleased to see Cake Beauty products available, since they're a really fun cruelty-free company. I've got my eye on their Velveteen Hand Creme, since no matter what I do my hands are always really dry. This one sounds wonderfully luxurious! There are four scents to choose from: Un-Sweet (unscented), It's a Slice, Coconut/Vanilla, and Raspberry Kiss/Vanilla. I think I'd like that last option the best.
There is such a broad range of Cake Beauty products available at EdenFantasys, which really makes me happy. There are hair products, cosmetics, lotions...take a look for yourself! You can use the link provided in the paragraph above to go directly to the Beauty and Body section, if you want to bypass seeing the adult toys. For those who might be interested in the more adult products that EdenFantasys offers, there is plenty of variety there, too.
- Learn more about EdenFantasys
- Follow them on Facebook and Twitter
*Disclaimer: I wrote this post in exchange for an online gift code from EdenFantasys. I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Kiss Nail Dress Review
I received a set of Kiss Nail Dress nail appliques in my Influenster Love VoxBox and they were really fun to try! I have tried two other appliques from different brands, and these were my favorite of the three. The pattern I received is called "Shrug."
What I liked most about these is that they're stickers, not actual nail polish like the two others I've tried (Sally Hansen and Incoco). While the nail polish ones are nice because they're, well, actual nail polish, I found that they were difficult for me to apply because they were very delicate (especially the Incoco). The Kiss Nail Dress are sturdier and more forgiving if you make a mistake. They are a bit tougher to file down, though. Even better, once you want to remove them you just have to peel the sticker off of your nail.
The photo above is what the appliques looked like after one day of wear. You can't really tell in the photo, but there is just the tiniest bit of chipping on the tips of some of my nails, but nothing serious. I'm not really sure how long they would have lasted overall, since I took them off a few days later to try out a new shade of nail polish. I have a feeling they'd last quite a while, though, since they're stickers. Their website advertises that they last up to 10 days. They come in 18 different patterns/shades and retail for around $6.99 at mass-market stores like CVS, etc., and there are 28 stickers in each package. They even include a nail design booklet in each package for extra inspiration!
*Disclaimer: I received the Kiss Nail Dress for free in my Influenster Love VoxBox to review. I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.
What I liked most about these is that they're stickers, not actual nail polish like the two others I've tried (Sally Hansen and Incoco). While the nail polish ones are nice because they're, well, actual nail polish, I found that they were difficult for me to apply because they were very delicate (especially the Incoco). The Kiss Nail Dress are sturdier and more forgiving if you make a mistake. They are a bit tougher to file down, though. Even better, once you want to remove them you just have to peel the sticker off of your nail.
The photo above is what the appliques looked like after one day of wear. You can't really tell in the photo, but there is just the tiniest bit of chipping on the tips of some of my nails, but nothing serious. I'm not really sure how long they would have lasted overall, since I took them off a few days later to try out a new shade of nail polish. I have a feeling they'd last quite a while, though, since they're stickers. Their website advertises that they last up to 10 days. They come in 18 different patterns/shades and retail for around $6.99 at mass-market stores like CVS, etc., and there are 28 stickers in each package. They even include a nail design booklet in each package for extra inspiration!
- Learn more about Kiss Nail Dress and see all of the styles at their website
- Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter
*Disclaimer: I received the Kiss Nail Dress for free in my Influenster Love VoxBox to review. I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Shopping Cruelty-Free is Easy!
I was at CVS earlier today because I got my tax refund check and wanted to treat myself to some cosmetics. But as I was browsing the aisles, I realized I wasn't really sure which companies tested on animals and which didn't. I have a few cruelty-free brands that I stick to, but outside of those I have to admit that I've lost track of which drugstore brands are cruelty-free. Buying products from cruelty-free companies is really important to me, because I love animals and there is just no reason why testing needs to be done. There are so many companies out there that don't test that also produce awesome products, which to me proves that it's unnecessary.
But some of you might be thinking, "it's a hassle to keep track of who's cruelty-free!" Yes, it takes an extra moment of consideration, but I really think it's worth it and I encourage all of you to give it a try (if you don't already). There are some excellent resources available, which I'll list below:
But some of you might be thinking, "it's a hassle to keep track of who's cruelty-free!" Yes, it takes an extra moment of consideration, but I really think it's worth it and I encourage all of you to give it a try (if you don't already). There are some excellent resources available, which I'll list below:
- PETA has lists for companies that do test and those that don't as well. They are even sorted by product type, making it super easy to find a cruelty-free company that makes what you're looking for.
- My favorite resource is the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, or as they're more widely known as: The Leaping Bunny project. They even have a pocket-sized guide you can print out and carry with you whenever you go shopping.
If you still need convincing, check out this photo of my beautiful baby, named Gus. When you buy from companies that test on animals, your money is going towards tests where harmful chemicals are shoved in animals' eyes, and much worse. I'm not perfect, I've purchased from a lot of the companies on those lists before, but now I'm actively working to change that. Even if you can eliminate buying from just one or two companies that test on animals, that's better than nothing!
Gus thanks you (and so do I)!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
March Sample Society By Beauty Bar Box
On a whim, I subscribed to Sample Society, a monthly sample service run by Beauty Bar and Allure magazine. I found out about it through Bailey of Making Up The Midwest (check out her blog--she has great beauty swatches and more!). I decided to join during the pre-launch period because for $15, I got a box and a year's subscription to Allure. My first (and last) box arrived a few days ago.
I liked the way the box was designed on the outside. The black and gold looks somewhat classy. I cancelled my subscription after this box, not because it was a terrible box, but when I signed up I only intended on purchasing one box. I'm interested in trying as many subscription boxes as I can, but the only ones I'm sticking with for now are Eco-Emi and Conscious Box. That is, unless one comes along that completely blows me away -- unfortunately for Sample Society, they were not that service.
This was basically a Birchbox to me, but $5 more expensive. The other main reason why I keep cancelling these beauty boxes is because they're all the same -- they send way too many skin care items as opposed to cosmetics. Here is what was included in the inaugural Sample Society box:
I liked the way the box was designed on the outside. The black and gold looks somewhat classy. I cancelled my subscription after this box, not because it was a terrible box, but when I signed up I only intended on purchasing one box. I'm interested in trying as many subscription boxes as I can, but the only ones I'm sticking with for now are Eco-Emi and Conscious Box. That is, unless one comes along that completely blows me away -- unfortunately for Sample Society, they were not that service.
This was basically a Birchbox to me, but $5 more expensive. The other main reason why I keep cancelling these beauty boxes is because they're all the same -- they send way too many skin care items as opposed to cosmetics. Here is what was included in the inaugural Sample Society box:
- Fekkai Advanced Glossing Cream
- Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
- Skyn Iceland Icelandic Eye Relief Pen
- Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Peel Mask
- Oscar de la Renta Esprit d'Oscar Mini-Rollerball
Am I impressed by any of these items? No. The Fekkai Glossing Cream is probably my favorite of the bunch because it's the only one I'll actually use. For $15, I wouldn't say this was worth it for me. The brands are definitely good and the size of the samples are pretty big (bigger than Birchbox, and the Skyn Iceland pen is full-sized), but these just don't interest me. Another perk of the membership is that with each box you get a $15 off code, but you have to spend at least $50 and one of the items from your box has to be included in the order. It's useless for me this month, but if you'd like to give it a try the code is BBSOCIETYMAR. Not sure if it will work for you or not, but it's worth a shot! Just remember to add one of the items listed above to your order.
Bottom Line: I wouldn't recommend this service, but that is based off of only one box. I guess it's kind of cool that I'm getting a subscription to Allure as well, even after cancelling. I liked the size of the samples, but not the selection of the actual items themselves. I would recommend just getting Birchbox for only $10 as opposed to Sample Society's $15. Also, due to high demand subscriptions aren't currently open, but you can join the wait list and be alerted when they're available again.
- Check out Beauty Bar's Sample Society and join the wait list
- Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Free Beauty Events for March
This month, Ulta is having their "Yesto" event in select states. Demonstrators will be sampling products from all of the Yesto lines, including Yes to Cucumbers, Yes to Tomatoes, Yes to Carrots, and Yes to Blueberries. Rite Aid is holding their Grand Opening Event in select stores across the country, where customers can get great samples and coupons. For example, they'll be giving out L'Oreal Magic Souffle and Gold Bond Body Wash. You can find events such as these for free at the FBE website, and you can even search by zip code to find events in your area. If you know of an event that's coming up, you can also create a posting for free!
For the month of March, FBE is giving away 10 prizes. Each prize pack consists of CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara in Very Black, CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in Rose Silk, CoverGirl Natureluxe Gloss Balm in Clay, and CoverGirl Flipstick Lip Color in Pucker. The contest runs from 3/1 to 3/15/11, with winners chosen on 4/5 and notified by 4/15. You can enter the monthly contest here.
- Check out the Free Beauty Events website
- Connect with them on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter
*Disclaimer: In return for posting about Free Beauty Events I receive free products to try. I am not monetarily compensated for this post.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Influenster Love VoxBox
I got my Love VoxBox from Influenster yesterday! They don't send out tracking numbers for the box unless you ask for one, and I opted to not ask for one because 1. they were probably swamped with requests and 2. I didn't mind being surprised.
Influenster is a program for people who are active with social media. Basically, you earn badges that reflect your personality, and if you qualify for "VoxBoxes" you will receive them free of charge in exchange for promoting the products on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc. Back in December I reviewed the Holiday VoxBox.
Here is what was included in the Love VoxBox (so named because they chose the pre-qualified recipients on Valentine's Day):
Influenster is a program for people who are active with social media. Basically, you earn badges that reflect your personality, and if you qualify for "VoxBoxes" you will receive them free of charge in exchange for promoting the products on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc. Back in December I reviewed the Holiday VoxBox.
Here is what was included in the Love VoxBox (so named because they chose the pre-qualified recipients on Valentine's Day):
- Gillette Venus & Olay Razor ($8.99-10.99)
- Kiss Nail Dress ($6.99)
- Stash Tea Herbal Sampler ($3.50)
- Ghirardelli Gourmet Milk Creamy Devotion Bar ($2.99)
- Truvia Natural Sweetener ($3.99 for 40 count)
So for a box that cost me nothing, I'd say the value is pretty good ($25.80 assuming that the razor is $8.99)! True, most of these are "grocery store" items (which I definitely complained about with my Cravebox), but I don't mind so much with Influenster because the service is free. Be on the lookout for reviews for these products coming up shortly!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Hugo Naturals Review
I was selected to be one of the first Hugo Naturals Ambassadors, which made me feel quite honored. I love trying out new products (which is why I started this blog), especially skincare and makeup from eco-friendly companies. I was excited to try Hugo Naturals because their products are cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, and made from food grade ingredients.
I was sent three full-sized products to review, including the Brown Sugar Body Polish in Rejuvenating Kumquat and the All-Over Lotion in Vanilla & Sweet Orange. The third product included was the Handcrafted Soap in Energizing Grapefruit.
I was really interested in trying the soap because I have a strange obsession with bar soaps. I actually prefer liquid soaps and body washes in regards to ease of use, but there's just something special about a handcrafted soap. A big influence factor for me when it comes to whether or not I like a soap is the scent. The grapefruit scent of this bar is very nice and citrusy, but it wasn't strong enough for my preferences. I used it in the shower and it lathered quite well on my bath pouf, but what held me back from really loving this is that the scent didn't linger at all on my skin. It was just a touch too faint for me. But overall, the soap definitely does its job when it came to lathering up and making me feel clean and refreshed.
I will probably use the word "love" too much in this entry, but it's only because I really am drawn to all of the types of products that Hugo Naturals sent me! One easy way to keep me happy is to present me with new body scrubs, lotions, and other bath/body products to try. This Brown Sugar Body Polish worked like a dream. When I used it I definitely smelled the brown sugar element the strongest, but you also get light whiffs of something else, which I presume would be the kumquat. I don't really know though, since I've never seen or smelled a kumquat before. I used this all over my body and it left my skin so baby smooth! The only downside is that you need to mix it up with something (I used my fingers) before you use it, since the sugar settles at the bottom with the liquid on the top.
Last, and definitely not least -- my favorite product of the bunch! The All-Over Lotion is pure luxury. It's rare that I find a natural lotion that I don't like, and this one is no exception to that rule. I am absolutely in love with the vanilla and sweet orange scent. It's the perfect balance between sweet, citrus, and warmth. It's also gluten-free and vegan. I use this after stepping out of the shower and it just smells so intoxicating! Like the soap, though, I wish that the scent lingered longer after application.
*Disclaimer: I received these three products for free from Hugo Naturals to facilitate my review as a member of the Hugo Naturals Ambassador program. I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.
I was sent three full-sized products to review, including the Brown Sugar Body Polish in Rejuvenating Kumquat and the All-Over Lotion in Vanilla & Sweet Orange. The third product included was the Handcrafted Soap in Energizing Grapefruit.
I was really interested in trying the soap because I have a strange obsession with bar soaps. I actually prefer liquid soaps and body washes in regards to ease of use, but there's just something special about a handcrafted soap. A big influence factor for me when it comes to whether or not I like a soap is the scent. The grapefruit scent of this bar is very nice and citrusy, but it wasn't strong enough for my preferences. I used it in the shower and it lathered quite well on my bath pouf, but what held me back from really loving this is that the scent didn't linger at all on my skin. It was just a touch too faint for me. But overall, the soap definitely does its job when it came to lathering up and making me feel clean and refreshed.
I will probably use the word "love" too much in this entry, but it's only because I really am drawn to all of the types of products that Hugo Naturals sent me! One easy way to keep me happy is to present me with new body scrubs, lotions, and other bath/body products to try. This Brown Sugar Body Polish worked like a dream. When I used it I definitely smelled the brown sugar element the strongest, but you also get light whiffs of something else, which I presume would be the kumquat. I don't really know though, since I've never seen or smelled a kumquat before. I used this all over my body and it left my skin so baby smooth! The only downside is that you need to mix it up with something (I used my fingers) before you use it, since the sugar settles at the bottom with the liquid on the top.
Last, and definitely not least -- my favorite product of the bunch! The All-Over Lotion is pure luxury. It's rare that I find a natural lotion that I don't like, and this one is no exception to that rule. I am absolutely in love with the vanilla and sweet orange scent. It's the perfect balance between sweet, citrus, and warmth. It's also gluten-free and vegan. I use this after stepping out of the shower and it just smells so intoxicating! Like the soap, though, I wish that the scent lingered longer after application.
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*Disclaimer: I received these three products for free from Hugo Naturals to facilitate my review as a member of the Hugo Naturals Ambassador program. I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
400+ Followers Giveaway! [CLOSED]
I know I've been talking about having a followers giveaway for a while, and it's finally here! I wanted to gather a bunch of things for the prize package, which is why it took me so long.
This blog has grown (and continues to grow) quite a bit since I first started it, which makes me so happy. Whether you come here just for the giveaways or you actually read my reviews really doesn't matter to me -- I just hope that no matter what you come here for, I'm able to put a smile on your face and that you can find what you're looking for :)
One winner will take home all of this loot! Here's what's included:
This blog has grown (and continues to grow) quite a bit since I first started it, which makes me so happy. Whether you come here just for the giveaways or you actually read my reviews really doesn't matter to me -- I just hope that no matter what you come here for, I'm able to put a smile on your face and that you can find what you're looking for :)
One winner will take home all of this loot! Here's what's included:
- e.l.f. 32 Piece Eyeshadow Palette - 32 "cool" eyeshadow colors
- America's Next Top Model Dream Come True Eau de Toilette - 1 fl oz
- Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Fragrance Mist - 8 fl oz
- Bath and Body Works Rio Rumberry Body Lotion - 3 fl oz
- Pureology Colour Stylist Antibreakage Twist Shine Texturizer - 2.5 fl oz
- Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System - 1 fl oz
- St. Ives Apricot Scrub - 1 oz
- SheaTerra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Face Wash & Mask - approx 1 fl oz
- GreenBody Energy Shampoo & Conditioners - approx 1 fl oz
- BiC Mark It Permanent Markers - Rambunctious Red, Plumtastic Purple, Playful Purple (3)
- eBoost Drink Mix - .25 oz (3 packets)
- Kelapo Virgin Coconut Oil - .5 fl oz
- Ancient Minerals Magnesium Gel - .20 fl oz
Entering is easy! Please just use the Rafflecopter form after the "Read More" cut.