Naked Nutrition "Naked Cake" Protein Pancake Review

I'm a big fan of Naked Nutrition and I've reviewed some of their products in the past (check for links at the end of this post). They've just launched a line of protein pancakes and I've got the Naked Cake pancake mix to share with you!

*Disclaimer: This product was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

Naked Nutrition started with five single-ingredient supplements and has since grown to a variety of nutritional products, including the new Naked Cake. This pancake mix has 22 grams of protein and only five grams of sugar per service. As with all of the Naked Nutrition products, it contains only the premium ingredients you need.

The mix is in powder form and two scoops are enough for one serving (plus a half cup of water). There are about 11 servings per container, and each serving has 200 calories and 17 grams of carbohydrates. It also has a decent serving of calcium at 293 milligrams.

The powder mixed up easily with the water and a whisk and the texture was smooth.

Cooking is simple, it's the same as any other pancake. I used butter on my pan but you can substitute with margarine or a lower fat option if you choose. Each side cooked for about three to four minutes.

But how does it taste? In a world where protein products aren't always so tasty, the Naked Cake mix is actually really good! It tastes pretty much like a standard pancake, except I do get a stronger egg flavor than non-protein pancakes. The texture was light and fluffy. I really liked the Naked Cake pancake mix and I will be adding it into my routine as a regular breakfast, since I like a high-protein meal to start the day.

• Visit Naked Nutrition to purchase
• Check out my other Naked Nutrition reviews:
• Naked Whey
• Clear Naked Whey

Bottom Line: Naked Nutrition's Naked Cake protein pancake mix is a delicious way to add more protein to your diet. Like all of the Naked Nutrition products I've tried, they're high quality and I recommend them!

My Favorite Skincare Ingredient: Niacinamide

Getting into skincare can be intimidating, and I've heard some people say they feel like they need a chemistry degree to understand all of the different ingredients. It's true that all of the formulations and what they do and don't do, can't be mixed with, or how to use them can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be!

*Disclaimer: Not a sponsored post.

I'm going to share one of my favorite skincare ingredients today that hits a lot of needs: it's called niacinamide. I love it because it is great for all skin types and combats a variety of needs.

Niacinamide is a topical version of Vitamin B3. You may have heard of "niacin," which is B3 in vitamin and food form. I have oily skin and use it to reduce the appearance of pores (keep in mind, nothing can actually shrink your pores) and balance sebum production. It also brightens hyperpigmentation I have from sun and acne spots.

Even if you don't have oily skin, I highly recommend adding niacinamide into your routine because of its hydrating properties. It works with the hydrating ingredients in your moisturizer to boost benefits to your skin.

Of course, as with any ingredient, there can be negative side effects. Always spot test a new ingredient in your routine before adding it in fully. Common negative side effects include redness, burning, and irritation. You should always check with your dermatologist before adding in a new ingredient if you have sensitive skin or past issues with switching up your routine.

I'm currently using the Vita B3 Source Niacinamide Serum from TIAM Skincare, a Korean brand. You can find inexpensive serums from other brands like The Ordinary and The INKEY List, too. I like using a serum because it's the most effective way to add a potent amount of niacinamide to your routine, but you may not even need one. Your moisturizer may already have niacinamide in it, as it's now commonly found in a lot of skincare. Some moisturizers with niacinamide include the Dewy Glow Moisturizer with Cherry Blossom from innisfree, Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream from First Aid Beauty, and the Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer from Drunk Elephant.

Bottom Line: Do you use niacinamide in your routine? My skin has been so much more balanced since I started using it and I definitely recommend it for all skin types!

Clean Water, Clear Skin: The Goodfor Company Shower Filter Review

The county water system where I live has pretty hard water, which I realized after my tap water left limescale in my electric hot water kettle. That same hardness can be harsh on delicate skin, especially in the winter time, so the Goodfor Company has a helpful solution with their Shower Filter!

*Disclaimer: This product was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

The Goodfor Company offers products that will provide safe, clean water from the kitchen sink or anywhere else in your home. All of their products are registered with the EPA and have been heavily tested and proven to provide the cleanest, safest water available. 

They can provide whole home systems (prices will vary depending on your location, water composition in your home, and size of your home) or you can purchase individual filters like the Shower Filter. They offer 30 day free returns if you aren't satisfied with your product(s).

The Shower Head Filter reduces the effects of hard water and chlorine to provide filtered water during every shower. It is available in matte black, brushed nickel, and chrome. I received the chrome version to review. 

Skincare is very important to me, and the water source is often something people don't think about when considering what's best for their skin. Overly-chlorinated water can be harsh on the skin, especially if you already suffer with dry skin or sensitivity. The Shower Filter has eight stages of filters to dissolve minerals, heavy metals, chlorine, and other contaminants. The reduction of hard water can help keep your skin and hair feeling soft and healthy!

As you can see, the Shower Filter is a fairly hefty product, so it will add to the length of your shower head. This may be an issue if you're taller, but I'm only 5'3" so the lower shower head didn't cause any issues.

The filter itself is very easy to install. The kit comes with the shower filter, a roll of thread seal tape, two rubber o-rings, and a user manual. I didn't end up needing the o-rings but used some of the thread seal tape over tape I already had on the piping. All you have to do is remove your current shower head, add the filter, then screw the shower head onto the filter. All in all, it took me about five minutes to install. The filter itself should be changed every three to six months for optimal results. 

I had no issues with the installation or use of the Shower Filter. There was no difference in the water pressure from the shower head. Obviously, after just a week of use I can't speak too much to a visible difference in my skin and hair, but the benefits of soft water versus hard water are proven. 

• Visit The Goodfor Company to browse their full line and purchase

Bottom Line: The Goodfor Company Shower Filter is an easy way to upgrade the water in my shower. I'm thankful that it's easy to install and use and that it'll ultimately help my skin from feeling too dry or irritated!

Be Kind By Ellen Winter 2022 Review and Coupon

The Be Kind By Ellen box makes a great gift for your friends and family for the holidays, or as a treat for yourself! The Winter 2022 box had six cozy products from companies that give back.

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links.

Be Kind by Ellen is a quarterly lifestyle subscription with hand-picked items from Ellen Degeneres. All of the products are are from socially responsible products and will equal around $500 value!

There are two subscription options: you can purchase a quarterly subscription for $54.99 every three months or a yearly subscription for $197.96 per year ($49.49 per box). Shipping is free to the U.S., excluding Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Hawaii. You can cancel at any time from your account page.

Be Kind By Ellen features a different artist each quarter for their box design. This month's artist is Mickenzi Jones, a North Carolina-based artist. There is an interview with the artist in each box magazine, and Mickenzi states that her inspiration for the design was people coming together and the beauty of uniqueness and diversity.

The box will always contain six full-sized items from various categories. The Winter 2022 box definitely had products perfect for colder weather. Keep reading to see what was inside...

• Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Adoption: Ellen's "The Ellen Fund" sponsors the Ellen Degeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, one of her favorite organizations. This certificate and photo is for a symbolic gorilla adoption, which will include updates with photos of your gorilla, stories about them, and a contribution to help continue the work the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund does to save gorillas. This is a really unique item that might not be everyone's idea of what should be in a subscription box, but I think it's a great way to support wildlife conservation.

• Beachwaver Be Confident Co-Wash: Subscribers will receive either the Co-Wash or the Good Vibes Moisturizing Conditioner. I received the Co-Wash, which is a "conditioner-only wash" product. Women with textured hair will likely be familiar with this type of product, but for those who aren't, it's exactly what it sounds like - a moisturizing conditioner that you use alone to cleanse the hair. I like using these in between shampoo washes. Beachwaver was founded by three sisters who prioritize innovative and ethnical products.
• Ethel M Chocolates Ghana Single Origin Chocolate: Subscribers will receive one of the Ethel M dark chocolate bars in one of four flavors, Ghana, Philippines, Indonesia, or Dominican Republic. I received the Ghana bar and it is so smooth and delicious! Ethel M chocolates are made in small batches with cacao from the country after which it's named. The brand is also committed to sustainability and minimizing impact on the environment.
• Be Kind By Ellen Holiday Cookie Cutter Set: This set has three cookie cutters in a custom-designed drawstring bag, as well as a small card with Ellen's Sugariest Cookies recipe. The shapes are a gingerbread man, a tree, and a star for the holidays.

• Bombas Merino Wool Calf Socks: Bombas is a Certified B Corporation, meaning they have passed a rigorous certification process to be recognized as a company that works toward the best social, environmental, and governance practices. Bombas also donates a pair of socks to an unhoused person in need for every pair sold and have donated more than 75 million items to date! I love a pair of high quality socks, and these are wonderful. They don't slide down my calves and keep them nice and warm.
• LAUDE The Label Carob Bubble Gauze Scarf: This Carob Scarf is named after the color, which is a carob brown. It is made from responsibly-dyed organic cotton that is ethically-crafted by makers in India. They are created with processes that reduce water, energy, and fabric consumption. This scarf is soft and perfect for wrapping up during cold weather, but it's also light enough that it could be worn in warmer weather, too.

Bottom Line: What I like best about Be Kind By Ellen is that it helps me discover new brands that are socially and ethically responsible, plus fun! The Winter 2022 box had a nice selection of products, and my favorites this quarter were the Bombas socks and Ethel M Chocolates. 

• Visit Be Kind By Ellen to subscribe
• They are currently running a Buy One, Get One Free offer (no coupon required)

Artza Box Review and Coupon: Gifts From Israel

The holiday season is here, and Artza Box is a beautiful gift idea for Christmas. Through this subscription you can "experience the land that Jesus walked" and help support small businesses and artisans in Israel.

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

Artza Box contains hand-crafted gifts, artisanal foods and recipes, art and home decor, scripture and stories, and exclusive access to the Artza store. The box ships quarterly and is currently $76.99 per box or $304.99 annually at the time of this post. The annual option includes a free fifth box.

Each box contains nine carefully crafted products from small business and charities across Israel. Their mission is to connect Christians to the Holy Land of Israel through a meaningful and educational experience while supporting the country's local artisans.

All of the items are locally-sourced and there is plenty of information about each creator and artisan, as well as highlights of the stories of Israel.

One thing I really enjoy about Artza box is that they include lots of inserts with beautiful photography and detailed descriptions of the featured products and artisans. The larger prints (first two photos) contain an introduction to the box and a message from the founder, Itai, about how subscribers helped save the fragrance business of an Israeli artisan. 

The smaller cards contain an overview of all of the products (pictured above) plus separate cards with photos of the artisans and information about their products.

The packaging on this box is truly beautiful. Everything was well packed and nothing was damaged. All of the items are full-sized and lovely quality.

• Fenster's Toffee in Lavender - Oded Fenster is a former professional basketball player in Israel who decided to follow another dream of becoming a chocolatier. He studied in Belgium and now employs young adults with developmental challenges, Down's Syndrome, or autism to help him hand-make his creations with love. These lavender toffees use Mediterranean lavender to complement the creamy taste of the toffee.
• Isra Candle - Sea of Galilee and Tiberiasb - This candle was created by Goren Sarid, who was inspired to create more detailed topographical maps of Israel during his military training. He settled on making them using candles to combine Earth, water, and fire into one medium. He was born and raised in the small town of Efrat and hopes that the candle will help transport subscribers to the meditative and calming sea of Galilee and Israel.

• Olive Wood Nativity - This beautiful wooden sculpture is perfect for hanging on the wall around Christmas or year-round. It was carved by a local Bethlehem Christian craftsman.
• Star of David Christmas Ornament - This ornament is also hand-crafted from olive tree wood that have been grown in Israel for over 150 years. The ornament was created by a third-generation locally-run Bethlehem family business.
• Alma's Soap Lavender Body Butter - Alma is the firstborn daughter of Adi and Oren Levi. She decided to begin creating her own body care after searching the market for organic and all-natural products she felt safe using on her young daughter but couldn't find any that suited her needs. This body butter is made with olive oil from olive trees in Alma's backyard, Mediterranean lavender, and fine blends of essential oils and butters.

The olive wood Nativity and Star of David ornament are so beautifully detailed! I can't have a Christmas tree in my apartment so I am going to gift these to my parents. I know they will love them and they'll look great hanging up for Christmas.

• Bedouin Israeli Winter Nights Tea Blend - This thousand year old traditional tea blend is from a family-run business just outside of Nazareth. They use the finest locally grown herbs and spices. This blend contains dried hyssop, dried sage, and dried micromeria fruticosa, the same herbs that Israelites would have enjoyed in the ancient period of the Bible.
• Hebrew Table Blessing Runner - This item is a special item only for premium subscribers. It is exclusively designed for Artza Box and has a beautiful flower and vine design with a Hebrew blessing at the center.

The runner is a nice thick material with a non-slip backing. The Hebrew blessing says, "Blessed are you, our God, who feeds the entire world through Your goodness, with kindness and graciousness."

• Conscious Carob Syrup - Carob is a uniquely Israeli spread with a sticky texture that's vegan and naturally sweet. This syrup was created by a collective that works with and supports Jewish, Christian, and Muslim women together. There was also an informational card with a recipe to make carob cookies.

Bottom Line: Artza Box truly created a beautiful presentation with high quality, thoughtful gifts from Israel. I loved learning more about each product and I especially appreciated all of the information about all of the artisans and small businesses behind each item. I think this box is a beautiful gift for yourself or your friends and loved ones who wish to connect more to Christianity through the Holy Land.

• Visit Artza Box to subscribe
• Use coupon code BF2022 for 20 percent off

"The Hincks Gazette" Puzzle Subscription Review and Coupon

If you're looking for a unique subscription to gift this holiday season, The Hincks Gazette is worth your consideration! This subscription from Bluefish Games is great for anyone who likes logic games and puzzles.

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

The Hincks Gazette is currently available in two volumes and is available from Cratejoy (links at the end of the review). Here are their pricing options:

• Monthly: $25 per month
• Three Months: $72 every three months ($24 per month)
• Six Months: $138 every six months ($23 per month)
• 12 Months: $264 every 12 months ($22 per month)

Shipping is $4 to U.S. addresses. Your first box will ship within three days of your purchase and then following boxes on the 7th of each month.

Bluefish Games recommends one to two players and about an hour to complete each puzzle edition. The box contains everything you'll need to complete the puzzles.

The Hincks Gazette, as the name suggests, is a newspaper puzzler. The "Valued Subscriber" envelopes seen above contain two copies of each puzzle and the blue envelope has an extra gift. The other insert on the far right contains instructions and more information about the box.

I love the creativity of this subscription! The newspapers are two-sided with real text articles and puzzles. They all weave together to create the puzzling experience.

The physical newspaper matches up with the Hincksville website, which is where you'll actually complete the puzzles. Below are screenshots from the first edition, and as you can see, there are plenty of hints available (up to seven for this first question) that you can choose to read with no penalty. You can complete the puzzles at your leisure -- the main point is to just have fun with them!

The final item is unrelated to the puzzles but still matches the theme of the box. There's a postcard with a pencil attached from "Mails by Snails."

Bottom Line: I did a little bit of the first puzzle to get a sense of how it works for this review and I'm looking forward to finishing them all up. The Hincksville Gazette is a fun way to keep yourself entertained and challenge your mind at the same time! I think anyone who enjoys puzzles and mysteries will have a fun time with this subscription.

• Visit Bluefish Games on Cratejoy to subscribe (and view their other puzzle games)
• Use coupon code SEESHOPLOVE15 for $15 off your first box

FaceTory Leaf Drops, Twilight Velvet Mask, and Sheet Mask Review and Coupon

One of my favorite ways to treat myself is to buy new skincare, but it can be expensive! Luckily with FaceTory I don't have to sacrifice quality for affordable pricing. I've been using their products for a while now and have a few new favorites to share!

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links.

FaceTory has clean, affordable skincare products that are cruelty-free and researched and envisioned in California and formulated in South Korea. Their products have no sulfates, parabens, fragrance, synthetic colors, or EDTA (a chemical compound that can cause negative side effects).

They have a subscription service that I've reviewed here and a shop full of one-time purchase skincare for every skin type and need.

I love sheet masks and use one almost every night. They're great for protecting and maintaining your skin's moisture barrier, regardless of your skincare needs. These three make up a set geared towards oily and acne-prone skin, which is the skin type I have. They can be purchase as singles and in sets of five and 10. 

The Light My Night Illuminating Mask brightens, hydrates, and balances skin. It helps fight hyperpigmentation and balance skin's oil production. It has Yuja extract, which helps even complexion and brighten skin. It can also help minimize the look of post-acne marks and boost collagen production. The mask itself is made with graphene material and is black in color and helps the serum penetrate deep into skin.

The Oh, My Heart Calming Mask calms, refines, and hydrates skin. It has Heartleaf extract, which is rich in antioxidants to help calm redness and irritation while protecting the moisture barrier. The mask also helps smooth the appearance of pores and rough skin. It's made with a soft microfiber material that feels smooth and silky on your skin.

The I Pinky Promise Rejuvenating Mask brightens, balances, and calms skin. It is formulated to help improve dullness and hyperpigmentation, balance oil production, and provide proper hydration. The Beetroot extract it contains is packed with Vitamin C to brighten and strengthen skin while preventing premature lines and wrinkles. This one is made with a soft microfiber material that's baby pink in color.

I also love sleep masks, which are basically thick creams that you put on (and leave on) before going to bed. The Twilight Velvet Renewing Sleeping Mask with LHA/PHA is made with LHA, PHA, and AHA, as the name states, which are all hydroxy acids that provide chemical exfoliation. This mask gently exfoliates overnight while providing hydration and refining large pores and texture. The texture is soft and creamy and it absorbed quickly into my skin. My skin was so soft the next morning! I'm excited to keep using this to see how well it balances and refines my oily skin.

A good serum is key to any skincare routine. The Leaf Drops Clarity Serum is a hybrid product of essence and oil for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. It has Hemp Seed Oil to give an extra boost of hydration and balance sebum production. The serum also soothes redness and irritation and helps clarify blemishes, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. 

The serum is more like an essence-style to me, as it's not very thick/viscous. A few drops spread easily into the skin and absorb quickly. I like that it feels light on my skin.

• Visit FaceTory to browse their full line and purchase
• Use coupon code SEESHOPLOVE15 for 15 percent off your order

Bottom Line: I love FaceTory's products and these new ones are a great addition to my skincare routine. These products are targeted towards oily skin because that's the issue I deal with the most, but they have a variety of products for every skin type. Be sure to check them out, I'm sure you'll find some new favorites, too!