Saturday, March 21, 2015

ToiletTree Countertop Bath Accessories Set Review

Last September I reviewed the ToiletTree Professional Skincare System and was very impressed by the quality and affordability of the product, so when they reached out to me to see if I would be interested in reviewing their new line of bamboo products I was more than happy to!

*Disclaimer: This product was sent to See, Shop, Love! for review purposes.


I have very limited counter space in my bathroom, so when I saw the Countertop Bath Accessories Set I knew it would be a good fit for me.  It's made of bamboo and ceramic and has spaces for soap, toothbrushes, and other small toiletries.  I was drawn to its functionality and clean design, plus I knew it would help me consolidate some of the things taking up space on my countertop.


I decided to use the ceramic cup on the left to hold our toothbrushes and toothpaste, and I filled the soap dispenser with the soap we had been using.  That alone freed up a lot of space, considering the other soap dispenser was quite large.  I was also able to save space by putting the toothpaste in with the brushes, as it was previously lying lengthwise behind the faucet.

I haven't decided what I'm going to put in the drawers yet, but the ToiletTree page suggests using it to store rings or other valuables.  The drawers are only about two inches deep so you definitely have to keep smaller things in there, but they're a great addition to the set.


Once again, I am impressed by the construction and quality of this ToiletTree set!  I think it looks great in my bathroom.  I love the combination of the white ceramic with the bamboo; it matches perfectly with the ceramic and bamboo soap holder that I had purchased at a different retailer when we first moved into the apartment.

ToiletTree products can be purchased through their website (link below), or at retailers such as CVS, Sharper Image, Brookstone, Frontgate, Hammacher Schlemmer, and Bed Bath & Beyond.


Bottom Line: If you're looking for affordable, well-made accessories for your home I suggest checking the ToiletTree Countertop Bath Accessories Set out, as well as the other bamboo products they have available!

Pure & Essential Minerals Dead Sea Mud Mask Review

Using facial masks is probably my favorite part of my skincare regimen.  It always feels like an extra indulgence, and I love the way they make my skin feel after.  I'm a big fan of mud masks because they do wonders for my oily skin, and the Pure & Essential Minerals Dead Sea Mud Mask is no exception!

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by BrandBacker. Press samples received.


The healing properties of Dead Sea mud have been renowed for centuries.  The Dead Sea, which is located between Israel and Jordan, is the lowest point on Earth's surface at 1,400 feet below sea level.  The mineral-rich mud found there does wonders for skin, including drawing out excess oils and impurities.  The Pure & Essential Minerals Dead Sea Mud Mask contains 21 essential minerals from the Dead Sea!

Along with removing impurities, toxins, and excess oil from the skin, the mask also stimulates and improves blood circulation, resulting in a lovely glow.  It's certified vegan, is cruelty-free, and contains the following all-natural ingredients:
Dead Sea mud, organic shea butter, organic sunflower oil, organic aloe vera juice, organic vegetable glycerin, organic jojoba oil, hickory bark extract, organic calendula oil, filtered water, xanthan gum, and eucalyptus oil.


Like most mud masks, this one creates a tingling sensation upon initial application.  If you have very sensitive skin it may burn more than someone with normal skin.  My skin is on the sensitive side, but I didn't find the tingling to be too much, but I wanted to let everyone know just in case.

This 6 oz. jar is quite hefty, and I estimate that it will last at least three months.  The instructions say to apply a medium layer to the face and upper neck and to leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove it using warm water and rubbing in a circular motion.  You can wash away excess with warm water and a washcloth.

I've used this once so far and I think it's wonderful.  It left my skin feeling smooth and free from excess oil, which is really important to me.  I like to use mud masks once a week to really purify and balance my skin since it gets so oily throughout the day.  I did find that it was necessary to use a washcloth to remove it, since warm water alone wasn't enough.  Using the cloth adds a little bit of gentle exfoliation though, which is also great for your skin.

  • You can purchase the Pure & Essential Minerals Dead Sea Mud Mask on Amazon
  • Connect with Pure & Essential Minerals on Facebook and Twitter

Bottom Line: The Pure & Essential Minerals Dead Sea Mud Mask is a great mask for all skin types, but especially those of us troubled by oily skin.  I love that it's cruelty-free, vegan, and made with all-natural ingredients.  It left my skin feeling very refreshed and I highly recommend it!

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Spa Week is Back With $50 Treatments!

Have you heard of Spa Week?  It's exactly what it sounds like: a week of fantastic $50 deals in spas across the country!  It runs from April 13th to the 19th.


You can search for $50 Spa Week deals near you at their website.  Unfortunately there are no deals in spas near me here in Rochester, but here are just a few of the spas that are participating in the New York City area (too bad I'm visiting starting in May and not this month!):

Acacia Spa
Four-Hands Full Body Massage or Couples Massage - 45 minutes
60 Minute Hot Stone Massage With 30 Minute Reflexology Session - 90 minutes
75 Minute Spring Renewal Organic Facial With 15 Minute Winter Hand Treatment

Faina Day Spa
Full Body Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage - 50 minutes
Anti-oxidant Deep Pore Cleansing Facial With Artic Berry Enzyme Exfoliation or Hydra Radiance Anti-aging Facial with Ultrasonic and Oxygen Infusion - 50 minutes
Peppermint Rosemary Herb Sea Salt Body Exfoliation or Brown Sugar Vanilla Orange Body Exfoliation With Massage

Tribeca Beauty Spa
The TBS Swedish Massage - 45 minutes
Tribeca Signature Facial with Mild Extractions - 45 minutes
TBS Essentials Package Includes Perfect Pedicure + Brazilian Waxing

Again, these are only three of the many spas that are participating across the country!  Be sure to book an appointment near you here!

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

DenTek, Beauty, and Why YOU Should Be Flossing!

Let's face it, no one enjoys talking about dental health.  Well, except maybe for dentists and dental hygienists.  But I have a confession to make: I am obsessive about my teeth.  I floss after I eat every meal and I brush three times a day.  My dentist warned me against brushing too much, as that can be detrimental to your teeth.  But for those of you who don't floss as often as I do, or those of you who may dread it because it can be painful, DenTek has come to rescue!

*Disclaimer: Products were sent to See, Shop, Love! for review purposes.


Mickey and Donald agree: a healthy smile is as important to your overall beauty as any hair or makeup can be.  Flossing is an easy way to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy.  If you don't floss regularly,  you could leave yourself susceptible to gingivitis, which is a gum disease that causes painful inflammation.

DenTek was founded in 1984 by John Jansheski, who took his dentist father's invention, the Dental Pik, and turned it mass-market.  They provide innovative oral care products that keep your smile beautiful and in prime condition.


I think that the DenTek Comfort Clean Floss Picks make flossing less of a chore.  Although it doesn't take much effort to open up a container of floss and pull some out, I find that flossing with a string of floss can be difficult.  It's not always easy to reach the backs of your teeth, and if you use too much force you might cut your gums.  No fun.  The Comfort Clean picks are made with a silky tape of floss that is incredibly soft.  I actually just flossed with them before sitting down to write this post!

The floss glides smoothly and easily between my teeth, even when I'm flossing the tight spaces between my back molars.  If you already have sensitive gums and shy away from flossing because of the pain it can cause, these are a great way to get the job done without irritating your mouth any more.  They're easy to maneuver around my teeth and get all of the yucky stuff out from between them.


The Comfort Clean Floss Picks also have a mint coating, so not only do they clean out the food stuck between your teeth, they leave them feeling minty fresh, too!  The pointy pick end can also be used to dislodge stubborn food particles in between the teeth. And last, but not least, they can be used as a tongue cleaner if you hold them flat against your tongue (illustrated on this page).  Scraping your tongue is just as important as flossing and it goes a long way towards killing bad breath.

DenTek has a wide range of oral care products beyond these picks, including products for kids! The Comfort Clean Floss Picks sell for $1.39 to $4.29 and are available in 30, 60, 75, 90, and 150 count packs at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and many other grocery and drug stores. Be sure to check out their website to view all of their offerings.

Bottom Line: Dental health might not be sexy or exciting to talk about, but everyone can agree that having a healthy mouth is important.  DenTek's flossers make flossing painless and easy, so you have no excuse not to do it now!

Monday, March 16, 2015

RocksBox Review - Get Your First Box Free!

I had a 6-month subscription to RocksBox not too long ago (read all of my previous reviews here) and I had a pretty good experience with them.  Not every piece I got was perfectly suited for my style, but I loved how easy it was to exchange your boxes and get new jewelry.  When they contacted me to see if I was interested in becoming an It Girl Influencer I happily obliged!  What does that mean for you?  Well, for starters, I have a special coupon code that will allow you to get your first box for free!  Keep reading for more information...

*Disclaimer: This box was sent to See, Shop, Love! for review purposes.


RocksBox has changed their look since I last received a box and I like it!  It's very chic.  The box itself is also smaller than it used to be.


If you're not familiar with RocksBox, they're a jewelry rental subscription that sends an unlimited number of boxes to you for $19 a month.  Each box contains three pieces tailored to your style profile, and you'll also get $10 to spend on any piece that you choose to keep.  You can keep each box for as long as you'd like.  Shipping both ways is also free, but they currently only ship within the United States.


Each piece comes neatly packaged in a drawstring bag.  In my experience, bubble wrap is also common for earrings.  I received a necklace, a bracelet, and a pair of earrings in this shipment.


One detail that was new to me since the last time I used RocksBox was that I had a note on my account page from the stylist who chose these pieces for me.  She said she thought that I would like the House of Harlow necklace and chose two other pieces that could be worn with it.  She was right, I love the necklace, but the other two pieces weren't really my style.  That's the fun thing about RocksBox, though, if you don't like something you can just send it back!


I'll start with the necklace.  Its official name is the House of Harlow 1960 Pavé Tribal Triangle Pendant in Silver ($58 retail, $46 Insider's Price).  When I opened my box, the side in the photo was what was facing me so I assumed that that was the front of the necklace.  I was wrong!  The other side looks like this.  To be honest, I like the black side better--I normally go for basic looking pieces.  Either way, I like that I could wear this with the bling one day and with the solid black another.


This cuff is the Vanessa Mooney Empire Silver Cuff and it retails for $124!  The Insider's Price to keep it is $99.  Frankly, I can't believe that this costs that much.  Not to be offensive to the designer, but I think this looks like something I could find at any store in the mall for about $20.  It's just not my style.  Also, I have small wrists and this just kind of flopped all over when I tried it on.


The Urban Gem Shooting Star Earrings in Gold ($65 retail, $52 Insider's Price) are just okay to me.  I prefer stud earrings, but these are a weird mix of stud and dangly.  They're too long for me and not something I could wear every day.  I could see myself wearing them to a formal function or a party, but I don't really go to formal functions or parties ever.


Bottom Line: My first box back with RocksBox wasn't a total bust, but it wasn't perfectly spot-on to my style, either.  I'm excited to try more jewelry though, and I'm going to add some pieces that I like to my wishlist on the site so that they can get a better idea of what kinds of things I like.