Introducing BayUnity.com

The other day I received an email from Jason of bayUnity asking me if I would be interested in blogging about the company, which he is the Founder and CEO of.  I took a lot and instantly knew that bayUnity would be a great company to feature on this blog!

Simply put, bayUnity is a website with reviews for natural products, which aims to help consumers avoid costly mistakes.  Jason has been in the natural product industry for over seven years, and was inspired to create bayUnity after attending the Natural Products Expo.  The overwhelming number of products available can seem daunting, so bayUnity is there to help shoppers sort through the best of the natural market.

I think that bayUnity is an excellent resource for the eco-friendly consumer because the reviews are "for the people and by the people," in Jason's words.  Anyone can leave a review, which I like because that format usually leads to truthful and honest reviews.  I want to know what the average guy or gal thinks about a product, since their lifestyles are probably similar to mine.

A Matcha Tea set that's reviewed on the website

Here's what Jason has to say about what makes bayUnity unique:

• bayUnity lets the users do the talking. Our rankings aren't based on our opinions, they are based on feedback from customers. We give you the tools such as video, images, ratings to narrow down your search , but you'll have to read the reviews to see if the product is right for you.
• bayUnity strives for transparency. Positive or negative, all views are encouraged on BayUnity. Unless a review is profane or violates our terms, it will not be shown on bayUnity. If a reviewer works for a retailer, we let you know. Reviews written by certified owners of the product are called out.
• bayUnity is not a retailer. We do not sell products ourselves. If you have questions about price, stock or shipping, please contact the seller directly. Of course if you see problems with any information about a product on our site, please let us know.

Bottom Line: bayUnity is here to help the green-minded shopper share their opinions, read reviews, and promote products.  Their database allows for easy searches of a plethora of information, whether that be for buyers or sellers.  Companies can list their products for free on the site, with unlimited pictures, videos, and contact information.


*Disclaimer: I was asked to write this post by bayUnity.com, but any opinions expressed are entirely my own. I was not monetarily compensated for this post.

Sweet Surprises Card Kit Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

I have a new review and giveaway that steps a little outside of the norm for this blog but is still really cute and fun.  After posting my May Conscious Box review, I was contacted by Carol, a Close To My Heart consultant.  She offered me a few products to try, and I ultimately chose the "My Originals® Sweet Surprises Card Kit" because it reminded me the most of scrapbooking, which is something I've dabbled in before.

I loved trying all types of crafts when I was younger -- coloring, stamping, painting...anything and everything!  I kind of fell out of practice as I got older, but I did attempt a scrapbook during high school.  It remains unfinished, but it's something that I definitely enjoy doing.  This card kit is kind of like scrapbooking, in that you can decorate the cards any way you'd like.  It comes with the following:

• 10 – 5¾" × 5¼" Tri-Fold Kraft Card Bases
• 10 – Kraft Envelope Boxes
• 10 – Clear Adhesive-Backed Treat Cups
• 10 – Dimensional Elements Sentiments
• 1 – 12" x 12" Printed Dimensional Elements Sheet
• 2 – 12" x 12" Printed Adhesive Sheets
• 2 yds. – ½" White Daisy Grosgrain Ribbon

What I liked the most about the kit was the bright colors and fun designs.  It's predominantly flowers and cupcakes, with little accent stickers to go along with them.

The cards can be made for a variety of events, from birthdays to simple "thinking of you's."  I think that these would be so much fun as a party activity, especially since you fill them with candy (or another small treat of your choosing)!

Here is my finished card.  I'll have to admit that I wish that the kit included clearer instructions, because at first I wasn't quite sure what to do with all of the pieces.  That might sound silly, because it really is a simple construction, but I think I was over-thinking it.  I'm the type of person who likes to know exactly what I have to do, so I'm still not entirely sure if I assembled the card correctly.  But it looks cute, right?  The candy cup stays attached via an adhesive around the base of it, which attaches to the card.

• Check out Carol's website and see the full line of Close To My Heart products, which has everything from digital and paper scrapbooking to stamps, other card kits, and tons more!

Bottom Line: The My Originals® Sweet Surprises Card Kit is a super easy and fun craft for anyone who wants to put a smile on someone's face, including their own!  The card I made took less than 5 minutes, and I love the way it turned out.  I think this kit would be great for someone who might not have a ton of time to devote to crafting, but still wants to try something new.  It retails for $19.95.

Does this look like something you'd be interested in trying?  Carol was kind enough to provide me with an extra kit to use for a giveaway!  You can enter below with the Rafflecopter form.

Zoya Jem vs. Zoya Valerie

I recently won a giveaway for four Zoya nail polishes which was awesome because I'm a Zoya addict!  "Valerie" had been on my list to buy for a while, so this was a great opportunity for me to grab her.  I saw Temptalia's swatch and thought she was so pretty, and I especially loved the black base.

Valerie was the first of the four polishes I chose that I painted on when I received them, and I was disappointed with what I found.  She's still a beautiful color, but in my eyes she's almost identical to Jem, which I already own.  I was glad that I at least didn't pay for the polish, but had I realized they were so similar I would have picked a different shade.

These photos might not be the best guides, but the only visible difference between Jem and Valerie is that Valerie has a blacker base, and even then it's hard to tell unless you really look up-close.

Bottom Line: Valerie and Jem aren't exact dupes (I don't think Zoya would ever do that to us), but they're so similar that I don't think there's any need to buy both of them.  If you want a redder base, go with Jem; if you want a black base, go with Valerie.  Either way, you're getting a beautiful purple polish with great shimmer!

May Kara's Way Review

As you all know, I'm a sucker for subscription services.  I want to try them all!  When I found about Kara's Way, a brand new monthly service, I was intrigued because it's an eco-friendly subscription.  Each month, for $15 you can receive a box of 5-10 hand-picked natural beauty products.

I contacted Kara's Way to see if they would be interested in sending me a box to review, and much to my delight they were more than happy to send one my way.  I feel lucky to have been able to review this box, and I loved it so much that I'm seriously considering subscribing!  The only thing that's holding me back is whether or not I want to spend another $15 a month, but based on quality alone I would 100% recommend this service.

The first thing I noticed about the package is that it was taller than any other service I've subscribed to, which was a good sign because I figured, that probably means more products!  The box is a normal cardboard box, and upon opening there isn't a second box inside.  I like that because then I only have to worry about breaking down one box to recycle.  Oh and I loved how quickly it arrived--I got my box two days after receiving the shipping notification, and it ships from San Francisco (I'm in Rochester, NY).

I was pleasantly surprised to find a handwritten note sitting atop of the items!  It was a thank you from Maria, who I'm assuming is the founder of Kara's Way, for taking the time to review the box.  I thought that was such a sweet and personal touch (photo of the note to follow).

Another thing I noticed about the packaging is that they used a lot of tissue paper (the dark green section folded out to two large sheets).  That might be off-putting to some, but I don't mind because it's all easily recyclable.  I also loved the green, since it's my favorite color.  The tag in the photo above is printed on seed paper, so it can be planted and will sprout flowers.  I have a bunch of similar papers saved up, but I have yet to plant any of them.

And here are the items!  I was very pleased with the selection for the inaugural box.  I recognized some of the brands, specifically Keeki Pure & Simple, which is one of my favorites.  I was also excited to receive a nail polish, because as you may know I'm slightly obsessed with nail polishes.  If you count each individual item, the box contained 10 total.  I think that is a really good value for $15.  One tiny complaint I have is that there was no card included that described the items, but a day after receiving my box I got an email with descriptions so that voided my complaint.  Here is the list:

• Naturelle D'Argan Argan Oil Elixir - I have heard so much about Argan oil but had yet to try it for myself.  I've been using this on my hair and it's been pretty effective at smoothing it out so far.  I really like this a lot (in the photo it's the glass bottle with blue tape on the top).
• Native Touch - Three items were included in a reusable mesh bag, they're at the top of the photo.  I haven't used any of them yet, but I think I'll love them.  There is also a mini-pamphlet about the "green foot challenge," and I love pampering my feet with scrubs and salves.
• Blue Corn Sugar Scrub
• Rooting Bear Rub
• 100% Natural Soap
• Keeki Pure & Simple Organic Shimmer Stick - I have two Keeki lip balms, but hadn't tried their lip shimmers previous to receiving this one.  It was definitely on my list of items to try, though, so I was super excited to get one.  It's my favorite item from this box!  The color I received was "Sassy," a nude-like shimmer.
• Beyond Coastal Daily Active Sunscreen - I needed a new sunscreen, so this one arrived just in time!  I haven't used it yet, but it seems promising.  It's SPF 15 and full of moisturizing ingredients.
• Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel - I had a bottle of witch hazel that I used a long time ago, but it's not a product I've really used much of.  I don't generally use toners, but I'm curious to try this.  It has a nice, light cucumber scent to it.
• La Fresh - Two wipes were included, an Oil Free Face Cleanser and a Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover.  I used the cleanser this afternoon and I loved it.  It took off all of my makeup and smelled very fresh and light.  I haven't tried the nail polish remover one yet.
• Honeybee Gardens Watercolors Nail Polish - This polish is water-based instead of solvent-based, so it can be removed with grain alcohol or rubbing alcohol.  The color I got was "Burlesque," a shimmery red/fuschia.  I tried it on my toes because I had a difficult time removing a similar formula in the past from my fingers.  I left it on for a day and it took some scrubbing to remove with rubbing alcohol, but eventually it all came off.

Bottom Line: I've tried many subscription services, but Kara's Way is truly special!  I'm so impressed by this first box that I definitely want to subscribe in the future.  I like that not only do they feature natural, eco-friendly products, but it's all beauty products.  It's perfect for people who want to try going green, but still want to receive fun makeup, skincare, and haircare!

• Learn more about Kara's Way and sign up for a subscription
• Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter

Two more photos are behind the "read more"

It's Me! Peter Pan $200 Amazon GC Giveaway! [CLOSED]

Relive a classic fairy tale starring your child! Use your child’s face as Peter Pan and embark on an adventure with the lovable Tinker Bell, Wendy, John and Michael where they meet Peter Pan’s arch nemesis, Captain Hook.

Can your child become the Hero of Neverland? Download It’s Me! Peter Pan for FREE from the iTunes store here:

It's Me! Peter Pan

To celebrate, It’s Me! Peter Pan will be giving away a $200 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky reader! Giveaway is open worldwide and ends May 31st at 11:59 PM EST.

Enter this great giveaway after the "Read More" using the Rafflecopter form