Monday, July 3, 2017
20 Free 4×6 Prints + Free Shipping at SnapFish
Using Coupons Not Your Thing? #Ibotta
Using coupons not your thing but still feel like you want some of your hard earned cash back? Are you clipping every coupon you can find and want to get cash back in your wallet?
Ibotta is just the app for you. It's simple to use, hassle-free and fun! You can get cash back for doing what you already do - like that dreaded grocery shopping thing we all have to tackle but try to avoid as long as we can.
You simply download the app HERE, and register. You'll get to select all of your favorite retailers near you. Ibotta works in over 300 retail chains, restaurants, movie theaters, convenience stores, home improvement centers, pet stores, and pharmacies nationwide.
Once you're set up, browse through and select rebates that suit you and your family. Next, shop at your local retailer and pick up items you've saved on your rebate list, make sure to save your receipt. Once you're back home, upload your receipt and you're on your way to keeping your money where it belongs, in your pocket! You can also earn bonuses to pile on the earnings, these change all the time and are super fun!
Once you have $20.00 in your Ibotta account (which adds up fast), you can cash out with Paypal or select from numerous gift cards! I've earned $96.75 with my account so far, I personally prefer paypal and my transfers have all been hassle free.
Ibotta is just the app for you. It's simple to use, hassle-free and fun! You can get cash back for doing what you already do - like that dreaded grocery shopping thing we all have to tackle but try to avoid as long as we can.
You simply download the app HERE, and register. You'll get to select all of your favorite retailers near you. Ibotta works in over 300 retail chains, restaurants, movie theaters, convenience stores, home improvement centers, pet stores, and pharmacies nationwide.
Once you're set up, browse through and select rebates that suit you and your family. Next, shop at your local retailer and pick up items you've saved on your rebate list, make sure to save your receipt. Once you're back home, upload your receipt and you're on your way to keeping your money where it belongs, in your pocket! You can also earn bonuses to pile on the earnings, these change all the time and are super fun!
Once you have $20.00 in your Ibotta account (which adds up fast), you can cash out with Paypal or select from numerous gift cards! I've earned $96.75 with my account so far, I personally prefer paypal and my transfers have all been hassle free.
Some Featured Deals Right Now:
- Get cash back for a Sam's Club Membership
- Earn $$ back for taking an UBER ride
- Time to renew Amazon Prime? Earn a gift card!
- Get cash back for shopping online
**I am not an affiliate of Ibotta, the links provided are my personal friend referral links . While you are not required to use them, I would love it if you would join my team. I adore this shopping app and out of the many you can find available for download, Ibotta is the one that has earned me the MOST cash back, buying things I would already have been purchasing.
Target July Beauty Box is Officially HERE
Target's July Beauty Box is officially in stock! CLICK HERE and type Beauty Box in the search bar to see what goodies this month's box has in store for you!
These are a one-time purchase, with a max limit of 2 boxes per order
Cashmere Headwraps (Black and Charcoal)- 2 ct
e.l.f. Illumintaing Mist & Set- 2.02 oz
John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon- 1 oz
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer- 0.25 oz
Que Bella Limited Edition Duo - Dead Sea Mud & Pineapple Peel Off- 2 pc
Secret Cool Waterlily Clear Gel Deoderant- 0.5 oz
ACURE Day Cream- 1 oz
Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes- 7 ct
e.l.f. Illumintaing Mist & Set- 2.02 oz
John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon- 1 oz
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer- 0.25 oz
Que Bella Limited Edition Duo - Dead Sea Mud & Pineapple Peel Off- 2 pc
Secret Cool Waterlily Clear Gel Deoderant- 0.5 oz
ACURE Day Cream- 1 oz
Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes- 7 ct
Pure Essential Aromatherapy Oils 6 pc Gift Set 74% off
Pursonic 100% Pure Essential Aromatherapy Oils Gift Set-6 Pack
Hurry, these are 74% off and going for $7.85 for the set!!
You'll get SIX 10ML bottles, one each of Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon grass, Orange, Peppermint and Tea Tree. These are 100% pure therapeutic essential oils with no fillers, additives, bases or carriers added. So remember, you're going to want to mix them with a carrier oil if you plan on using them on your skin. I love using these in my room diffusers!
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
This is Not A Break Down - This is a #MentalBreakthrough #ThisIsNotToday
THIS is not today.
THIS wasn’t yesterday or last week or even last month.
What you are seeing is not me having a break-down – but a full on breakthrough.
It may not look like a big deal to you, but for me, this is a moment where I allowed myself to be vulnerable, when I could have chosen a path that would have led me down a darker path as it has many times before.
I took a picture of myself while I was crying, which kind of seems ridiculous I’m sure. I needed it as a reminder of this specific sliver of time so that I could sear it into my memory as a sign of new beginnings, a start to making healthy, rational choices. I was closing the chapter of who I thought I was and letting the real me finally come through.
I’ve spent a lifetime it seems, always letting anger get the best of me. I would dwell on something someone had said or done that hurt me profoundly, pretending I didn’t care, standing stoic and putting on a brave face. I was not going to show any one that I was weak in any way, especially by crying. I didn’t talk about my innermost feelings; instead, I chose to bottle them inside and wait…..
I’d wait for a day that had been long and tiresome, a day where every little thing had eaten away at my last nerve, a day when I just let all the little things become way bigger than they should have been. To the outside world, I looked normal; I was going through the motions of my daily routine with a smile. Inside - I was struggling just to take in a breathe, my body felt heavy, my spirit crushed, noises were amplified, the little voice in my head kept repeating everything negative anyone had ever spoken to me on a loop, I couldn’t focus. And then, inevitably, I would just snap.
It could be anything that finally pushed me over the edge. To those around me, it came out of nowhere. One minute I was fine, the next minute, “Mom’s throwing Christmas presents all over the living room!” (That’s just an example for your reference, albeit a true one). In my head, I rationalized that those dishes in the sink, the laundry piled up and me walking the dog - for what seemed like the hundredth time that day was just more than I could handle and had the tasks been completed by another, it would have surely prevented this particular melt-down. The truth is, it was never about those things.
To my loved ones who always seemed to be on the receiving end of my worst behavior, there was nothing they could say or do while I was mid-rage to calm me – there is no way to interject logic when a person is incapable of understanding reason. The best course of action for them was to wait it out, in silence, not feeding the beast that was rambling through my home.
I could tell you stories upon stories of things I’ve said or done while in rage-mode but I assure you they are long, childish, shameful, almost always in 3rd person and embarrassing. Once the emotion of what I always thought of as anger had run its course, along with the adrenaline, I was left feeling empty & physically drained and had traumatized those around me needlessly. In the end, my erratic behavior had solved nothing. This seemingly endless pattern lasted for 27 years, even after being diagnosed at 30 with Bipolar I disorder, years of medication trials and error, transcranial magnetic stimulation, reading self-help books and attending talk therapy.
Last year I decided I didn’t want to live like that anymore and by that, I mean I didn’t want to feel angry all the time and have random, uncontrollable outbursts like a mad woman. If I wanted real change to happen in my life, to better myself - for myself, I had to be the one to invoke it. I had to let go of trying to control everything in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I will always have to take medication, but I had to step up my game and really focus on understanding the how’s and why’s of me.
I discovered over the past year or so, that a majority of the time when I think I’m really good and mad, I’m not really angry, I’m extremely hurt and I had never learned how to express to another person "that" emotion. To express that I was hurt meant that I had to be vulnerable and let’s face it, being vulnerable is a scary thing if you’ve lived your whole life building walls to keep yourself safe and hidden. Being angry is uncomplicated, simple – anyone can do it and I was really good at it. Trusting someone, opening yourself to others, and believing wholeheartedly in them, that takes self-love, patience and work to master.
I started small and this is where the picture way at the top comes into play, it wasn’t the first time, but it was the first time I actually captured the moment. That particular day I was sad. I had no energy, I felt I had no social life, hadn’t made good choices for my family or myself, I felt I couldn’t live up to anyone’s expectations, I was lonely and above all I was still carrying a hurt that I was trying really hard to forgive. Before this picture, I was at a crossroad. I could tell an argument was brewing and that it was based on my current mood swing. I could stand there in my living room and unleash my fury. Scream, curse, throw things and continue to wear my bipolar label like it was some warrior badge of honor to display with pride or I could try something different.
I made a choice to take a brick from my decades old emotional fortress and lay it at my husband’s feet with a raw openness I had avoided for so long. I told my husband I was not in control of my emotions, that I needed him to walk away from me. That what I needed from him most was to let me calm myself and for me to do that, I needed him to leave the room and not come back in, not to say another word. With a puzzled look on his face, he did just that and I immediately exploded into tears.
Now I know what you’re thinking “How can a husband just walk away, why didn’t he come back and comfort you?” You have to understand that up to this point, I have made it my life’s mission to never let another see me cry - EVER, especially my husband and in this moment what he gave me was a gift. I could not rationally verbalize what I was feeling. I needed to push myself past all the negative things floating around in my head that wanted to escape out of my mouth with rage and just sit with them in thought, letting them process BY MYSELF. What I was feeling was temporary, deep down I knew it was going to pass, so while it was here, I was just going to embrace it, acknowledge it and when it was gone, I’d be at a point where I’d be willing to talk openly with a fresh perspective. So I took the “ugly cry” picture, it’s an honest & authentic moment. I’m totally not having a break down but a mental breakthrough. I could not control the world, or the people in it, but I could take responsibility for my thoughts and actions, right here, right now, so I did.
Ever since that picture was taken, when I started to feel upset, expressing what I am experiencing has become easier. I’ve reached a point where I just openly and immediately say out loud what I may be feeling and if I cry in the process, usually I discover it was just simple frustration. At first I would apologize for crying, because it was new to me, but now it’s just what I do because it’s so freeing to express myself openly..
I didn’t realize that for as long as I could remember I lived in fear. Fear of judgement, criticism, lack of control, looking foolish, afraid no one would love me just as I am, being vulnerable, trusting another. I cared too much if people liked me, I always wanted to say and do the right thing, be who others wanted me to be. What about now? I still care, but I let it bother me way less and I don’t make it my identity. Maybe it’s my age or the things I’ve seen or my experience in life. I don’t sit on anger anymore; I look deeper into myself when I become frustrated and I try to view it from another standpoint. I ask myself "Why are you getting mad and how can you express this in an appropriate manner and solve the actual problem forever?"
Start today by doing something you thought you never imagined you could do, even if it's something small. Today was a good day, because I decided to trust all of you with something so personal. Thanks for listening.
I took a picture of myself while I was crying, which kind of seems ridiculous I’m sure. I needed it as a reminder of this specific sliver of time so that I could sear it into my memory as a sign of new beginnings, a start to making healthy, rational choices. I was closing the chapter of who I thought I was and letting the real me finally come through.
Why is that important?
I’ve spent a lifetime it seems, always letting anger get the best of me. I would dwell on something someone had said or done that hurt me profoundly, pretending I didn’t care, standing stoic and putting on a brave face. I was not going to show any one that I was weak in any way, especially by crying. I didn’t talk about my innermost feelings; instead, I chose to bottle them inside and wait…..
I’d wait for a day that had been long and tiresome, a day where every little thing had eaten away at my last nerve, a day when I just let all the little things become way bigger than they should have been. To the outside world, I looked normal; I was going through the motions of my daily routine with a smile. Inside - I was struggling just to take in a breathe, my body felt heavy, my spirit crushed, noises were amplified, the little voice in my head kept repeating everything negative anyone had ever spoken to me on a loop, I couldn’t focus. And then, inevitably, I would just snap.
It could be anything that finally pushed me over the edge. To those around me, it came out of nowhere. One minute I was fine, the next minute, “Mom’s throwing Christmas presents all over the living room!” (That’s just an example for your reference, albeit a true one). In my head, I rationalized that those dishes in the sink, the laundry piled up and me walking the dog - for what seemed like the hundredth time that day was just more than I could handle and had the tasks been completed by another, it would have surely prevented this particular melt-down. The truth is, it was never about those things.
To my loved ones who always seemed to be on the receiving end of my worst behavior, there was nothing they could say or do while I was mid-rage to calm me – there is no way to interject logic when a person is incapable of understanding reason. The best course of action for them was to wait it out, in silence, not feeding the beast that was rambling through my home.
I could tell you stories upon stories of things I’ve said or done while in rage-mode but I assure you they are long, childish, shameful, almost always in 3rd person and embarrassing. Once the emotion of what I always thought of as anger had run its course, along with the adrenaline, I was left feeling empty & physically drained and had traumatized those around me needlessly. In the end, my erratic behavior had solved nothing. This seemingly endless pattern lasted for 27 years, even after being diagnosed at 30 with Bipolar I disorder, years of medication trials and error, transcranial magnetic stimulation, reading self-help books and attending talk therapy.
Last year I decided I didn’t want to live like that anymore and by that, I mean I didn’t want to feel angry all the time and have random, uncontrollable outbursts like a mad woman. If I wanted real change to happen in my life, to better myself - for myself, I had to be the one to invoke it. I had to let go of trying to control everything in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I will always have to take medication, but I had to step up my game and really focus on understanding the how’s and why’s of me.
I discovered over the past year or so, that a majority of the time when I think I’m really good and mad, I’m not really angry, I’m extremely hurt and I had never learned how to express to another person "that" emotion. To express that I was hurt meant that I had to be vulnerable and let’s face it, being vulnerable is a scary thing if you’ve lived your whole life building walls to keep yourself safe and hidden. Being angry is uncomplicated, simple – anyone can do it and I was really good at it. Trusting someone, opening yourself to others, and believing wholeheartedly in them, that takes self-love, patience and work to master.
I started small and this is where the picture way at the top comes into play, it wasn’t the first time, but it was the first time I actually captured the moment. That particular day I was sad. I had no energy, I felt I had no social life, hadn’t made good choices for my family or myself, I felt I couldn’t live up to anyone’s expectations, I was lonely and above all I was still carrying a hurt that I was trying really hard to forgive. Before this picture, I was at a crossroad. I could tell an argument was brewing and that it was based on my current mood swing. I could stand there in my living room and unleash my fury. Scream, curse, throw things and continue to wear my bipolar label like it was some warrior badge of honor to display with pride or I could try something different.
I made a choice to take a brick from my decades old emotional fortress and lay it at my husband’s feet with a raw openness I had avoided for so long. I told my husband I was not in control of my emotions, that I needed him to walk away from me. That what I needed from him most was to let me calm myself and for me to do that, I needed him to leave the room and not come back in, not to say another word. With a puzzled look on his face, he did just that and I immediately exploded into tears.
Now I know what you’re thinking “How can a husband just walk away, why didn’t he come back and comfort you?” You have to understand that up to this point, I have made it my life’s mission to never let another see me cry - EVER, especially my husband and in this moment what he gave me was a gift. I could not rationally verbalize what I was feeling. I needed to push myself past all the negative things floating around in my head that wanted to escape out of my mouth with rage and just sit with them in thought, letting them process BY MYSELF. What I was feeling was temporary, deep down I knew it was going to pass, so while it was here, I was just going to embrace it, acknowledge it and when it was gone, I’d be at a point where I’d be willing to talk openly with a fresh perspective. So I took the “ugly cry” picture, it’s an honest & authentic moment. I’m totally not having a break down but a mental breakthrough. I could not control the world, or the people in it, but I could take responsibility for my thoughts and actions, right here, right now, so I did.
Ever since that picture was taken, when I started to feel upset, expressing what I am experiencing has become easier. I’ve reached a point where I just openly and immediately say out loud what I may be feeling and if I cry in the process, usually I discover it was just simple frustration. At first I would apologize for crying, because it was new to me, but now it’s just what I do because it’s so freeing to express myself openly..
I didn’t realize that for as long as I could remember I lived in fear. Fear of judgement, criticism, lack of control, looking foolish, afraid no one would love me just as I am, being vulnerable, trusting another. I cared too much if people liked me, I always wanted to say and do the right thing, be who others wanted me to be. What about now? I still care, but I let it bother me way less and I don’t make it my identity. Maybe it’s my age or the things I’ve seen or my experience in life. I don’t sit on anger anymore; I look deeper into myself when I become frustrated and I try to view it from another standpoint. I ask myself "Why are you getting mad and how can you express this in an appropriate manner and solve the actual problem forever?"
Start today by doing something you thought you never imagined you could do, even if it's something small. Today was a good day, because I decided to trust all of you with something so personal. Thanks for listening.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Describing Your Dark Place
I came upon this quote some time ago and it deeply touched me on so many personal levels. It is an excerpt written by David Foster Wallace
Friday, June 16, 2017
Really, It's Not About You..
Do you realize that if you're so busy judging people, you have no time to love them? Thank you Mother Teresa, that was deep and yeah, we've all done it, but now is a pretty good time to stop because a lot of the time, you don't realize how much you hurt someone when you lay a judgement on them.
Someone is always going to have their opinion about how you live your life. Who knows, maybe that person with their strong opinion is on the right path - but guess what? There's not just one pathway in life and it's okay if you're knocking down trees and carving your own. Me? I'm still in the rain forest, but I've got plans.
You wanna know the secret to not letting it bother you and eat your soul? It's taken me YEARS to learn this, but I kid you not, it actually works....
At the end of every day, especially if it's been a tough one. I've cried, worried, weaved my mind into a tangled mess - because I've struggled to do the right thing. I close my eyes, bow my head and I picture the people in my life that I keep close to me. Those few people who have taken the time to sit with me over the years, I realize they know my heart has always been pure, honest and good, even when I've made mistakes. They have never once questioned my intentions, though, I'll admit perhaps sometimes my sanity. They remind me that I am worthy all by myself and whole.
And then,..(THIS IS IT, SO PAY ATTENTION)
I forgive them and I wish them the gift of forgiveness
I forgive the person that judged me or judged someone I love. I let that shit go. Now at first you might struggle with it, but I promise it gets easier.
WHY?
I finally realized, it's not about me, the person that made a judgement, it's about them. They have something that they need to release, that they haven't let go, that they need to forgive. That's their job, not yours. I wish them love & light & the ability to forgive whatever burden they may still carry within themselves.
Happy Friday - Go out and spread some positive energy this weekend. The world needs more of that.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Large Room Aromatherapy Diffuser - LOVE THIS
700 ML Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Cool Mist
I'm a diffuser junkie, I have one in each room of my house and adore using them to keep my homes smelling fresh, clean and calming.
This 700 ML diffuser is square, a white plastic and measures 5-inches tall and is 6.5-inches wide. It holds just under 3 cups of water. It does have rubber feet on the bottom on each corner. The diffuser comes packaged well and includes a DC24V plug (with a generous cord length), a 100 ML plastic measuring cup and instruction booklet. You choose the misting direction depending on which way you place the lid.
This 700 ML diffuser is square, a white plastic and measures 5-inches tall and is 6.5-inches wide. It holds just under 3 cups of water. It does have rubber feet on the bottom on each corner. The diffuser comes packaged well and includes a DC24V plug (with a generous cord length), a 100 ML plastic measuring cup and instruction booklet. You choose the misting direction depending on which way you place the lid.
The diffuser lights up and cycles through 14 colors (both low and bright shades). You can use it to mist alone, mist with lighting and just use the lights.
It's simple to use, pop off the cover, add water and a good bit of essential oil. My oils come in large glass bottle so I put in a fuller dropper. Replace the cover and you are good to go. The machine is really quiet, but does bubble a bit more when on high mist. Not a deal breaker for me.
There are three buttons on the front center, light, high/low and mist.
It's simple to use, pop off the cover, add water and a good bit of essential oil. My oils come in large glass bottle so I put in a fuller dropper. Replace the cover and you are good to go. The machine is really quiet, but does bubble a bit more when on high mist. Not a deal breaker for me.
Light Button: (this button does not beep when pressed)
Press once and the colors will cycle through 14 shades (7 colors, 2 densities)
Press again and keep pressing until you find the color you like, it will stay that color.
Press and hold to shut off
High/Low button (it will beep when pressed)
Pressing this button is supposed to adjust your mist level from high to low, it does not light up to show you what option you are on already, I believe it to default to low when you start the machine. The only change I notice when pressing this button is that the machine bubbles a little more.
Mist Button: (it will beep when pressed)
Press and hold once, this will set the diffuser to run for 60 minutes and will auto shut-off
Press a second time for 120 minutes (2 hours) and it will auto shut-off
Press a third time for 180 minutes (3 hours) and it will auto shut-off
Press a forth time for continuous misting (about 10 hours)
This diffuser runs smooth and effortless, never gets warm, puts out a great aroma in a large room and is low maintenance.
You will want to clean it every 5 or 6 uses by unplugging it, draining well and wiping it with a mild detergent/cloth.
This is a fantastic unit, It's just perfect for my living room, I enjoy the colors and I'm finally able to get some great mist output.
Press once and the colors will cycle through 14 shades (7 colors, 2 densities)
Press again and keep pressing until you find the color you like, it will stay that color.
Press and hold to shut off
High/Low button (it will beep when pressed)
Pressing this button is supposed to adjust your mist level from high to low, it does not light up to show you what option you are on already, I believe it to default to low when you start the machine. The only change I notice when pressing this button is that the machine bubbles a little more.
Mist Button: (it will beep when pressed)
Press and hold once, this will set the diffuser to run for 60 minutes and will auto shut-off
Press a second time for 120 minutes (2 hours) and it will auto shut-off
Press a third time for 180 minutes (3 hours) and it will auto shut-off
Press a forth time for continuous misting (about 10 hours)
This diffuser runs smooth and effortless, never gets warm, puts out a great aroma in a large room and is low maintenance.
You will want to clean it every 5 or 6 uses by unplugging it, draining well and wiping it with a mild detergent/cloth.
This is a fantastic unit, It's just perfect for my living room, I enjoy the colors and I'm finally able to get some great mist output.
PROS: Simple, Great for Larger Rooms, Long Cord, Great Lights
CONS: On high mist, you can hear it bubbling a bit
I received this product at a discount in exchange for an open, honest and unbiased review. My opinion is my own, we'd love to hear yours!
CONS: On high mist, you can hear it bubbling a bit
I received this product at a discount in exchange for an open, honest and unbiased review. My opinion is my own, we'd love to hear yours!
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Cozy Brew Leaf Tea Infuser - A Tea Lover's Dream
Cozy Brew Leaf Tea Infuser
My son loves to relax by sipping on various Teavana loose-leaf teas. This Cozy Brew Leaf Tea Infuser was a must have for him. It's easy to use, infuses a good amount of tea and is simple to clean (dishwasher safe). It also comes in four funky colors (lime green, rose red, light purple and sky blue)!
This Cozy Brew Leaf Tea Infuser stand at 6-inches tall and made with silicone and stainless steel. It's 100% BPA-Free, non-toxic and super-cute. It also comes with a matching little coaster, so it's mess free! You'll want to keep this out of the microwave.
The box even comes with tea timing instructions
This Cozy Brew Leaf Tea Infuser stand at 6-inches tall and made with silicone and stainless steel. It's 100% BPA-Free, non-toxic and super-cute. It also comes with a matching little coaster, so it's mess free! You'll want to keep this out of the microwave.
Pop it apart and add your tea leaves!
To brew yourself a cup, remove the silicone top off of steel base, place a teaspoon of loose leaf tea in the stainless steel base, reconnect the topper and drop in cup of hot water for 3-5 minutes. You can then take out the infuser and place it on the matching coaster that comes with it to avoid a mess. I love that you never have to touch anything hot, the silicone stays cool.
Isn't this just adorable and fun?
Now, being that this is not a mesh strainer, you may have some tea leaf residue left behind, it will depend on how fine your tea is. Also, you are going to want to make sure that when placing this in your cup, it settles down on the bottom, you don't want it to float. Give it a little stir, to get the air bubbles out.
This was one of the coolest little gadgets we've tried yet and simply love it! Give this to a loved one with a bag of their favorite tea and I guarantee it'll be a hit.
I received this item at a discounted price in exchange for an open, honest and unbiased review. My experiences are my own, we'd love to hear yours! If you found this review helpful, let us know!
This was one of the coolest little gadgets we've tried yet and simply love it! Give this to a loved one with a bag of their favorite tea and I guarantee it'll be a hit.
I received this item at a discounted price in exchange for an open, honest and unbiased review. My experiences are my own, we'd love to hear yours! If you found this review helpful, let us know!
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Coconut Oil Hair Mask - Was It Worth It?
Coconut Oil Hair Mask by RADHA Beauty
I've become a bath snob, there I said it. There is nothing I enjoy more than drawing a hot bath, dropping in some essential oils and pampering myself for an hour from head to toe. It's me-time.
Lately I've become hooked on using Argan oil products for my hair but thought it would be nice to switch it up a bit. The other day I got in RADHA Beauty's Coconut Oil Hair Mask and was really excited because not only does it have Argan oil, it has Rosehip seed oil, Shea butter, Vitamin E, Ginger oil and 100% pure cold pressed coconut oil. The ingredient list was super small and completely readable! It's for all hair types, but I can see where this would be great to restore dry hair.
Lately I've become hooked on using Argan oil products for my hair but thought it would be nice to switch it up a bit. The other day I got in RADHA Beauty's Coconut Oil Hair Mask and was really excited because not only does it have Argan oil, it has Rosehip seed oil, Shea butter, Vitamin E, Ginger oil and 100% pure cold pressed coconut oil. The ingredient list was super small and completely readable! It's for all hair types, but I can see where this would be great to restore dry hair.
This sturdy jar arrived sealed in plastic to prevent leakage. I quickly opened it so I could see what this stuff looks and smells like.
This Coconut Oil Hair Mask was white, slightly greasy and of medium consistency. I would say that is in thinner when comparing it to my Argan Oil hair mask. It smells a bit like Shea butter would, not strong, just a slight hint.
To apply this mask, you'll want to first wash as you normally would. I chose to experiment with this mask on the day I use my purple-hued shampoo for grey hair that leaves my hair dry. I washed first, rinsed well and applied a generous amount onto my scalp, making sure I finger combed through to my ends. My hair is thin, yet course in texture and about shoulder length. I let the mask sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing, you can let it stay in for 20 minutes if you prefer. Now like I said before, I have been using an Argan oil mask and found that with it, I used less product because it was much thicker. This Coconut mask is going to require a little more than you may be used to.
I then moved on to the next step, blow-drying. My hair was tangle-free, felt like it had no residue and styled perfectly. There was no weighted feel to it and I did notice a nice shine. I feel like at this point I can go a day or two before I have to wash gain. My hair is naturally a bit wavy and this mask did not make my hair go flat as some other mask may do.
What I really liked about the coconut oil mask is that it's light and a change from what I have been using, with the same results. You can use this more often than you would a thicker mask and not get that greasy hair look. What I didn't like is that for a hair mask, it's supposed to be thicker than normal conditioner - it wasn't. Overall, I think it's a great product, but really prefer another brand a bit better simply because it last me longer.
I did receive this product at a discount in exchange for an open, honest and unbiased review. My experiences are my own, we'd love to hear yours!
To apply this mask, you'll want to first wash as you normally would. I chose to experiment with this mask on the day I use my purple-hued shampoo for grey hair that leaves my hair dry. I washed first, rinsed well and applied a generous amount onto my scalp, making sure I finger combed through to my ends. My hair is thin, yet course in texture and about shoulder length. I let the mask sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing, you can let it stay in for 20 minutes if you prefer. Now like I said before, I have been using an Argan oil mask and found that with it, I used less product because it was much thicker. This Coconut mask is going to require a little more than you may be used to.
I then moved on to the next step, blow-drying. My hair was tangle-free, felt like it had no residue and styled perfectly. There was no weighted feel to it and I did notice a nice shine. I feel like at this point I can go a day or two before I have to wash gain. My hair is naturally a bit wavy and this mask did not make my hair go flat as some other mask may do.
What I really liked about the coconut oil mask is that it's light and a change from what I have been using, with the same results. You can use this more often than you would a thicker mask and not get that greasy hair look. What I didn't like is that for a hair mask, it's supposed to be thicker than normal conditioner - it wasn't. Overall, I think it's a great product, but really prefer another brand a bit better simply because it last me longer.
I did receive this product at a discount in exchange for an open, honest and unbiased review. My experiences are my own, we'd love to hear yours!
Friday, March 11, 2016
★ Raw African Black Soap ★ 100% NATURAL
Raw African Black Soap from Plant Guru
Our family has tried local handmade soaps before that are all natural and came across this Raw African Black Soap from Plant Guru. We decided to give it a try. This soap is made from Cocoa Pods, Palm Kernel Oil, Coconut Oil, Unrefined Shea Butter, Plantain Skin Ashes, Purified Water, Natural Vitamin E and has a 100% Vegetable Base.
Raw African Black Soap is supposed to boast benefits such as improving skin tone, healing skin, improving tone and have exfoliating benefits.
The package arrives in a quite large heat sealed bag resealable bag. Inside you'll find two over-sized bars wrapped separately in plastic.
Upon opening the first bar, I noticed something different about this soap, it's very chunky in consistency and feels greasy and slightly sticky to the touch. It almost seemed like a really big granola bar. It smells somewhat odd, not bad, just different, I'd almost compare it to play-doh. No earthy smells here.
The bars are so large you can actually cut it it thirds and use it a little at a time, which is what we did. I delegated a portion to my hubby to use and another portion for myself, because sharing a single bar is just gross and unhygienic. We both have different skin, mine being slightly dry in texture and hubby's is eczema prone.
My experience with this soap is that it lathers way better than I expected, a little goes a long way. The smell is still off-putting, but it did feel as if it cleansed well. After rinsing, my skin felt slightly stripped of oils, yet I felt clean. I would not call this soap moisturizing in any way. I did personally like it when it came to lathering and shaving my legs, the razor glided effortlessly and no razor burn. The scent of the soap sort of lingers on your body, but it's not bad. I didn't find it scratchy in any way.
It was then Hubby's turn. He also was surprised at the lather but, like I mentioned, he has eczema. The minute he placed it on his open skin, it stung so bad he immediately rinsed it off. This just isn't going to work for someone that has active break-outs on their body. Upon rinsing, he too felt like his skin had been stripped, particularly his hands, they felt overly dry even the next day. He discontinued use.
You are not going to want to keep this in your shower where it's going to be exposed to constant moisture, the bar breaks down fairly quickly, more so than my other natural soaps. I think you might be better off cutting one bar further down, into fourths and using that up first. Place it in a soap dish, outside of the shower.
PROS: cleans well, lathers incredibly
CONS: do NOT put this on open, exposed skin - it will sting, breaks down quickly, weird smell
I received this item at a discount in exchange for an open, honest and unbiased review. While I do like the soap for my own use, hubby found that this is something he will go out of his way to avoid.
My experience with this soap is that it lathers way better than I expected, a little goes a long way. The smell is still off-putting, but it did feel as if it cleansed well. After rinsing, my skin felt slightly stripped of oils, yet I felt clean. I would not call this soap moisturizing in any way. I did personally like it when it came to lathering and shaving my legs, the razor glided effortlessly and no razor burn. The scent of the soap sort of lingers on your body, but it's not bad. I didn't find it scratchy in any way.
It was then Hubby's turn. He also was surprised at the lather but, like I mentioned, he has eczema. The minute he placed it on his open skin, it stung so bad he immediately rinsed it off. This just isn't going to work for someone that has active break-outs on their body. Upon rinsing, he too felt like his skin had been stripped, particularly his hands, they felt overly dry even the next day. He discontinued use.
You are not going to want to keep this in your shower where it's going to be exposed to constant moisture, the bar breaks down fairly quickly, more so than my other natural soaps. I think you might be better off cutting one bar further down, into fourths and using that up first. Place it in a soap dish, outside of the shower.
PROS: cleans well, lathers incredibly
CONS: do NOT put this on open, exposed skin - it will sting, breaks down quickly, weird smell
I received this item at a discount in exchange for an open, honest and unbiased review. While I do like the soap for my own use, hubby found that this is something he will go out of his way to avoid.