Beauty Box 5 - November 2014

Beauty Box 5

Cost: $12/month

Beauty Box 5 is a monthly subscription service, costing $12/month (if you pay monthly, cost goes down per month for longer subscriptions). You get 5 beauty items (hair, skin care, makeup) that are usually a lot of drug store items. I keep my subscription because it saves me a trip to Walgreens every month!

"Gracefully grounded" is the theme for November. 

The information card included with every box.

Hasak Macadamia Revitalizing Shine Oil - ($2.99)

Ulta Exclusive, Macadamia Oil has deep penetrating and cuticle sealing qualities. Leaves hair nourished and glossy. Perfect to rejuvenate weak, parched hair. I currently use a different argan oil treatment for my hair, so I will pass this along to a friend. 

Dentek Floss Picks + Case - ($2.49)

The LEAST thrilling item in this box.... Toothpicks? Really? Practical to have, yes. Do I want to pay for them in my subscription box? Absolutely not. 

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash - ($6.49)

I use these sample sizes when I travel, they are easy to pack and do not take up much room, so while I'm not thrilled to get it, I will use it at some point. 

After Feather Refillable Trael Bottle - ($8.95 2-pack)

TSA compliant 2oz bottle. I travel frequently, but mostly by car. So a TSA approved bottle is of little use to me. However it is a super cute design, so I may try to re-purpose it in some way. 

Laura Ashley Coconut Lime Body Butter - ($20.00 set of 6)

This might be the item I am most excited about. I have A TON of body creams/lotions/butter right now, but none from Laura Ashley so I am excited to see how this works!

Overall: Definitely not my favorite box, in fact probably one of my LEAST favorite boxes. Like I said, for only $12/month it does save me a trip to the drug store! What did you get in your box? Are you happy with the November box?

If you want to sign up for Beauty Box 5, Click Here

Mandy's Kitchen Magic Baking Mat Review

Mandy's Kitchen Baking Mat - ($9.99)

• Beautifully designed, professional silicone baking mat
• Made from the best food grade silicone on the market. FDA approved and BPA free.
• Conveniently fits half sheet baking pans. Perfect 17" x 11 ¾ " size.
• Great healthy alternative to parchment paper, and saves you money!
• Durable, easy to clean, and best lifetime warranty on the market!

It works great for cooking and baking! A reusable substitute for wax and parchment paper.  You don't need to oil or spray down before putting food on it. I sometimes sprinkle flour first if I'm baking something like pizza or bread on the surface. Just place food on the mat on a tray, and pop it in the oven. Don't exceed the temperature range, don't scrub it with the back side of a sponge, and don't cut on it - in fact, avoid using anything near it that could potentially cut it, because once it's cut you can't use it anymore.

I am pleasantly surprised that it has not blackened like all other mats do and that the quality has remained the same since I got it (probably used them about 30 times in the oven since). 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Salad to Go Container Review

Salad To Go Container - ($19.99)

• MULTI-PURPOSE: Can be used with anything not just salad. The Salad On The Go Cup is ideal for bringing your lunch to work a picnic or school.The Container includes a fork that snaps into place on the lid so you won't lose it.
• 2-PACK: You get 2 Fresh Salad To Go Container Set with Fork and Dressing Holder. No More Soggy Salads ! Perfect for Schools, Offices, Outings, Picnics, Beach or Take It Just Anywhere! Fits in Most Lunch Bags. Use one for Salad and the other for Fruit. Your Choice!
• SAFE: BPA Free, FDA Complaint, Food Grade Plastic. Dishwasher Safe (top rack)
• EASY TO CARRY: The easy salad container helps keep salad or fruits fresh, cool and crisp. Has an easy grab and ergonomic design. Also, has a 2 ounce container that holds dressing, dips and more!

I am able to fit all sorts of salad like items in the cup and I've had no problems with leaking or cracking. My favorite feature of this plastic container is that it's dishwasher safe... I guess I probably don't know much about what is and what isn't dishwasher safe, but I would be very annoyed if I had to hand wash this. But I love it! Great for taking a salad or... uhh... compilation of food on the go. It's big enough for a good-sized meal, but not too big that it's bulky when I stick it in my backpack to go to class!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Foxbrim Youthful Radiance Eye Cream Review

Foxbrim Eye Cream - ($14.99)

• THE COMPLETE ANTI-AGING & EYE CARE SOLUTION: Scientifically formulated to effectively address all anti-aging and eye care concerns. This includes Dark Circles, Puffiness, Fine Lines and Wrinkles. Proven to lessen swelling, add luminosity and smooth wrinkles under eyes. Our customers rave about how quickly they've seen results - in days not weeks!
• ORGANIC MOISTURIZING POWERHOUSE: Unmatched in premium natural ingredients, Youthful Radiance Eye Cream utilizes a potent combination of plant-based moisturizers to soothe, hydrate and strengthen skin. Aloe, Jojoba Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Green Tea, Vitamin C + E, Tamanu Oil and MORE. Restoring your skin's natural moisture balance makes this eye cream the ★BEST CHOICE★ as the ★MOST EFFECTIVE EYE CREAM AVAILABLE★
• RESTORE AND REPAIR TO RADIATE: Restore and repair once youthful skin effortlessly. Radiate from your eyes down as you remove the visible signs of aging. Weary tired eyes can be a thing of the past.
• DELICATE AND NON-IRRITATING: This unique formula promises to absorb lightly and beautifully into skin leaving it quenched and refreshed. Absolutely no silicones, parabens, additives or fillers used. Only natural and organic ingredients blended with the most sensitive of skin types in mind. 

This product has a good thick texture allowing proper application and portion control (and a little goes a long way making its price for its value very reasonable). There are no perfumes and there are no residual sticky or greasy feelings after application.  Also; I ran out of my normal face cream without realizing I was completely out, so I used this product as a temporary substitute on my entire face including the eye area. My face felt well-hydrated for the entire day.  I have never before used a hydrating product made for the eyes on my entire face. I was very happy with the results and felt that if my entire face felt this well-hydrated (and not greasy or shiny), then this product must truly be well-designed and produced. I have used department store brand names as well as other over-the-counter products; I am sincerely happiest with this product.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Weight Gurus Bluetooth Smart Connected Body Fat Scale Review

Weight Gurus Bluetooth Scale - ($79.99)

• 1) Accurate Measurements 2) Bluetooth Smart Technology 3) Smartphone Tracking 4) BMI plus Health Metrics Analysis 5) Easy-to-Read Display 
• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. 5 Year Warranty.
• Bluetooth Smart Technology. Auto Step-on (turns on automatically when weighing). Auto Off. Auto calibration. Auto user detect (important for multi-user homes - e.g. husband/wife). Supports up to 8 users. Non-slip, scratch resistant feet. 4 ultra-precision weighing sensors. 400lb capacity. BMI (Body Mass Index) measurement. BIA (Bio-impedance Analysis) Analysis for Body Fat, Lean Mass, Water Weight and Bone Mass. +/- .1 lb resolution. Durable tempered glass construction. Large weighing platform (12.5" x 12.5"). Large, Backlit LCD (3.25"). Kg / Lbs. 3 AAA batteries included.

 Visually, the scale is very impressive.  It is thin, sleek, and substantial (footprint, heft). The glass is perfectly smooth, edge beveled, and the weigh-in process (step on to step off) is done in less than 5 seconds. Aesthetically as well as fit, feel, and finish, this is a 5-star product.

I have had this scale for about a month now. I have not experienced any troubles with it. It seems to be accurate though it is the only scale I use so I do not much of a comparison point. More importantly I have found it to be consistent from day to day. A couple different times I have weighed myself 2 or 3 times in a row and both the weight and % body fat are consistent. Personally I found it very easy to set up.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Bioque Cleanser Review

Bioque Cleanser - ($18.00)

• Say yes to Yucca—Get back to nature (and away from stripping chemicals) with the American Indians’ essential secret for clear, beautiful skin—pure Yucca extract. Yucca gently cleanses and purifies skin of contaminants, while also helping to clear acne-prone skin and working as an exfoliator gentle enough for everyday use.
• Oh so gentle—Botanically-derived L-Argynine-based amino acid gently foams away the bad stuff without damaging the outer layer of skin.
• Ooh la la orange—A touch of orange oil helps to gently cleanse and provides a fabulous, invigorating fragrance.

This purifying paraben/sulfate-free facial wash is the ultimate cleanser for all skin types, and the first step to great looking skin. Use twice daily.  I use the wash few times a week as a deep cleansing wash & it really helps my face stay more clean, softer etc... I recommend this for people with oily/acne prone skin. It’s doesn’t dry you out or make you flaky. Give it a try you have nothing to lose and everything to gain =)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Suddora Patriotic Wrist Sweatband Review

Patriotic Sweatbands - ($7.99)

• One Headband ( 2 x 7") and Two Wrist Sweatbands ( 3 1/2 x 3")
• Ultra Comfy and Durable! 80% Cotton, 12% Spandex & 8% Nylon.
• Quantity Discounts available - Buy in bulk for wholesale pricing!
• Great for sporting events and athletes!

To many of those who remember the '80s, it seems like these items are just a retro fashion item for gym attire. Well, fashion is very superficial. However, preventing sweat from stinging the vitreous and compromising grip effectiveness is not. These are great headbands, thick enough to last hours and loose enough to fit the biggest of craniums. Sweatbands don't last forever under heavy use, but are the best accessory for all that extra sebum. These aren't complicated or expensive and work fairly well. Perfect, these sweatbands help me keep the sweat out of my eyes when I go running long distances.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

NaturaliDerm Organic Facial Moisturizer Review

NaturaliDerm Organic Facial Moisturizer - ($27.89)

• Use this light weight moisturizer when you want to receive unsolicited compliments on your gorgeous, youthful skin.
• This lotion will not make your skin feeling oily and greasy. In fact, don't be surprised if you feel wonderful all day long without irritation, aggravation, stinging or increased breakouts.
• Will keep your make-up looking great all day, and there is no strong smell to keep you awake at night, or keep your colleagues keeping their distance during the day.
• Your skin will soak it right in, as if it's a natural part of your body, and will thank you by appearing smoother and softer.

I use this at night. A little goes a very long way, the moisturizer is a lovely hydrating product, and organic.  I used Lancome for years and was completely satisfied with my skin using their products. A few years ago I realized how many chemicals are in skin products that have very nasty side affects with long term use and decided to go organic.  It took about a month for my skin to adjust to the new regime but I am more than satisfied with this product.  My skin looks fantastic and this is the first time in living memory that I haven't had itchy flaky skin in subfreezing temps. Definitely not disappointed with this stuff!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

TaZa Stemless Wine Glasses Review

TaZa Stemless Glasses - ($19.95)

• PREVENT PARTY DRAMA with shatterproof glasses. Our glasses' virtually indestructible construction will leave you free to enjoy company without the fear of breakage. From the dining table to the pool to camping-we have you covered.
• ENTERTAIN IN STYLE with crystal clear TRITAN plastic glasses that provide the brilliance of a fine glass. There's no need to sacrifice practicality for clarity-be prepared to receive compliments on how well they showcase wine, cocktails or any other drink you serve.
• PRIORITIZE YOUR PEACE OF MIND. Keep harmful ingredients out of your drink. Our USA-MADE Tritan plastic is not only some of the safest, it's also durable enough to be washed in the top rack of your dishwasher on a non-heated setting. DISHWASHER SAFE. 100% BPA-FREE & EA-FREE.
• ENJOY SMOOTH RIMS. Our glasses are just like real wine glasses in every way. Standard plastic wine glasses have uncomfortable edges. Taza rims feel like a real glass. Save your lips for better things.
• ENJOY ALL OF YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGES. TaZa! 16 oz glasses are perfectly designed to be versatile for any drink. Enjoy wine, cocktails, lemonade, juice, or even dessert. They're lightweight and comfortable to hold - even for kids.

With wood floors and a deck area, it is nice to have "glasses" that won't break. I would have given them 5 stars, but you have to hand wash. If you put them in the dishwasher they get a bit of a haze. If you wash them on a heated dry setting, they warp, so please just hand wash.  The overall comfort in holding one of these in your hand was AMAZING. Great quality, they look good, and they turn heads when we use them. They are light weight, do not scratch, and they bounce when dropped. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Manuka East Cape 100% Essential Oil Review

Manuka Oil 100% - ($19.49)

• Harvested, distilled and bottled in New Zealand, this rare & pure natural essential oil has been called " Natures Miracle in a Bottle " due to its unique medicinal properties. Unlike Tea Tree Oil, Manuka Oil is usually non-irritant on sensitive skin and is very much stronger in anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, particularly from the East Cape of New Zealand where this oil is sourced. It is a 100% natural botanical product, used by the native people of New Zealand for centuries.
• Anti-Bacterial: A natural antiseptic, it is used for acne, on cuts, grazes and wounds for faster healing and has even been reported to be successful on MRSA (anti-biotic resistant) infections and other chronic infections such as acne that will not heal by other means. Note: A little goes a very long way, this is 100% pure oil and usually needs only a drop or 2 on a small cut or boil.
• Anti-Fungal: A wide variety of persistent skin conditions are fungal infections. Ringworm, Athletes Foot, Tinea, Ingrown Nails & Nail Fungus, Jock Itch, rashes -even persistent diaper rash. Where the infection is deep seated in the tissue, this oil penetrates very well to help kill the fungal infection when used daily.
• Anti-Viral: Cold Sores or Herpes Outbreaks have been rapidly dried up with topical application of the oil, followed by cream to prevent scarring.
• Anti-Inflammatory & Aromatherapy Applications: Use for Insect Bites, Poison Ivy, etc. Is also used with massage oil by aromatherapists and masseurs on tired, aching joints and arthritic hands.

I always use tea tree oil when I'm sick or feel a sinus infection coming on. For some reason it hasn't been working. So with a little research I found this. Whenever I feel a little under the weather I dilute this with a carrier oil and rub this on my neck, under my nose, at my temples. Clears up any sinus pain in just two days which never happens with tea tree oil. This is a winner!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Old Factory Candle Gift Set Review + Giveaway

Old Factory Candle Set - ($25.00)

• Made in the USA with natural soy wax and self-trimming cotton candle wicks.
• Set of 3, 2oz candles
• Each gift pack comes with 3 fragrance-themed candles. Each of which burns clean for over 20 hours. The subtle jar design makes it the perfect complement for any decor, and any room of the house - kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, family room, great room, basement.

Scents Available: 

• 50 SHADES OF GREY: Leather, Jasmine Bubbles, Vanilla Sex
• COFFEE SHOP: Coffee Bean, Hazelnut, Chai Tea
• FALL HARVEST:  Pumpkin Spice, Cranberry, Autumn Leaves
• FRESH & CLEAN : Lemongrass, Olive Blossom, Fresh Linen
• HAPPY HOLIDAYS: Christmas Tree, Candy Cane, Gingerbread
• HIGH AS A KITE: Cannabis, Incense, Bag O Cookies
• MAN CAVE: Straight Razor, Leather, Mahogany
• NEW BORN BABY:  Baby Powder, First Blanket, Baby Shampoo
• ROMANCE: Rose Petals, Champagne, Dark Chocolate
• SPA DAY: Cucumber, Lemongrass, Green Tea
• VACATION: Sea Breeze, Hawaiian Lei, Awapuhi
• WINTER WONDERLAND: Hot Cocoa, Roasted Chestnut, First Snow

I  received the Fall Harvest Collection. These candles smell SO good and fresh! Many scented candles have a "fake" smell to them or they are just too sweet… The candle burns for a long time and evenly. 

Pumpkin Spice:

I love how long it lasts for such a small candle (I didn't measure, since I lit it and blew it out quite a few times). This tells me that the wax is high-quality. The wax is not dyed and the wick is cotton, which is nice. 

I wasn't sure what I thought about it at first, although it's growing on me. It definitely makes me think of woodlands and fall/winter, I guess by scent association. It's got a bit of a spicy sense to it, as well, although it doesn't smell like food. It doesn't smell artificial at all to me (some cheaper candles have cloying, artificial scents -- this is not one of those!).

Cranberry:

I did LOVE this fragrance, though I wish it was stronger.  The candle doesn't really spread the scent very much when lit. I found that I had to have the candle right next to me to notice. 

Autumn Leaves: 

Autumn is my favorite season. This smells like a sweet, crisp autumn day. I can't say it smells like leaves exactly, but it captures the season beautifully. This scent is crisp, fresh and very autumn-ish, has a good balance between sweetness and sourness. A must-have,especially if you don't like candles that smell like food and love autumn.

WANT TO WIN A SET OF YOUR OWN? ENTER BELOW!!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Old Factory Candle Gift Set Giveaway

Nerd Block Jr Review - October 2014

Nerd Block Jr is a monthly Canadian-based subscription service for children aged 6-11. The Junior boxes cost $13.99 and are available for boys or girls. Nerd Block Jr kindly sent me this box for review.

Because the box ships from Canada, it does have a customs form on the box. I get quite a few subscription boxes and was surprised to see this at first, until I realized it was from Canada. Unlike a lot of subscription services, NBJ does not come with an information card, so it was nice to see the prices listed on the customs form!

Dragons Riders of Berk "Dangers Of The Deep" book - ($3.00)

This was in both the boys and girls box. It's a cute book, but I think it feels a little of out place in a girls box.

Costume Face Tattoos - ($2.00)

Super cute temporary tattoos! I will probably save these for a special occasion like a birthday or party or maybe just a fun day out.

Disney Lanyard and Pin - ($2.49)

The pin is a cute collectible item if you are a Disney fan. The lanyard isn't the kind that holds your keys though, it has a card holder type thing for maybe your ID or credit card? 

Frozen Bracelets - ($2.50)

My daughter LOVES these! Of course, she loves EVERYTHING from Frozen, but what girl doesn't? So this is a big hit!!

Hello Kitty Frankenstein - ($4.00)

I have always been a big Hello Kitty lover. How can you NOT be? If my daughter doesn't get to this first, momma might add this to her own bookshelf. :) I saw there was a HK Zombie figure in other boxes, and I need to get my hands on that one too! And all the other HK's. 

Overall: This is a really cute kids subscription box. I thought maybe they could have included a different book in the girls box, but overall I am pleased with everything that came this month. 

If you want more information or are interested in signing up for Nerd Block or Nerd Block Jr Go Here

Ebook - The Healthy Me Team Review

The Healthy Me Team - ($.99)

Do you have difficulties getting your children to eat their vegetables? The Healthy Me Team by Netta Gerad and Illustrated by Mehwish Kanwal is a rhyming story about vitamins and minerals that fight artificial colors and white sugar in our children’s bodies.

This is a very cute and educational book for young children.  The illustrations go perfectly hand-in-hand with the story. The children can quickly learn about vitamins and minerals, and how they can help fight off germs. It is written on a level that younger children understand and holds their attention but still does a great job at showing them the benefits of choosing healthier food options. Healthy eating should be a top priority and I think this book helped shine the light in the right direction. Your children will surely change their eating habits after reading about “The Healthy Me Team”!

I would recommend this book to anyone who has a child. Not just for those with picky eaters. Netta has a way of captivating the children. I know they will be asking you to read it over and over again!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.