Monday, April 30, 2012

Birchbox Favorite Review: amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask

Loyal readers will remember that I like to change my hair.  A lot.  Different colors, different cuts, I am never scared of taking a risk.  It is only hair, it will grow back, right?  Well all this experimentation can cause a bit of stress on my hair.  Which is why I am always looking for great products to help my hair destress.

Birchbox really delivered this month, with the sample of amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask.  The mask is a weekly deep treatment; there is a difference after one use, and multiple uses helps to strengthen the hair.  It contains Morrocan Oil, which is so good for your hair, and smells completely amazing!  I was really excited that the sample contained enough for about 4 applications.

IMG_1396


After the first application, I did indeed notice that my hair felt silkier, and had less fly aways.  Now I have used it three times, and last Saturday I had one of the best hair days I have had in months.  My hair feels stronger, it tangles less, and is more manageable.

IMG_1515


I think this is a fantastic product, and love that Birchbox allowed me the opportunity to try it.


 

Friday, April 27, 2012

Review: Kashi Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

IMG_1482 I recently had the opportunity to review the Kashi Banana Chocolate Chip Soft n Chewy Bars.  I am a longtime fan of the Kashi brand, it is a brand I trust to provide healthy, delicious foods.  I had a feeling that this bar would live up to my high standards, otherwise Kashi would not be making it.  That feeling proved to be completely accurate.

The first thing I took notice of was the nutritional info.  Each bar contains 4 grams of fiber, 7 whole grains, 1/2 serving of fruit, 1/2 serving of vegetables, only 3 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and only 140 calories.  In terms of a snack, this is pretty good.  While still a processed snack, this is a lot healthier than some on the market.

As I opened the package, I was struck by how the bar itself really looked exactly like the picture on the box.  That is so rarely the case.  Same dark brown color, same oats on top.  It looked pretty delicious.


IMG_1488

As I tore a bite off of the bar, I noticed it was not as moist as I would have liked.  It is still a soft, chewy, texture, just a bit dry.  The flavor was actually really good.  It was not overly sweet, in any artificial way, and I thought the banana flavor was just right.  It did not have an artificial banana flavor, the flavor was subtle, mellow, but still detectable.  The same can be said for the chocolate, there are not too many chips, just enough to give the bar the perfect blend of tastes.

All in all, I was really pleased with the bar, as was my husband.  We are big fans of the chocolate banana combination, and this bar is a healthy way to satisfy a sweet tooth.  My only complaint is that it is indeed a little dry, so it would be best paired with a glass of water, or even a cup of coffee.  All in all, I think I can safely say I plan on buying more of these in the future.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Thankful for..... his patience.

UntitledOver the weekend, we got together to celebrate the birthday of one of my friends.  Some of the people at the get together were folks we were just getting to know, so over the course of the evening, Hubby and I got a chance to share the story of how we got together.  It reminded me how incredibly patient Hubby is.

You see, Hubby and I started out as just friends.  More specifically, online friends.  We would email, text, chat, and even talk on the phone about any and every thing under the sun.  He would patiently listen to me talk about the awful dates I would go on with total creeps, the hum drum daily stories from my life, my joys, my frustrations, everything.  And periodically, he would mention when he had time off from work, so that perhaps we could get together.  So, for 2.5 years basically, he casually asked me out, and every single time I said no.  I am not sure what I was so afraid of, but I convinced myself that it would never work out between us.  So, each time, I said no.

Finally, when I turned 30, I realized I clearly had feelings for this wonderful man, and I needed to figure out what was going on.  We went on our first date, and by the end of the evening, I just knew.  This was it.  He was the one.

I thank God each day that Hubby was so patient, persistent, and caring that he never gave up on me.  I can never express to him how incredibly thankful I am.  So, I thank him.  A lot.  For everything.

Thanks for doing the dishes.

Thanks for getting me a glass of water.

Thanks for working so hard to provide for us.

Thanks for switching the laundry for me.

Thanks for feeding the dogs.

Thanks for being you.

Thanks for being my husband.

You see, I think I should thank him.  I think it is good to say thank you to your spouse or partner, even for the day to day things they do.  Because I really am that thankful.  I am thankful that he is willing to do the things he does, thankful that he is the man he is, thankful that he chose me, thankful that he stuck it out for 2.5 years until we went on that first date.

We thank each other all the time.  It is just what we do.  I could thank him all day long, and it would still never express how truly thankful I am.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Review: WRRYFree Skin Care

IMG_1280I recently had an opportunity to review some products from a company called WRRYFree Skin Care.  I am kind of in love with this company for several reasons.  First off, the company is Pittsburgh based; I am all about supporting local business, and I consider myself a Pittsburgher at heart, so you know I love any chance to rep my town!  The company was founded by William R. Reynolds Young, a young entrepreneur with a good head for business (and all around cool dude that I met through the Pittsburgh social media community).  So, not only do I get to support a 'burgh based business, but one run by a young person?  Double awesome!

But probably the best part of the business is the content of their products.  The products are marketed as "Clean, Safe, and Effective", which means we do not have to worry about the effects of the products.  Partner that no worry with the founder's initials, and you get WRRYFree Skin Care.

I mentioned on Twitter that I had sore skin on my nose after suffering a cold from the 7th circle of Hades last month, and WRRYFree Skin Care told me that one of their products would help.  They sent me some samples, and let me tell you, it was love at first smell.  I swear, these products are so clean and fresh smelling, it is like springtime in a tube!

I received samples of four different products, so I will talk about each one individually.

First up was the Climb On! Bar, a lotion bar that is so safe you can even use it on newborns and dogs.  This bar is best used on small areas.  I first tried this on my heels, which tend to get dry and cracked.  It really worked well.  This is a fabulous all natural and cruelty free option for people who need intensive therapy for their skin.  I also used it on my cuticles today, and already I can see a difference.

Next was the Climb On! Creme'.  This is a formula similar to the bar, but in an easier to use lotion.  Once again, I found myself loving this product.  I thought it was easier to use that the bar, simply because it was easier to spread on my skin.  It still provided intensive moisture therapy!  No artificial scents or colors means it will not irritate my sensitive skin, yet it still smells heavenly because it contains natural essential oils.

Next up is the Lip Tube.  Of all the WRRYFree Skin Care products I have tried, this is, by far, my favorite. This is basically the same formula as the creme, but in chapstick tube form.  Again, a really clean and fresh scent.  Like many people, my lips get dry and cracked in the winter.  I started applying the Lip Tube several times a day, and my lips are now moist, soft, and totally healthy.  This product also can be used to heal "tissue nose", the problem that plagued me after my terrible cold.  Using my finger, I would apply a tiny bit of this to the dry, cracked skin on my nose, and it truly worked wonders!  This is one of the best lip balms I have ever encountered!

The final product I tried was the Mineral Sunscreen.  Of the products I tried, this is the one I have not had much opportunity to use.  The Sunscreen has an SPF of 30, and is safe for babies over 6 months.  It contains some organic ingredients, and like any sunscreen needs to be reapplied during prolonged sun exposure.  This one does not have as much of a scent as the other products, but I do love the fact that it totally absorbs into your skin so that you are not left feeling greasy.

All in all, I am beyond pleased with these products, and fully intend to try some of their other products soon (I am super intrigued by their Bast! Spa Line).  These products are all great for those people who want more natural products, people with sensitive skin, and pregnant or new mommies, simply because the products are so naturally derived and safe.  I really recommend that if you are looking for ways to make your beauty routine more natural and pure, check out WRRYFree Skin Care!