review // Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Shampoo & Conditioner - Drink It Up Coconut Milk

I'd been using my Carol's Daughter Shampoo & Conditioner for a while until I saw that my local Target was having a sale on their Alba Botanica products.  I was down to the last drips and drabs of my Carol's Daughter products and so I thought, why not give these a go?  I picked up the Drink It Up Coconut Milk shampoo & conditioner.

I've never specifically tried any Alba products before, but I've known that they were another company providing "natural, 100% vegetarian personal care products, [meaning they] DON'T use parabens, sulfates, or phthalates and don't test on animals."  Exactly what I search for in my beauty products. You can read more about Alba Botanica here.

PACKAGING

These shampoo & conditioner come in 12 oz. plastic bottles.  They seem substantial and sturdy...almost a bit too hard to squeeze.  But not impossible.  I've been using them for over 4 months (leaving them in the shower) and they don't leak and the plastic has had no issues with cracking....although the wrapper on the conditioner has wrinkled a bit.  I read on their website that their bottles are now 100% Post Consumer Resin, which greatly reduces their carbon emissions (perhaps that's why it's so sturdy?).

 PRODUCT

 The Shampoo has a clear loose, gel-like consistency and lathers okay.  Especially, compared to others I've tried.  The conditioner is white with more of a thick, creamy consistency.  The website lists their key benefits:

High in fatty acids and protein, coconut milk seals in moisture to strengthen and reduce split ends & breakage. Aloe, calendula and tropical oils nourish and protect from daily stress while also protecting from heat styling (conditioner).  

 I usually lather, rinse and repeat just to get rid of any hair product buildup.  After rinsing, my hair feels clean, but not straw-like or "squeaky".  Since this is a moisturizing formula and I have thin hair, I apply the conditioner just from my ears to my ends.  After rinsing the conditioner out, my hair feels silky not not heavy.  And after I style, my ends still feel moisturized.  But the BEST thing about this stuff is the SMELL.  Amazing.  They both smell like the most delicious piña colada you've ever had.  Or to me it smells just like our honeymoon in St. Lucia.  Their signature rum punch and the body care products in our suite smelled identical.  {SIGH}  So nice...

PRICING

$ out of $$$

 I based this off of the original $10.50 price, which I think is a great value since you get 12oz.  Me getting them for 15% off was just a bonus!

PURCHASING

You can purchase Alba Botanica on their website, at Target, most drugstores, amazon and many other health stores and websites.

 CONCLUSION

 I really liked this shampoo and conditioner and will probably continue to purchase it (mostly because I love the scent) but also as a nice moisturizing option between my other products.  I think it might be a bit too moisturizing for all the time on my fine hair, so maybe I'll try another line like their Body Builder Mango.  My selection was a bit limited and they didn't have this one at Target when I was there, but it sounds more up my alley.  

One thing is for sure, they ALL sounds like they smell glorious!

 

fabulous finds // OPI Nail Polish for $ 1.80!!

 

Yes, you read it correctly.  

And the real thing too, not OPL, or OBI, or something weird where who knows where the heck it came from.

I didn't believe it right away either, but it's true and it made me look like an 8 year old girl in the Barbie aisle... or a 20-something woman in Ulta?... anyhow, there was definitely some hopping around and high pitched squealing going on.

I found this amazing, FABULOUS find the other night when Brian and I stopped in our local Big Lots store after a dinner out.  I thought it'd be a fun, cost effective, adventure... plus a bit of exercise after the fried calamari we ate.  It really was.  We mosied through the car and toy sections, picked up almost half a dozen movies, each only about $4, some new toothbrushes and a doggy toy.  THEN.  There they were, just sitting on the shelf in the beauty aisle, glistening away.  I would have taken a picture of the container they were in, like a bucket full of jewels, but honestly I was a little overwhelmed.  There were about 10 different shades, all for only $1.80 each.  Say whaaaaat?!  These are normally $9.50 at Sephora.  [Stares wide-eyed, with mouth open]

Sooo, I picked up these three glitters.  G-listen to Your heart is a pink-tinted clear polish with different sized bits of fushia glitter, Only Gold for Me is a clear polish with different sized bits of gold glitter and then Spark-tacular! is clear polish with an overload of multi-colored glitter bits (it reminds me of party confetti).  They had other colors, a bright pink, lavender, dark blue, some taupe hues & a small set with base and top coat, plus a color and remover... but I don't have anything like these in my collection, so they really needed to come home with me.  ;)

I haven't yet tried them out, except for a sample swipe on one nail, but the first two look like they'd be great over another color or as just an accent on the tips of your nails.  Spark-tacular!  looks like it could also be layered over a color, but I think it could definitely stand alone, as well.

Now, in my research, I found out that Sephora by OPI is being distributed nationwide to ALL Big Lots locations.  I guess that means it'll be a regular on their shelves for right now.  Of course inventory can vary from store to store, so go get out there and check out what fabulous finds your local Big Lots is stocking.

Happy polishing!

unboxing // The Honest Company

I've dabbled in a few DIY natural cleaning products in the past, some of which I still make and use on a regular basis (I will definitely post on those later).  But for now, I'd like to share a company I am trying out who produces products that I don't necessarily want, or have the time, to make at home... i.e. toothpaste and laundry detergent.  Perhaps when I no longer have to work 40 hours a week (haha), I'll give it a go, but for now I'm really looking for affordable convenient solutions.

On one of my trips to Target last month, I picked up this book.

The Honest Company

This is how I was first introduced to The Honest Company.  Jessica Alba and her close friend Christopher Gavigan, the former CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World (a national nonprofit empowering parents to protect their children from toxic risks) came together to found THC 2 years ago.  They were frustrated with the lack of healthy products on the market for their babies and familes.  So with that, and many years of research and trials (don't worry, not on our furry friends!) they came up with The Honest Company, dedicated to "delivering, not only effective, but unquestionably safe, eco-friendly, beautiful, convenient, and affordable family essentials straight to your doorstep."  If you are so inclined, you can read more about them here & here.

You can order single items from their website, but the best way to save money is to order by the bundle.  Basically, it is sort of like a 4, 5 or 6 week subscription service, but you actually get to pick the products you want to receive...no surprises.  You create your customized bundle (baby - $79.95, bath & body/ cleaning - $39.95, or health & wellness - $39.95) and pick how often you'd like them sent to you and then you're good to go.  You also have the freedom to change the products each time or add extra products to your bundle whenever you want.

Right now, they are offering a free trial, starting with 5 samples of their products.  I chose the sample Essentials Bundle, but there is also a sample Diapers & Wipes Bundle or a sample Health & Wellness Bundle.  

The sample Essentials Bundle includes:

Shampoo + Body Wash (2 oz)
Face + Body Lotion (.75 oz)
Laundry Detergent (2 oz)
Healing Balm (.75 oz)
Hand Soap (.75 oz)

Remember to cancel if you decide not to participate after you receive the free samples, otherwise they will charge & send you a full size bundle.  Instead, you can just order individual products, if that's more your style.  :)

I did not cancel, because I fell in love immediately!  For me, I loved the lack of dangerous ingredients, the performance (after a test load of laundry) and the price, so I got crackin' on customizing my first personal essentials bundle.

I decided to include mostly cleaning items, because for me those are hardest to find locally, at a reasonable price.  

My custom Essentials Bundle included:

Laundry Detergent (70 oz)
Dryer Cloths (32 cloths)
Multi-Surface Cleaner (26 oz)
Toilet Cleaner (27 oz)
Lemongrass Hand Soap (12 oz)
Toothpaste (6 oz) [This was my extra added item, you can add 3 to each bundle shipment]

 

Anyhow, I started using a few of these (laundry, multi-surface & toilet cleaner) this past week and so far they have great cleaning power.  I think I'll do an update post once I go through them all and let you know what I think at that point.  :)

Click here to get your own!

current obsession // makeup vanities!

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Remember this, Ladies? 

Believe it or not, I still have the Caboodle I had as a child.  Yes, that's right, in all of it's clear turquoise glittery glory.  It was part of the special "Jellies" Caboodle Collection and it. was. awesome.  I'll save you from a picture, because let's be honest, it's seen better days...  I guess I keep it as a nostalgic reminder of happy times in my childhood.  It's the place where I stored my first makeup gems, and I think that was a special thing for me.

Nowadays, girls are creating fabulous large scale versions of the Caboodle... and guess what?  They're called vanities!  Of course, this is not a new idea... women have had makeup vanities for centuries... but for some reason, I've missed out on this phenomenon.  Well, not anymore!  I really want one and it's all I've been obsessing about lately....

I thought sharing some of my favorites with you would be fun.  :)

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Isn't this the cutest idea if you're short on space??

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Maybe I'll go with a vintage or Mid-Century modern vibe...

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Or check out these sleek contemporary options....

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Honestly, I would love a set up in front of the window to capture the natural lighting, these options would make that easy....

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Woah.  Total lady-cave. Maybe a smidgen less pink, but yes, please!

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Well, I do have a space with a window, so all that's left is for me to convince Brian to help me rearrange the guest room, find the vanity of my dreams (or make it!), and lug it up three flights of stairs.  That last one might take a bit of persuading, but I think it sounds promising, right?!

recipe // savory chicken legs

A lot of times Brian and I get home from work and don't feel like spending the whole night in the kitchen...we love cooking, but we like to save those times for days off.  So when this happens, we gravitate towards quick and easy recipes.  I made it my mission to come up with a handful of these recipes to keep us from reaching for the take out menus...if you know what I mean.  We love to eat healthy and this makes it a lot easier.

I thought I'd share one of our favorites.  :)

SAVORY CHICKEN LEGS

 

Ingredients:

Chicken Drumsticks (Skinless or Skin On...just preference)

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

 You Fav Seasoning Mix (We love Archer Farms Savory Herb from Target - Sea Salt, Spices & Herbs including [Rosemary, Basil, Lavender] Dehydrated Onion, Natural Flavor)

What To Do:

Mix about a 1 tablespoon of seasoning with 2 tablespoons of oil 

(covers about 5 legs, use more if you have more legs...it's not an exact science, & you can't really mess it up. I usually just eyeball it).

Rub oil/seasoning mixture over legs and place on lightly oiled broiling pan. You can also use a shallow baking dish, but we find that the legs crisp up better when they're raised and the heat can circulate around the legs.  Feel free to sprinkle more seasoning on top if you think necessary.

 Bake at 375°F for 50-55 minutes, turning once halfway through.  When done, remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.  Then, enjoy!

Simple, right?!  

Honestly, the hardest part is waiting until they are done... becasue they are so dang delicious!  

I usually make a veggie and side while we are waiting...we love garlicky green beans and sweet potato fries (maybe some other recipe posts, perhaps..).

review // Tarte - The Tarte of Giving Set - PART II

If you missed { PART I }, check it out here.  

But now on to { PART II }.  :)

PRODUCTS

This limited edition eyeshadow palette is broken down into 4 sections with 5 shades in each section. The colors in each section can be used together to create looks from natural to dramatic, and you can mix between sections for a unique look all your own (I tend to do this option). The shadows have a creamy velvet texture that glides on smoothly and evenly, and are very easy to blend. The pigmentation is great, except for Bianca's Coloring Book*.  It's a pale, matte pink and I feel like it just disappears when applied no matter how much I layer on.  But the rest are amazing.  It has 8 matte shades and 12 satin/shimmer shades, and included are some basics, but also some trendy colors... like rose gold, copper, bronze & cobalt.  The staying power on these are great and they wear a long time without creasing or fading.  I do wear them over a base or primer though, so I'm not sure how they hold up without. From other reviews I've read, pretty well, it seems.  I've listed the colors & descriptions of the shades below, and I've highlighted my favs.

Top Left - Quad 1 (L to R, then long skinny shade)

Kim’s Porcelain Doll – Frosty White with Blue Micro-glitter

Jen’s Jump Rope – Matte Medium Dark Cool Grey

Scott’s Skate Board – Cool Navy Blue with Cobalt Blue Micro-glitter

Staci’s Charm Bracelet – Metallic Silver Shimmer

Nuria’s Boombox – Matte Black

Top Right - Quad 2 (L to R, then long skinny shade)

Leah’s Locket – Metallic Gold Shimmer

Candace’s Tap Shoes – Matte Dark Neutral Brown

Ally’s Bicycle – Metallic Taupe with Silver Micro-glitter

Maureen’s Soccer Ball – Medium Bronze Brown with Copper Shimmer

Claire’s Cashmere Gloves – Medium Frosty Sage Green with Silver Micro-glitter

Bottom Left - Quad 3 (L to R, then long skinny shade)

Steph’s Pearls – Frosty White with a Pink Undertone

Jess’s Storybook – Frosted Mauve Pink

Erica’s Dollhouse – Frosted Rose Gold

Meredith’s Hula Hoop – Matte Medium Dusty Plum

Sam’s Ice Skates – Dark Grey with a Purple Micro-glitter

Bottom Right- Quad 3 (L to R, then long skinny shade)

*Bianca’s Color Book -  Matte Cream with a Pink Undertone

Anna’s Tea Set – Frosty Champagne

Daniel’s Teddy Bear – Matte Medium Warm Brown

Tom’s Stuffed Tiger – Shimmer Copper

Kate’s Puppy – Matte Chocolate Brown

And finally, 8 limited edition lip glosses come with this set.  Tarte doesn't have gloss like this in their line, so I was really intrigued to try these out.  There are a variety of pink and red tones, some with shimmer.  The size of each (about 2.5" long) is great for travel or popping into your purse. They are richly pigmented, not too sticky and last for several hours.  I've noticed that when they wear off it isn't splotchy, which is nice, and they don't suck the moisture out of my lips.  Most others glosses make me feel like I need to apply chapstick when they wear off, but I feel like these actually moisturize my lips.  They have a doe-foot applicator which makes application easy and mess free.  They glide on smooth and almost melt into my lips, giving it a stain-gloss look.  I really love the minty smell and the slight tingle on my lips (my favorite lip products are usually those that come with a cooling sensation).  I've listed the names and description of the colors below, and again, I've highlighted my favs. 

 Finn – Mauve Pink

John – Bright Tomato Red

Ro – Pinky Nude

Kam – Mauve Pink with Gold & Silver Shimmer

Viv – Bubblegum Pink with Gold Shimmer

Sully – Berry/ Rosy Plum

Spence – Peachy/Pink with Silver Shimmer

PRICING

$ out of $$$

For the original price of $59, it's an amazing value for everything you get.  Keep in mind, if you find this set somewhere besides Sephora the price may be different/higher.

PURCHASING

I believe this set was a Sephora exclusive, so it was only available there and on Tarte.com.  It has since disappeared from both websites, but you may be able to find it in a Sephora store, if they still have it.  Otherwise, I've found it on Amazon and ebay.

CONCLUSION

Overall, I LOVED this set and all it's parts.  I loved the value and the range of products you get to try.  All of the deluxe minis from { PART I } I will most probably be keeping in my beauty routine, becasue they not only have good ingredients, but they work!

I was not, in any way, paid for this review, by Tarte or any other affiliate. 

I purchased every product myself and decided to share to help others find a bit of direction in their own natural beauty journey.

review // Tarte - The Tarte of Giving Set - PART I

I think I mentioned in my Sephora VIB Haul post that I've been really loving Tarte Cosmetics.  I got into them over the summer when I was searching for more high performance makeup for my wedding, but I still wanted it to be as natural as possible.  Success.

  So when I saw The Tarte of Giving Set at Sephora during the VIB sale, it seemed like a no-brainier way to try more of their products at a great price.  Like I mentioned in that post, unfortunately, I can't find this on Sephora.com or Tarte.com, but I was actually able to find it on Amazon and Ebay since then.

I've decided to do in-depth reviews on the included best sellers {PART I} becasue they are still readily available.  I will just do general reviews on the eye palette and glosses {PART II}, becasue they are not a part of Tarte's regular collection. I do think reviews on limited edition items can still give a good indication of the overall quality of products that a company puts out.

Okay, there's a lot in here, so let's. get. started.

PACKAGING

The items in this set come in the cutest quilted, purple satin travel bag that opens to reveal two roomy zippered mesh pockets and a clear removable zippered pouch.  The travel bag has shiny gold details and a hook for hanging, so it's perfect on-the-go. I usually find that bags that come with sets can be flimsy or so haphazardly made that they fall apart after one use, but this bag is sturdy and nicely constructed.  It feels like it could take some wear and withstand it fairly well.  

Beyond using natural materials in the products, Tarte also tries to develop sustainable components for the individual product packaging. Much of which can often be re-used to help reduce environmental waste.  All of these products seem well made and come in durable plastics, glass, and cardboard.  I haven't had any problems with the packaging cracking or breaking so far.

PRODUCTS
 

 Inside the clear pouch are deluxe minis of some of Tarte's greatest products (in my opinion).  

They include:

- 0.23 oz Deluxe Pure Maracuja Oil
- 0.08 oz Deluxe Maracuja C-Brighter™ Eye Treatment
- 0.16 oz Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-In-1 Mascara 

  - 0.05 oz Deluxe Limited-Edition Amazonian 12-Hour Clay Blush in Memorable
- 0.17 oz Deluxe Cheek Stain in Flush

I've been using oil on my face to cleanse and moisturize for over a year now, but I have not tried an oil like the Pure Maracuja Oil from Tarte.  It is so lightweight and fast-absorbing.  I can really tell that it un-tightens my driest areas, but doesn't "grease up" my T-Zone.  I also feel like it helps to even out my redness to give me a more even complexion and it doesn't make me break out, which is awesome.  The website says that the '"nutrient-rich oil contains vitamin C and essential fatty acids.  Vitamin C brightens dull skin for a radiant, dewy, and luminous complexion, while the essential fatty acids repair and rebuild skin, and promote skin recovery by reducing redness, irritation, and inflammation."  Yeah, that sounds about right.  It has a faint nutty smell that doesn't linger, and it's dispensed with a dropper, so it's not a messy application. This size will last you about a month using it just at night, so there's definitely enough to test it.  It's also great for travel.  I pat 5-6 drops all over my face and neck at night after cleansing, and wake up with soft, more even skin.  Win.

Right after applying the Maracuja oil, I dab the Maracuja C-Brighter™ Eye Treatment under and around my eye area, every night. Tarte says this cream visibly hydrates, firms and brightens the delicate eye area with the power of Maracuja oil, plus rice bran, mango, oat sugars and coconut.  It smells a bit citrusy, which is nice.  Again, it's a good amount to be able to test for a month or so and see if you like it.  It only took a couple weeks for me to see results.  I have lots of tiny fine lines around my eyes due to my genes, and the fact that I have super dry under-eyes, and I have started to see improvement in the look of these lines.  I think it has a lot to do with the fact that this cream does a great job of hydrating that area.  And bonus... it doesn't irritate my eyes one bit.  I honestly can't say yet if it has 'brightened' my eye area, but I don't have a major problem with under eye darkness, so it's hard to tell.  Either way, I'm sold by it's line-diminishing and moisturizing abilities.  In fact, I just ordered a full size one becasue I'm loving it so much..and I'm almost done with this one. Oops.  :)  I think I'll right a follow up once I make my way through that one.

I've also already been using the Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-In-1 Mascara, since I first sampled one in a 500 Point Tarte bundle reward .  It's my new fav.  I feel like it's the first more-natural-mascara that hasn't let me down in some way.  The brush is amazing, it is densely packed with bristles, and separates and lengthens without clumping.  Not too big or too small (approx. 1" long), and could be used for both upper and lower lashes.  The formula is even better... one or two coats, no flaking or smudging.  The only sort of negative thing I will say is that when I first opened a bottle of the full size version (yes, I bought that between the 500 point bundle and this set), the formula is a tad bit more liquid than I like.  I prefer it to be just a smidge dryer.  I find it's a little easier to control on my lashes that way.  So, I stopped just short of fully tightening the cap (on the full size) for the first week or so.  I like it better, but you may want to try it how it comes and decide for yourself.  Honestly, I didn't have this issue with the deluxe mini versions...so I'm not sure what's up with that, buuut whatever.  I still get awesome results, so it's all good.  I don't curl my lashes, since I've been blessed with naturally curled ones, so it's hard for me to say if the formula keeps a curl or not.  But I've read other reviews that say it does.  It smells sort of like herbally clay, I know that sounds weird..ha, but it isn't noticeable when you're using it or after it's on.  Definitely, a keeper.

  
The Amazonian 12-Hour Clay Blush in Memorable is a slightly shimmery mauve pink shade.  It seems like it would work on a variety of skin tones, cool to warm.  The compact is the same packaging as the full size, just smaller, but I have no problem tapping my brush in the product and applying like normal.  The color is definitely buildable from light to pretty intense, you just have to layer.  I do like to keep it light and it gives a nice rosy glow look.  Since I don't apply a lot, I find it's hard to tell if it last's 12 hours without fading, but I do know that it doesn't streak or separate and I definitely still see it after 8 hours of work.  My makeup doesn't usually last much longer than that...since I like to wash my face soon after I get home. The color seems to stay true, as well.  I just started dabbling in blush so this is still a new category for me. Overall, it's really nice though.

I do have to say that I think I am loving cream and stain blushes a bit better.  Maybe it's becasue I have dryer cheeks and powder blushes just sit on top of the dryness sometimes.  I don't know, but I think creams/stains gives me more natural, believable color. This Cheek Stain in Flush is great.  I love the color.  It's a very sheer berry red (with no sparkles) on the skin (pic above right is just applied - patting it in creates a softer look), although it's quite a bold raspberry in the packaging.  This one is actually a gel consistency, but some in the line are a cream.  I love how this feels on the skin.  It's light and moisturizing.  I swipe two fingers over the product and then dab on my cheeks and it melts right in leaving a nice wash of color.  It contains the five most active superfruits: goji, açaí, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate, which help soothe and soften your skin every time you use it.  It's also alcohol free and doesn't clog your pores.  But the BEST thing is that it smells like raspberry gelato, with just a hint of citrus.  Yum.  I can't stop smelling it!  I can't wait to try some of the other shades.

Check back tomorrow for reviews { PART II } on the Tarte of Giving limited edition eyeshadow palette and lip glosses!

P.S. - Sorry I didn't post during the past few weeks...I really wanted to enjoy the holidays (and I did!) and not fret about posting.  I do have some great new ideas for 2014 though...so get ready!!