Derma E Review

We recently received the derma e Evenly Radiant Dark Circle Eye Crème, and the derma e Vitamin E Intensive Therapy Body Balm. If you are not familiar with derma e brand, they are natural skin care products. They started in a health food store in Southern California. Every derma e^® formula is paraben-free, phthalate-free, GMO-free, gluten-free, sodium lauryl sulfate-free, petrolatum-free, mineral oil-free and dye-free.

derma e Vitamin E Intensive Therapy Body Balm - $15. This is a highly-concentrated topical recovery treatment with naturally sourced full-spectrum Vitamin E. This is intensely moisturizing and is designed to treat extreme cases of dry skin, chapping, or chafing. Since this is very hydrating, it can take a little bit to absorb. We really liked this and it made our skin feel very soft. This has worked really well in the dry winter months.  

derma e Evenly Radiant Dark Circle Eye Crème - $29.95. This skin-brightening eye crème helps diminish the look of dark circles, fine lines and puffiness around the delicate eye area. This is pretty lightweight. The formula is a little more light than I was expecting. This has a light tint to it, which is what helps with the dark circles. Ideal for all skin types experiencing tired, dark-circled eyes, this formula enlightens the entire eye area to appear brighter, well rested and radiant. I have been using this for over a week. I have not seen a difference with dark circles when I'm not using it, but maybe with a longer period of use it might make a difference. It works well while using and makes the undereye area appear brighter.

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Green Goo Sierra Sage Organics Review

Green Goo Sierra Sage Organics - We were sent these items for review purposes. Green Goo Sierra Sage Organics  formulas are made with petroleum and artificial free ingredients.  They carefully select the purest, most sustainable herbs and essential oils to create medicinal everyday products.

We just had a couple items to try, the Green Goo and the 100% All Natural Repair, both salves, and some lip balms.  

100% All Natural Repair - I wanted to show you a pic of the actual product. It's not hard like I expected from a tin can. The consistency is closer to Vaseline. Suggested Uses: Scars New and Old, Wrinkles, Dark Circles, and Puffy Eyes, Night Eye Cream, Sunburns, Sun Damage, Aging and Sunspots. There are many other uses as well, such as Eczema & Psoriasis, dry skin, hot, itchy, rashes, and cracked hands and feet. I have been using this on my elbows, they are really dry, and after a couple weeks of every other day use they feel better than ever. Petroleum, Chemical, and Gluten Free. One thing to note is this contains ingredients derived from flowers, and includes lavender oil.

 

Travel Tin.7oz (19.8g): $9.50 Shop Now                                    

Jar 1.82oz (51.7g): $16.95 Shop Now

4 oz Jar: $27.95 Shop Now

Stick: $9.95 Shop Now

Green Goo is an all purpose healing salve. This is an herbal power packed formula that helps to soothe and moisturize insect bites, cuts, scraps, sunburns, chaffing, poison ivy, and dry cracked hands and feet. This helps take the sting out of an itch and insect bites. The Green Goo has the same consistency as the 100% All Natural Repair salve. I tried this on my dry feet and it worked well. K will be taking this with her on her trip to Costa Rica, since she will be spending time in the jungle, and well you just never know, but if she does get snacked on, this will help.

 

Travel Tin .7 oz (19.8g): $7.95 Shop Now

Large Tin 1.82 oz (51.7g): $12.95 Shop Now

Stick: $9.95

100% All Natural Cool Mint Lip Balm & All Natural Citrus Zest Lip Balm - $3.95/each.
Sierra Sage lip balms create lush, hydrated lips by not only soothing dry, chapped skin, but also nourishing damaged lips for long lasting effects. They contain Calendula Flowers infused in specific organic oils that emulate the body's natural chemistry. This unique blend naturally increases the cells' ability to absorb water making for fuller, more nourished lips. They are made with all natural ingredients. Formulated with organic Coconut Oil for natural sun protection. Includes Vitamin E oil that enhances the moisturizing and healing of the lips. These lip balms also offer sun protection.

Luxor Box January 2016 Review

Luxor Box – is a bi-monthly subscription box that includes luxury, beauty, spa, jewelry, and lifestyle items. Each item is high quality. You receive 5-7 items with a guaranteed value of $275. This is our favorite box in the “luxury” category.  

Cost: $129/US or $159/Canada OR a Petite Box is $43/US only
How Often: Bi-Monthly
Ships To: United States & Canada via USPS

We love the quality box and the stamped logo paper.

Bliss Home & Design Faux Fur Throw - $100. This came in several different colors, I received Sheared Beaver Fur, there was also Faux Fox White Fear, and Faux Dark Chocolate Channeled Mink Fur. I do not link fur, or even faux fur, but I love that a throw was included for the cold season.
Etiquette Theory "Lots of Cash" Ivory Cashmere Socks - $44. Introducing the first collaboration with Theory. A collection of made in Italy, socks with a focus on impeccable craftsmanship, highest quality materials, timeless sophistication that's fashionable, but always wearable. I didn't find these to be as soft as I had thought they would be, but they do look and feel high quality.

MarieBelle Aztec Hot Chocolate - $12. This is made with 65% South American single-origin pure chocolate for a very rich flavor. I have received this before in other boxes, and it is a quality hot chocolate mix. Can be made with hot water or milk.

Mottahedeh  Snowflake Mug - $45. What a perfect little mug to go with the hot chocolate. But wow, this is pricey. I do love the snowflakes. Wilson Bentley(1865–1931) of Jericho, Vermont, was a farmer and a highly-regarded amateur meteorologist who photographed snow—or more precisely, thousands of individual snow crystals.Each actual snowflake was originally hand painted in icy tones of blue and silver. There is an entire dish/server line of this pattern, and I love it!

Pura Btoanica "Just Because" Candle Tin - $26 ($13 each). These tiny little candles are totally cute. They are made 100% of grade soy wax, infused with essential oils. The scents I received are "Sweet Chai" and "Fulfill Mint". The Sweet Chai has patchouli and I can't stand it. When I first opened my box, the scent was so overwhelming it took me a few to identify where it was coming from.

Pura Botanica lend A Hand Crème Smoother - $10. Certified all-natural hand crème made with West African Shea butter and aloe Vera. A portion of the proceeds support the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation. I really liked the texture of this hand crème, but the scent was just a little too strong for me.  

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Pura Botanica Bath Infusions - $22 ($11 each). Mineralizing sea salts, therapeutic essential oils, and curative flowers & herbs for a warm, relaxing bathing experience. I received Pick Me Up and Moments in Mint. The other flavors were Lost in Lavender and Rose Retreat.

Post a video or selfie with  #PuraMySelfie, and they will send you a free gift. I think I'm still marveling how "selfie" has become a common noun.

Jules Smith Crochet Tube Scarf - $45. Jules Smith desgins are back and forth from 60s post-modern to 70s boho and 80s glam. I really like this scarf and it's comfy. I'm still airing it out from sharing a box during shipping with the overpowering candle, but I should be able to use soon. My favorite part is the mix of both black and grey, they compliment each other nicely and look cool.

I loved the overall "Warm and Cozy Winter" theme this month. Every single item fit with this well for this. I love the types of items included, even if I don't love the exact product. I will never be a fur, or faux fur lover and I will never love any candle with patchouli in in. However, I still love throws and I still love candles, especially cute little candle tins. This months box has an approximate value of $304. I cannot wait to see what they have in store for us in March.

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PopSugar Must Have Box January 2016 Review

PopSugar Must Have Box – is a monthly lifestyle box, geared toward women, founded by Lisa Sugar. They send full size products and a mix of beauty, home, fitness, and other items. They guarantee a value of over $100. .

Cost: $29.95
How Often: Monthly
Ships To: United States via USPS and FedEx

This months inspiration was renewal, organization, detox, new year, and healthy habits. I can't always figure out which items go with which inspiration.

Spark Job by Marie Kondo - $18.99. Japanese decluttering guru Marie Kondo presents an illustrated guide to her acclaimed KonMari Method, with step-by-step folding illustrations for everything from shirts to socks, plus drawings of perfectly organized drawers and closets. She also provides advice on frequently asked questions, such as whether to keep “necessary” items that may not bring you joy. I don't know what the author says about that because K immediately called this.
Blue Sky Day Designer Weekly Planner - $15.99.  This is the 5 X 8 bookbound planner. This is a really pretty color and nice quality. K needed this too, as her normal planner is too heavy for her everyday bag.

Patchology Flash Masque Trio - $20. This is a face mask, that is said to work in 5 minutes instead of the usual 20. The three different kinds included are Exfoliate, Hydrate, and Illuminate.
Chapstick Total Hydration 100% Natural Soothing Vanilla - $2.99. This was a special extra this month. I love getting chapsticks in boxes. I like to have one handy in my bag, on my desk, my car. I've gotten this one before and it's pretty good.

Not Soap, Radio Bath & Shower Gel Gift Set - $22. Nice travel size shower gel set, good for travel bags, or gym bags. Different scents that are infused with herbal extracts.

Pehr Designs Pebble Speck Bin - $40. This bin is to help with organization, which is a perfect January theme. This is made of 100% cotton canvas and  13"D x 12"H. Perfect for books, magazines, toys and anything else that needs a home!.

Project 7, Inc Summer Snow Sugar Free Gum - $1.99. This is sugar free gum, K tried it and reported it is really flavorful. Proceeds from every seventh pack purchased will go toward antibullying efforts in the US.
There was also a coupon included for 25% off of Pehr.
We had a good mix of products this month. The approximate value was $121.96. There were items that K really loved and I was very happy with. I think this was one of K's favorite PopSugar boxes.
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Beauty DNA January 2016 Review

 

Beauty DNA - is a monthly subscription service that will send you one FULL SIZE skincare or hair care item each month, I’ve occasionally received two items. The cost is $25/month. They have a unique matching system, where you fill out your likes/dislikes profile and you shouldn’t receive items that you don't like. You will also never receive the same product twice.

Cost: $25/month
How Often: Monthly
Ships To: United States via UPS Ground

This month I received two products. The info cards are booklet style and very informative. They tell you about the product and why you were matched for it. I received an info card for both my products this month.

Key West Aloe Coconut Salt Scrub - $25. Revitalize your skin with Coconut Salt Scrub made with Dead Sea Salt and enriched with Sunflower and Avocado oils. I LOVE this stuff. I wish it had more of a coconut fragrance, that part is pretty mild, but I still love it just the same. Last week I ran out of the stuff I was using, so great timing this week. I am confident I will use every drop of it.

 

PhytoJoba Intense Hydrating Brilliance Shampoo - $19. An intense, sulfate-free daily hydrating shampoo that restores moisture to dry hair without weighing it down. Some time ago, I had received a PhtyoJoba conditioner. I have never gotten around to using it, but now that I have the shampoo as well I am now using this stuff. It does make my hair feel soft. The key is to rinse right away and not let it sit more than 30 seconds.
I'm happy with my products this month, and as usual Beauty DNA picked perfect matches for me.
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Disney World and Harry Potter World

Mom has always had this dream to see Disney World at Christmas so we finally went the Disney World at Christmas time in December.

It really was beautiful and there were Christmas decorations throughout the different parks. They even had fake snow blowing at night. 

We stayed at The Grand Floridian Hotel and it was gorgeous!! The hotel was stunning and staying at a Disney Hotel had so many perks. Our purchases were shipped to our room when we purchased stuff at the parks. Our magic bands served as our room key and as our room charge so food and merchandise were just charged to the room when we were out and about. We had direct transportation to Magic Kingdom and even took a ferry ride across the lake!

The lobby!

Outside kid swimming area! How cute is the Alice in Wonderland theme?!

The Gingerbread house in the lobby. They served holiday treats and the lobby smelled like fresh baked gingerbread!!

Epcot was my favorite park. I loved the different countries, rides, and the aquarium.

China. 

Norway.

Manatee at the aquarium. They have a manatee rehabilitation program where they take in injured manatees and nurse them back to health. Once they are better they are released back into the wild. Manatees are slow creatures that commonly get hit by boats. The two young guys there lost park of their fins. 

One of my favorite rides was "Living with the Land". Disney grows food that they serve in the restaurants. They are even using hydroponics to grow produce! So cool!!

Animal Kingdom was my second favorite park.

We did the safari and it was pretty cool to see the animals.

Tree of Life that has carvings of animals in the trunk.

So the best part of the trip was the meal plan. We got 2 snacks, one fast serve that includes a meal, drink, and dessert, and one sit down meal that also included a meal, drink, and dessert. So basically our daily plans revolved food lol. and it was amazing!!! Thank god calories don't exist in Disney World!!

Blueberry Lemon Cupcake at Gasparilla Grill. Look at the heart detail!

Our meal at Tony's Town Square Restaurant, which is the Italian Restaurant from Lady and the tramp. The spaghetti and Ravioli was good. We had Pistachio Creme Brûlée and Pumpkin Cheesecake.

For our final night we dined at 1900 Park Fair buffet. We had no idea it was character dining but it was so cute. Each Cinderella character came around to our table and took pictures with us. The actors really stayed in character. The cutest thing was how the kids reacted to them. There was a little boy who danced with Cinderella and after she left he practiced dancing with his mom. Cutest thing ever. 

Our favorite meal was by far Fultons crab house in Disney Springs.

Lobster on a stick....so good.

Lobster Boil

King Crab Legs

Berry Cheesecake

The entrees and dessert were included in our meal plan!! So we learned something about out Pacific Northwestern selves at this place. While I can tell you the sex and species of a lobster, I cannot tell you how in the world you are suppose to eat one. Our meals came out uncracked. We stared at our plates before our waiter came over and helped us by cracking our lobster and crab for us. LOL. Awesome service!

Honey and Vanilla cookie. 

Surf and Turf Burger from The Grand Floridian Cafe. Burger with lobster....

The two items I purchased at Disney World were Kitchen Magic with Mickey Cookbook and Pet Tie set for Sailor. The cookbook is awesome and has recipes for popular dishes at Disneyland and Disney World restaurants. I am so excited to try some meals out, especially the Scotch Eggs.

Pretty much the cutest tie set ever. It was his Christmas outfit.

Harry Potter World

So while it has been mom's childhood dream to see Disney World it has been my dream to see Harry Potter World!! I was so excited for this!!!!

One serious issue with Harry Potter World were the shops. In honor of keeping the boutique feeling of the shops from the movies the stores were very small and very crowded. It was pretty awful. We did manage to buy some candy at Honey Dukes.

Chocolate frog was huge!

The Pumpkin Juice tasted like a fall apple juice with cinnamon and pumpkin. It was pretty good!

One super annoying thing about Universal Studios that was in order to see both Harry Potter theme parks and to be able to ride the Hogwarts Express you had to purchase the dual park passes to go between both parks. 

The train ride was pretty cool and had an awesome show each way! Two different shows. The wait for it was crazy though.

On the other side we ate at Three Broomsticks. The frozen Butter Beer tasted like a frozen butter scotch cream soda. The meal was awesome. I had fish and chips while mom had ribs with corn. My favorite ride was the castle ride. The wait line was actually a tour of the castle where the paintings came alive and the ride was really cool.  

The trip was so much fun as we ate our way through Florida! And I am glad mom got to see Disney World at Christmas! I can't wait for our next vacation!!

-K