Favorites Friday

You know, after I went through that perfume phase and bought all those perfumes, I haven't been using them too much lately. Maybe it's because in a small town I don't really go out and do anything so I never get around to feeling like I should put on perfume. I should wear it anyway even if it's just for me! Er, and to review! I've been noticing that I haven't been having any perfume favorites every week. I'll try to change that next week!

Anyway, enough rambling and onto my favorites for this week!

1. Bifrost Coconut Peppermint lip balm (currently unavailable) by Darling Clandestine. I reviewed this (here) earlier this week and am still very much in love with it! It's sort of a neutral flavor that I can use at anytime. Sometimes I'm not in the mood for all the other flavors I have that are foodie or fruity or sometimes floral. This is one I never tire of! I seriously need to try more of her balms.
2. Citrus Zest Beer shampoo bar by Elegant Rose Boutique. I am tentatively putting this on my favorites list. I really loved it the first few times I tried it - it left my hair feeling soft while adding some body to it. I also didn't need an ACV rinse which is awesome! But my hair also got greasy quickly and it needed to be washed more than I like doing. But there were other factors in that too, like hot water running out and maybe not rinsing as well as I should have. And I also have to test out how it works with an ACV rinse. The smell is bright and citrusy though!
3. Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil by Nutivia on Amazon. I'm sure you've been hearing a lot about coconut oil! I just started using some myself. I put it on the ends of my hair to keep my hair healthy and hopefully avoid split ends. I am also planning on deep conditioning my hair with it. I've also recently started using it on my hands. Despite being an oil, it is surprisingly non-greasy. And it is so silky! And I love the coconut scent, it's so yummy! I've tried a little bit as a facial moisturizer and I think I'll continue testing that out for awhile. Overall, I've been loving the many uses for coconut oil!

Yeah, short list this week! What's up with that? Guess I haven't been straying too much lately. Hm, I have plans on trying a few new things this next week though! Maybe I'll have a list of newer things next week. We'll see!

But onto the other favorites of the week...

• Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism workout video. I've been getting into working out again lately and with no gym, I've been using workout videos. This one is great! Jillian Michaels is intense and she gets me sweating! There's also a lot of jumping in the workout which I appreciate because it makes the workout more fun. I really like jumping! 
• Plain, non-fat Greek yogurt by Fage. I love the thick, creamy texture of Greek yogurt! And it can be eaten in so many ways, I've been having some every day all week in some form. Sometimes I'll mix in raw honey with it and eat it like that. I've been mixing it with stone ground mustard for a quick, easy dip for crackers. I've used it to marinate some chicken, making the chicken juicy. It's just a great thing and I've been loving it!

I am going to have a super busy weekend. Which I should have started hours ago, but oh well! So, onto that! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! :)

<3 Alyssa

Darling Clandestine Bifrost Lip Balm {review}

Darling Clandestine is one of my newest favorite shops. Evonne's perfume are unique and beautiful. BUT, she also makes lip balms and you know me - I love me some lip balm! And while I don't usually spend this much on lip balm (a single tin is $8-$9), the tins are huge and I have faith in Evonne's products so of course I had to try!

{the balm}

The balm comes in a sliding tin. I'm not exactly sure how much balm these tins hold, but they are huge! I mean, look at that!

The one thing I don't like about this balm is it is a bit too soft. Applying with my finger, there is more balm left on my finger than I would like. But I figured out a solution to this problem so it doesn't bother me as much any more. I rub the excess on the back of my neck! I don't know why I chose that spot, but it works. And I'm sure my neck smells delightful!

The softness may just be in this batch/flavor though. I have noticed that about lip balms from other shops. Some flavors have a softer texture than other flavors in the shop. Maybe it's just that batch or maybe it's the flavor. Although, I think the softness plays a part in the other things I like in this balm. 

I really do love the texture of this balm once it is applied. It is super smooth and silky. It is also very glossy, but not in a greasy sort of way. It almost has the "wet" sort of feeling which I really like. The wear isn't super long. Actually, it wears off very quickly. BUT, my lips are left super soft that I don't even feel the need to put any more balm on for a long time afterwards. Seriously, this might be one of the best lip softening balms I have ever tried.

And just a little note, this balm is perfect for kissing a certain someone who doesn't like to get lip balm on his lips after every kiss. I still get to use my balm, it wears off quickly, and my lips are soft and kissable!

Despite the huge size of this tin, I have already used up a surprisingly large amount. I've used up almost half of it! The balm really is quite fantastic.

{the flavor}

The flavor of this balm is called Bifrost. I love that this flavor is based off of Thor's story. The Bifrost Bridge is the rainbow bridge in Asgard (does this remind anyone else of Rainbow Road in MarioKart?). I haven't seen all of the Avenger movies (I know, I know - don't disown me!) but I have seen all of the Thor movies and love them! Mmm Thor...

Anyway, the flavor is a combination of coconut and peppermint. I thought this blend was quite a brilliant idea and one that I hadn't seen before. The flavors work very well together - the coconut adds a sweet, tropical twist to the peppermint. It also warms it up a bit so it doesn't seem too icy. The peppermint is strongest at first and then the coconut comes out, ending on that sweet coconut-y note. Also, while the peppermint scent is stronger, it is not too tingly once it is applied. I always appreciate this in balms with peppermint because I don't really like the tingle. The tingle in this is mellow and barely noticeable.

My mom also really liked this flavor. She tried this balm and said: "You always have the coolest things!"

{the ingredients}

Ingredients include shea butter, cocoa butter, beeswax, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, vitamin e, and peppermint essential oil.

{final thoughts}

I definitely recommend Darling Clandestine lip balms! The balm is smooth and silky and makes my lips super soft! Sometimes I just have to feel my lips because I am amazed by how soft they are after using this balm. The flavor is delightful and I can't wait to try more! The Violet Pear lip balm is quite intriguing. But yeah, ANYTHING from Darling Clandestine earns high recommendation from me!

And Evonne is always having awesome sales! Go 'like' her page on Facebook to find out about her sales! And jump - yes, really jump! - at the chance to order!

Favorites Friday

I know, I was supposed to post some reviews this week. I will get a few up soon, I promise! And now that I am back home, I have more variety in the products I've been using. Still, it might be a short list of favorites this week. But yes, onto those...

1. Mocha Marshmallow lip balm from For Goodness Grape. I'm not a fan of coffee, I never drink it. But I like the way it smells and the light coffee scent mixed with the sweetness of the marshmallow is delicious! Plus, I am really enjoying the creaminess that For Goodness Grape balms have.  
2. Splash in the Sun soap from Elegant Rose Boutique. I recently ordered some soap samples from this shop and this is the first one I've been trying out. I'm usually not one to go for citrus-y scents. Well, they don't usually appeal when I'm thinking about them but once I get them under my nose, I always like them. Weird, I know. But anyway, the scent of this is completely delightful. It is bright and refreshing from the citrus and mint. I might have to get a full-size bar. And the lather is heavenly!
3. Neem Tea Tree & Rosemary shampoo bar from Fresh as a Daisy Soaps. It's been awhile since I've used shampoo bars. With all the traveling, it's difficult to use them because I can't carry around apple cider vinegar for rinses afterwards. But now that I am home, it is back to testing out different shampoo bars. And I have really been enjoying this one. The light tea tree & rosemary scent is lovely and there is a surprising amount of lather, which is always nice for shampoo bars! And my hair has been clean, soft, and shiny. So much better than the roughness it had when traveling!
4. Lavender essential oil from NOW Foods on Amazon. I am still very much in love with the scent of lavender! I have been putting this in the ACV rinses and mixing with coconut oil that I use on the ends of my hair. I probably use more than I need to, but it makes my hair smell like lavender all day! 

And let's see, what non-product favorites do I have this week...

•  Blood of the Fold by Terry Goodkind. I am enjoying having time to read for pleasure before school starts up again next week! This is the third book in the Sword of Truth series. If you are a fan of epic fantasy series, this is an awesome one. There is even a show based off of the first two books, called Legend of the Seeker. Great show! 
• My bed! I've been traveling so much it is always good to come home to my own bed in my own room with my millions of pillows! After sleeping on a couch for over two weeks, my bed feels completely amazing and I have been sleeping way too much lately!

That's it for my favorites this week! What have yours been? Or maybe you shouldn't tell me, because I have an ever-growing list of things I want to try! ;)

Hope you have a magical weekend!

<3 Alyssa

Blackberry Ramblings

I have really been craving blackberries lately. When I was living in Oregon, I'd get blackberries all the time from the farmer's market when they were in season. I wish I had some of those now! I think this means I need more berries in my diet. Maybe I should try to seek out some frozen blackberries! But oh, if only I had some fresh, sweet, juicy blackberries...

Anyway, this has lead me to search out blackberry lip balms on Etsy. I go through these different phases where my "obsessions" change often. Last month it was perfumes, the last few weeks it has been soaps, and now it's back to lip balms. It always ends up going back to lip balm!

Here's a few lip balms and lip tints that I found tonight that I really want:

Blackberry lip balm from Wild Rose Herbs

Blackberry Lime lip tint from Bathing in Luxury

Blackberry Pomegranate lip balm from Lake House Soap Works

Blackberry lip tint from Orange Thyme

There's a few lip tints by Wild Rose Herbs that I really want too. I might just order some! I'll try to control myself for a bit though and not order everything off of my wishlist here. But they all look so good!

I was able to stop myself the other day from impulse buying. I was in Juneau wandering the shops downtown with a friend and found a peach lavender flavored lip balm that I wanted. But I resisted! But I am still thinking about it... sigh.

And speaking of Juneau, I am trying to move back there within the next few months! It seems that I can never stay put. For once I move somewhere, I already start planning my next move! Maybe I'll settled down for a bit there. I plan on it anyway!

But anyway, I'll stop rambling for now. Maybe I'll work on some reviews. I would have done one now but that requires more thought than I can handle right now. Hopefully I'll have one up tomorrow!

<3 Alyssa

P.S. And just to include a photo, here's one from my instagram (feel free to follow me @alyr3!) of making tracks in the new snow on the docks in Juneau the other day! Maybe it is this winter weather is making me crave blackberries!

Favorites Friday

I haven't been posting these every Friday like I should be. Mostly because I'm still spending my time in my second-home, away from most of my lovely products to play with. Not many new favorites from the stuff I have with me! So, this post will include my favorites from the last couple of weeks.

Onto a few of my favorite things:

1. Bifrost Coconut Peppermint lip balm from Darling Clandestine. I am loving the cool and yummy flavor and the glossiness of this balm! And despite the huge tin it comes it, I have already used a surprisingly large amount! 
2. Peppermint Hot Cocoa lip balm from Long Winter Farm (flavor review here). I have recently rediscovered the fabulousness of this balm! It was forgotten at the bottom of my purse for awhile and I just found it again the other day. Yay! It is perfectly minty and cocoa-y and always creamy. 
3. Lavender shampoo bar from Homesteaders Cache. I actually ran out of the soap I brought with me so I picked this up in a local store. It was the only lavender bar as the regular were sold out. And in my need for soap, I forgot to photograph this before I started using it. Sigh. But the lavender is delightful! It makes showers delightful and my purse is smelling pretty awesome since most of the bar is still hanging out in there! 
4. Ginger Souffle whipped body cream from Origins. I do not have this but I know someone who does. I tried it a few times and smelled it a few times more. It is freakin' amazing! Silky lotion and the scent is incredible! Ginger and citrus goodness. I need to get some for myself!

That's it for my favorites. A bit low for combining weeks, but nothing else has really wowed me lately. It'll help when I have more variety! And not forgetting my non-B&B favorites. Of which there is only one (that I can think of right now!):

• My new winter coat! And yes, it's a men's coat. I happen to prefer the sleeve length and length in general in men's coats over women's. I don't understand why they make women's coat sleeves so short! I don't want my wrists exposed every time I stretch my arms slightly! You know what I mean? Also, this coat will be good for snowboarding! AND, there's a ton of pockets including a little one on the sleeve the perfect size for a few lip balms! 

Hope you all have a good weekend! I will be doing some more traveling this weekend! Home this time. Hopefully back to being productive with things now! And maybe then these posts will have pictures. But anyway, cheers!

<3 Alyssa

Fresh as a Daisy Rooibos Tea Soap {review}

I have been eying Fresh as a Daisy soaps on Etsy for quite a while, especially the Rooibos Tea unscented shaving soap. Although I have already found an awesome shaving soap (review here), I love trying new soap companies and I wanted to give this one a shot. And as a treat to myself for finishing up my busiest semester (I always look for ways to treat myself!), I ordered a gift set of 4 soaps and a solid lotion from this company.

I also found the service to be excellent. Shipping was quick and I received quite a few free samples in my order. I love it when shops send free samples! I am looking forward to trying the shampoo bar sample I received.

But for now I will review the Rooibos Tea shaving soap! (I believe this soap is currently out-of-stock but the shop is working on restocking after the busy holiday season.)

{the soap}

I first tried it as an all over body bar and it has quite a pleasant feeling. The lather isn't as dense or as fluffy as other soaps or shaving soaps, but it is silky. It also has a bit of slickness to it. It feels like it is just covering me with a layer of moisture. It almost feels like it leaves a bit of residue afterwards, but in a good way. My skin feels super smooth!

As a shaving soap, it is decent. I wish there were more lather for shaving, but it is slick enough that there are no nicks. And my legs aren't itchy afterwards which is the most important thing I look for in a shaving soap. However, I also feel like I really have to build up the layer of soap before I can shave. I will continue using this soap for shaving, but I'll also keep an eye out for new shaving soaps to try!

As for the scent, this bar is unscented. It has that light clean soap scent that leaves you with a simply clean feeling. Keep this in mind if you try this soap - I know not everyone is a fan of unscented products. For me, as long as it's already a quality product, I don't mind it being unscented.

{ingredients}

Coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, castor oil, shea butter, OG rooibos tea, and Australian red clay.

{final thoughts}

I have been enjoying this soap from Fresh as a Daisy. The lather is pleasant and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. Although, I prefer it more as an all-over body soap than a shaving soap. And yes, I definitely give my recommendation for Fresh as a Daisy soaps! I look forward to trying and reviewing more of the soaps! And I might already have my eye on a few more in the shop. You should definitely turn your own eyes that way!

Queen Bee Productions Lip Balm {review}

I received two of these Queen Bee Productions lip balms for Christmas from one of my cousins. She knows me too well! The company is located in Hawaii, using local ingredients, like Maui honey and beeswax. I had never heard of Queen Bee Productions before so I am glad my awesome cousin found this shop and gave me a chance to try these lip balms!

{the balm}

The balm goes on smooth and creamy. It has a bit of a thick consistency, but just enough to give it a delightful creaminess without making it too heavy or lip suffocating. It also has that firmness so it doesn't get all melty in your pocket!

The wear is also long lasting, good for a few hours at least! When I put it on before bed, there is still a bit of balm on my lips in the morning when I wake up. I am quite enjoying this balm! There is even a bit of gloss to it.

{the flavors}

There are four flavors offered on the site. I have two of them:

Plain Jane - This one is unflavored, but you can smell the ingredients used in the balm. I smell raw honey with a hint of cocoa butter. I kind of love it. A million times better than balms with honey flavor oil! The real thing is much better!

Tangerine Dream - I'm not usually a fan of orange-y, citrus-y scents but I like this one. It smells lightly of tangerine with cocoa butter. I appreciate the light scent, otherwise I probably wouldn't like it as much.

{the ingredients}

Ingredients include sunflower oil, sweet almond oil, organic shea butter, organic cocoa butter wafers, Maui beeswax, vitamin e, and flavor.

{final thoughts}

I am so happy that I have been introduced to Queen Bee Productions. The balms are delightfully creamy and the Plain Jane might just have to be my new go-to balm when I'm needing something unflavored. Honestly, as much as I love all the fun lip balm flavors out there, sometimes my lips get overly sensitive and I need something without the flavor. I definitely recommend Queen Bee Productions for some simply flavored balms with damn near perfect consistency!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!

For me, 2013 was an absolutely amazing year! And I am looking forward to another amazing year full of more adventures! Here's a short list of a few of my resolutions for 2014:

- Learn how to bead and make wire jewelry! I love crafting and want to expand my skills and really get into the art of making jewelry! I already have a bunch of the supplies to get a good start!

- Try out snowboarding! I'll give it a shot and see how it goes, although at this point I'm just planning on the trying part and not so much the learning. I'm a terribly clumsy girl! But what the heck, I'll try anyway!

- Improve my massage skills! I've discovered that I like giving massages and would love to improve my skills! Hopefully I have the right touch because it is fun!

After I made my list of 2014 resolutions, someone shared this Cracked article with me: 6 Harsh Truths That Will Make You a Better Person. To put it nicely, it's about how people are defined by what they give back to the world and how they make themselves useful. It suggests developing new skills to "make yourself a better person". I really enjoyed the article and agreed with a lot of what it said. Definitely recommend reading it!

Apart from that, goals for this blog this year remain the same. I will work on getting into a rhythm for writing so posts will be more regular. I was supposed to be working on this the last few weeks, but again I have been mostly stuck without internet and traveling some more! It's been a fun winter break but I need to work more on being productive! Another resolution!

It's a new year and I hope to see good things for this blog! There's already a few good things coming your way, like some awesome guest posts! Stay tuned! :)

Hope you all are having a great start to the year! What are some of your resolutions?

<3 Alyssa