Hello, Cutie

Tee hee hee... It's a mud mask. Yep. Hello Cutie Mud Mask.

I love that it comes with the foil seal because I didn't have a ton of product on the lid to have to try to scrape off so I could use rather than waste it. That is always the case when a product isn't properly sealed on the "inside."

Take a look at some of the goodies included in this magical mud mixture.

You can definitely smell the Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Mint, and Aloe.  You can't really smell the Green Tea or Pom (or charcoal) but I'm certain they're working their magical antioxidant powers. 

Here you can see what it looks like while it is hard at work partially wet, partially dry.

LOOK at this closeup of how it appears when dry. Weird!! My pores are nowhere near that large! lol...

What do I think? I love it! It's very invigorating and refreshing. It's good for skin of all types and ages (I mean consider the ingredients) no chemicals whatsoever, including sensitive skin.

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I received this product in exchange for my honest review.

Some more C?

Because apparently I needed another Vitamin C Serum. Nature's Best Blends came to the rescue!

In the past month or two, I've tried a few different brands of Vitamin C Serums, and you'll see more of that in the coming weeks, therefore I have a few various that I can compare to offer an interesting reviewing standpoint.

I like that this one came inside of a box, that was wrapped/sealed in plastic.  See?

The main ingredients include deionized water, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, collagen, witch hazel, jojoba oil, and other anti-oxidants.  It is all natural, organic, and works to repair and prevent UV damage, stimulate collagen to restore elasticity and brighten.

I used it on a few pesky spots that would have probably taken a week or more to run their course on their own. The serum helped take care of the skin repair/healing itself process in two-three days!

It is easy to use, not greasy or sticky. The consistency is perfect in that it is not too thick, nor too runny either. It is colorless and odorless. It is fast absorbing, too, and you can almost instantly see and feel the benefits and results.

Micromanage, or microfiber?

I hate cleaning. Let me repeat... I hate cleaning!

I did some super serious mega hardcore spring cleaning Sunday. A perfect way to end spring break? I am not so sure about that, because I certainly didn't truly enjoy it, but it did feel good to throw some stuff away and make my place look not only sparkling, but dazzling. Yes, I cleaned the floor on my hands and knees... *jaw-drop*

Vibrawipe's Microfiber Cloths were super helpful when it came to dusting. See, I haven't really even been home in three weeks. Not only that, but I threw a big house party the night before those three weeks started. Hahahah yeah. I did have my work cut out for me.

They are composed of 80% Polyester and 20% Polyamide. They measure 14.20 inches x 14.20 inches. The 4 color economy pack, has eight cloths, two of each color. "Every piece of VibraWipe Microfiber Cloth cleans gently, removes dirt and grime like magnet. Super absorbent, holds up to 5-6 times its weight in liquid realistically, based on our testing." They leave lint-free and streak-free results. VibraWipe cloths have rounded, continuously and firmly stitched corners that do not frey.

I'm ashamed to say/show it but look at that!!

They work really well and I like them a lot! A lot, a lot! Maybe cleaning won't be so torturous henceforth. That's a really big maybe. I don't want to use them all and dirt all of the pretty pastel colors they are while so nice and new.

I received the product in exchange for my honest review.

Where's the beef?

Beef. It's what's for dinner.

Just kidding! You all know how much I love to cook! And cooking to me is play time! I've never used any sort of a thermometer before, be it an oven internal thermometer, or meat thermometer. When it's done, it's done. Sometimes give the chicken (or whatever) a little slice in the middle or thickest part to double check. I have always kind of wanted one, so I figured why not try it out.

 

The River Kitchen Digital Meat Thermometer is really handy. It's easy to use. It has a long metal stick so you don't have to be afraid that you might burn yourself. You can use it in the oven or on a grill (or a fake grill like my foreman hehe). I love that it's digital and super quick, unlike watching a needle rise.  You even get to choose if you want Fahrenheit or Celsius (no thanks).  30 is hot, 20 is nice, 10 is cool, and 0 is ice!! There are three buttons, and one is a hold feature, for just in case if you can't see/read the numbers until you remove the thermometer.  I like that it has a sleeve/case/holder to put it in, too, so it won't get all scratched up when items move around in the drawer, and in my kitchen drawers they do, a lot.

Check out the temperature guide below:

I received this product in exchange for my honest review.

Not A Word About Love

You can't do it, you can't say it, it's not allowed... not one word, about love.

Not A Word About Love is an intense story about a married woman who falls for another man. Hana Goldberg is a bestselling and critically acclaimed Israeli novelist and poet, an A-list lyricist with hundreds of popular songs and many #1 hits, and Lifetime Achievement Award winner from Israel's Association of Authors and Composers (ACUM).

"After eleven years of marriage, Maya falls madly in love with a mysterious man. Through alleys fragrant with the pungent smell of fried rice, amid child beggars and vendors of psychedelic fabrics, she makes surprising discoveries about the stranger, and about herself. How far will she be willing to go?"

You will find yourself traveling on Maya's journey of self-exploration: struggling, lust, and longing for happiness. Not A Word About Love is suspenseful, funny, emotional, and spicy (more ways than one).

The author is excited, eager, pleasant, and super sweet to communicate with. Thank you, Hana.

Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder

And here we go with yet another first! #somanyfirsts

There's a few things I have obsessions with and shameful collections of. One of those things is tea. But powder? This is something new. I must try it. I like green tea, so why not pop this cherry with Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder by Kiss Me Organics: see here.

The first time I tried it I mixed 1/2 tsp with my morning coffee.  I added a little sweetener and some almond milk. The flavor was rather unpleasant, at least in coffee. Bad move, Carissa. In my defense, on the back of the package it clearly states "Lattes" and shows an endearing picture of a green cup of goodness, garnished with a Serendipity foam/swirl heart. Maybe the tea powder is supposed to serve as a substitute for coffee? I'll try that next time.

It really does taste and smell (go figure) like green tea. And it is very enjoyable if you use it properly, unlike my first attempt. But why would you want to use this and consume this, rather than sip a cup of tea? Well, it's really very versatile (reference the if remark above). You can put it in smoothies, cook with it, bake with it, even make cocktails with it!

Still not sold?  It will help with your energy, metabolism, and skin health. This product provides you 137x more antioxidants than you get with a cup of brewed tea!!!! 0_0 And, to top it off, KissMeOrganics is so sure you will love the product they offer a 110% money back guarantee within 30 days.

The package has a little 'warning' card that says STOP! and advises you to read how to absorb 3x more antioxidants from Organic Matcha by using one common household ingredient.  Comment below if you have any guesses, maybe I will confirm/deny... maybe. This card also directs you to a website with which you can find 10 bonus recipes from KissMeOrganics. Some of the front runners include a mashed potato dish, pork chops, a seasoned salt, ice cream, cake, and a martini *score!* I'm definitely curious and eager to try some of these, and play around with some ideas of my own.  Just bought some orancicle cake mix on clearance at Target, hmm... I'll let you know how that turns out.

I received this product in exchange for my honest review.

Natural stress relief

Z- Zi- Zizi WHAT? All natural stress relief? Zuhhhh- Ziziphus Jujuba Extract by Reduxa, of course.

I just took one a little while ago because at the moment, I'm stressing out about all these reviews (no joke). A little overwhelmed, but it is of my own making and doing. Ha!

"Ziziphus jujuba has been used in Traditional medicine as an analgesic, tranquilizer and an anticonvulsant in Korea and China for over 2500 years. " Hmmm, yikes!! Why do you want something of the sort?? It promotes healthy sleep and increases relaxation. Studies show that ziziphus jujuba is a natural sleep stimulant and relaxant. The component jujuboside treats conditions of insomnia and acts a stress reliever, and reduce anxiety. Ziziphus jujuba has been used as a folk medicine to treat anxiety and sleep disorders in India. It is a safe dietary supplement that has been used for many centuries to improve mood and treat as described, with no side effects or prescription. OH, so it's an all natural, safe, healthy alternative. I'll take it! *literally, and figuratively*

Does it work? Well, so far, I'd say it does, to an extent, but not quite as powerfully as I had hoped. Maybe it is/was my mindset at the time, or alertness. The first time I tried it I was hoping to get a quality restful night of sleep. You're supposed to take it after eating when unwinding for the night. So, I did as directed. I decided to read while allowing it to take effect. It definitely made me calm and relaxed, but I was pretty engrossed in my book, so perhaps my brain was too alert to allow for it to make me sleepy. The reality of the matter is, yes, it does work, but what you are thinking and doing might help/hinder effectiveness.

I received this product in exchange for my honest review.

Fashionista! Fashionista tea, that is...

Are you a fashionista? Then you certainly have to sip on some Fashionista Tea! No doubt, it will certainly up your glam factor.  See for yourself!



Enter to win!

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I received this product in exchange for my honest review.

Island Vibrance~!

Triple whammy incoming.... NOW! Do you have #IslandVibrance? Well, Island Vibrance certainly gave me some! Summer here I come! I'll try to keep this short, detailed, but super sweet.

Let's start with Reservatrol because I've never heard of or tried it before now.

What is Reservatrol and why do you want to take it?  It is an antioxidant supplement that will help you feel and look better. Island Vibrance is 100% natural with zero fillers and contains a high concentration of Polyphenols, a helpful compound found in the skin and seeds of red grapes as well as some other fruits and berries. "Polyphenols are not only great for your overall heath but are also an effective supplement for anti-aging, rejuvenation of the skin, anti-acne, and weight loss. It has also been known to help with heart problems, diabetes, and aid in counteracting high blood pressure." Do you want to boost your immune system and overall health, and longevity? This formula claims to be maximum strength, and being my first time with Reservatrol I have no proof of that, but it is very high in potency, and has no side effects. A 2 capsule dose is 1000 mg, there's even some Vitamin C present, and other power-packed extracts, too (Maqui Berry, Acai, Grape Seed). Island Vibrance Reservatrol is a great all natural way to stay healthy and aide in your exercise attempts to get and stay fit.

Now, I have tried Raspberry Ketone prior to IV's, but have yet to share any experiences with you. This one even contains Green Coffee Bean Extract! It's like a two-in-one, alright!!  It contains 500 mg of Pure Raspberry Ketone and 200 mg of 50% Green Coffee Bean (so that's 100 mg active GCB Extract).  That's a pretty low amount of Green Coffee Bean Extract, but hey it was an added bonus, so any little bit is better than none. Now, I'm not quite sure what the best dosage of Raspberry Ketone for maximum health benefits is, but when I figure that out I'll be sure to make it known.

Are you tried of hearing about various explorations with Garcinia Cambogia yet? No. Excellent, because you will see more. Getting to the point, IV's is 75% potent, so 1500 mg gets you 1125 active mg of Garcinia goodness. It's pretty high up there!!

Basically -- I am concerned about my health as much as I am concerned about keeping my skin healthy.  An ounce of prevention, peeps! I'm aiming for many pounds of cure. I feel that proper use of combining the right supplements can work wonders.

I received these three wonders in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.