Le Bleu Bean Espresso Cup Review!

I've recently been introduced to the concept of Espresso. For some reason, I assumed that it was just like any other coffee. There are little pods that you can get for the Keurig to make specifically Espresso, but now that I've received my first Espresso cup, I realize that the Keurig verion is 1. probably weaker and 2. actually closer to a double drink that a single.

When I received Le Bleu Bean's Stacking Espresso cup, I was immedately confused due to how small it is. I assumed that it would be the same size as a regular coffee mug. However, It's not. It's very small, due to the potent nature of Espresso. Laugh at me for not knowing this naturally if you want, but hey, I'm all the wiser and more cultured now. ;)

Le Bleu Bean's espresso cup is very cute! It's small, it's convenient, and it's quality. Let me explain: the convenience comes in the concept of stacking mugs. The top of the box that houses the mug looks like a Lego. This allows for other units to stack right on top of each other. All you have to do is wash and dry your mug and you've automatically got a place for it to go. It makes for a really cool, modern looking display next to your Espresso maker.

Quality comes in in the construction of the unit and the construction of the mug. Both are very well-built. The mug itself is heavy with thick walls and a thick handle. The plastic unit isn't flimsy and has no sharp edges or corners. The cup fits perfectly inside without much wiggle room, yet it is very easy to slide out. I can't comment on the units connecting, as I was only sent one free product sample.

Overall, I really like this little guy! I'm not sure that I'll end up with a whole collection of the, but this unit is great quality and convenient. I would definitely look into getting more if I were big into Espresso and had people over for coffee.

One for the Kitt-ays!

If you're familiar with Mc Chris or Aqua Teen Hunger Force, you'll know EXACTLY how to say the title of my blog post!

Skottie loves her new Kitty Cat Arch!

Typically, I'm reaching for beauty products to review because my skin is HORRIBLE on more days than not. However, because of mine and my husband's rescue efforts, I've decided that another section of my blog will be pets! Yes..pets. Although it's not necessarily up the same alley as health and beauty, I decided to go for these kinds of reviews because of the work that my husband and I put in to rescuing, adopting, and rehabbing animals. Our current brood includes: 12 cats (I believe we only took three or four of these in of our own initiative...the rest were rescues), four dogs (taken by our initiative from some TERRIBLE conditions), a bearded dragon, a chameleon, a Russian tortoise, two hedgehogs, four pythons, a rat snake, and a sand boa. Whew!

Anyway...I really wanted to try a product that I could recommend to those who visit our kitty clan or even those who adopt from our selection of rescues in the future. So in return for being able to test this scratch post, I've promised to provide the link and my recommendation to new cat-parents! It's easy to do with such an awesome product, honestly!

I didn't know what to expect, but I knew that I had high hopes that I would FINALLY get a quality scratcher for the cats. I've bought a few over the years from Wal-Mart and PetSmart and they ALWAYS fall apart after a while. If not that, they don't go together well in the first place!

The Davidson cats approve!

When the Kitty Cat Arch Self Groomer arrived, the first thing I noticed was that the box looked professional and was bright and eye-catching. Sometimes, with product reviews, the packaging isn't the best. Already, I liked it based on first appearance! When we opened the box, the pieces were easy to slide out and the scratcher was VERY easy to assemble. So far so good! BUT the real test came with one cat hesitantly approached the scratcher. Then another...then another. Soon, there were five cats clawing, scratching, rolling on, and trying to pull over the toy. And guess what? It survived! It didn't come undone and it didn't break! In fact, it has held up through daily use by all 12 of our cats! Another added bonus (besides the catnip you get with it!) is that the base of the toy is carpeted! My Sunshine LOVES sharpening her claws and NOW she has a place to do it BESIDES my couch!

Overall, I rate this toy at 5/5 for quality, affordability, and attractiveness to cats! It's very sturdy and much better than those other brands you find online and in stores!

Brushes, Brushes, and More Brushes!

I am a shameless makeup junkie. I'm not sure why, either. A girl can only wear so much makeup in her lifetime, and I'm pretty sure that my lifetime eyeshadow quota was met about five palettes ago. It wasn't long after I got my first palettes that I realized that the stuff wouldn't apply itself! Enter: brushes! I LOVE my brushes. I have a huge collection, but I've not been too happy with some of the brands I've tried. But...the hoarder in me says that I need to keep them because I may need them someday when my good brushes are too dirty to use.

Imagine my excitement when I was offered the opportunity to review Petunia Skincare's set! I have used other Petunia products through reviews and I am in LOVE with their hyaluronic acid serum, so these brushes HAD to be good!

They shipped to me quickly and I TORE into the box in excitement! They were packaged tightly in a nice box. When I opened the box and pulled out the roll, each brush was already in place. Now, any veteran brush buyer knows that when buying brushes online, they're GOING to smell a little odd at first...ESPECIALLY if they are enclosed in a roll or a storage box or bag. These were no different. However, after being laid out to air out for a day or two, the brushes were fine. This bothers some people. Personally, I understand that SOMETHING (adhesive) has to keep the bristles in place. I'd rather have durable brushes that take a day to air out than brushes that fall apart but smell good immediately.

Zenwise Labs: Hair Growth Vitamin with DHT Blocker!

Hello, guys!


In the spirit of supplements and hair growth, I've decided to review another product that I received a while back. This one is Zenwise Labs' Hair Growth Vitamins + DHT Blocker. That way, you, dear readers, have options and different products to sort of compare and contrast. Compared to my last product, this one is slightly different. Regardless, the benefits, after two weeks of taking the supplement, showed themselves. 

A few things that I loved:


* Easy-to-open bottle. I had no issues getting into it! 
* The small capsule size made it easy to swallow. Some capsules are made of material that easily gets caught in your throat. With this capsule, you don't have that problem! 
*The ingredients are all natural! In fact, here's a list! 

Key Ingredients:
Biotin
MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)
Grapeseed Extract
Saw Palmetto
Pumpkin (Seed-Curcubita Pepo)(4:1)
Gotu Kola (Herb-Centella Asiatica) (4:1)
Ginkgo Biloba (Leaf)
L-Lysine Hcl
L-Proline
Kelp
Citrus Bioflavanoids
Nettle (Leaf-Urtica Dioica)
Catalase
Resveratrol


 *It WORKS! I noticed significant nail growth within two weeks of beginning the product. My nails were stronger, grew more quickly, and grew to a longer length. In fact, I got to see the progress first-hand when I accidentally slammed off my toe nail! I expected it to take FOREVER to grow back but within the span of a week and a half....it was back! 

*There's no "funky" odor when you open the bottle!

*There's no need to take four or five pills a day as with other hair growth supplements I've used! That was a major plus. You can take one or you can take two!

Overall, I would highly suggest using Zenwise Labs' Hair Growth Vitamins + DHT Blocker if you're looking to jumpstart your hair health or grow it long!

Until next time!

Evergreen Nature, Hair Skin & Nails Supplement Feedback

Hello, again, everyone!! I've got another product review for you, but I first need to clarify something! Yes...I do a lot of positive product reviews. No...I'm not paid to give my good word. If ever the day comes that I get ahold of a truly terrible product, I WILL let the world know!

 The products that I "apply" to test are specific. I don't apply for anything and everything. I only apply to test products that I have a specific need for. If I have perfect skin, for example, I couldn't help a company by reviewing an acne product. It would do no good, because I couldn't give an accurate representation or impression on if the product actually works.

The products that I apply for benefit my life in some way or correct "problems" that I have. Another example: you've seen a lot of hair and skin products on my blog lately. I can honestly say that product reviewing has greatly improved how I take care of myself and these "problems" that I have. I've had issues with slow growing, breaking hair for as long as I can remember. Since I've started testing oils, masks, and conditioners, my hair has shown significant growth over a short amount of time. I'm VERY happy! So when I give a positive review, it's because I have tested and SEEN the product work.

Foxbrim 100% Pure Argan Oil Review!

Hey, hey everyone!!

As some of you may know, from reading my previous posts, I used to be VERY mean to my hair! I would straighten it obsessively (multiple times a day) and I would straighten it while it was WET if I hadn't already spent literally 30 minutes under the "hi" setting of my blow-dryer! Over the years and years of damage, my hair had become brittle, dry, split, and in just all-around terrible condition! Pair that with the fact that I like dying my hair and pulling it up into a tight ponytail and you have a recipe for disaster!

What can you do once so much damage has been done?

Well...to begin with: STOP THE HARMFUL TREATMENT! Blow your hair dry on "low", allow it to air dry, wear it down, deep condition after you've dyed, limit straightening to a couple of times per week. Furthermore, treat your hair NICELY! Stopping the damage is a BIG step...but to reverse it, you're going to have to ADD to it!

Enter Foxbrim's Argan Oil products.

Normally, I'm opposed to anything OIL going near me. I'm a naturally oily person. SOMETIMES I can go 24 full hours without feeling disgusting. Most of the time, though, my hair is oily enough that I need to wash it daily. My skin: WORSE. So ADDING oil to the equation was not something that I wanted to do. HOWEVER...having dry, broken, and straw-like hair fell even higher up on my list of "don't like"s.

Reluctantly, I decided to work the oil into my shampoo and wash clean. I blow-dryed my hair, and, to my total surprise, my hair was VERY soft and manageable! I didn't have split ends sticking out everywhere because, additionally, I used the oil to smooth down my flyaways! A TINY TINY drop went a long way in smoothing my hair.

I will say that...if I use this product, I CANNOT skip a day of washing my hair. While it does a LOT of good, it doesn't keep the oil at bay (of course...because it is...you know...oil).

An added benefit that I noticed is that it makes my nails look hydrated, smooth, and clean. It softens cuticles as well.

Sometimes I review products and decide that they aren't to be a permanent part of my regimen. However, Foxbrim's Argan Oil Products are totally welcome because I can see the good that they've done for my hair. I don't want to make lofty claims, but my hair seems to be growing faster (BECAUSE it isn't breaking off...not because it is a hair growth stimulant).

You can buy this product here. 

Overall, I'm very impressed! What do you think? Have you used an Argan oil product before? 

I Don't Sleep...So I Fake It.

Recently, I was offered the opportunity to test and review a product that I think anyone could use. There's a stigma that comes with skincare products: particularly anything firming, filling, or with the word "youth" in it. The idea is that if you use these products, you're admitting defeat with the enemy: aging. To me, it's not an issue of aging. It's WHEN it will happen. Now, I'm only 23, but I plan to stay this age for the next ten years or so, so I need to have proof to back it up. Skincare, to me, has become about preservation, being comfortable in my bare skin, and taking as best care of myself as I can. Not only is it good for my skin, but it's relaxing, too.

So upon being offered another product from InstaNatural (I love these guys, guys! Seriously!), I immediately said yes! Their products have been nothing but gentle on my sensitive skin and to find a brand like that is RARE! Typically, one product will work from a brand, and when I decide to branch out and try another...BAM! Allergic reaction.  

Another plus of the Youth Express Eye Serum? I. Don't. Sleep. I really don't. Some nights, I get 1.5 hours. Some nights I might get 5. It really depends. Sure, I feel really rested on 5, but it's only a fraction of the 8 hours suggested by doctors. Needless to say, I have BAGS. They are DARK. And therefore, the skin under my eyes isn't as firm or as youthful as it should be. See where the stigma needs to be thrown out the window? I'm not old by any means...but this product benefits me greatly!

A few of the other benefits, outside of being gentle: it doesn't have a harsh smell, it didn't hurt my eyes when I got it too close, the bottle is very aesthetically pleasing and the label is very well designed. The dispenser is very easy to use and the product doesn't just GUSH out like some that I have used. Also: a little goes a LONG way, so you know that your investment will last. :)

I need to point out: You won't see an immediate change. This product is great, but it's not an instant beauty spell in a bottle. You have to be patient, stick with it, and document where you've come from and where you are. I'm not sure if the results will "top off", but I will be sure to come back and update this post.

NOTE: I also plan to update with before and after photos, and my own image. If you are reading this, and there's a stock photo, I just haven't gotten that far yet! :)

XTAVA Straightner Review! Straighten UP and READ!

Hey, guys!!

Anyone who's been near me for the past ten years or so knows that I LOVE my straightener. However, that being said...for the past three years, I've stopped using it almost completely because of the damage I could FEEL taking root in my hair. The straightener that I used before was a cheap Wet-2-Dry from Wal-Mart...and my hair was in terrible condition after I used it. It felt dry, brittle, and the worst part was the STATIC! When I saw the opportunity to test a high quality, Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron, I jumped on it! I wondered if the quality and materials that the straightener is made of would make a difference and I found...

Retinol Surge Moisturizer Review - Body Merry!

Hello, hello, again! :)

Yesterday, I reviewed a great little product (Azure Naturals Rosehip Oil), and today I wanted to continue my skincare streak with a review for a moisturizer I picked up via Tomoson! This particular moisturizer is from Body Merry.

I disclosed in my Rosehip Oil review that I tend to have very oily skin. Like...BAD. BUT...it's only oily on my cheeks, chin, and forehead. Other places (such as the top of my chin, the sides of my nose, and around my eyes) tend to be very DRY. Sometimes, to the point of being chapped. So what do I do? If I moisturize enough to ease the pain of the dryness, I'm a greaseball! If I don't moisturize, I'm still oily but I also have dry, flaking patches!

I knew I needed to find a moisturizer that wouldn't make me oilier and that would provide just enough moisture for those problem spots.

Enter Body Merry's formula.

My concerns with a Retinol moisturize were basically that it would be pumped full of chemicals. In the past, I've avoided them, even though I've heard great reviews. All it took was a little research to find that the company boasts:

"The formula does not contain any harsh chemicals such as Parabens, Sulphates or Phthalates. The moisturizer is made in the USA in an FDA registered and GMP compliant facility. It is not tested on animals."

Good enough for me! And I love that our furry friends don't have to suffer!

The moisturizer, when coming out of the pump bottle, is very thick. That being said, make sure you use it conservatively. There's no reason this one container shouldn't last months! I barely used half of a pump for my face and neck and felt VERY well covered!

Satisfied with the research, I slathered on. And yes, just like the Rosehip oil...I over did it. When applied CORRECTLY, this stuff works great! I wasn't too oily, as I expected from such a thick moisturizer, and my problem spots instantly became smoother and didn't hurt! I felt that it somewhat kept my oil under control and it definitely eliminated the shine that I so hate! I did notice a cleaner looking complexion, but as for if it firms, plumps, etc, I feel like I need to give it a little more use to be able to tell for sure. So, be expecting an update on this post...but I'm expecting great things! Overall, I am happy with this product!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Azure Naturals Rosehip Oil - Professional Strength - For Skin and Hair!

Hey, guys! I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! As for me, I took some time to just NOT THINK about ANYTHING! It's really nice to have QUIET after having to match-wits with middle school students daily! (Disclaimer: I love my job and the kids...but they are SMART! :) I'm proud...but it can be exhausting keeping up! Haha! So over the break I took time to really get to know some products. One of those was Azure Naturals Ultimate Rosehip Oil. Now, if you know me...you know I'm somewhat impressionable. If someone has tried something and liked it, I WANT TO TRY IT! I had heard about the benefits of Rosehip oil, but I wanted to experience first hand what it would do for me. So for a week...I used solely the Rosehip oil to see what it would do for my complexion.

Here are my observations: 

Yumi Beautiful Signature Antioxidant Skin Care Serum Review!

To begin: first impressions. When I opened my package (which was shipped super quickly, by the way!), I noticed a VERY professional looking box. There are no home-printed inkjet labels here. The design of the box was beautiful. The box is simple, but very bold in it's simplicity. The letters are spaced nicely and the consumer can tell that someone with graphic design experience put the box design together. The ingredients and instructions are very easy to understand and read. One of my main concerns on the first serum I tested was that the label was unclear and written in broken English. Immediate relief!

As I've mentioned before, freebie hunting and free sample websites were my gateway into product reviewing. I spent HOURS looking for free, small, samples and coupons. Then, I stumbled upon a product review group and said "see ya" to free samples. After all...who would waste time with that when you can review FULL SIZED products? Through a Facebook group, I received a face serum. The serum did the WONDERFUL job of clearing up my skin...but it had a lot of drawbacks that I happily ignored with the results it brought.

When asked to review another Vitamin C serum, I had to consider a few things: what made this product different than the last serum I had reviewed? Did it seem better? Worse? Was it something that I could tell my friends about and stand behind? How were the ingredients different? What about the company that backed it? Packaging?

Clearly I had a lot of research ahead of me.

I won't bore you with all of the specifics on one serum vs. the other. But I WILL tell you what I liked about the Yumi Beautiful Antioxidant Serum.

Ingredients: The #1 listed ingredient is Aloe. Typically, the first listed ingredient is the main component of the product. I'm glad that it's something natural and not something I can't pronounce!

Upon opening the box, the bottle is beautiful! :) It looks just as fantastic as the box does! The print and label are very clear and professional looking. The directions are printed on the bottle as well as the box, so you don't have to keep the box around to reference it!

The serum comes in a pump-type dispenser. This is so much more handy than a pipet because you can control how much comes out! The lid is clear with a silver edge on the bottom. It's a nice touch, design-wise, in my opinion (can you tell I'm an art teacher?).

Now: the dreaded part: actually trying the product. The last serum I tested smelled DISGUSTING! Think rotten oranges. I expect a Vitamin C serum to smell like citrus, but this one was terrible. The first thing I did after pumping the product out was to smell it. NO SCENT! This is especially helpful to those of you sensitive to perfumes! Hooray!

The consistency is a lot more watery than the thick, syrupy serum I used before. However, I realized that this is FANTASTIC when it comes to absorption. It glides on easily, and absorbs SUPER quickly. I had to wait about an hour for the other serum to absorb. This one takes a matter of a minute or two. With the other serum, my face felt extremely sticky. With the Yumi Beautiful serum, I cannot believe how soft my skin is after I use it! And the benefits go beyond that! My makeup goes on SO much more smoothly now! It's as good as a primer! AND you're treating your skin to Vitamins, Antioxidants, and other good things!

A final observation is that this product doesn't sting when I put it on. I feel no discomfort whatsoever, and I can see the benefits. It has been less than a week, but my discoloration and irritation has subsided and my blemishes are healing. My problem dry skin is correcting itself, and I'm an extremely happy "customer"!

Thank you, Yumi Beautiful!


What do you think? If offered the opportunity to win this product, would you participate?