Monday, September 30, 2013
Taste Guru Unboxing
Posted by Joyce at 12:59 PM 0 comments
The Honest Co Trial
Posted by Joyce at 12:47 PM 0 comments
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Citrus Lane Box Review - September
Darn you Facebook ads . . . you offer a coupon code to Citrus Lane and I caved!
Citrus Lane : care packages tailored to your little one! You tell them your baby's age and you'll get a monthly box filled with things for them (and sometimes a treat for yourself!) $25 / month w/ free shipping (if you sign up for 6-month, the price drops to $21 / month)
In a Charley Harper designed box (how cute!), I received the following:
- Charley Harper 123s (she loves books and really wanted to eat this one too!)
- Hug & Hide Stroller Toy from Skip Hop (we have tons of Skip Hop products so I was excited to see this)
- Playful Wash from Episencial
- Diaper Rash Ointment from Dr Smith's (sample size that you can throw in your diaper bag)
- Nail Polish from Julep (you know I love Julep already!)
Overall I loved the box I received - I feel like you get good value and there's some great things that my baby and I will enjoy! I'll definitely be continuing this box subscription for now!
Posted by Joyce at 5:01 PM 0 comments
Nature Box Review - September
Another box that I just got in the mail!
Nature Box : healthy snacks delivered to you! 5 full-sized packages for $19.95 / month with free shipping.
Mmmm, I'm a total snack queen, so the idea behind this box is perfect for me! I got the "discovery" package meaning that you can't select your snacks but if you continue your subscription, you can select the items yourself!
I received santa fe corn stix (tomato, green pepper and onion-flavored crips), sweet blueberry almonds, teriyaki twists (rice crackers w/ soy and a pinch of paprika), cocoa waffle wafers, and cherry berry bonanza (dried cranberries, cherries, and blueberries).
The packaging is great and I love that they're resealable pouches! I was envisioning the cocoa waffle wafers to be waffle-like cookies covered in chocolate but they're actually chocolate waffle wafers (like the name suggests)! They're very likely sweetened w/ cocoa and is very light tasting.
To me, the subscription pricing is a little pricey so I ended up cancelling my subscription after using my 50% first box coupon code (you have to call them to cancel). But I definitely did enjoy my box!
Posted by Joyce at 4:52 PM 0 comments
Conscious Box Review - September
Unfortunately, I've been getting in to subscription boxes lately. Something about a "mystery" box and discovering new products is very enticing to me, especially with all the free box coupons out there to try them out!
Conscious Box - discover the healthiest and most eco-friendly products every month
($19.95 / month w/ free shipping)
I received the following:
Mountain Red Deer Velvet Capsules
Gastro Dietary Supplement
K-Pax Energy Supplements x 5
Liquid Collagen Supplement
Kids Natural Calm Multi and Coupon Code
African Black Soap
Correctiv Facial One Step Complete Natural Skincare Sample
Nepali Tea Traders Ama Dablam White Tea
Sleepytime Kids Herbal Tea
Aquatowel
BioBag Sandwich Bag
BOPS Sea Salt Flavored Crisp
All About Trees Sticker and Coupon Code
SustainableKidz Coupon Code
Razor Care Company Coupon Code
There were an exorbitant amount of dietary supplements (which I don't take especially since I'm nursing!), the beauty samples were small and not enticing, the tea was ok, aquatowel and sandwich bag (really?!), and a lot of advertisement! The only thing that was "good" in this box was the BOPS potato chips which ended up not being all that tasty anyways!
Needless to say I promptly cancelled my subscription (you can do it via email at least). Luckily this was a "free" box (I had to pay $10 for shipping) but it's definitely filled with things I don't use and can't even give away!!
Posted by Joyce at 10:43 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Review: Befine Warming Clay Mask
Benefits: Deep Cleans and detoxifies, leaving skin fresh and radiant. Hydrates so skin looks smoother and softer.
Gives skin a boost of age fighting anti oxidants. Helps stabilize free radicals to keep skin looking young.
Help make-up go on and stay on better.(This is natural benefit of any mask) smoothies and heals the skin
An Instant Facial Detox That Heals Your Skin!
Use twice weekly for skin that is beautifully radiant and soft to the touch. Apply to clean, damp skin avoiding the delicate eye area. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, remove with the Be fine Gentle Cleanser. Follow with Toner and appropriate moisturizer.
Posted by Joyce at 4:39 PM 0 comments
Monday, August 19, 2013
First Impressions: Tieks by Gavrieli
I must not be in the know since I've been holed up with the baby ~ but as soon as I re-entered back in to the working world, everyone has been talking about Tieks by Gavrieli! I have to stand for most of my working day and am an avid flats wearer so was definitely intrigued by these shoes!
Tieks \\, noun. The most versatile designer flats in the world. Made of the finest Italian leathers and designed to fold and fit in a purse. Wearable all day, every day.
Posted by Joyce at 8:42 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Review: Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum
Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum is a treatment formula for normal to oily skin that tones and hydrates while minimizing the appearance of pores and controlling shine.
The Proof*
- Proven to have a significant moisturizing effect for 6 hours
- Proven to provide 24-hour antioxidant protection
- Proven to have a significant mattifying effect on the skin
- 93% noticed healthier-looking, hydrated skin
- 90% felt their skin was more toned
- 86% reported their skin was more supple, smoother, and softer, and their complexion was balanced
*in vivo
Needless to say I had high hopes for this product. Unfortunately it didn't work on my skin. Half-way through my workday I was still shiny. I can't comment on whether it tones and hydrates my skin since I use it before a moisturizer, but it didn't minimize my pores and I still had visible shine ~5 hours after using the product.
It also has a very herbal scent which I'm not a huge fan of either.
Posted by Joyce at 1:12 PM 0 comments
Review: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
One of my favorite purchases is skincare - you have to invest in your skin right? So I've recently been trying out Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream and love the feel of it!
- Helps reduce moisture loss while drawing and absorbing moisture from the air
- With continuous moisture replenishment throughout the day, leaves skin smooth and healthy-looking
A great basic moisturizer but if you're looking for added oomphs (i.e. anti-aging, acne, brightening, etc) you'll have to add on a second product to it!
Posted by Joyce at 1:05 PM 0 comments
Review: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub
I am a huge sucker for anything grapefruit scented . . . the citrusy sweet yet bitter scent gets me all the time! I love H20+ Grapefruit Bergamot and Love + Toast Sugar Grapefruit, so when I came across Neutrogena's grapefruit scrub, I was really excited to try it!
With 100% naturally derived grapefruit extract and vitamin C, Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub features gentle microbeads that smooth away roughness without over-drying or irritating your skin.
- Oil-free
- MicroClear®
- Salicylic Acid
As far as its effectiveness as a cleanser, it's okay. I could give or take this one (though I'd probably pass since I don't like the scent). It claims to be foaming but I can never get a nice foamy lather with this product. I've been fortunate post-partum not to have too many blemishes so I can't say whether or not it actually clears it but as far as my blackheads, I think those are here to stay. Only the Biore nosestrips can clear those out!
The microbeads are more like nanobeads - it's definitely very gentle so I don't feel like my skin is truly exfoliated. There are some rough patches that remain after I use this scrub. I haven't noticed any overdrying effects and my skin hasn't broken out because of it though, which is always a plus!
I'll finish it up but I probably won't be repurchasing this after!
What are some of your favorite scents??
Posted by Joyce at 12:15 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Review: Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow in Moon River
Chanel currently has a limited edition eyeshadow as part of their summer 2013 collection. The description from the website:
A smooth-gliding pen applicator delivers a new lightweight, long-wear shadow that highlights eyes with gleaming colour. A cooling, water-infused formula creates a shimmering veil on lids. An exclusive creation from the L’ÉTÉ PAPILLON DE CHANEL Collection. ($34)
I got the color in Moon River which is one of the more neutral colors in the collection. It's a sparkling taupe color that tends to leave a little glitter fall-out.
Posted by Joyce at 3:43 PM 0 comments
Mommy Diaries: Unnecessary Necessities
Before I had my baby, I thought that I would not be the "type" to buy a bunch of toys, swings, bouncers, etc. I mean, the world is her playground right? They end up playing with the box for hours on end anyways, right??
Yeah . . . needless to say, I got her her toys and let's just say they're my BFFs now!
One of the first things I got was the Boppy Lounger. Basically it's just a giant bean bag like cushion for your little one but it's great for her to sit it! I actually think she prefers it to me holding her sometimes!
These loungers are good until they're able to roll over and are not recommended for them to sleep in. I love placing her in this after a feed since it keeps her upright and helps to prevent reflux. We also put her in there so she can look around her and pull her up to the dinner table (on the floor) so that she can "join" us for dinner!
Another "lounger" that we got is the Rock 'N Play Sleeper. This thing is soo cute and features a gentle rocking action with a little push from you, soft fabrics to cradle baby, lightweight and easy to use.
Again this sleeper is good until they're able to pull themselves up. I also place her in here after a feed to prevent reflux since it keeps her upright. The sides slant upwards so it gives them a feeling that they're being held and keeps them nice and warm. It's actually too warm for her in the summer due to the fuzzy fabric but I like how all the fabric is removable so that you can easily throw it in the wash. She slept in here tons as a newborn! I bring this over to other people's house so that she has somewhere to sit that's not on the floor to prevent someone from accidentally tripping over her.
A swing was definitely something that I did not think I would invest in . . . but lo and behold, we got the Fisher-Price Rainforest Open-Top Cradle Swing!
It moves both side to side and can be adjusted so that it swings front to back. There's 6 different speeds and 3 different musical sounds. Some people in my parenting group mentioned that their baby sleeps in this all night (though it's not recommended). The seat is recline-able so you can adjust it to your baby's comfort.
This swing is great when your baby is fussy and wants to be rocked! It also gives you a place to put them safely while you go and do stuff. My little one doesn't always fall asleep in this but it does entertain her for a good 15-30 minutes and then she's had enough! She likes looking at the mobile and seems to calm her down when she's a little fussy.
We also got the Fisher-Price Rainforest Bouncer which you can set on vibrate mode and had a bouncing motion when they move. There's a waterfall with lights that move that she loves looking at. The toy bar is removable so you can get them in and out of it easier and there's a variety of settings - one for continuous music and the other is activated when the baby moves.
She LOVES this thing - every time we put her in it her legs and arms starting kicking and moving! It's really cute to watch. She just stares at the lights and sounds and gets really excited. And with all the excitement, somehow she wore herself out and fell asleep in this! I hardly ever use the vibrator mode since it doesn't get any reaction from her. And although the hanging toucan and monkey are cute and she'll grab for them, she kicks so vigorously sometimes that her knees hit the animals so I ended up tying them up and out of her legs' ways!
Even though she gets a lot of excitement and fun from the bouncer, I would choose the swing over the bouncer. She usually only plays on the bouncer for 10 minutes before she starts whining to get out. Plus, she falls asleep more often on the swing than the bouncer.
Last but not least is the Skip Hop Treetop Friends Activity Gym (aka tummy time mat). This would have to be another one of my must-haves for her! There are multiple fabrics on the mat - crinkle leaves, squeaker flower, and fuzzy leaves along with a mirror for them to see themselves when they're on their tummy. There are 5 hanging toys with various activities (rattle, crinkle, or mirror) and it comes with a little "travel" pillow for them to hang out on when they're on their belly.
Out of all the activities that we put her in, the activity gym is the one where she can spend the most time at. She loves looking at the hanging toys (not so much the mat features quite yet) and will kick her legs in excitement. She is now learning to bat around the hanging toys with her hands and seems to really enjoy them.
What are you unnecessary necessities for your baby??
Posted by Joyce at 3:31 PM 0 comments
Friday, July 12, 2013
Mommy Diaries : Aden & Anais
Carmel mentioned that Aden & Anais receiving blankets were a good registry item so I decided to take a look! First impression - super cute blankets! Second impression - why are they so expensive?! They run about $50 for a 4-pack of the cotton ones and $45 for a 3-pack of the bamboo ones! I decided that this will definitely be a registry item!! I went with the bamboo muslin collection since I liked the Pyara print the best.
I also got a couple of the cotton muslin blankets in the For the Birds print at my shower - the cotton ones are 100% cotton.
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Posted by Joyce at 5:39 PM 0 comments
Labels: Aden & Anais, baby, burp cloths, mommy, sleep sack, swaddles
Mommy Diaries : Baby Must-Haves
As one of the last of my friends to have a baby, I was lucky enough to get a lot of tips and advice from friends. My good friend Carmel even went so far as making a list of things I had to have on my registry!! I'll add my personal comments in red to her amazing list!
Carmel's Baby Item Favorites
- Nursing bra/tops: Camisoles from Target for price ($19.99ish), Bravado/Glamourmom if ok with paying more. No-wire, spandex nursing bras (there are ones at Target and a good padded one at Destination/Motherhood Maternity). *I got the Target camisoles and they work just fine!
- Baby bottles at least 6-10 to start with. Dr. Brown (less gas and spit-ups, but more parts to clean and you need the special brush, so yes it can be a pain, Seattle Children's Hospital usually recommends Dr. Brown with the special Premie nipple--which comes separately, or Playtex Nurser (convenient and makes cleaning easy when you have no time on your hands with baby, but less eco-friendly, drop-in to buy, & wide bottle doesn't fit in all cup holders). Baby might make the decision for you! *Luckily my baby wasn't picky and liked the Dr Brown's just fine! It is a pain to clean but since I didn't use any other bottles, I haven't been spoiled by less cleaning!
- Drying Rack: Boon "grass" *Super cute, all my non-baby friends thinks it's so "cool"!
- Dishwasher bottle parts rack: Oxo *Skipped it since I washed everything by hand
- Bottle brush: Oxo or munchkin *Went with Munchkin but the sponge part of the brush keeps breaking off. Maybe I'm too vigorous when I clean??
- Swaddlers/Blankets: several standard Carter's receiving blankets, aden/anais blankets (they are kind of big for newborns, but are good for when baby is a little older and useful as a nursing cover, sun cover, play blanket) at least 2 SwaddleMe of each size (1 clean, 1 for spit ups), Halo SleepSacks (might not need until baby is older). *Aden & Anais!! More on them later . . . my baby hated the SwaddleMe (see if you can borrow some first before you buy!) but is fine with the sleep sacks!
- Newborn mittens *YES!!
- Adjustable knot hat (like at Gap) *I borrowed some various hats from friends and never used the adjustable knot hat since it's been too hot!
- Socks: Circo (Target) 0-3 month low cut ones stay on the best, but they are hard to find *Yup, they never stay on!
- Aquaphor (eczema, cradle cap, barrier cream, a big gob to the baby's bottom for diaper rash) *We went with A&D cream as our diaper cream since she doesn't suffer from any of the other symptoms.
- A diaper stick (looks like deodorant) is sometimes nice when you are too lazy to put on diaper cream but baby needs something on their bum. *Skipped this - we "try" not to be too lazy!
- Sleepers/Footed pajamas LOTS! Baby shower item, make sure you have at least 4-6 of each size *Or borrow as many as you can from your friends' babies!
- Small insulated bag for breastmilk (there's a good Playtex one on Amazon) *If you sign up on Enfamil, Similac, & Gerber's websites, they often give you samples and I got a free insulated bag!
- Nursing pillow Boppy is very versatile. My Breast Friend was really a best friend (it was nice to have a strap to keep it strapped to you, a pocket for a burp cloth, bottle, phone, TV remote) *I liked the comfort of My Breast Friend but the Boppy is definitely cuter and you can use it to prop up the baby, arm rest, etc.
- Tub--Summer Infant Right Height is the one I like since I'm short and it's hard for me to reach down to tub, but it might more of a personal choice. *I went with the My First Year's Infant to Toddler Tub w/ Sling and LOVE it! Also consider a water temperature gauge to make sure the water is not too hot for baby!
- Pacifier Wipes (like Arm & Hammer/Munchkin) for pacifier, for a quick clean on-the-go. *I would also add the BooginHead pacifier clip to prevent dropping of the paci and the Avent Soothie pacifier. The WubbaNub (beanie baby + paci) has also been great to help the paci stay in her mouth when it falls out.
- Nail Filer: The electric one is AMAZING and won't hurt the newborn! We used this for the first couple of months and then graduated to the Piyo Piyo Baby Nail Scissors. I feel like the scissors allows for more control of each snip so that you won't accidentally cut the finger!
- Baby sling like the K-tan or Maya Wrap, for when baby is newborn *I tried the Moby Wrap and it's super hard to use and really hot so I gave up on it.
- Ergobaby baby carrier *We have the Baby Bjorn - it's ok, but a bit of a hassle to put on so I ended up not using it.
- Nursing chair that has matching ottoman (I love my LaZBoy but it would have been good to get a chair that included an ottoman--you really need something to rest your feet on for proper nursing, and when you are just plain tired). They seem to sell some on Costco.com. Consider making a cozy nursing area on each floor or each room you will be in (living room, nursery, bedroom--will likely be your bed ;). *I just went with my LaZBoy too - didn't really want another piece of furniture in my house!
- Infant monitor with video (like Summer Infant Baby Touch monitor), but our Angel Care monitor was also nice since it had a room temp monitor and mute function (DO NOT get baby motion mat unless you don't mind getting alarmed frequently). *We had a hand me down from my cousin who is ELEVEN now! It's basic but still works!
- Baby White Noise Machine (like Graco Sweet Slumber) *My baby can sleep through the Blendtec blender! We skipped this too!
- A simple (non-motorized) mobile for diaper changing table to keep baby occupied *She loves looking at it - I just made a simple one myself via Pinterest! For our crib, I do wished we got a motorized mobile that plays music for longer than a couple minutes!!
- Small space heater for baby's room *Yes and a portable AC unit if your house doesn't have one!
- hot water dispenser (mix with cooler water to warm breastmilk or baby food) *Or a Keurig! Two birds with one stone!
- board books *Yes!
- room darkening shades/drapes *In the midst of getting these!
- dimmable lamp *We used a nightlight instead.
Posted by Joyce at 5:14 PM 0 comments
New Mommy Series!
Sorry for the hiatus as I took some time off to have my baby and settle back in to life (and get more sleep!).
However, I've been able to test out a lot of new mommy & baby products and will be starting a new series of my must-haves!
Being a new mom is definitely as hard as people say it is and to be operating on such little sleep . . . it's amazing how quickly the body adjusts. I used to sleep 8-10 hours prior to baby and now when I get 4-5 straight hours, I feel fine (not awesome but at least not groggy and mean!).
Having a baby in our social media world is definitely challenging but we decided early on that we would not post anything about the baby on Facebook, blogs, etc. We don't want her to grow up one day and see all her personal pictures & stories out there for the world to view! It's very hard not to want to share with the world how cute your baby is but I know it's for the best and for her safety.
Posted by Joyce at 4:38 PM 0 comments