Friday, June 27, 2014

700 Followers Beauty Giveaway!

When I started my blog over two years ago, I had no idea that I would ever reach 700 blog followers. It is truly an honour and I would like to thank all of you with a beauty giveaway.

You can enter by filling out the Rafflecopter form below.

Good Luck!

****This giveaway is open internationally and will close on July 18, 2014 at 11:59 PM****

a Rafflecopter giveaway

June 2014 Beauty Box Five


The June 2014 Beauty Box Five features products that are ideal for looking effortlessly summer chic.
If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!
The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).
Now let’s talk about the June items…

1. Nicka K New York Nail Color – This juicy red colour in the shade Ripe Apple provides chip-free long wearing coverage. Plus, the polish is free of formaldehyde. I think that this colour is beautiful and vibrant for summer months and it will really compliment a nautical-themed outfit. In fact, I like the colour so much that I already have similar shades in my collection, so I will save this bottle for a giveaway. This is a full size item (0.5 fl oz) that retails for $4.99.
2. Glam Natural Mascara – This next item is perfect for mascara lovers like me who have very sensitive eyes. It’s hypoallergenic, vegan, and paraben and gluten free. I can’t wait to try this! The full size version of this sample contains 0.25 oz and retails for $28.

3. Organix Coconut Water Shampoo & Conditioner – On a hot summer day, there’s nothing that I enjoy more than a cold glass of coconut water. It’s so hydrating and refreshing! No wonder I can’t wait to try this hair care duo that’s sulfate-free to protect hair colour. The full size (13 oz) retails for $7.99.
4. Vita Bath Body Wash – This deliciously scented Wild Red Cherry body wash contains antioxidants and is free of silicone, mineral oils, and propylene glycol.  The sample contains 2 oz, and the full size contains 12 oz and retails for $7.95.

5. Eslor Introductory Collection Calming Kit – This skincare kit includes a soothing refiner & cleanser, a replenishing scrub, a comforting mask, and a soothing cream. All items are paraben-free. I’m most looking forward to trying the scrub and mask. Full size versions retail between $28 and $65.
Overall, I am very impressed with the June 2014 box from Beauty Box Five. I really enjoyed the assortment of skincare, hair care, body care, nail polish, and makeup products that were sent this month. This box makes me think of summer and its iconic beauty trends (red lips, long black lashes, shiny hair, and smooth skin). I’m looking forward to next month’s box!
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

Friday, June 13, 2014

Healthier Shrimp Fried Rice



I could eat rice, or pasta, or pizza, or just carbs in general every day for every meal. But, since I’m trying to eat healthier, I’m always trying to create health conscious alternatives to my favourite foods.
This dish is my healthier version of shrimp fried rice.

Recipe

Ingredients:
cooking spray
2 whole eggs and 2 egg whites, scrambled
1 tbsp grapeseed oil
4 cups cooked rice (best if it’s cooked the night before or a few hours before and chilled in the fridge)
1 small bunch green onions, chopped
1 clove garlic
4 white mushrooms, chopped
1 1/2cups peeled/cooked salad shrimp, thawed
1 tbsp soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
1/2 tbsp fish sauce

Directions:
1. Spray a medium pan with cooking spray and scramble the whole eggs and the egg whites. Set aside.
2. In a larger pan, add the grapeseed oil, onions, and garlic. Saute for two minutes and then add the mushrooms and shrimp. Stir to combine and saute for a few minutes until the mushrooms begin to shrink.
3. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, fish sauce, and scrambled eggs. Stir for a few minutes until all ingredients are combined and the rice is warm.
4. Serve with slices of avocado and lime.

April 2014 Beauty Box Five


The April 2014 Beauty Box Five features products that are ideal for creating a breezy spring look.
If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!
The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).
Now let’s talk about the April items…

1. Blum Naturals All Purpose Cleansing Wipes – These aloe-vera infused mini wipes are hypo-allergenic, cruelty free and paraben free. While these wipes are perfect for correcting makeup mistakes on the go, I think I would use them most for wiping my hands before eating at a restaurant. This incredibly cute container of wipes is full size and retails for $2.49 (30 wipes).
2. Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow Moisturizer – This self tanning lotion gives a streak-free subtle tan. I’m always willing to try the latest in UV free tan products, so I’m looking forward to trying this product. The three sample packages each come with 0.28 oz of product and the full size contains 4 oz and retails for $9.99.

3. BH Cosmetics California Collection Eyeshadow Palette – This cute little palette contains a gold, a copper, and a purple shadow—a perfect combination for creating a bronzy spring/summer eye look with a pretty pop of colour. The full size palette comes with 16 eyeshadows and 4 face powders and retails for $18.95.
4. Nicka K New York Hydro Lipstick – This long lasting lipstick delivers pigmented colour that’s hydrating and paraben free. I received the shade Begonia which is a red with pink undertones. Since I don’t wear lipstick, I will save this pretty shade for my next giveaway. This full size lipstick contains 0.12 oz and retails for $4.99.
4. Bonne Bell Lip Definer – Apple Cider is a reddish pink shade of lip liner that complements the lipstick that came in this month’s box. This is also a full size product and it retails for $3.95.
Overall, I enjoyed the April 2014 box from Beauty Box Five and was very impressed that three of the five items were full size. My favourite item was the All Purpose cleansing wipes and I’m looking forward to trying out the self-tanner. To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*

Monday, June 2, 2014

March 2014 Beauty Box Five


The March 2014 Beauty Box Five features products that will help inspire us to break bad beauty habits and achieve beautiful skin.
If you are unfamiliar with Beauty Box Five, it is a subscription service that sends its members five cosmetic samples each month. The service is open to those in Canada and the USA, and subscriptions start at $12 per month. The best part is that shipping is free!
The brands that Beauty Box Five works with are also very impressive (see them all HERE).
Now let’s talk about the March items…

1. Jane’s Pick All Natural Soap – This handmade soap is all natural and is infused with herbs and flowers. BB5 also recommends using this soap as a shaving cream. I love to try different shower/body products so I look forward to trying this soap. The full size bar contains 5 oz of product and retails for $8.00. The sample is a bit smaller.
2. Tree Hut Shea Body Butter – Since one of my priorities is taking the best possible care of my skin, I moisturize all my skin every day. As a result, I go through body lotions very quickly, and I love trying out new ones. This paraben-free lotion is anti-aging and uses cocoa and organic shea butter to deep condition the skin. It is thick and moisturizing and has a fresh scent that’s very appropriate for the season. This sample contains 2 oz of product. The full size contains 7 oz and retails for $7.49.
3. H2O Plus Hand & Nail Cream – Every night before bed, I apply a hand cream so that I can wake up with soft, moisturized hands. I prefer to apply hand cream at night because I don’t like the palms of my hands to feel greasy during the day. This cream from H2O is non-greasy so I can moisturize my hands during the day now too. It adds moisture to the skin with silk proteins, marine botanicals, and Vitamin E. This sample contains 1 oz. The full size contains 6 oz and retails for $15.

4. Swissco Dual-sided Facial Pad – This product is my favourite item from the March box. I have been using it for a few days now and my skin feels so much smoother. For my skin, it works much better than an exfoliating gel and I’m able to use it with my regular facial cleanser. This facial pad (which is reusable) is also a lot more affordable than most exfoliating gels since it retails for only $2.
5. Bellapierre Cosmetics Makeup Base – This last item can be used as a concealer, an illuminator, and an eyeshadow primer. Since I’m always on the search for a good undereye concealer and eyeshadow primer, I’m looking forward to trying out this product. In the pan, it does look a bit dark for my skin so I will pass it on to my mom if it doesn’t work for me. This is also a full size product and it retails for $18.99 for 0.29 oz.
Overall, I am very impressed with the March 2014 box from Beauty Box Five. Normally I do not enjoy beauty boxes that feature skincare items because most items are for the face and I cannot use them due to my sensitive skin. However, I love trying out different bodycare items so I know that I will get use out of every product in the March box.
To learn more about Beauty Box Five and to sign up, visit https://www.beautybox5.com/
*Although the products mentioned in this post were sent for review purposes, all opinions expressed are honest and are my own*