How To Keep Your Pets Safe & Stress-Free While You're Away From Home!

Hey guys! I know I posted on my Instagram that I was taking a break from blogging, social media, etc.. until after New Year's, and while I am trying to follow that as best as I can (which in all honesty is hard for me to just avoid it altogether! #addiction), I decided that it wouldn't hurt to schedule out a few posts I thought might be of interest in the meantime! 

This one I am sharing today is by contributing author, Beth Jones, and it focuses on keeping your pets safe and stress-free - which as a devoted animal mommy, is of huge importance to me! I personally utilize tip #2 (below) when my husband and I go away and to help keep pets' stress levels down, you can also check out some holistic pet treatments from Siddha Flower Essences (see review here)! 

Enjoy! 

Peace & Love,

~Sabrina xoxo

How to Keep Your Pets Safe & Stress-Free While You're Away From Home!

Image by Flickr

So you’ve packed your summer essentials ( if you live in the US, these would still work to keep that "glow" even in the Winter!) and you’re ready for the trip of a lifetime. But you’re worried about leaving your beloved pet at home. Worrying about our animals is something all pet owners do, but this is exacerbated when we are going away! We know they will miss us, as we will miss them, and we want them to feel as comfortable and calm as possible. Here is a list of options you can choose from so you can enjoy your trip and be confident that your pet is safe and sound!

Boarding

Kennels and catteries can become a temporary home for your pet while you’re away. But these can sometimes be stressful experiences, especially if your pet is not used to being away from home. Never book your pet into an establishment without reading reviews and visiting first. Each one will be different, and the one you choose initially may not be ideal for your pet. You want to find a kennel that has fantastic facilities and staff that take the time to fuss and care for your animal. Also, look at the other pets currently housed there, as this should be a good indication of how other people’s pets are treated. Do plenty of research before you go to ensure you’re sending your pet to the best one possible.

Ask Friends and Family

This is often the most common choice for pet owners who are travelling. It’s likely that the pet will have met the friend or relative before which is bound to make the process easier. If your cat or dog gets stressed out easily, then having a familiar face around can ease their distress. Your chosen friend or family member can check in on them at home, or they can temporarily move them to their house. It’s likely you will have to leave instructions on how to care for your pet but make it as simple as possible. The person you have chosen will have their own life going on, so don’t ask too much of them. Be reasonable and only ask them to do what is necessary.

Image by Flickr

Pet Sitter

If you don’t have friends and family nearby to ask for help, a pet sitter is the next best thing. It’s a big responsibility looking after your pet, so you need to ensure they are right for the job. You ideally need to screen a few pet sitters to choose from and to arrange a meeting beforehand. That way you can see how well your pet gets along with them. If you don’t feel comfortable around them, move onto the next one. Also, remember to check their insurance and reviews from previous clients. You can use this website here for a greater understanding of what pet sitting entails.

So, whether you’re going for a few nights away with friends or a full-blown vacation abroad, you have a number of options to choose from. It’s your responsibility to make sure they are properly cared for while you are away from home, so don’t leave it to the last minute.  Whichever option you choose, you can feel confident knowing they are in good hands.

~This post has been contributed by Beth Jones

What steps do you take to ensure your pet is safe & stress-free before going away? Let me know in the comments!

*I received compensation for publishing this post

Crushing On Candy Cane This Christmas With Lemongrass Spa!

PR Samples in travel size

For me, there are certain scents that are unmistakably "Christmas" - gingerbread, cinnamon and of course, candy cane! The pepperminty fragrance of that red and white striped candy immediately conjures memories of my childhood of tree decorating and cookie baking every time I smell it. And these holiday products from Lemongrass Spa invoke those memories perfectly!

I've been slowly making my way through the generous "gifts" that Lemongrass Spa has sent me and today is all about the candy cane (you can read my previous post on them here and here)!

For the holiday season, they have 3 lovely products with this scent:

1) Prebiotic 'On the Go' Foaming Liquid Soap - Gently clean hands without harmful SLS or triclosan with this foaming vegetable based soap! Using nourishing Coconut, Aloe and Glycerin to soften hands while cleansing, and scented with 100% Organic Peppermint essential oil, your hands will be smooth and delicious smelling!

Price - $6 (on sale for Dec for $4.80)
Ingredients - purified water, coconut oil, aloe, sea salt, kelp, citric acid, glycerin (plant derived), USDA certified organic peppermint essential oil.

2) Bath Crystals - I generally prefer showers over baths, but this time of year is when I like to indulge in some serious bath time! These crystals are enhanced with Vitamin E oil and Peppermint essential oil to soothe tired muscles and infuse skin with moisture! It's sheer minty bliss!

Price - $12 (on sale for Dec for $9.60)
Ingredients - (Sodium Chloride) Rock Salt, (Tocopherol) Vitamin E Oil and (Mentha Piperita) Certified Organic Peppermint Essential Oil.

3) Hand & Body Lotion - Keeping with the peppermint theme, this silky rich lotion absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and smelling like Christmas! The fragrance isn't quite as pronounced as the hand wash, though it does linger for awhile, which I like. I honestly couldn't stop smelling my hands!

Price - $17 (on sale for Dec for $13.60)
Ingredients - Distilled water; (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf) Aloe Vera Gel, Almond Oil, Vegetable Emulsifier, Stearic acid, Glycerin, (Vitis Vinifera) Grapeseed Oil, Pomegranate Extract, (Prunus Armeniaca) Apricot Kernal Oil, (Cocos Nucifera) Coconut Oil, (Simmondsia Chinensis) Jojoba Oil, Primrose Oil, Shea Butter, (Tocopherol) Vitamin E Oil, certified organic Peppermint Essential Oil, hydroxypropyl starch phosphate and Optiphen.



What scents remind you of Christmas? Do you have a crush on candy cane too? Sound off below!


Peace, love, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Sabrina xoxo

*Products were sent to me for review consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Start the New Year Off in the Right Way!

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The holidays are here and shortly it will be the new year! I think that any time is good to reevaluate and see where you are in life. But what better time than the start of a brand new year? This next year can be your best yet! Here are a few little tips to make sure you start it off in the right way and get the best out of it.

Review the Previous Year

Did you set goals last year? If so, take stock and see how you did. Did you achieve all that you wanted? Hopefully, it was more, but if it wasn’t, you have got time to put it right. It is a great idea to write this kind of thing down, so you have a record of it and track your progress.

What things did you do to improve your life? Were the goals unrealistic last year? It all needs to be evaluated so that you can improve and set better goals in the new year.

Think about You

It may just be easy to think about errands that you need to do or small projects that you should have finished. It is important to have yourself as a focus in a new year. Making sure you are taken care of and can be on the right path to achieving what you want, will make you a better all round person. It is hard to help others feel good if you don’t feel too good about yourself.

Is there something you could do to give your year a kick start? Could you do with a boost? Changing something in the short term could help. How about a new haircut or colour or a beauty treatment like coolsculpting? Start the new year off feeling as good as you can.

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Set Realistic Goals

You may have on your bucket list to run a marathon. That is great and one day it might happen. If you haven’t been running for months and have a low level of fitness, it may not be a realistic goal this year. Have it as something to work towards and start off by aiming for a 10k race. Then perhaps a half marathon. You have to think about how much time you have to commit to your goals too. This isn’t an excuse to not aim high. You can still achieve a lot. You will achieve so much more, though, if the goals are realistic.

Clear Your To-Do List

You want to start the new year off with a fresh start. One great way to do this is by starting the year off with a clear to-do list. Wind up those errands that are on the list. Cross off things that are no longer relevant or required. There may be some things that you have been putting off. If you still need to do them, now is the time. You don’t want to drag anything with you into 2016. It is so satisfying marking things off your list, isn’t it?

A clear list going into the new year will make you feel positive and motivated. Good luck with your new year goals and plans!

*This post has been contributed by Beth Jones


What goals do you have planned for the New Year? Sound off in the comments below!

Peace & love,

Sabrina xoxo

*I received compensation for publishing this post

Looking For A Last Minute Green Beauty Gift? Check Out "The Majesty Gift Set" From The Savannah Bee Company!

PR Sample

There's always that one person (like me) that is still doing their Christmas shopping at the last minute, and with only a few days left to get it all done, it can be a stressful time indeed!

Luckily, Target (one of my fave places to shop) has been upping their natural beauty game, and they recently began carrying this lovely gift set from The Savannah Bee Company, which I have been testing and truly love. 

Born out of a passion for bees, beekeeping and honey, The Savannah Bee Company strives to live as the bees they so love do - symbiotically with nature while creating products that harness the healing benefits of hive ingredients (beeswax, royal jelly, honey and propolis).

Their "Majesty Gift Set" comes in a beautiful burlap travel case and includes a body wash, body lotion and lip balm in one of 3 signature scents - Blackberry Rose, Tupelo Honey (which I received) and Lemongrass Spearmint.

Here are my thoughts on each:

1) Tupelo Honey Body Wash - Honey is not only a gentle and nourishing cleanser, but it also helps to exfoliate the skin, which makes this body wash doubly delightful to use! It's very moisturizing and rinses completely clean while leaving your skin feeling soft and pampered. The subtle fresh scent was quite lovely too! 

2) Tupelo Honey Body Lotion - From the slightly sweet yet mild fragrance to the silky rich texture, this lotion is a real treat for hands, feet and body! I used a little bit on my hands after doing dishes, and they stayed soft and hydrated for hours after. This will definitely be traveling with me in my bag this Winter! 

3) Tupelo Honey Lip Balm - As a bonafide lip product junkie, this lip balm satisfies my "habit" perfectly! With ingredients like Coconut, Olive, and Hempseed Oils combined with Honey, Propolis and Royal Jelly, lips are guaranteed to stay kissably soft all day! It also tastes pretty good too! ;-)

Price - $14.50
Ingredients - Body Wash: water, cocamidopropy betaine, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, decyl glucoside & disodium coco-glucoside citrate & sodium lauroyl lactylate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, natural fragrance, glycerin & ROYAL JELLY (raw), pca glyceryl oleate, HONEY, d-panthenol (provitamin b5), PROPOLIS extract, sodium levulinate, potassium sorbate, sodium phytate ( from rice bran), & annatto fruit extract
Body Lotion: purified water, organic aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, glyceryl stearate citrate, cetearyl alcohol, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, cetyl esters, natural fragrance, natural BEESWAX (cera alba), vegetable glycerin, glyceryl oleate, lauryl laurate, HONEY (mel), xanthan gum, glyceryl caprylate, sodium levulinate, potassium sorbate, argania spinosa (argan) kernel oil, & sodium phytate (from rice bran)
Lip Balm: Cera alba (beeswax)*, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter)*, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil*, extra virgin olea europaea (olive) oil*, theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter*, propolis extract, prunus amygdalus (sweet almond) oil*, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil*, flavor, vitis vinifera (grape seed) oil, Cannabis Sativa (hemp) seed oil*, honey extract, royal jelly extract *Organic ingredient

What you won't find in any of these products are Parabens, SLS, or Petroleum and they never test on animals!

You can find the Majesty Gift Set on their website or at your local Target! 

Have you tried anything from The Savannah Bee Company? What are your thoughts? Let me know below! 


Peace, love & happy shopping!

Sabrina xoxo

*product was sent to me for review consideration, all thoughts and opinions are my own

Mad For Mad Hippie's Antioxidant Face Oil

*PR Sample

Mad Hippie is a brand that not only takes skincare (and ingredients) seriously, but they are also serious about environmental preservation. They constantly strive to make products that are safe, healthy, and effective while also reducing their carbon footprint.

Suffice it to say, Mad Hippie is a brand that delivers on its intent to create products that are not only clean and green, but effective as well!

 Also, how cool is their name?! Just saying...

I have been using their "Antioxidant Face Oil" for weeks now and today I'm going to spill why I am simply "mad" for this product! ;-)

Photo Credit

First of all, let's take a look at what ingredients are involved in this oil (info from Mad Hippie's website):

Argan Oil – Providing instant, non-comedogenic hydration to the skin while naturally occurring triterpenoids work to reduce the appearance of scars & inflammation.  Containing over 80% essential fatty acids, as well as naturally occurring vitamin E, this exotic oil works to moisturize & revitalize the skin.

Sea Buckthorn Berry – This berry native to the Tibetan Himalayas, is rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, P, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols, folic acid & fatty acids. In fact, the buckthorn berry is the only plant in the world to contain omega 3, 6, 7 & 9 all together.

Blueberry Extract – This super fruit is rich in antioxidants including vitamins A & C that help protect the skin by neutralizing aging free radicals.  Blueberries have been shown to reduce the rigidity of capillary walls underneath the skin and are believed to promote circulation & aid in the reduction of redness & flushing.

Pomegranate Oil – Potent antioxidant that is a high source of ellagic acid, a polyphenol that has been shown in studies to help inhibit the growth of skin cancer.  Believed to also mediate the effects of ultraviolet rays & skin discoloration.

Camu Camu Berry – Amazonian berry with 30x the vitamin C of an orange.

Broccoli Extract – A recent study at John Hopkins found that broccoli extract applied topically reduced UV-induced redness & inflammation by an average of 37%.  This is thought to be a result of the sulforaphane found in broccoli.

Raspberry Seed Extract – High in antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin A, and omega fatty acids 3 & 6, raspberry seed extract is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-septic qualities.  High in ellagic acid, a natural polyphenol, raspberry seed extract helps neutralize aging free radicals and reduce the effects of photoaging.

Strawberry Extract – Another antioxidant-rich berry, Strawberry extract has been shown to have UV protective effects on the skin.

Goji Berry – Containing 18 vital amino acids, zinc, selenium, phosphorus and vitamins B1, B2, B6, C & E, goji berries provide the skin with essential nutrients and antioxidants. In fact, the superfruit contains more beta carotene than carrots, and even more iron than spinach.

Hemp Seed Extract –  Rich in omegas 3, 6 & 9, as well as antioxidants, hemp seed oil provides the skin with instant moisturizing and protective benefits.

Grape Seed Extract – One of nature’s most potent antioxidants, shown to inhibit UV generated skin damage and neutralize aging free radicals.

Sunflower Seed Oil –  Rich in vitamins A, D & E, as well as essential fatty acids, sunflower seed oil has natural moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.

Why I love this - I'm a sucker for a good face oil, and this one has definitely exceeded all my expectations. With an ingredients list that will make any ingredient nerd squeal with joy and a delicious fruity scent, this Anti-Oxidant Face Oil delivers deep nourishment to the skin, without feeling heavy or greasy.

A few drops applied to damp skin, and this light-weight oil absorbs quickly, leaving behind a healthy and dewy glow. I've been using this day and night and my sensitive, acne prone skin is in love! My skin looks brighter, less red and more plumped up! Definitely a cause for me to do my happy dance!

Price - $24.99 for 30ml
Full Ingredients - Argan Oil (Argania Spinosa), Pomegranate Seed Oil (Punica Granatum), Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus), Cranberry Fruit Extract (Vaccinium Macrocarpon), Pomegranate Extract (Punica Granatum) , Blueberry Extact (Vaccinium Angustifolium), Strawberry Fruit Extract (Fragaria Vesca), Kiwi Extract (Actinidia Chinensis), Watermelon Fruit Extract (Citrullus Vulgaris), Grape Seed Extract (Vitis Vinifera), Raspberry Seed Extract (Rubus Idaeus), Camu Camu Fruit Extract (Myrciaria Dubia), Acai Fruit Extract (Euterpe Oleracea), Goji Extract (Lycium Barbarum), Sea Buckthorn Berry Extract (Hippophae Rhamnoides), Hemp Seed Extract (Cannabis Sativa), Broccoli Extract (Brassica Oleracea Italica), Sweet Orange Oil (Citrus Sinensis), Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Have you ever tried anything by Mad Hippie? What are your thoughts? Let me know below! 

Peace & love,

Sabrina xoxo

*Product was sent to me for review, however, all opinions are my own.

Product Obsession: Neal's Yard Remedies - Frankincense Age-Defying Skincare Kit Review

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Neal's Yard Remedies is one of the top organic skincare companies in the UK, having started in a small depot in London in the 80's and driven by the belief that health and beauty should be more natural and less synthetic. Using ingredients that are pure, non-toxic, ethically sourced and sustainable, they create products that benefit mind, body and well-being.

You can read more here, here and here.

I had the pleasure of trying out some other of NYR's products (see here) and today, I am going to talk about their Frankincense Age-Defying Kit.

First of all, I really love the whole idea of trial/travel kits - they allow you to sample an entire range in a line (and sometimes the entire line itself, depending) in amounts that let you see how the products will work for you at a fraction of the price. It's perfect for those of us with sensitive skin or are on a budget!

What I love about this particular skincare kit is not only the price ($28 for 4 products and one sample), but the sizes are big enough for about 2-3 weeks worth of product usage (though if you are like me and only use a tiny bit of product or supplement other products in your routine, you can stretch it to 4-5 weeks).

The main ingredient in all of the products is organic and wild harvested Frankincense Oil - an oil renowned for its ability to improve skin tone and firmness, it's probably one of the most potent plant ingredients for treating aging skin. I love the benefits that Frankincense provides to the skin, so I was really excited to try out all of the products in this set!

Best of all, here is what you won't find in any of these products:

NO PARABENS – linked to estrogen overproduction
NO SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES – many contain synthetic chemicals that are harmful to health
NO GMO INGREDIENTS – not enough is known about the long-term implications
NO animal testing – unnecessary and cruel
NO SILICONES – coat the skin, impeding its natural function
NO PHTHALATES – reported to have toxic impact on human and animal life
NO NANO – not enough is known about the long-term implications
NO MINERAL OILS – derived from petroleum, have a tendency to block the skin
NO EDTA – doesn't readily biodegrade
NO PROPYLENE GLYCOL – derived from petroleum
NO CARBOMER – derived from petroleum
NO DEA – associated with known carcinogens
NO ACRYLATES – derived from petroleum
NO BHT – linked to breathing and lung impairment

Here's what you get with this kit:

1) Rejuvenating Frankincense Refining Cleanser - This luxurious cream cleanser is formulated with skin firming Frankincense, antioxidant & EFA rich Baobab and moisture rich Organic Cocoa Butter to make skin feel soft, smooth and hydrated. This has become my favorite creamy cleanser to date!

2) Rejuvenating Frankincense Toner - Sweep away any last trace of cleanser while prepping skin to better absorb oil or serum with this refreshing and cooling toner. Aloe Vera and Glycerin hydrate, while Frankincense and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 rejuvenate and smooth skin for some serious age-defying benefits. I love how soothing this is and how it leaves my skin feeling oh so soft too!

3) Rejuvenating Frankincense Facial Oil - With nourishing ingredients like Macadamia, Hemp Seed, Castor Seed, Apricot Kernel and Grapeseed Oils just to name a few, this face oil is pure decadence for the skin! Apply a few drops while skin is still slightly damp from toner and let fully absorb before putting on your make-up. Skin will be left silky, not greasy, and so far no break-outs have occurred since using this either!

4) Frankincense Hydrating Cream - This rich cream moisturizer doesn't feel the least bit heavy on the skin, but rather leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and pampered. I found that I only need the teeniest amount so this 0.71fl oz jar will probably last me quite awhile yet! Lovely product for sure!

5) Frankincense Intense Cream (sample) - Using Gardenia Plant Stem Cells and a 3-Peptide Complex to firm, tone and lift, this moisturizer packs a hefty anti-aging punch! While it's difficult to gauge its efficacy from such a small sample, I can say that this does moisturize skin as well as the Hydrating Cream. At some point, I would like to try out a larger size of this product to see how well it actually works!

Price - $28
Ingredients - Rejuvenating Frankincense Refining Cleanser Aqua (Water), Ricinus communis (Castor) seed oil*, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) oil*, Glycerin, Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) seed butter*, Cetyl alcohol, Cetearyl olivate, Sucrose cocoate, Sorbitan olivate, Cetearyl glucoside, Sorbitan stearate, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Adansonia digitata (Baobab) seed oil*, Alaria esculenta (Algae) extract, Boswellia carterii (Frankincense) oil, Citrus nobilis (Mandarin) peel oil expressed*, Citrus bergamia (Bergamot) peel oil expressed*, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf juice powder*, Tocopherol, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Curcuma longa (Turmeric) root extract, Sclerotium gum, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium dehydroacetate, Potassium sorbate, Levulinic acid, Sodium levulinate,Citral, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool. * Organically produced ingredient. Natural constituent of essential oils listed.

Rejuvenating Frankincense Toner Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf juice powder*, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Boswellia carterii (Frankincense) oil, Citrus nobilis (Mandarin) peel oil expressed*, Citrus bergamia (Bergamot) peel oil expressed*, Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh) gum oil, Coco-glucoside, Levulinic acid, Potassium sorbate, Citral, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool. *Organically produced ingredient. Natural constituent of essential oils listed. Made with 97% organic ingredients.

Frankincense Intense™ Cream Aqua (Water), Macadamia ternifolia (Macadamia) seed oil*+, Behenyl olivate, Octyldodecyl olivate, Glycerin, Glycine soja (Soya) oil*, Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) seed butter*, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Argania spinosa (Argan) kernel oil*, Vitis vinifera (Grape) seed oil*, Adansonia digitata (Baobab) seed oil*, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf juice powder*, Ricinus communis (Castor) seed oil*, Sodium hyaluronate, Curcuma longa (Turmeric) root extract, Caprooyl tetrapeptide-3, Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Gardenia jasminoides (Gardenia) meristem cell culture, Boswellia carterii (Frankincense) oil, Boswellia neglecta resin oil*, Commiphora confusa resin oil*, Citrus nobilis (Mandarin) peel oil*, Citrus bergamia (Bergamot) peel oil expressed*, Citrus aurantium amara (Neroli) flower oil*, Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh) oil*, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil*, Tocopherol, Xanthan gum, Dextran, Levulinic acid, Sodium levulinate, Potassium sorbate, Dehydroacetic acid, Citral, Citronellol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool. *Organic. From essential oils. +Nut/seed derived ingredient. Made with 75% organic ingredients.

Frankincense Hydrating Cream Aqua (Water), Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil*, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil*, Glycerin*, Cetearyl alcohol, Alcohol denat.*, Calendula officinalis (Marigold) flower extract*, Cetearyl glucoside, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Almond) oil*+, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) kernel oil*+, Borago officinalis (Borage) seed oil*, Daucus carota (Carrot) fruit oil*, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf juice powder*, Glyceryl stearate, Cetearyl olivate, Sorbitan olivate, Levulinic acid, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium hyaluronate, Boswellia carterii (Frankincense) oil, Commiphora myrrha (Myrhh) oil, Limonene. *Organically produced ingredient. +Nut/Seed-based ingredient.Natural constituent of essential oils listed. Made with 91% organic ingredients.

Rejuvenating Frankincense Facial Oil Macadamia ternifolia (Macadamia) seed oil*+, Adansonia digitata (Baobab) seed oil*, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) kernel oil*, Ricinus communis (Castor) seed oil*, Oenothera biennis (Evening primrose) oil*, Cannabis sativa (Hemp) seed oil*, Vitis vinifera (Grape) seed oil*, Boswellia carterii (Frankincense) oil, Citrus nobilis (Mandarin) peel oil expressed*, Citrus bergamia (Bergamot) peel oil expressed*, Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh) gum oil, Curcuma longa (Turmeric) root extract, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Tocopherol, Citral, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool. *Organically produced ingredient. +Nut/seed derived ingredient. Natural constituent of essential oils listed.

Have you tried anything from Neal's Yard Remedies? What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below! :-)

Peace & love,

Sabrina xoxo

*Products were generously sent to me for review, all opinions are my own.

Introducing Auve Beauty! Natural Beauty Inspired By The Bootlace Tree From Guyana!

*PR Samples. Beauty Elixir Tea, Radiance Infusion Oil & Firm & Tone Hydrator

It's always exciting to me when I am introduced to or discover new natural brands, especially ones that incorporate ingredients that have special meaning to the brand owner/formulator (and of course lots of great benefits for my skin!).

Auve Beauty is the latest addition to the green beauty world and one that I am really stoked about!

Founded by Angella Sprauve, a veteran expert to the beauty and lifestyle world (though she doesn't look older than 20 - I'll have what she's having please and thank you), and former product developer for such brands as Bare Escentuals, Yes to Carrots and more, Angella wanted to create a brand that would re-introduce old beauty rituals for the busy, modern day woman (or man).

Inspired by her mother's Guyanese heritage, she chose Bootlace Bark Extract as the primary ingredient in her products. This is an ingredient that I had never heard of before so I was very interested to learn more. Let's take a look at a few of the benefits of this amazing ingredient...

• Improves skin barrier function (this is extremely important as an impaired skin barrier becomes dry, rough and broken and can lead to inflammatory skin issues like acne and rosacea)
• Protects against oxidative stress
• Improves skin firmness 

As someone who struggles with acne and redness, my interest was definitely piqued!

When Auve Beauty contacted me to try some of their products before launching them, I was incredibly honored. After testing them for a month, I'd like to share my thoughts with you.

By the way, Auve Beauty does not use mineral oils, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes or GMO's in any of their products and they never test on animals! :-D

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1) Beauty Elixir Tea - This delicious blend of White and Green Teas is the perfect way to start your morning or to have as an afternoon treat. Carefully crafted with skin nourishing ingredients in mind, including Rosehips (high in vitamin C), and Hibiscus Flowers (elasticity booster), this tea will help to improve skin as well as your overall health. The taste is mild and slightly fruity and I found that I didn't need any kind of sweetener as the flavor is delightful as is! Enjoy hot or iced.

Price - $14.99
Ingredients - White (Camellia Sinensis) Tea, Green (Camellia Sinensis) Tea, Rosehip (Rosa Canina), Hibiscus (Rosa Sinensis) Flower, Red Rooibos (Aspalathus Linearis) Tea

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2) Radiance Infusion Oil - This beautiful, rich, yet lightweight oil contains some of the most potent firming and age defying ingredients around. Bootlace Bark Extract and Apricot Seed Oil work to tone and firm skin, while Grapeseed Oil improves the overall quality of skin and Squalane infuses skin with hydration. I found that while using this just at night I wake up with zero redness and my complexion looks healthy and glowing. I also found that break outs were fewer or non-existent (even during "that time") and the annoying itchiness and dry patches I was dealing with were pretty much gone as well. Probably one of the best night time oils I have used on my skin ever!

Price - $59
Ingredients - Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) Oil, Grapeseed (Vitis Vinifera) Oil, Squalene, Apricot Seed (Prunus Armeniaca) Oil, Bootlace (Eperua Falcata) Bark Extract, Ethyl Macadamiate, Jasmine Oil, Pthalate-Free Fragrance

Photo Credit

3) Firm & Tone Hydrator - Like the Radiance Infusion Oil, this product contains firming Bootlace Extract, as well as Coconut Water, Sodium Hyaluronate and Squalane to provide long lasting hydration. A little goes a long way and the scent is pleasing and uplifting (kind of reminds me of CK One from back in the 90's!).

My only issue with this product is that it contains Dimethicone and Phenoxyethanol (though they are 2 of the last ingredients listed so yay!) and for that reason, I only used this sparingly to avoid break outs. That being said, this is a lovely and very lightweight hydrator that works beautifully as a primer under foundation. So, if you do not have a sensitivity or aversion to silicones or Phenoxyethanol, I recommend you give this a try!

Price - $49
Ingredients - Deionized Water, Coconut (Coco Nucifera) Water, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Jojoba Esters, Ethyl Macadamiate, Maltodextrin (and) Bootlace (Eperua Falcata) Bark Extract, Squalane, Dimethicone, Phthalate-Free Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol



Parting Thoughts - Overall, I am so impressed with everything by this brand and so excited to have been able to share it with you on my blog! I really hope you check it out and love it as much as I do and I can't wait to see what else Angella and the Auve Beauty team come up with next!

Keep up with the latest from Auve Beauty here:

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Peace & Love,
Sabrina xoxo

*products were sent to me to review, however all thoughts are 100% my own

Even More Green Beauty/Lifestyle Deals For Cyber Monday!

Hey guys! Here are a few more sales just for Cyber Monday that I thought you might be interested in (check here for my previous post on Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales)!

1) Raw SkinCeuticals - Amazing products for acne, aging or rosacea, plus some really beautiful make up products too! Pure, natural ingredients of course!

• 60% Off Storewide (today only- sale ends at Midnight)

2) Acure Organics - One of my absolute fave natural, organic brands that is super affordable! 

• 50% Off ALL orders when you use coupon code "CYBER2015"

3) Thrive Market - Tons of discounts on name brand organics can be found on this site!

• 50% Off year membership! 
• For only $29.95, you can gain access to healthy, all-natural foods and non-toxic products for up to 50% off retail prices––for the entire year!
  Just use code "MONDAYDEAL" at checkout. 

4) Skinny Bunny Tea - All natural, nothing toxic, non-gmo teas to help rev up your metabolism and detox your bod after all that yummy Thanksgiving food! ;-) I personally am a fan of the AM Chocolate Puerh Tea! 

• 82% Off Weight loss & Detox Bundle - choose from the 14 or 28 day plan
• Includes:
• Weight Loss 14 or 28 Day Tea - Chocolate Flavor (AM)
• Detox  14 or 28 Day Tea - Tropical Flavor (PM)
• + FREE  14 or 28 Day Weight Loss Tea (Chocolate) ($29 or $39.99 Value)
• + FREE  14 or 28 Day Detox Tea (Tropical) ($29 or $39.99 Value)
• + FREE Workout Plan ($29.99 Value)
• + FREE Eating Guide ($29.99 Value)
• + FREE Yoga Guide ($29.99 Value)
• + FREE Skinny Water Bottle ($30.00 Value

5) Suja Juice - My fave organic, non-gmo juice brand! 

• Get the 3-day Fresh or Core Start packs for $99 (reg. $162)
• Use coupon code "UNSTUFFED" at checkout
• Sale ends tonight at 11:59pm

6) 100% Pure - One of my fave natural make-up brands! Love, love, love their liquid foundation - great for oily skin! 

• Up to 80% off - get 10 items for $10!!! Limit 5 per item
• Get a Free Coffee Bean Eye cream with $80 purchase

7) Auve Beauty - (review to come soon) One of my new favorite face oils and teas can be found here! You won't want to miss out on this sale!!

• 50% Off ALL orders until Midnight

There are many more fab sales going on, but I wanted to share a few that you may not have seen or heard about! 

Have fun shopping! :-) I'd love to know what deals you came across this weekend! Sound off below! 

Peace & Love,

Sabrina xoxo

*post contains some affiliate links

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals You Don't Want to Miss!

Hey guys! I hope you all have an amazing and yum-tastic Thanksgiving today! I don't know about you, but I can't wait to dig in to all the delish foods that only make an appearance this time of year - like my mother-in-law's homemade bread stuffing (with apple and onion..sooo good!), mashed potatoes and the pecan pie my hubs and I are bringing (it's not Thanksgiving in my opinion without pecan pie!!)! Tomorrow I can go back to eating healthy, but today..it's a free for all! lol

Anyhoo...besides wishing you all a happy turkey day, I also wanted to give you the deets on a few Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales that will be starting tomorrow (and a few already happening), so without further ado...get your shopping on! :-)

1) Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques 

ALL BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND:

Buy a Gift Card, Get a Gift Card!

$25 will receive a FREE $5 Gift Card  

$50 will receive a FREE $10 Gift Card

$75 will receive a FREE $15 Gift Card

$100 will receive a FREE $20 Gift Card

   

Friday - Sunday:

 Get a FREE Gift with every purchase of . . .

• Creme Foundations = FREE Pure Complexion Blending Sponge
• Powder Foundations = Free Large Kabouki Brush
• Pressed Foundations = Free Large Kabouki Brush
• Creme Concealer & Corrective Concealer = FREE Oval Eye/Concealer Brush
• Finishing Powder = Large Powder Brush
• Pressed & Powder Cheek Colours = FREE Cheek Brush
• Bronzers = FREE Fan Brush
• Pressed & Powder Eye Duos/Trios = FREE Oval Eye/Concealer Brush
• Creme Eyeshdows = FREE Oval Eye/Concealer Brush
• Powder Eyeliner & Brow Colours = FREE Eyeliner Brush
• Lip Colour, Lip Gloss or Lip Glaze = FREE Lip Brush
• Eyeliner & Lip Liner Pencil = FREE Eco-friendly Pencil Sharpener

Cyber Monday, November 30: 

ALL full-sized products 

on our Website 30% OFF!!!

2) The Choosy Chick

Black Friday thru Cyber Monday:

• 15% off everything in the boutique and Free shipping on US orders over $40. Use code THANKS15 at checkout. (International shipping is offered and Canadians can receive Free Shipping on orders over $150).

3) The Detox Market

11/25 - 11/27: Black Friday Sale:

• $10 off $100 | code: GIVE10
  $30 off $200 | code: GIVE30
  $100 off $400 | code: GIVE100
  - Our Biggest Sale Ever! 
  - Free Shipping
  11/28 - 11/29: Extended Black Friday Sale

11/30: Cyber Monday Sale 

• $10 off $100 | code: GIVE10 
• $30 off $200 | code: GIVE30 
• $100 off $400 | code: GIVE100 
• - Secret Cyber Monday Only Sale collection 
• - URL goes live on Monday oy: http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/collections/cyber-monday-deals 
• - Up to 60% off your favorite brands!  
• - Sale on Sale 

4) Citrine Natural Skincare

Black Friday & Small Business Saturday:

• 10% off $100+ | code: Thanks10
• 15% off $250+ | code: Thanks15
• 20% off $500+ | code: Thanks20

Sales are valid in-store and online! 

Other Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals worth checking out...

EcoHabitude.com  - up to 50% off on select brands

Elaaskincare.com - Get 10% off storewide with coupon code HOLIDAYWONDER (good until 11/30 so hurry!)

Do you guys know of any great Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales going on? Do you prefer shopping in stores or online? Let me know in the comments! 

Peace, Love & Happy Thanksgiving (and shopping!),
Sabrina xoxo

*post contains some affiliate links

Crazy For Cranberry This Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and today I am feeling all things Cranberry! Here are a few things that have me going crazy for this little tart, red berry!

First up, some more gems from Lemongrass Spa .... 

Bath, body & home:

PR Samples 

1) Frosted Cranberry Hand & Body Soap - Tangy Cranberry mixes with sweet Plum for the most delish scent combo! Handmade with moisturizing oils, like Coconut and Apricot to keep your skin super soft, this soap is my fave for this season!

Price - $6 (on sale)
Ingredients - Purified Water, Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, Apricot Oil, Jojoba Oil, Merlot Mica Color (for sparkle), Phthalate-Free Fragrance

2) Frosted Cranberry Room Spray - Made with the same fruity scent as the soap (and body lotion below), this room spray will make every room in your house smell like Thanksgiving - without the nasty toxins conventional room sprays contain! You can even use this on your sheets/pillow if you'd like too!

Price - $9 (sale)
Ingredients - Purified Water, Phthalate-Free Fragrance Oil

3) Frosted Cranberry Hand & Body Lotion - Keeping with that tangy and sweet scented theme is this travel size hand and body lotion - perfect for on the go to keep your hands soft, smooth and hydrated!

Price - $17 (price is for 8oz & 2oz duo)
*Ingredients - Distilled Water, Aloe Vera Juice, Vegetable Emulsifier, Sweet Almond Oil, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Grapeseed Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Primrose Oil, Shea Butter, Vitamin E Oil, Phthalate-free Fragrance Oil, Orange Essential oil, hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, Optiphen (preservative).

*You can read more on Lemongrass Spa's ingredients here.

Cranberry-esque colored make-up:

PR Samples - Cocoa Berry Lipstick, Merlot Blush, Cool Blush Lipliner. Review & make-up look to come soon! 

How gorgeous are these colors from Lemongrass Spa? These 3 products are perfect for creating a bold & glam "Cranberry inspired" holiday look and can be mixed, darkened, or lightened (add a dab of highlighter or a pale gloss) to achieve the hue that best suits your skin tone or preference! 
(Check out my other post on Lemongrass Spa here!)


Other Cranberry obsessions at the moment....

Cranberry Kombucha! 

This recipe for Cranberry Sauce!

Also, check out this Pinterest page for even more Cranberry inspo!

What are your thoughts on Cranberries? Do you love or hate them? Sound off below!


Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Peace & Love,
Sabrina xoxo