Like many moms, I'm a big fan of skin care. Anything that can reverse the signs of children written all over my skin is a great thing in my book.
So, when I was offered Valentia Royal Rose Hydrating Serum to review, I jumped on the chance.
I forgot to take a good before and after shot for this, but honestly, I care very little if it actually has dramatic visual results.
This stuff makes my skin feel amazing.
AMAZING. Softer than my toddler's skin. Granted, she gets scaly skin sometimes, but I stand by what I said.
It is a white lotion type serum in an amber glass pump bottle. It smells distinctly of natural rose (it has damask rose oil), so if you hate that smell- you won't like the smell of this.
It takes 2 pumps to cover my face and neck and my skin felt instantly softer. I did have the beginnings of a breakout, which vanished after using it.
I recommend using it on clean skin (the directions also state this) for best results and enjoying the process of rubbing it on. It feels like such a luxury and it smells wonderful. It's a very relaxing thing to do right before bed and improves the skin.
If you'd like to check it out for yourself, find it here on Amazon.
I received this product free or at a discount in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
Monday, April 25, 2016
Swissvita Micrite 3D All Use Eye Cream - Review
If you follow my YouTube channel, you've probably seen my admission that I don't usually have much to correct in the eye area. (My first Ipsy bag was all about eye area corrections, and I was NOT into it.)
However, I'm in a sort of sleep regression with my kids right now, so between not sleeping and not hydrating, I'm actually getting some circles and baggage right now.
So, I got the chance to review this for free
The packaging looks very clinical, which is it's own kind of cute. It also has a clear expiration date and ingredients list, and a red seal threaded on that you have to unscrew the cap to remove. A lot of cosmetics and skin care products creep me out because they have none of these things.
It feels nice, smells like nothing, and I didn't have any adverse effects. It takes a very small amount for both eyes, and the small tip makes it easy to dispense such a small amount.
The only thing I don't like about it is that on my skin, there is kind of a slight sticky feeling that I also get from some sheet face mask products. However, after a few days (and no more sleep) I did get some improvement. Again, I don't have much to improve, so I'm not a great measure of magical results. But my eye area did improve. This is about 3 days difference, no makeup, first thing in the morning, in my bathroom light. I was too tired to pay attention to getting the same angle, which I usually try to do with before and afters but those bags could not be concealed by a face tilt anyway.
I also used it on a "fine line" I have next to my mouth that appears whenever I'm tired, dehydrated, etc. and it vanished.
I do like it better than the other eye creams I've tried, including the one I got in my Ipsy bag, which I did eventually try when I was having a rough week and felt warm but didn't really make a difference.
If you'd like to give it a try for yourself, you can get it here on Amazon.
I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
However, I'm in a sort of sleep regression with my kids right now, so between not sleeping and not hydrating, I'm actually getting some circles and baggage right now.
So, I got the chance to review this for free
The packaging looks very clinical, which is it's own kind of cute. It also has a clear expiration date and ingredients list, and a red seal threaded on that you have to unscrew the cap to remove. A lot of cosmetics and skin care products creep me out because they have none of these things.
It feels nice, smells like nothing, and I didn't have any adverse effects. It takes a very small amount for both eyes, and the small tip makes it easy to dispense such a small amount.
The only thing I don't like about it is that on my skin, there is kind of a slight sticky feeling that I also get from some sheet face mask products. However, after a few days (and no more sleep) I did get some improvement. Again, I don't have much to improve, so I'm not a great measure of magical results. But my eye area did improve. This is about 3 days difference, no makeup, first thing in the morning, in my bathroom light. I was too tired to pay attention to getting the same angle, which I usually try to do with before and afters but those bags could not be concealed by a face tilt anyway.
I also used it on a "fine line" I have next to my mouth that appears whenever I'm tired, dehydrated, etc. and it vanished.
I do like it better than the other eye creams I've tried, including the one I got in my Ipsy bag, which I did eventually try when I was having a rough week and felt warm but didn't really make a difference.
If you'd like to give it a try for yourself, you can get it here on Amazon.
I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
VADHAM Darjeeling Loose Leaf Masala Chai Tea
You may have noticed by now that I love tea.
Most of all, I love chai spiced tea.
LOVE.
If there is a variation that exists, I have tried it. Dandelion chai, vanilla chai, pumpkin chai, rooibos chai, Oprah chai. You name it and tack "chai" at the end, I've tried it. So when I was given the opportunity to try this green, loose-leaf chai at a serious discount in exchange for a review, I was IN.
I know that for the most part, I've been lucky in that most of the things I've gotten to review have been really great. I mean, stretch marks magic oil, The Stone Bearers book, the coffee pourover thing, and an AMAZING bamboo bath sheet which I will blog about soon.
I don't write posts on everything I review, but they almost always end up on my Instagram page, along with my cosplay and makeup attempts. So, here's a little bit of the description on Amazon:
Sounded good to me! So I ordered it, it arrived in 2 days with Prime shipping and I immediately had to try some out.
I have found my new favorite chai.
In addition to quick shipping and great packaging, the bag itself is resealable. So no tea tin or ziplock baggies required! (Unlike Teavana teas that cost $50 an ounce and come in a paper bag.... Yes, I'm slightly exaggerating the prices...)
The tea smells and looks great, and it works nicely in a tea ball with looser mesh or the kind with holes instead of mesh without falling out into the cup. (Unlike Teavana tea, and also Adagio and many other loose leaf brands.) Any chance to use my floating flower tea balls makes my tea happier!
It tastes amazing! The spices are well blended, they are strong without being overdone, unbalanced or waxy (unlike Teavanna's chai teas, which have some kind of weird waxy feel/taste to me. Not that it stops me from enjoying them completely).
Most bagged chai varieties I've tried are weak. Stash, which makes lovely teas has a vanilla chai that is ridiculously bland. I combined it with a plain dandelion tea to enhance the flavor. Same with Tazo, I enjoy most of their tea but without additions, the chai varieties I've tried fall flat. I was a little hesitant about the green tea base, but this is absolutely my favorite chai.
When I drink chai at home, I don't add milk or sugar (I typically don't do this with any tea or coffee, because I've got other things to do in the mornings. Like deal with toddlers.) Speaking of which, the only thing that I think is worth mentioning is that since this is a green tea base, it will get bitter faster than black tea would. I've been distracted and come back to bitter tea a couple of times. If I was smarter, I'd set a timer, but I usually drink it in the morning when I'm too tired for logic.
Overall, this is my new favorite morning beverage. I love this chai. And the price is pretty darn good, too. If you'd like to get some yourself, you can find it on Amazon here. I know that I swung a lot of hate at Teavanna in this post, but I do really like Teavanna. my favorites are the Samurai chai/Maharaja Chai Oolong blend, the Youthberry blend and their almond something or other tea. When I was pregnant I tried basically every rooibos and herbal tea they had.
As my husband says, we're "beverage people" and if you like your chai to tell you what's in it and when it was made, to be strong enough to handle milk and sugar or not, and to stay inside your manatea or flower or people tea balls, or your fancy ceramic infuser cup, this is a great candidate. And the price is great! When I run out, I'll replace it with their chai sampler pack and see if this one remains my favorite.
I received this product for free or at a discount in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine. This post contains affiliate links.
Most of all, I love chai spiced tea.
LOVE.
If there is a variation that exists, I have tried it. Dandelion chai, vanilla chai, pumpkin chai, rooibos chai, Oprah chai. You name it and tack "chai" at the end, I've tried it. So when I was given the opportunity to try this green, loose-leaf chai at a serious discount in exchange for a review, I was IN.
I know that for the most part, I've been lucky in that most of the things I've gotten to review have been really great. I mean, stretch marks magic oil, The Stone Bearers book, the coffee pourover thing, and an AMAZING bamboo bath sheet which I will blog about soon.
I don't write posts on everything I review, but they almost always end up on my Instagram page, along with my cosplay and makeup attempts. So, here's a little bit of the description on Amazon:
- PREMIUM SPICED ORGANIC MASALA CHAI TEA: Our delicious Indian Masala Chai Green Tea is grown and harvested in the pristine mountains of India. This organic and pure Darjeeling loose-leaf tea combines potent Indian spices to create a healthy tea designed to promote calmness, reduce stress and leave you feeling amazing. Unlike other Masala Chai mixes, powders or concentrates, our pure tea is made using the finest ingredients to create a potent blend of tea with health promoting antioxidants.
- POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANTS AND HEALTH BENEFITS: Masala Chai Loose Leaf Tea has been used for centuries in Ayruvedic medicine to help maintain dental health, relieve stress, improve sleep and to detoxify the body by flushing out toxins. Our Masala Chai tea is chock full of health promoting antioxidants that help cleanse your body and improve your health. Enjoy a delicious cup of our Masala Chai tea to help regain your energy and vitality
- DELICIOUS TASTING PURE DARJEELING TEA: As soon as you open up our Loose Leaf Masala Chai tea, you will notice a fresh and aromatic smell. You can brew our organic Masala Chai loose leaf tea or put it in a reusable K Cup. The spiced green tea is 100% Pure Organic Darjeeling Tea with rare Indian spices and safe to drink on a daily basis. We manufacture our tea in small quantity in order to ensure freshness, quality and aroma.
Sounded good to me! So I ordered it, it arrived in 2 days with Prime shipping and I immediately had to try some out.
I have found my new favorite chai.
In addition to quick shipping and great packaging, the bag itself is resealable. So no tea tin or ziplock baggies required! (Unlike Teavana teas that cost $50 an ounce and come in a paper bag.... Yes, I'm slightly exaggerating the prices...)
The tea smells and looks great, and it works nicely in a tea ball with looser mesh or the kind with holes instead of mesh without falling out into the cup. (Unlike Teavana tea, and also Adagio and many other loose leaf brands.) Any chance to use my floating flower tea balls makes my tea happier!
It tastes amazing! The spices are well blended, they are strong without being overdone, unbalanced or waxy (unlike Teavanna's chai teas, which have some kind of weird waxy feel/taste to me. Not that it stops me from enjoying them completely).
Most bagged chai varieties I've tried are weak. Stash, which makes lovely teas has a vanilla chai that is ridiculously bland. I combined it with a plain dandelion tea to enhance the flavor. Same with Tazo, I enjoy most of their tea but without additions, the chai varieties I've tried fall flat. I was a little hesitant about the green tea base, but this is absolutely my favorite chai.
When I drink chai at home, I don't add milk or sugar (I typically don't do this with any tea or coffee, because I've got other things to do in the mornings. Like deal with toddlers.) Speaking of which, the only thing that I think is worth mentioning is that since this is a green tea base, it will get bitter faster than black tea would. I've been distracted and come back to bitter tea a couple of times. If I was smarter, I'd set a timer, but I usually drink it in the morning when I'm too tired for logic.
Overall, this is my new favorite morning beverage. I love this chai. And the price is pretty darn good, too. If you'd like to get some yourself, you can find it on Amazon here. I know that I swung a lot of hate at Teavanna in this post, but I do really like Teavanna. my favorites are the Samurai chai/Maharaja Chai Oolong blend, the Youthberry blend and their almond something or other tea. When I was pregnant I tried basically every rooibos and herbal tea they had.
As my husband says, we're "beverage people" and if you like your chai to tell you what's in it and when it was made, to be strong enough to handle milk and sugar or not, and to stay inside your manatea or flower or people tea balls, or your fancy ceramic infuser cup, this is a great candidate. And the price is great! When I run out, I'll replace it with their chai sampler pack and see if this one remains my favorite.
I received this product for free or at a discount in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine. This post contains affiliate links.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Stress Relief in a Bottle- REVIEW
If you follow me on social media (you should), then you've probably seen me rant about how essential oils aren't magic. They don't cure cancer, or autism, or MS, though you will easily find someone who believes they do and companies who will exploit that.
I do believe that they can HELP with SOME ailments, and I think that mood disorders or a regular bad mood is probably one of the easiest things to help with essential oils.
So when I was offered a bottle of this anti-anxiety/anti-depression Tranquility blend from Phytopia USA, I had to try it.
I have clinical/chemical/major depression, and currently I do what I can to manage it without meds. That already includes things that smell good. (My favorite EO blend for mood is Frankincense and Lime and I mix it myself.) I'm sure you already know that smell and mood can work together in your brain and you probably can think of some smells that can help or hurt your own mood.
The bottle arrives in a faux velvet/faux plush bag with a silver ribbon and a silver logo. It would make a great gift for someone who could use some tranquility in their life.
It has a dropper cap, and i'm not sure if that's better or worse than NOT having the dropper cap, but if I decide I hate the dropper, it will come out easily enough.
The essential oils are already in a carrier oil blend and don't require further dilution. The formula glides on easily and doesn't remain greasy on the skin.
I've used it during some calm moods and some really... rough... moods.
Does it help? Yes. Would something else help just as well? Maybe. Self-massage, or getting someone else to indulge you with a massage, is a great way to help your mood. I've mostly used it on myself, but I did also get my husband to rub it into my shoulders one night while watching TV. He is quick to notice and complain if something smells bad, feels greasy, or has basically any characteristic worth complaining about. This oil didn't get any complaints.
The smell is a pleasant, warm smell, different from the usual "calming" scents like lavender that you can find in everything or "anti-depression" scents like citrus smells. It is a blend of sweet orange (which is different from "regular" orange), geranium, vanilla, and rose maroc in the carrier oil blend. So if you're familiar with any of those smells, you will have an idea of what this oil is like.
The company also doesn't claim to heal or cure anything that would raise red flags in my mind, and they also make the "Stretch Mark Remover" oil that I wrote a review on (and also made a video about).
If you're interested in getting this blend or getting more information, you can find it on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/1SDW8wP
I did get this product free in exchange for an honest review.
Have you tried this blend? Do you have a favorite anti-stress blend? Let me know here, on YouTube or on social media (Twitter and Instagram, @feralorchid) I'd love to review it!
I do believe that they can HELP with SOME ailments, and I think that mood disorders or a regular bad mood is probably one of the easiest things to help with essential oils.
So when I was offered a bottle of this anti-anxiety/anti-depression Tranquility blend from Phytopia USA, I had to try it.
I have clinical/chemical/major depression, and currently I do what I can to manage it without meds. That already includes things that smell good. (My favorite EO blend for mood is Frankincense and Lime and I mix it myself.) I'm sure you already know that smell and mood can work together in your brain and you probably can think of some smells that can help or hurt your own mood.
The bottle arrives in a faux velvet/faux plush bag with a silver ribbon and a silver logo. It would make a great gift for someone who could use some tranquility in their life.
It has a dropper cap, and i'm not sure if that's better or worse than NOT having the dropper cap, but if I decide I hate the dropper, it will come out easily enough.
The essential oils are already in a carrier oil blend and don't require further dilution. The formula glides on easily and doesn't remain greasy on the skin.
I've used it during some calm moods and some really... rough... moods.
Does it help? Yes. Would something else help just as well? Maybe. Self-massage, or getting someone else to indulge you with a massage, is a great way to help your mood. I've mostly used it on myself, but I did also get my husband to rub it into my shoulders one night while watching TV. He is quick to notice and complain if something smells bad, feels greasy, or has basically any characteristic worth complaining about. This oil didn't get any complaints.
The smell is a pleasant, warm smell, different from the usual "calming" scents like lavender that you can find in everything or "anti-depression" scents like citrus smells. It is a blend of sweet orange (which is different from "regular" orange), geranium, vanilla, and rose maroc in the carrier oil blend. So if you're familiar with any of those smells, you will have an idea of what this oil is like.
The company also doesn't claim to heal or cure anything that would raise red flags in my mind, and they also make the "Stretch Mark Remover" oil that I wrote a review on (and also made a video about).
If you're interested in getting this blend or getting more information, you can find it on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/1SDW8wP
I did get this product free in exchange for an honest review.
Have you tried this blend? Do you have a favorite anti-stress blend? Let me know here, on YouTube or on social media (Twitter and Instagram, @feralorchid) I'd love to review it!
Best Natural Deodorant? - Skin 2 Spirit REVIEW
The awkward product reviews are coming out in full force tonight!
Deodorant...
Hopefully you wear it in some form, but you probably also know that some forms aren't great for your health. If you feel like you're forced to choose between cancer or stinking to high heaven, you've probably looked into natural deodorants.
I have tried a few and sadly, most don't work for me. Tom's doesn't work and it smells the way my BO smells anyway... so... gross. Crystal brand deodorant works for me in rock form, but who wants to rub a wet rock in their armpit every day? The spray and wipe versions aren't as effective for me. Also the rock will start to smell bad if you don't make sure your skin is CLEAN before applying it every time. Not exactly convenient.
Enter Skin 2 Spirit with their all natural SEA SPRAY deodorant. It boasts magnesium chloride from the Dead Sea as well as skin softening and soothing agents like aloe, witch hazel and essential oils.
The product page reads like one of those sketchy products that don't work and it boasts some other benefits of magnesium (like leg cramps and migraines) but I'm only going to focus on it's effectiveness as a deodorant.
Before I even get into whether it works or not- topical magnesium. For some people, it's a great way to take in magnesium, and if you are deficient, things like insomnia, restless legs and migraines can be a symptom. For OTHER people, like me, topical magnesium is a great way to feel like you've just set yourself on fire or are getting some chemical burns.
I was a little afraid to try this product. The label even warns that slight stinging might occur the first few uses, but will go away after that.
It didn't REALLY sting. The first time I tried it, I felt a very slight stinging akin to applying any deodorant right after shaving. A slight discomfort, but nothing like the fires of magnesium lotions or baths. It also only lasted a minute or less before it went away completely.
I've worn it while working out. I smelled fine. I've worn it all day. I smelled fine. I've been using it for a couple weeks and with the exception of one day when it was unusually hot and I didn't let it dry before pulling my shirt on and moving all over the place, I haven't had any problems at all. It's a great choice for an every day deodorant!
Make sure you use it on clean skin (if you already stink, it won't do much for you) and make sure you let it dry before you start rubbing your armpits (it only takes a few seconds).
As far as convenience, effectiveness and price, this is the best natural deodorant I've tried so far. The bottle is about $12 right now, but in 2 weeks I've barely made a dent in it.
If you want to try it for yourself, you can find it here: http://amzn.to/1UMaUaW
I received a discount in exchange for an honest review.
Do you have a favorite natural deodorant? Have you tried this one? Let me know in the comments or on social media! (Instagram and Twitter: @feralorchid) And check out the video review on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sF5fWick7to
CollectTeables - review, preview and Kickstarter
In case you don't know, I like coffee... tea.... alcohol... water... as my husband said at the tea party, "We're beverage people."
So when I got the chance to try some adorable tea before anyone else could, I had to do it!
As a writer, the literary themed tea foils speak to my soul. As a person with taste buds, the quality of the tea itself also speaks to me.
I got two flavors to try- Shakespearmint, organic spearmint and Agatha ChrisTea, Earl Grey Both are delicious and wonderful, the mint is pure mint so if you don't like mint- you won't like it... The Earl Grey is less aggressively bergamot than a lot of Earl Grey tea I've tried, so I like it a lot more. But if you like to feel like you're dousing your tongue with perfume, you might not like it.
I would recommend using HOT water for both and enjoying while reading something a little dramatic and silly.
If you're interested in getting some for yourself, you can check out the Kickstarter page for The Tea Book, and get some Collect Teables for pledging.
I received some samples of tea for free in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not affiliated with The Tea Book or Collect Teables and I don't get anything if you pledge to their Kickstarter.
So when I got the chance to try some adorable tea before anyone else could, I had to do it!
As a writer, the literary themed tea foils speak to my soul. As a person with taste buds, the quality of the tea itself also speaks to me.
I got two flavors to try- Shakespearmint, organic spearmint and Agatha ChrisTea, Earl Grey Both are delicious and wonderful, the mint is pure mint so if you don't like mint- you won't like it... The Earl Grey is less aggressively bergamot than a lot of Earl Grey tea I've tried, so I like it a lot more. But if you like to feel like you're dousing your tongue with perfume, you might not like it.
I would recommend using HOT water for both and enjoying while reading something a little dramatic and silly.
If you're interested in getting some for yourself, you can check out the Kickstarter page for The Tea Book, and get some Collect Teables for pledging.
I received some samples of tea for free in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not affiliated with The Tea Book or Collect Teables and I don't get anything if you pledge to their Kickstarter.
Stretch Mark Remover Oil- REVIEW and belly pics.
As you probably know by now (or at least can glean from context), I have kids. 3 of them. I grew them in my belly and because of that, I have these things known as stretch marks.
Mine aren't the conventional "tiger stripe" type stretch marks, but if I stretch my saggy mommy-belly skin, I have silver striped between the oddly distributed fat cells.
I don't love the way it looks. I think most people don't love the look. I haven't really tried much to change it, but when I was offered a free bottle in exchange for an honest review, I had to give it a shot.
I was EXPECTING that it would be kind of like rubbing any oil in, no real difference but it feels like I'm loving my body for all its hard work... or that I'd have to remind myself that essential oils aren't magic. I didn't even take a true "before" picture because I thought it would take a while to see results and I didn't really want to take a picture of my belly skin.
What HAPPENED was that 10 minutes after I applied it the first time, I had to do a double take. It made a difference. The lumpy fat cells were a little more even, there weren't any gaping pores (hair follicle holes? I don't know what they were), and the whole thing was a little more... better looking. Naturally I thought it was a result of irritating, inflaming ingredients puffing up my cells to make it look smoother (like a cellulite cream would do). So I marveled at it, showered, and was surprised when it maintained the new, smoother appearance.
It's not magic. It's oil.
That didn't stop me from feeling like I just waved a magic wand over myself. I used it again the next day, and the results were MUCH more subtle, but there were results again.
The third time I used it was about a week later, and I finally took a before and after shot.
These were taken about 1-3 minutes apart, same room, same lights, I tried to get the same angle and everything but I didn't use anything but my phone. Anyway you can see the difference for yourself.
Is it magic? No. Does it work on angry red tiger stripes? I don't have those, so I can't say for sure.
Would it make a thoughtful gift for someone expecting a baby and worried about stretch marks, or someone who has stretch marks looking for something to try that isn't "sucks, bro"? Yes.
It comes in a faux velvet/faux plush bag with a silver logo and a silver ribbon, and the glass bottle is wrapped in bubble wrap and shrink wrap. The bottle comes with a dropper cap and it only takes 6-10 drops for my whole belly.
I'll come back and do an update (make sure you subscribe and comment to rush the process along) after a few other people give it a try, so we can see some variety in skin types and stretch mark types. I was really impressed with this oil.
If you want to try it for yourself, find it here: http://amzn.to/20cH5je
I received this product free in exchange for an honest review.
If you've tried it, or want to see me try something else like it, make sure you comment, subscribe, tweet me, etc. etc. etc. and let me know what you think!
Mine aren't the conventional "tiger stripe" type stretch marks, but if I stretch my saggy mommy-belly skin, I have silver striped between the oddly distributed fat cells.
I don't love the way it looks. I think most people don't love the look. I haven't really tried much to change it, but when I was offered a free bottle in exchange for an honest review, I had to give it a shot.
I was EXPECTING that it would be kind of like rubbing any oil in, no real difference but it feels like I'm loving my body for all its hard work... or that I'd have to remind myself that essential oils aren't magic. I didn't even take a true "before" picture because I thought it would take a while to see results and I didn't really want to take a picture of my belly skin.
What HAPPENED was that 10 minutes after I applied it the first time, I had to do a double take. It made a difference. The lumpy fat cells were a little more even, there weren't any gaping pores (hair follicle holes? I don't know what they were), and the whole thing was a little more... better looking. Naturally I thought it was a result of irritating, inflaming ingredients puffing up my cells to make it look smoother (like a cellulite cream would do). So I marveled at it, showered, and was surprised when it maintained the new, smoother appearance.
It's not magic. It's oil.
That didn't stop me from feeling like I just waved a magic wand over myself. I used it again the next day, and the results were MUCH more subtle, but there were results again.
The third time I used it was about a week later, and I finally took a before and after shot.
These were taken about 1-3 minutes apart, same room, same lights, I tried to get the same angle and everything but I didn't use anything but my phone. Anyway you can see the difference for yourself.
Is it magic? No. Does it work on angry red tiger stripes? I don't have those, so I can't say for sure.
It comes in a faux velvet/faux plush bag with a silver logo and a silver ribbon, and the glass bottle is wrapped in bubble wrap and shrink wrap. The bottle comes with a dropper cap and it only takes 6-10 drops for my whole belly.
I'll come back and do an update (make sure you subscribe and comment to rush the process along) after a few other people give it a try, so we can see some variety in skin types and stretch mark types. I was really impressed with this oil.
If you want to try it for yourself, find it here: http://amzn.to/20cH5je
I received this product free in exchange for an honest review.
If you've tried it, or want to see me try something else like it, make sure you comment, subscribe, tweet me, etc. etc. etc. and let me know what you think!
Monday, April 4, 2016
World's Largest Tea Tasting Party!
Last night, I went to a tea party. It was supposed to be the World's Largest Tea Tasting, and it almost didn't happen.
My husband and I got in on the Media list (in exchange for this post and some other honest coverage of the event).
Upon arrival, guests were given a tote bag, the contents of which seemed to vary, but all received some bags of tea. Some also got photo albums or stickers. (Let me know what you got if you went!) Some VIP guests also got a special edition mug. (And I'm super jealous.)
Other than dessert running out and a couple of other organizational quirks, I didn't even notice the technical problems. There were some empty tables, which was a little awkward but not alarming. The guests seemed to be making their own order and going through the tasting line in a refreshingly respectful way.
The setups were lovely, the teas were great, and there were free games, temporary tattoos and face painting! Chari Pere, cartoonist and artist of the adorable CollectTeables foil packets had a table where guests could purchase prints or have their own caricature tea cup drawn by her.
Danny Lobell, stand up comedian and podcaster, was the voice of the event. I didn't catch his standup act at the event and I'm not actually familiar with his comedy or podcasts, but his style on the stage as MC was not what you'd expect at a tea party! Maybe the kind of thing you'd expect (and accept) at an event in a bar, not so much at an event with fancy dresses, Mad Hatters and sitars. I didn't get any good recordings, but he transitioned between "train wreck" and "smooth host" more times than I could count.
We had a lot of fun, though the event was a lot smaller than we'd expected!
It wasn't until the event was wrapping up that I learned why. Noah Bleich, co-founder and creator of the Tea Book stopped to chat for a minute and shared some of the struggles with us. The entire event was put together in only three weeks! To top off that level of stress and chaotic planning, Devan Shah, CEO of Chado and Waterfall Tea companies passed away the night before the event. Because of the tragedy, almost half of the teas that were supposed to be represented at the event either withdrew or almost withdrew completely.
I also later learned that there was a problem with a circuit that blew out thanks to all of the water heaters, so the water wasn't even hot in time for the event to begin.
The musical guests were all good as far as I'm concerned. The rock band when we first arrived was so loud that we had to shout to hear each other speak, but that level of volume didn't last long and toward the end of the event were a sitar band, and a string quartet that played the event to a close.
Did you go? Would you go if they did it again next year? What would you like to see at this type of event?
This post does NOT contain affiliate links, and I received no compensation beyond free admission (I even paid for my own parking). My experience was great, but I'm aware there were some issues (like any first time event is bound to have) and not everyone felt the same way.
If you'd like to see some giveaways here or on YouTube and Facebook- sign up for email updates, subscribe to my channel on YouTube, "Like" one of my Facebook pages (Feral cosplay or author page), Follow on Twitter or Instagram, and interact! Let me know what you'd like to see reviewed/unboxed/etc.
My husband and I got in on the Media list (in exchange for this post and some other honest coverage of the event).
In the California Science Center, under the hanging spaceships and satellites, hundreds of guests gathered to drink tea, eat desserts and listen to music at a massive zero waste tea tasting party.
Upon arrival, guests were given a tote bag, the contents of which seemed to vary, but all received some bags of tea. Some also got photo albums or stickers. (Let me know what you got if you went!) Some VIP guests also got a special edition mug. (And I'm super jealous.)
Guests also got raffle tickets, though looking at the Twitter feed, it seems like many people were confused what to do with them. Add to that, either people didn't hear the numbers or weren't present for the raffle, poor Danny Lobell called out many, many numbers before finding winners of the Tea Book prizes, and we were one of the winners!
The event was to celebrate the launch of the Tea Book Kickstarter, and now that I have one I can can actually tell you about it. It's a very cute, coffee table-worthy, faux leather covered tea binder. The cover is wonderful- beautifully designed and very well made. The interior is kind of like a trading card binder, but for tea bags! The interior doesn't look like it's better made than a trading card binder, but it did survive my destructomatic toddlers trying to cram tea bags into the pockets! I cleared out an entire shelf in my cupboard, tucking the bags from half empty boxes of tea into the Tea Book. It's also easy to move out of reach of toddlers who love tearing open all the tea bags onto the bathroom floor... Anyway...
The dessert table ran out before I got to it about 2 hours into the 3 hour event ("unlimited" was advertised, so I'm not surprised that they ran out quickly!) and nothing was gluten free (with the exception of fresh strawberries) so I didn't miss anything, though my husband pointed out that we should have grabbed dessert before jumping into the tea line. There were food trucks outside for those who wanted real food.Cleaned out an entire shelf of almost empty boxes of tea into #theteabook. They're on Kickstarter now! pic.twitter.com/0FrwO68viG— Shantea Gauthier (@FeralOrchid) April 4, 2016
Other than dessert running out and a couple of other organizational quirks, I didn't even notice the technical problems. There were some empty tables, which was a little awkward but not alarming. The guests seemed to be making their own order and going through the tasting line in a refreshingly respectful way.
The setups were lovely, the teas were great, and there were free games, temporary tattoos and face painting! Chari Pere, cartoonist and artist of the adorable CollectTeables foil packets had a table where guests could purchase prints or have their own caricature tea cup drawn by her.
I'm still working on the whole... doing anything like a journalist... thing, so I talked to her, but it was mostly about cosplay and upcoming cons.
Danny Lobell, stand up comedian and podcaster, was the voice of the event. I didn't catch his standup act at the event and I'm not actually familiar with his comedy or podcasts, but his style on the stage as MC was not what you'd expect at a tea party! Maybe the kind of thing you'd expect (and accept) at an event in a bar, not so much at an event with fancy dresses, Mad Hatters and sitars. I didn't get any good recordings, but he transitioned between "train wreck" and "smooth host" more times than I could count.
We had a lot of fun, though the event was a lot smaller than we'd expected!
It wasn't until the event was wrapping up that I learned why. Noah Bleich, co-founder and creator of the Tea Book stopped to chat for a minute and shared some of the struggles with us. The entire event was put together in only three weeks! To top off that level of stress and chaotic planning, Devan Shah, CEO of Chado and Waterfall Tea companies passed away the night before the event. Because of the tragedy, almost half of the teas that were supposed to be represented at the event either withdrew or almost withdrew completely.
I also later learned that there was a problem with a circuit that blew out thanks to all of the water heaters, so the water wasn't even hot in time for the event to begin.
The musical guests were all good as far as I'm concerned. The rock band when we first arrived was so loud that we had to shout to hear each other speak, but that level of volume didn't last long and toward the end of the event were a sitar band, and a string quartet that played the event to a close.
The event was meant to be a celebration of the launch of The Tea Book on Kickstarter, but there was a whisper of a rumor that there might be a repeat next year. Whether the point of it will be to celebrate The Tea Book's success or to make up for the shortcomings of the party this year, I hope that it does get a second chance!
Did you go? Would you go if they did it again next year? What would you like to see at this type of event?
This post does NOT contain affiliate links, and I received no compensation beyond free admission (I even paid for my own parking). My experience was great, but I'm aware there were some issues (like any first time event is bound to have) and not everyone felt the same way.
If you'd like to see some giveaways here or on YouTube and Facebook- sign up for email updates, subscribe to my channel on YouTube, "Like" one of my Facebook pages (Feral cosplay or author page), Follow on Twitter or Instagram, and interact! Let me know what you'd like to see reviewed/unboxed/etc.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)