curlBOX Body Volume II

Yet again curlBOX delivered exactly what I needed...when I needed it most.  The second volume was released during the summer months which I spent way more time at beach instead the blogging or filming YouTube videos but I promise you I used and I'm actually still using my products to their fullest potential. Honestly I didn't hear the same amount of buzz about this volume as I did volume one.  I'm not mad at contents of the box...everything was full sized. The theme was sun kissed and sexy...which was totally obtainable with the products selected.  

Photo Credit: www.olay.com

Olay Moisture Outlast Ultra Moisture Bar: 

The MSRP price ranges between $2.49-$6.99.  You can easily find this product at  drugstores, mass merchandise stores (like Walmart), supermarkets, club stores (like Costco), or online at Olay's website. The scent was a subtle shea butter type fragrance.  Here are the ingredients for those of you who like to know: Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Paraffin, Sodium Cocoglyceryl Ether Sulfonate, Glycerin, Water, Talc, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Magnesium Cocoate, Sodium Stearate, Coconut Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cocoate, Fragrance, Magnesium Laurate, Lauric Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Laurate, Tetrasodium Edta, Etidronic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Extract, Peg-90m.  According to the packaging it says this soap claims it has 10x more moisturizers versus regular soap for smoother skin.  And it also claims it cleanses skin without leaving it dry.  My overall impression was a decent one.  I'm not a regular Olay user but I have used their bar soap in the past...so when I opened the box I thought the bar was a tad smaller from what I remembered. In stores it's 4 oz. per bar whereas this was 3.17 oz.  The fragrance was subtle enough that I could still use a body splash spray or perfume without it clashing.  It's super easy to find and its easy on the wallet.  I'm not too sure that it moisturizers better than other bar soaps that I've used but it definitely cleanses the skin without stripping it. 

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex Hand & Body Scrub:

The price comes in at $9.99, but if you keep your eye out for those BOGO sales that stores like CVS or Walgreens has and you can rack up.  Thank me later!  Shea Moisture is found at drugstores, mass merchandise stores, and supermarkets.  As far as packaging goes...if it's a personal jar feel free to dip your hands in there...but if you're sharing you can use a mini scoop or even a disposable plastic spoon.  Charge that last sentence to my esthetician ways and having aseptic technique drilled into my head. I'll discuss my personal thoughts on scent in my overall impression.  Here are the ingredients for those who would like to know: Sugar, Safflower Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Theobroma Cocao (Cocoa) Seed Powder, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Jojoba Oil*, Vegetable Glycerin, Olea Eurpaea (Olive) Oil*, Coconut Shell Powder, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Proprietary Essential Oil Blend, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, Raspberry Ketone, Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Extract, Green Coffee Extract, Psidium Guajava (Guava) Seeds *Certified Organic Ingredient.  This product featured the Superfruit Complex consists a mixture of red raspberry, goji, acai, and guava extract), mango butter, and green coffee bean extract.  These ingredients promote smoothness, provides moisture, and nourish the skin.  My overall impression: As a licensed esthetician I continuously preach the importance of exfoliation to clients.  So it's only right that I follow my own advice.  This scrub is the perfect consistency as it's not too aggressive.  The fragrance for this was a tad strong for my personal taste but once I started using it weekly it grew on me.  It's easy find but I recommend calling first because each store carriers different products.  I can't purchase it at the store closest to me but it's available at store that's slightly farther away.  I used this scrub as part of my weekly paraffin treatment for my hands and feet.  I simply washed my hands, gently work the scrub into my hands (or feet), washed if off, followed up with a rich moisturizer, then proceeded to perform a paraffin dip.  This product is also great for keeping troublesome areas like knees and elbows soft and smooth.  For my body I scooped some out and put it in one of those little small plastic cups to make easier to maneuver in the shower.  I'm a Shea Moisture fan so I would definitely recommend their hand and body scrub from the Superfruit Complex collection.  I always keep a jar of their scrub in my stash.  

Palmer's Eventone Sun Care Collection: 

I'm going to do this a little different since all products are from the same line.  First things first...I've only physically spotted this at Walmart.  I could not find a price for the product that's made specially for the face ANYWHERE...not even online. However the Balm retails for $5.97 (Walmart) and the lotion retails for $7.47 (Walmart).  All of them have that distinctive smell that sunscreen has...gag!  The ingredients varied among the products:

Moisturizing Sunscreen for Face: 

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.7%, Oxybenzone 6% 

Inactive Ingredients: Acacia Senegal Gum, Arcylates/C10-30 Alkyl Arcylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cholecalciferol, Coco Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Disodium EDTA, Ethyhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyester-8, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, Water (Aqua) Xanthan Gum, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil. 

Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion:

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.7%, Oxybenzone 6%

Inactive Ingredients: 

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, c12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Carbomer, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Glyceryl Stearate, Myristyl Alchol, peg-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Propylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Tetradosidum edta, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tochopheryl Acetate, Triethanolamine, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Water (Aqua), Xanthan Gum. 

Moisturizing Sunscreen Balm: 

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.4%, Oxybenzone 6%

Inactive Ingredients: 

Beta-Carotene (Cl 40800), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Isopropyl Myristate, Microcrystalline Wax, Mineral Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Fruit Powder, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil.

Now onto the what these products are labeled as far as deliverance: no white residue, water resistant, broad spectrum, Cocoaplex™ technology, Sun Protection Factor, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil.

 

My overall impression: Although I talk about the importance of protecting the skin from sun damage via the use of sunscreen...I loathe wearing it myself.  But I'm a big girl so I do what I know is best and wear it anyways.  It's the smell that gets me...all sunscreen stinks to me.  The only product that remotely smelled more like cocoa butter was the balm.  Which I didn't care for because it reminds of straight shea butter.  My skin prefers water based products...I preferred the lotion over the balm.  Now if you can apply thicker products without issues you should be ok with the balm.  The prices for these products aren't bad...about average for sunscreen.  Now sunscreen only works if applied properly...I see people doing it incorrectly at the beach all the time.  There's a reason why you have to put it on 15 minutes before going outdoors.  It has to have time to allow UV filters have time to soak into your skin and form a protective layer.  If you're going to be outdoors for an extended period of time you need to go back indoors (if feasible) and wait 15 minutes, reapply, and wait an additional 15 minutes.  Especially if you're in and out of water.  Broad Spectrum is great because you're being protected from UVA and UVB rays.  No white residue if you take the time to rub it in well. As you read the ingredients list is rather long for all of them.  Would I purchase it? Possibly but more than likely I will opt for something a little more on the natural side...I literally ran out of sunscreen a week before that box arrived and it carried myself, my child, and friends who needed it over the summer and I still have plenty left over.  My child applied this every time she went outdoors.  

Overall the box had great products to keep you right for the summer.  The products totaled up to be a little over $26 and that's without the price of the Palmer's moisturizing sunscreen for face.   



07/18/15 #GirlsBeachDay757 at Buckroe Beach

07/26/15 Chick's Beach

curlBOX Body

   

So curlBOX has released another non-subscription box that's a one hitter quitter.  The curlBOX body was an instant hit with me.  First of all the selection of products was everything.  I enjoyed using all of the products.  

 

This box contained six full-sized items.  Which for $30 isn't a bad deal considering what these items would have cost individually.  Let's get down to what's inside!  

Image Credit: www.carolsdaughter.com
 

Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Sulfate-Free Cleansing Gel:

The first item I tried was the Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie sulfate-free cleansing gel.  The scent is perfect for me...not too strong and not too subtle.  You can find this product at the Carol's Daughter site and places like Walgreens, Target, and Sally's Beauty.  The price of $10 is great considering that you're getting 12 fl oz.  I wouldn't considered myself to be an ingredients nazi but I do know ingredients can influence a purchase.  Here are the ingredients for those who are interested: Water (Aqua), Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Fragrance (Parfum), Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.  

My overall impression:  The fragrance was light and sweet and just right.  This cleansing gel makes tons of suds without stripping the skin.  I would recommend and repurchase this product.  When layered with dry oil and shea soufflé from the same collection it's the perfect combination.  And being sulfate free is always great.  Which leads me to the next product I tried. 

 

Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Dry Oil Body Spray:

The Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Dry Oil Body Spray was the very next product I tested.  I opted to use mine after showering while my skin was still wet to seal in moisture.  The fact that it's in a spray bottle made it easy dispense.  The fragrance didn't vary from the other items I tried from this collection.  Every once and I while I find that items from the same collection do not necessarily have the same intensity.  This can also be purchased from retailers such as Walgreens, Target, Sally Beauty, and the Carol's Daughter website.  Here are the ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Fragrance (Parfum), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Euterpe Oleracea (Açai Berry) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract.  My overall impression: I really like the packaging...the fact that it's easy to dispense won me over.  The light and sweet fragrance compliments the cleansing gel perfectly.  It absorbs easily into the skin.  A little goes a long way.  I would definitely recommend and repurchase.  Combined with the shea soufflé you can't go wrong.  Also the fact that it doesn't contain silicone, parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, or artificial colors is a plus. 



Image Credit: www.walgreens.com

Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Shea Souffle:

The final Carol's Daughter product that I tested from this box was the Shea soufflé.  This can found Target, Walgreens, and the Carol's Daughter site.   This was the final layer of products used and it was perfect because you can smell it and not think its overboard.  Sometimes fragrance layering can be a bit much depending on the scent.  Here are the ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cetearyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Isododecane, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Beta-Carotene, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyacrylamide, Polysorbate 60, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Steareth-2, Laureth-7, BHT, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol.  Here's my overall impression: I usually swerve on thick moisturizers because I don't care for how they sit on my skin.  Rather than absorb it tends to just sit on top and feel greasy.  I also tend to avoid fragranced lotions because they tend to not to agree with my skin.  I've always had this issue since childhood days. This is the very first fragrance lotion that has not caused any issues for me. It's non-greasy, absorbs perfectly, and the fragrance is not obnoxious.  Initially when I stuck my fingers in the jar I thought hhhhmmm this feels a bit on the thick side.  But once I rubbed it on the back of my hand it was the perfect consistency. 

My overall thoughts of the Carol's Daughter products in this box was that it was a great selection and I wouldn't mind be purchasing any of it.

OGX Miracle In-Shower Oil: 

I'm just going to jump straight into my overall impression.  I loved this product from the first use for various reasons.  The packaging made it not only easy to dispense but also easy to control the amount of product you actually use.  This is a huge plus using it in the shower.  The fragrance is light and sweet.  I honestly didn't bother applying any fragrance afterwards.  It's easy to find at retailers such as CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Ulta (rack those points up), Walgreens, and Walmart...Sometimes you need to be able to run out and grab what you need rather than be restricted to only being able to purchase it online.  The prices varies from about $5.99 to about $8.99 depending on where it's purchased.  I just can't say it enough how much I loved this.  Here are the ingredients for those who are interested: Cyclotetrasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Silk Amino Acids, Water (Aqua), Fragrance (Parfum), Red 17 (CI 26100), Yellow 11 (CI 47000).    I loved this product from it's fragrance to it's purpose.  Obviously used after showering to seal in moisture.  I definitely plan on repurchasing.  Honestly I was on the fence about using a fragrances oil to seal my skin.  Typically I use coconut oil to seal my skin but OGX was a nice switch up from the norm.  It absorbed well without irritating my skin. 

Secret Clinical Strength Clear Gel:

This came at the perfect time.  The weather was beginning to heat up which for people like me who sweat profusely causes you to think twice about what you may wear to avoid those embarrassing sweat stains.  It's clear so no need to worrying about deodorant marks getting on darker clothing.  The completely clean scent was very subtle.  There are four scent options available in the gel.  It's deodorant so you can run out to the drugstore, grocery store, or a mass retailer to find it.  The price is around $8. Here are the ingredients:

• Active Ingredient: Aluminum Zirconium Octachlorohydrex Gly 20% (anhydrous)

  Inactive Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Calcium Chloride, Peg/ppg-18/18 Dimethicone, Fragrance.  

Overall Impression: Technically you're supposed to apply at bedtime because it works while you sleep to reduce that annoying excessive perspiration.  Did I use it that way?  No.  It is still work for me?  Yes.  I tested this deodorant on days I knew I would be super sweaty.  I've always accompanied my daughter on field day which this year was brutal.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky and it was in the upper 80s.  My under arms remain dry while the rest of me was practically drenched with sweat.  There are also a few outdoor festivals that I attended and decided to reach for this and it worked.  As I've grown older I've noticed I perspire much heavier and let's just keep it real... It's not cute and can be embarrassing at times.  I plan on using this again when summer rolls back around. 

Harlem Soap (Patchouli & Lavender)

Exclusively available at http://harlemsoap.bigcartel.com.  Initially I thought it was a heavily fragranced soap simply because it was the first item I could smell when I removed my curlBOX from the shipping box.  But once I used it I instantly changed my mind... It gently filled my entire upstairs with its fragrance without being overwhelming.  What I like the most about this so it was after using it I didn't need to use fragrance.  It didn't leave my skin feeling stripped and lathered nicely.  Both fragrance components alone are too strong by themselves for my personal preference.  However together they level each other out nicely.  The price is great as well...only $6 for a 4.5 oz bar.  And the ingredients are so simplistic:  Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Organic Palm Oil, Fresh Goat Milk, Organic Sunflower Oil, Shea Butter, Patchouli & Lavender Essential Oils.  They have other charities available as well.  I definitely plan to purchase from them in the future. 

Overall the first volume of curlBOX body was an instant winner for me.  Money well spent!  Mind you It's November and sadly I'm just now getting around to writing this yet I still have plenty of the Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Cleansing Gel and the Dry Oil and the Secret deodorant.  As usual Myleik selected great products for this debut box. 

Return of the Curls Natural Hair Weekend 2015

Photo Source: http://www.returnrofthecurls.com

This past weekend I attended some of the events from Return of the Curl natural hair weekend.  It was held in the city of Hampton, VA.  The pre-event party Koils-n-Kocktails was held Friday evening and was hosted by Pamela Jenkins (the creator of Koils by Nature) along with Adeea Rogers (the Trendy Socialite) and Constance Cash of Team Natural.  Unfortunately I did not attend that event...there's always next year.  Saturday I attended the expo and hair show and as usual Return of the Curls did not disappoint.  There were vendors galore and workshops which I'll briefly discuss.  Naptural Nicole was absolutely amazing and if you missed her workshop as a blogger you missed a treat.  My blogger friends Natural Allure, Naturally Creole, and Naturally Glam were on the panels so I had to support my girls.  I was on the move so I did not get an opportunity to see Miguel Nuñez.  Also Tanya Wright from Orange is the New Black was there and there were quite a few people waiting to meet her and get photos so I did not get an opportunity to meet her as well.  There were a lot of vendors so I'll list the ones I picked up cards and information on below:

*Alodeuri Jewelry & Accessories (earrings featured in my event recap video)
*Bonnie Love Boutique (bonnet featured in my event recap video)
*Q-Redew
*Janomi Hair, LLC
*Samirah Jewelry
*SereNiti Bath, Body, and You
*J'Shea Essential Oils
*Mitra's
*Nicole Rose Boutique
*Henna Sooq
*P3 Style
*Natural by Design
*Salon Noa
*Naturally Nadine, LLC
*Dark and Lovely
*Uncle Funky's Daughter
*Eden Bodyworks
*Tree Naurals (product featured in my event recap video)
*Todd Parson
*Visual Artist Hiecue
*Char Lovett Creations (Headbands featured in my event recap video)
*The Remedy Hair Salon
*Melody Matthews & Associates Real Estate Professionals
*Curl Prep Hair Solutions
*Curluxe
*B.A.A.B.S Beauty Boutique & Bar
*CURLS
*Flippin Fros
*Hariette
**If any vendors are missing I apologize....there was so much to see.**

There was also an after party which was hosted by Tribe Called Curl affectionately named Kinks and Drinks a cocktail affair which was sponsored by Shea Moisture.  After being at the expo all day I was super tired and decided to go home.  All this really means is I need to be better prepared for next year.

On Sunday I attended the blogger's brunch with Shalleen-Kaye of Natural Hair Does Care as the host of the panel.  Myleik Teele, the CEO of curlBOX, as the featured speaker.  As usual Myleik delivered an amazing and inspiring speech.  The other bloggers provided great information as well.  The other bloggers included: Naturally Glam, Adeea Rogers, Naturally Fashionable, and Vaughan.  The brunch was delicious and the swag bags were filled with four full sized products.  Keenya also gave away copies of Curly Nikki's book.  I truly enjoyed myself.  Return of the Curls organized a great event and I'm looking forward to next year already.
 

Don't forget to save the dates for next year.

Product Review: Noya Lip Balm

So I'm forever on the hunt for a good Chapstick.  I'm sure someone that's reading this is shaking their head in agreement.  This product review is about Noya lip balm in Cherry.  It's an all-natural, kosher, preservative-free lip balm that is not tested on animals and is manufactured in the USA.  This one works pretty good....it absorbs quickly so I found myself reapplying it often.  I received this in an Ipsy bag but it's also available at www.noyabeauty.com and at select retailers.   I received the cherry variety but there are other varieties available if cherry isn't your thing.  The scent is actually quite faint in my opinion.  The ingredients are pretty decent if you're into what's actually in your products.  The ingredients are as follows: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Organic Extra Virgin Olea (Olive) Oil, Natural Flavor, Organic Stevia Rebaudiana.  Now of course price is an important factor as well and this is around the average price for a natural Chapstick at $3.99.  My overall impression of this product is its ok.  Now I have naturally dry lips so I prefer lip products that can last for a few hours without needing to reapply.  Although I think the availability is somewhat limited...there were no retailers in my entire state...so I'm limited to purchasing online only.  I liked the ingredients and the price isn't bad at all.  On a grading scale I would give this product a C+.

Photo Credit: www.noyabeauty.com

Esthetician Series: New beginnings

So I've always been fascinated by the world of makeup....no secret there.  And there lies the common misconception that makeup makes you beautiful.  Makeup is supposed to enhance what's already there.  Well in order for that to happen you must take care of your skin.  Many of us get up every morning and wash our face and in many cases before bedtime as well.  Which seems like that would be enough, right?  Well that's partially correct....  If you're not using the correct products designed for your skin type you could be doing yourself more harm than good.  So now you may be wondering how do you find out if your using products designed for your skin type....that's where I come in.

I recently decided to return to school to embark on a new career.  That's right I'm back in school...I'm currently enrolled as a full time student to become a licensed professional esthetician.  My program consists of eight months in which I must complete 600 instructional hours which is a combination of theory and practicals.  During my time in school I will learn about how to give consultations, cleansing and the analysis of the skin.  I will also learn how to give manual facials/treatments also machine and electrical facials as well.  As well as body and back treatments.  Makeup and hair removal as part of my program as well.  

Check out my video that talks about my first week of class: 

http://youtu.be/QW44YCAUS5

Juicing 101

So I recently decided to attend a "Quench Your Thirst" juicing class.  But wait Curly Cubamincan I've seen pictures of your juice creations on Facebook and Instagram so why would you waste your time going to a class? Although I'm not new to juicing...I'm still very open minded to learning more about juicing and the health benefits it has to offer. The class was held inside of JuiceBar Juices located off Holland road in the Holland Windsor Crossing Shopping Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Sister Vickie Thompson was so informative and she shared a little bit about herself and how juicing has proven to benefit her greatly.  To start off she's been juicing for 25 years!  I've still got my juicing training wheels in comparsion to a juicing veteran like her.  She spoke about chlorophyll and it's benefits and I even had the opportunity to sample it.  I learned about the differences between centrifugal and masticating juicers, which I found to be helpful information since I was somewhat unsure of the difference myself.  We sampled all of the four recipes that were part of the demonstration.  I'll share them with you later.  So I'm going to give you a rundown of what I learned about the two...each has its own set of pros and cons.  Since I own a centrifugal juicer (Jack LaLanne) that's the one I will discuss first.  This information helped to further my understanding of what type of juicer I owned.

Centrifugal Juicers:

• Centrifugal juicers are juicers that separate the juice from the pulp by spinning the produce at a high speed.
• The chutes on this type of juicer are generally larger so you're not as committed to prepping.
• These juicers tend to oxidize and slightly warm the juice so some nutritional value is lost in the process.
• Relatively noisey.
• Juices produced by this type of juicer should be consumed within 24 hours.
• This juicer is great if you need your juice quickly.

Breville Juicer

Masticating Juicers:

• Masticating juicers basically mimic what your teeth do, which is grinding the produce to separate the juice from the pulp.
• The chutes are generally smaller which does not allow the same amount of oxidation as a centrifugal juicer.  Smaller chute also means you will have to set aside time to prep your fruits and veggies.
• These juicers take longer to produce juice which is due to the method the juicer uses to extract the juice (grinding action), which yields more juice and less pulp
• Juices produced by this type of juicer can be consumed within 48 hours
• Quieter than centrifugal juicers.
• More efficient at juicing green leafy veggies such as spinach, kale, parsley, cilantro, etc. 

Omega 8006

Sister Vickie also provided the class with information regarding the difference between juicing and blending.  Juicing separates the juice from the fiber and blending blends all ingredients together.  Therefore the rate of digestion from juice varied from that of a green smoothie.  She taught us that with juicing there is an instant infusion of minerals and phytonutrients to your bloodstream.  Juicing is gentle on your digestive system.  And finallywhen juicing you remove the fiber so you can pack more veggies in juice than a smoothie.  Smoothies support digestive health which in turn aids in elimination.  Smoothies are bulkier so they satisfy hunger and sustain energy over times.  And lastly smoothies balance your blood sugar.

Here are some tips I picked up...I found them helpful so I'm sharing them with you:

•  Layer your produce...fruit, veggie, fruit, veggie...helps to blend the flavors together prior to stirring or straining.
• Certain fruits and veggies yield more juice when juiced at room temprature versus straight from the fridge.
• If you don't plan to consume your juice immediately you can add citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges to act as natural preservatives
• When blending put your soft produce at the bottom of the blender first.

So if you live in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and happen to be in Virginia Beach stop by JuiceBar Juices.  Here's a few photos of what is now one of my favorite places to stop by.

These recipes that I'm about to share are not ones I created myself.  I was surprised I liked the recipe that contained ginger and the recipe that contained beets.  First things first I am NOT a fan of beets by far.  And second off I tried ginger and wasn't really feeling it.  Juicing is all about trying new combinations...some you'll love, some you could take it or leave it, and of course some you just flat out do not care for.   If you try the, let me know how it turned out...like it? Love it?  Hate it? 

 

Hob Kob Juice:

• 3 pears
• 1 head of celery
• 1 inch ginger
  
  
  
  
  

Limeade Quench:

• 2 apples
• 2 cucumbers
• 1 peeled lime
• cilantro 1/4th of a bunch
  
  
  (Sorry I didn't catch a photo before tossing it back, lol)

Green Acres:

• 2 apples
• 1 cucumber
• 1 beet
• 1 bunch of kale
• 1/2 head of celery
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

The "Down Dog" Smoothie:

• 1 small banana (or 1/2 large) frozen and chopped
• 3/4 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
• 1 1/2 cups spinach or romaine
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• a few chlorella tablets (optional)
• 1 scoop any protein powder of choice; hemp would be great in this smoothie
• 1 1/4- 1 1/2 cups coconut water

For more information on Sister Vickie please visit her website at www.nuturingbodynsoles.com or give her a call at 757-560-2001.  The entire class/demo was made possible by Sister Vickie of 2 MoRaw Sistahs and JuiceBar Juices. 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Ipsy Series: Reviewing January

So, yeah see what had happened was....well if you're gonna listen then...lol.  I know, I know it's been forever since I've done any blogging or videos.  I'm back and I will give notice should I decide to take another hiatus.  However I was recently ill...like sicker than sick...like had me wondering for a minute.  But I'm finally back to myself, woohoo!  Now I've had plenty of time to review the January Ipsy bag.  I must say this bag was different than any of the others that I received in the past.  Honestly the first thing I noticed was...no makeup.  Hhhhmmm...now since it's months later I didn't bother to go back and shoot a video.  So you know my flow...let's get to my thoughts

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter

* Unfamilar brand, first time trying anything from this product line
* 2.5 oz size, retails for $7 (available at website listed below and also check your local Target)
* I would venture to say the consistency is more like that of a lotion.
* Free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and petrolatum (can't go wrong there)
* Overall Impression: I love the smell of this product.  I'm definitely into citrus scents and I happen to enjoy the actual fruit itself so this was hit with me.  Now I'm not a fan of uber thick lotions, cream, etc. however this was more like a lotion to me rather than a butter, which is another reason to love it.  It absorbs easily.  I use this as a hand lotion since my skin is typically to sensitive to tolerate scented lotion.  The size that came with this shipment is the perfect size for your handbag.  I would actually like to repurchase this and possibly try other variations from this company. 
*http://www.pacificaperfume.com/


Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

* Semi-familar brand, first time trying anything from this product line
* Trial size, (various sizes are available for purchase at the website listed below, you may also purchase this item at authorized retailers such as Sephora)
* Dropper style dispensers makes dispenssing the product easy and cuts down on wasting the product
* Unscented
* Multiple uses such as a moisturizer for face and body, nail treatment for cuticles, and a bath oil
* Overall Impression: I have been wanting to try Argan oil and just didn't get around to it until I received this in this shipment.  I tried using it on my face and it worked well under my daily moisturzier.  Majority of the time I used it to unravel my twists to prevent frizz.  I liked the fact that it absorbs and doesn't just sit on top of my hair.  The dropper style dispenser is a plus...I hate it when it feels like you can't control how the product is dispensed because that can lead to product being wasted.  I definitely wouldn't mind repurchasing this product.
* http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/


SOHO Crease Brush

* Unfamilar brand, first time trying a brush from this line
* Full handled brush, from the Get A Grip Line, retails for $8.99 (available for purchase at the website listed below.  Also may be purchased at major retailers such as CVS/pharmacy, Harmon Discount Health and Beauty, Walgreens, and Walmart)
* Overall Impression: I liked the brush and would definitely recommend it for several reasons.  The price is perfect for the quality of the bristles.  The bristles are very soft and pick up color.  It makes blending your crease easy overall.  Also the brush tapers into a slight point which makes getting deep into the crease easy while blending colors out.  And finally the grip of the handle makes gripping the handle comfortable.  I'm actually tempted to try more from their line. 
* http://www.sohobeauty.com/

Nailtini Nail Lacquer Frappe

* Familiar brand, second time receiving in Ipsy shipment
* Full sized, full size retails for for $13 (available at website listed below, select US retailers, and US salons)
* Typical packaging (box included)
* From the Straight Up Color Lacquer collection
* Sheer pale pink
* Overall Impression: Personally I didn't care for the color up front.  In fact I had to play with it for it to grow on me.  In fact I ended applying between two to three coats.  After that it still looked too plain for my personal taste so I ended up applying Set in Stone by Essie for extra flair.  I like the Nailtini line of lacquers however this is a color I would not have picked out.



Two coats of polish didn't give me the color payoff I was looking for.

Eh...three coats later I decided I would definitely have to add some flair.

Looks better with a little sliver glitter polish.
 

Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Voluminizing Hairspray

Surprise! No review here because I did not use the product.  I'm not the ingredients police but I know for a fact there are ingredients in this that I would not use.  And besides I have enough volume naturally.


My overall thoughts on this bag was...eh.  For $10 I can't complain...three out of five isn't bad.