This blog is still active...but mostly on social media.

 

Hey all, in case you didn't realize ...this blog itself is a bit quiet. Most everything I do is focused in social media right now. While I still find this blog useful, it hasn't really had a place in my life/anyone's life because of the uptick in social media usage from everyone for the past year or longer. 

I do have some upcoming reviews, recipes and such to post here, but just so everyone knows -- there will always be links through the Facebook Page and Instagram. If you want to see EVERYTHING, those two are the best ways to be sure you aren't missing anything.

Facebook Link

Instagram Link

Sunless Tanning Mist - Product Review

Sunless Tanning Mist - Product Review

Hey everyone! Well, it's been a long while since I have gotten to do a full blog review for anything- but here I am! I've got several small product blips on Facebook and Instagram, but this is the first one since Covid jumped into our lives. 

This product is something many people use throughout the year, but with winter nipping at our heals and the beaches and local pools being limited - we need a bit of sun however we can get it! 

This Sunless Tanning Mist from Pureauty Naturals is available at Walmart. It boasts about being easy to apply, and fast drying...and claims to be a 'natural tone enhancer'. These things sound lovely, but...how real is this fake tan?? So, I tried it and talked my daughter into trying it too. 

First thing I noticed is the spray nozzle. A fine mist is very essential for me, I want this to be the most simple process ever. A few years back I would use a tanning spray only to have it running down my legs and dripping all over the floor, leaving large dark spots on my skin because the spray nozzle had not been high enough quality to give a fine mist. This nozzle IS in fact, a fine mist nozzle. Yay!

So, we tried it. I did my right leg and my daughter did her left leg...just to be different. Heh. The product comes out in a very fine mist, and the directions state simply how to use it - spray about 12 inches from skin, allow to dry. I liked the smell, although it is a bit strong. The product took about 10-15 minutes to dry. 

 

Above you can see the results after the first application. We allowed it to 'develop' for 3 hours. Since it didn't really change our skin by much...we applied it again (as the directions suggested). We did a second application the next day....

The above pictures are after 2 application on day two, and 3 hours after it dried. 

Overall, this product does exactly what it promises. The color/darkness will vary based on your skin tone (as you can see in our pictures), and the number of times you apply. I was very happy with the results. Best of all - no need to use my hands to rub the product around to prevent streaks!! 

My tip...make sure you apply a thin, even layer each time. You can always do another application, but adding too much product will make it build up on your skin and drip (just like spray paint would). 

Want to give it a try? -- Click Here! 

I received this product for free, in exchange for my honest review.

Recipe: Salmon Cakes 2020

Salmon Cakes...also known as salmon patties are not a new recipe to the world. They are a basic staple in many 'country' family recipe collections and I am pretty sure every family has their own version based on which part of the world/country you come from. My recipe is pretty much the same as most others you can find; but I do a couple of things differently, ...maybe? 😊

Note: This is a big portion recipe, specifically to make either large portion sizes OR extra portions to have as left overs (or serve a larger number of people). This recipe will make 12 large salmon cakes, or up to 20 small cakes.

Also. I only buy the boneless, skinless cans of salmon these days. BE GONE to the days of having to pick out the bones and skin! For this recipe I used Chicken of the Sea Pink Salmon. If you can't find it, or if its out of your budget...just use the regular salmon in a can...and...debone/deskin it.


Salmon Cakes 2020

Ingredients.

3 5oz cans of salmon-boneless, skinless.

1/2 onion, diced very small.

1 stalk of celery, chopped with leaves

2 'sleeves' of Ritz crackers (2 cups), smashed up to bits.

2 eggs, scrambled (not cooked)

1-2 tbsp of real mayo

2 tsp "soul food" seasoning

2 tsp black pepper

fresh lemon juice (about 1tsp, or the juice from 1/2 lemon)

dash of salt, to taste


(you can add a dash of hot sauce or two, or seven as well...for a bit of kick)


Instructions.

Combine it all, thoroughly. Note; the smaller you dice your veggies, the more 'tender' your cakes will be, and the greater chance of your cakes staying together.





Form into balls.

If the balls are too "wet" add a tsp of flour, if they are too dry you can add more mayo. They should form a ball, and stay in that shape.





Heat oil in a skillet or frying pan. Smash balls into patties right before adding them to the pan. Fry both sides about 3 minutes, until dark brown and crispy on the edges.





Drain on a wire rack, or on paper towels for a short time, then remove to a plate so they do not get soggy! Let cool briefly, serve warm.


Questions? Comments? Leave them in the comment section below. Thanks!

Allure Beauty Box's...Unboxing the last two.

Hey everyone...this is a "flash" unboxing review of the last two Allure Beauty boxes. Each box is $15 and they come once a month.

 These are from January & February. There are booklets in each box that tells you a bit about each product. I will go through each item, with a bit of their info and my own comments.

First up...is January my first box..

This box had some great items. Including the full size Tarte Mascara which retails for $23

Aside from the mascara, it's lotions and potions for this one. From right to left: Hello Fab - Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer (this is my bonus item, not in the booklet. I have yet to use it.). Next item is from Philosophy, and its a sample size of Renewed Hope in a Jar, Water Cream (also haven't used yet). Next is a sample size spray bottle of Perfect Shine Oil Mist (I have used this, it works great and smells good!). The dropper bottle is a fairly large trial size of Vitabrid C12 a drop serum for the face (this one is really nice). The red 'can' is Akar Skin Pure Lip Restoration and seems to be a full size item with a retail of $30 (haven't tried). 

On to the 2nd -- February box...

This box was nice too, got a brush! The bruh is from NYX and it one of three they send at random. They retail between $14 and $17. 

The other items in the box, (from left to right) are: Honey Jarret Super Beau'tea Mask, retails for $3, the small white 'can' is a sample size of Belif Peat Miracle Revital Eye Cream (its very nice), another sample size of bareMinerals Skinlongevity Serum (using daily and so far its nice for adding moisture), the small square is a highlighter from Wander Beauty (it seems to be a sample size). Retinol24 is another sample from Olay. Then there is a full sized lipstick from Appeal in the color Muse (coral pink) retailing for $21. 

Overall these are nice boxes, but mostly lotions and serums.
#allure

Tokyo Treat Box Unboxing Feb2020

The Japanese box that gets a lot of hype is the Tokyo Treat Box. This is another monthly subscription, but this one comes from Japan. Yes, actually comes from Japan!

Have a look...

@TokyoTreat #tokyotreat

#sharethelove

Unboxing & Review: Sephora Play!

The Sephora Play! Box/Bag is another monthly subscription of beauty items. This ones comes with trial (sample) sized items that Sephora picks for you based on your profile. The profile asks a few basic questions about your likes and dislikes, and you can basically pick what you want based on the way you answer these questions. It's important to fill out this profile, as they do send items based on the skin tone you choose. 

The Sephora Play! Box has 4-5 items, for $10 a month (plus tax). 

We are unboxing February 2020's box/bag...which contains 5 items + a bonus item!

First thing...inside the shipping box, is the bag. Heh. Every month you get a different color zipper seal bag for your goodies and a brochure.

 The brochure has a fun design on one side, and the details about your items on the other side. 

As you can see, I did get 6 items total! 

The shampoo and conditioner from Rahua, is specific to me; as its for color treated hair. 

  

The translucent setting powder is from Kat Von D Beauty, and is a fair sized sample- I should be able to get a months worth of uses out of this. 

The foundation trial size is also fairly large, though it may not last a full month like the powder above. By Tarte, this SPF 15 foundation boasts its lightweight formula that helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Not that I need that...cough cough, wink wink. 

Another age related product...ehhh ok....A moisturizer from Fresh. The Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer is a hydrating cream combating dryness, dullness and uneven texture.  

The bonus item is a hair oil from Verb, called "Ghost Oil". It's a hydrating oil for hair that minimized frizz and promotes shine. 

Final thoughts? … Yeah this is ok. I do like how everything is based off the profile I filled out. However, there's a lot focused on anti-aging products -- and I know I didn't answer every question with a response that would lead them to think I am 80 years old and in need of ONLY age-related products. 

I think I will re-do my profile and see what next month has in store. I'll be sure to post it, and let ya'll know if its improved! 

#sephora #sephoraplay

*not sponsored*

IPSY February 2020 Glam Bag - Unboxing..err...unbagging?

Hey gang! I recently got the February IPSY Glam Bag, and did a little unboxing. This monthly subscription is pretty popular and has been around for years...have a look at what the $12 bag will get you...

#IPSY