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Hey guys!

Today is about GEL PENS! There's nothing more universal to me than gel pens. From childhood to early adulthood now, I use them for nearly everything. Currently, my main use for them is my bullet journal.

If you don't know what a bullet journal is, click here and it'll tell you all about it. Basically, it's an elaborate planner all made by you. It's a great way to be creative and organized at the same time. So, whether you're left brained or right brained, this is a great thing to do to work both! Even better is journaling/writing/drawing is good for those with depression and anxiety because it focuses you on one thing at that moment. I'm sure it helps with other illnesses as well but I don't have experience with those so I cannot say. Overall, though, it's a great habit for anyone!

If you know the struggles of finding good pens to use on papers that you'll write front and back on, you don't have to look any further! These Primocolors Gel Pens work wonderfully on thin, pale paper, as well as thicker construction paper for arts and crafts.

These beauties come in a pack of 24 (though I am unsure if they have smaller/larger packs) non-toxic, acid-free pens, include refills, and are nicely packaged in a bendable, but strong, plastic casing that buttons down.

The colors are vibrant as well! There are 12 glitter, 7 pastel, and 5 neon. The colors have an obvious difference, especially the pastel and neon. Both are bight, but neon is a bit brighter, and pastel is a soft yet bright color. When I received I was worried that the pastel would blend right in to any color, maybe they'd be too light. But that wasn't the case at all! The pastels show up very nicely on all colors of paper (so long as there is contrast). You can't put pastel blue on baby blue paper and expect to see it, but any other color, go right ahead! 

My favorite thing about these are that they dry extremely fast! I can write a 10 word sentence, and by the time I finish I can rub the first half and it be dry. No smears, no runs! The pens are very high quality, I didn't expect so much out of these since some pens are cheaply made despite having nice packaging and a name that sounds more than professional. I am very happy with these! 

If you happen to seek gel pens for journaling purposes, I highly recommend. I use them with a Piccadilly journal and the very worst thing that happens is a little bit of ghosting (where you cans see ink from the other side but it sin't like bleed through). There is no bleed through, no pooling, no anything! It doesn't smear, run, or "trace" to the other side when you close the pages. they write on the first go, and don't skip.

I love these because they're affordable and high quality pens that I can use for awhile. I'll definitely be buying more when they run out!

xoxo,
Niki X.



Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.

GELLY - Primocolors Gel Pens Review

Hey guys! Today is about GEL PENS! There's nothing more universal to me than gel pens. From childhood to early adulthood now, I use...

Hey guys!

This time it's not beauty related, but rather it's about plants! Growing plants is shown to have positive effects on a person suffering from certain mental illnesses, as well as "keep you young" (the elderly are advised to keep a garden as it keeps them active and their mind in top shape).

Before I did a review on how LED lights affect your skin, so I don't know why it never occurred to me that LED lights could also boost plant growth. This is the product I received that brought this little key into my life:
It's an LED plant grow light. It has 12 LED lights, 9 red ones and 3 blue ones. It's energy saving, and adjusted to a standard socket.

As I mentioned, it's got 2 colors. Red and blue both do different things for the plant.

Red: Allows better photosynthesis; Best for blooming and fruit plants
Blue: Good for better photosynthesis; Helps production of chlorophyll and carotenoid; Helps create healthy leaves

This bulb comes in handy when you live in a place with little sunlight, or when the conditions don't allow for it. This illustration shows when this is helpful:

There's a debate on whether sunlight is better than grow lights, or the other way around. Here's what I found on that:

Grow lights allow access when sunlight isn't available
Grow lights may provide a better light intensity that's more suitable for the plant(s)
Sunlight has been light quality
Grow lights allow better control over how long plants are under the light
Both sunlight and grow lights provide different temperatures benefiting different plants
Glow lights offer more precision
Sunlight offers better quality 

As far as I can see, both offer different benefits. It is fair to say that you'll need to see which light best suits your plants needs. Gentler plants may react better to a grow light whereas heat-loving plants may react better to sunlight. It really depends on your plant.

Of course, even so you could use a grow light for all plants if sunlight is not accessible to you. If you have an abundance of sunlight, you can opt for creating the perfect conditions for your plant.

This product is one that I recommend. Though I have personally never owned one before this, I have worked with plants, including their lamps, and this seems like a better option out of them. It's inexpensive but high quality. The lights are bright and the light itself is very well made. The life span of it is ~35,000 hours. It's long-lasting and good quality, what more could you ask for?

If you've got little plants at home, keep 'em strong and healthy (and well bloomed) with this neat glow lamp!

xoxo,
Niki X.


Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.




Grow it with Light! - OxyLED Review

Hey guys! This time it's not beauty related, but rather it's about plants! Growing plants is shown to have positive effects on ...

Hey guys!

Yet another Vitamin C Serum I got to try, and it's about the same as all the others.

Originally, my thought was different brands would have different outcomes and so on. As I have tested, they're all relatively the same. Some are more sticky, some leave residue I didn't prefer, some felt weird in my skin, tight if you will, and some were just like water. However, it seems no matter the consistency, they gave the same results. This one I tried looks like this:
ASNaturals - Vitamin C Serum 20% with Hyaluronic Acid, Richness in Higher Quality Quick Effective Ingredients, Anti-Aging, Anti Winkle, and Anti Dark Circle Sun damage, 1 Oz
It's got nice packaging that reminds me of those refreshing kinds of products. It has vitamin C, vitamin E, and jojoba oil as many do. So now my question is this:

Why does this stand out in comparison to the hundreds of others online?

The short answer: It doesn't.

A perk about this is it's relatively inexpensive. I don't like saying the word cheap because it implies low quality product which this isn't. When I compare this to 30 or 40 dollar product, it does the exact same with less flashy packaging. 

If you're one to buy from only within the states, this is good. It's made in the USA and made with 100% all natural ingredients. So perk #2 would be that it's natural and organic rather than made with harmful chemicals.

This is a good one to buy because, as I said before, it's inexpensive. It does its job. I do like it for that.

It's a tiny bit sticky, but not that much. i have 3 VitC serums sitting in my bathroom and this is the one I use.

There are no downsides to this. It doesn't clog pores or leave residue after it's absorbed. It absorbs pretty fast at that. The size is decent. It has the pipe to squeeze it out (forgive me but I can't think of the word to save my life). It's a good product. 

I don't have much else to say, so that wraps up the review. As a leaving word, the product get s 9/10. The one star less is becuase the size is on the smaller side. Not tiny, but you may have to buy again in  a month. if you're not regular like that it could be a bit frustrating. Otherwise, A+. One of the more reasonable ones I have tried.

xoxo,
Niki X.


Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.

VitItUp - ASNaturals VitC Serum Review

Hey guys! Yet another Vitamin C Serum I got to try, and it's about the same as all the others. Originally, my thought was differ...

Hey guys!

These days I am interested in many things. Essential oils and aromatherapy are on the top of the list. I hadn't known much about this before because I didn't bother, but after I tested this I began to understand just how much oils can change you. That lead me to these 2 products:

UpNature The Best Cinnamon Essential Oil 4 OZ - From Pure Leaves - Unrefined Premium Quality - For Hair & Skin - With Dropper Made of Glass - Use With Aromatherapy Diffuser - Massage Oil            UpNature The Best Tamanu Oil 4 OZ - Cold Pressed Organic - Pure Unrefined Premium Quality - Extract From Nut Seed - Rejuvenate Hair & Skin & Nails- With Dropper Made of Glass

These are UpNatures' Cinnamon Leaf Oil and Tamanu Oil that I got to try. Both of these have great benefits, but I'll explain individually.

Cinnamon Leaf Oil is good for:
Aromatherapy
"Skin Healer" (Positive results when diluted for skin issues)
Inflammation
Mood booster
Improves the immune system

Tamanu Oil is good for:
Aromatherapy
Skin issues from cuts and bites to scars
Relieve odor
Aging
Fungus
Sterilizing
Many, many skin related things

Both of these have great potential for many things. You can use both for a variety of beauty purposes, including scrubs, soaks, and infusing lotions. Personally, I use them just as a serum type thing, and on occasion as a scrub. They really do help and heal the skin.

The importance of essential oils is abundant. They are used to treat many different illnesses/issues by topical application. They treat by their properties helping where ever you put them and/or by offering a specific scent to help relieve ailments. The best thing is that they're natural so you don't have to worry about harmful chemicals. Oils have been used since ancient times and are still very popular (rising in popularity even) today.

When I received, both of these oils were different than normal. The smell of them is quite strong, so if you are sensitive to smell you may want to tread lightly. The cinnamon leaf oil is a sweeter, spicier scent whereas the tamanu oil is a bit more green and earthy. Both of them are a tiny bit greasy if you accidentally get them on your fingers, but it is an oil so it's to be expected. However, both of these "work miracles" so to speak. There are no known downsides I have found, and even online the only drawback is to not use too much too often (I read this about the cinnamon leaf oil).

Overall, the oils were very nice. The amount in the bottles is a lot compared to much smaller, more expensive alternatives. Like all the others on the market, this is 100% natural and pure.

Don't forget to dilute it when you put it in contact with your skin, though. It doesn't cause any negative issues if you do, but it's important to make it "skin safe" by putting it with a carrier oil.

Essential oils, as well as aromatherapy, are on the rise these days with everyone finding natural alternatives to the otherwise harmful solution. Don't miss your chance to find it, too. UpNature offers many products that can get you started. The price is low, and you get a lot for a little. So definitely check them out!

xoxo,
Niki X.





Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.












Oils Galore - UpNature Essential Oils Review

Hey guys! These days I am interested in many things. Essential oils and aromatherapy are on the top of the list. I hadn't known muc...

Hey guys!

Know what's cool? Sandwiches. Know what's cooler? One that doesn't need to be refrigerated, heated, or...well anything.

You eat this sandwich straight from the airtight bag it comes in. Not only is it easy and great for those who spend time outdoors, or want a quick lunch on the go, but they're affordable, too! These are also promoted as disaster relief foods, since they require nothing besides tear and eat. It's got a shelf life of 6 months to 3 years based on the temperature it's put in. Basically this is a genius idea and can help many situations.

Now that you know all about it, it's time for my view of it. It looks like this:

Well, the one I got. It's fair to mention they have many different shelf stable foods available. There's an apple turnover, more variety of pocket sandwiches, and a cinnamon bun to name a few. These guys came prepared to give more than just one. And, to add, they don't just give lain flavors. For example, the one I received was Honey BBQ Chicken, but they also have Bacon Cheddar, Honey BBQ Beef, Italian Style, and a few others. 

I had heard of shelf stable foods, but I had never tried one like this. The last thing I would consider as a possibility would be a shelf stable sandwich. But if I had to rate it, the experience was a 9/10. I had 3 reasons why:

1. Despite being in a bag and not being something i'd normally eat, it was actually pretty good. I think it might take a bite to get over preconceived notions of certain types of foods, but if you put all opinions aside for a second and give it a chance (something no one else who tried this with me could do), it's not all that bad.

2. The "filling", or meat of it, was really good. To me it resembled the taste of beef jerky but wasn't hard to eat (or too mushy or something), it was really like something you could eat anytime. 

3. My only con: The breading of it was a bit overwhelming. maybe because it's a different kind of bread I am used to, or maybe because it seems kind of powdery or thick to me. I really don't know. But even with the bread being not a huge hit, there was enough "filling" to even it out.  



There weren't any other cons than the bread. No weird smell, very nice texture, easy to open, easy to store. All in all it's a very nice food and I know that if I ever needed something like that I'd definitely go for this brand/seller.

This product is on the same website I recommended last time. you can find that post here. I honestly found a new favorite website. Bonus: They still have free shipping over $20, so check it out!

xoxo,
Niki X.



Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.



Sandwich from a shelf? - Bridgford Shelf Stable Sandwich Review

Hey guys! Know what's cool? Sandwiches. Know what's cooler? One that doesn't need to be refrigerated, heated, or...well any...

Hey guys!

Skincare is probably one of my favorite things. I won't even lie, I pay more attention to my skin than I do to the weather outside. But who says that's a bad thing?

Recently I got to try one of the oh-so-famous Konjac Sponges. It looks like this:
Bonus: They have a promo going on that gets you 2.

As with everything, this was under skeptical eye and shocked me. I love this, actually. Before, I used the scrubber that came with one of the products I bought, and it was a go-to before I got to try this out. I loved my old one because it exfoliated well, and left my skin clean and polished. It looked like this if you're wondering:
I had the first one, and it was that scrubber

But I have officially changed to the new one (shocking after years and years of using the same type. Who would have thought?).

I love the new one because it 1. polishes skin well, 2. makes foamy cleaner even foamyer, and 3. GENTLY deep cleans.

At first I thought it wan't cleaning because it didn't feel rough or abrasive whatsoever, so naturally I was like hey this is crap. But after I was finished, my skin felt so great. Not only that, when I cleaned with a makeup remover to check what it left behind, there was nothing. Nada. Zilch. I was using the same cleanser and remover that I used the previous day with my beloved scrubber. I was actually upset that it out preformed my little test.

It made my gel cleanser foamier than I had ever seen it. It was like using a whole new product! I love my gel cleanser because it's always worked for me. But when I found out that using the new sponge would make it work even better, I was ecstatic. Best of all, using this sponge lessened the amount of product I had to use. That'll save a ton!

All in all this is the best facial cleaning tool I have ever used. I was religious with my last scrubber (but branched off some, occasionally using a handheld multi-headed tool). 

How to use:

Yup, that's basically it.

Basically, anyone who doesn't have this needs it. I recommend 10/10.

Don't forget to check it out! Click the link to find where I bought it!


xoxo,
Niki X.



Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.




Gentle and Strong - LuxxHealth Konjac Sponge Review

Hey guys! Skincare is probably one of my favorite things. I won't even lie, I pay more attention to my skin than I do to the weathe...

Hey guys!

Essential oils have taken a wave of popularity over the past few years. For any ailment, issue, disturbance you can think of, there's an oil for it. And by my experiences, they work very well. I will say it may partially be an "in your head" kind of thing,  but there are surprising results nonetheless.

If you don't know what essential oils are, courtesy of google, they're described as:

a natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted

As I write about the oil I received, I'll elaborate more.
I got to review a Stress and Anxiety Relief Essential Oil by PhytopiaUSA. It looks like this:
I's called Tranquility for obvious reasons, but it isn't some word they just slapped on a bottle. This oil is said to be used to reduce stress and anxiety (duh), bring instant peace and calm, and allow you to sleep better. Does it deliver? Yes.

1. Reduce stress and anxiety? It does. By calming you down and letting you achieve zen, a state of calm as far as I can find, you are able to better deal with stresses and anxieties a little better. As someone with frequent anxiety attacks, and nearly constant stress, this was a godsend.

2. Instant peace and calm? Yes, surprisingly. When the amazon page mentioned 'instant', I was skeptical. But it honest to everything is an instant relief, almost as if you were brainwashed from your worries. It's a bit of a weird feeling in the beginning, like, where are my problems? Where did they just...go? But it's a good feeling when you're so overwhelmed that you can't even speak. If you're like me, you usually want to face things instead of hide them. For this reason, I refused anxiety medication frequently, I felt like I was running away. But this doesn't feel that way, it doesn't make you unable to deal with anything, and it doesn't force harmful chemicals down your throat doing god knows what. In fact, this is pure, 100% organic oils. These include:

Rose Oil – Helps fight stress by balancing the body’s hormonal levels and giving you the feeling of relaxation
Vanilla – Stimulates mental clarity
Geranium Oil – Uplifting and relaxing which helps release negative energy and bring positivity
Orange Oil – Promotes a sense of peace and harmony

If you need medication, by all means take it. Your health and wellness is priority. The above comment was strictly my own opinion for myself, not anyone else. Though, I recommend adding these into your daily life. They are very helpful.

3. Help you sleep better? Yes. Because you aren't suffering from stress and anxieties so badly, you are able to sleep soundly.

It's a fantastic product that has helped me a ton since I started use. The only real con to this is that it's a little greasy. But as it says in the package, if you use approximately 15 minutes before bathing. Another con I'll mention is the smell is something you may have to get used to. At first it gave me a headache because it smelt weird but after 2 uses, I no longer had that issue. This isn't the case for everyone and it shouldn't be a determining factor so it's not a legitimate issue, but rather a side note or heads up.

You can use it with a diffuser, put it on your skin, or soak in water infused with it. It's a very universal product, and it's extremely helpful as well. I highly recommend this product, as it's got minimal downfalls. In fact, it's got one. Barely.

That's all today, and I hope you get the chance to check it out.

xoxo,
Niki X.


Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.






Let It Go - Stress/Anxiety Relief Essential Oil Review

Hey guys! Essential oils have taken a wave of popularity over the past few years. For any ailment, issue, disturbance you can think of,...

Hey guys!

Recently I was chosen to review a little hotel sized Dial product. We all know what rand dial is, so there's no need to elaborate, but I should say that I choose Dial over many other brands. Given that, I was pretty happy to test this out and give my feedback. Well, here it is!

What I reviews was this:
Dial® Restore Daily Care Spa Body Bar C02-0114020-8200-1.25 oz. individually wrapped body bar.
I received it from Minimus.biz, which is a company specializing in travel sized products. They advertise themselves as a Mini Products Superstore. That's a very accurate description, so if you travel frequently-- or just like small stuff -- that's the place you should head to.

Now we all know we see those tiny little shampoos and soaps in hotels when we visit, and many walk out with them because, well, why not. But you've probably had an experience you'd rather not have. For example, ever had a soap that refuses to lather and instead slips right off your hands? Or shampoo that makes hair stiff and conditioner that makes it crusty? But you just went swimming, you can't let chlorine sit in your hair, right? That's where places like Minimus.biz come in great handy. You can find any 1000's of name branded products in travel size for less than a dollar each, and if you get $20 worth, you can get free shipping.

We know not every product a hotel offers is worth using, as they can do more damage than good. In the many times I have stayed in a home away from home, I rarely came across products I actually enjoyed using. Of course, there are some that I don't mind using, but enjoy using is hard to come by. Had I known about Minimus.biz, I definitely would have looked into it beforehand. The soap is just like the bigger version, same good quality, same good outcome.

I would have enjoyed having a soap capable of efficient lather (very important), while giving a good clean feeling without the sticky, gross residue. In fact, I may have thought higher of the place I stayed if they offered better products such as this one. I'll show you other things I would have wanted to receive in exchange for the not-so-impressive things I have gotten in the past.
Aveeno® Active Naturals® Daily Moisturizing Lotion C02-0327201-8200-1 fl oz travel size hand and body lotion in plastic bottle. Clinically proven to relieve dry skin.
Who doesn't need lotion? I would love to be offered this, honestly.Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner C03-0220003-8200 - 1.7 fl oz travel size moisturizing conditioner in plastic bottle. Orchid & coconut milk.               Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo C03-0120003-8200 - 1.7 fl oz travel size shampoo in plastic bottle. Moisturizing, hydrating shampoo with orchid & coconut milk.
how about something people actually use, huh?
Banana Boat Kids Tear Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 P04-0127706-8400 - 2 fl oz travel size in plastic tube
what about something for the little ones?

These are all great things that I would like to see more "home away from homes" offer. If I ran a place like that' i'd definite;y give quality items instead of basic brand fillers to get the customers by. Some people pay a lot, at last give them something good, right? Tell me if you check them out, by the way!

Wanna kn ow something cool? They even offer lunch items, snacks, and drinks! This site really is the whole package. Don't forget to check them out through the link, and tell me how it goes! What items would you want to see in a hotel or home away?

Don't forget to check out the find me page!

xoxo,
Niki X.


Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.

If I had to choose... - Dial Restore by Minimus.biz Review

Hey guys! Recently I was chosen to review a little hotel sized Dial product. We all know what rand dial is, so there's no need to e...

Hey guys!

I am a tea lover, with my current favorites being Green (both matcha and...well, normal), and Earl Grey (check out this post for my favorite).  So trying this was an exciting time for me.

I don't want to waste to much time, so I'll get right to it!

Today I am telling you about Teatoxlife Anti-Blaoting Digestion Support Tea. It's packaged well in a convienteint airtight bag, and it looks like this:

It's uses are as in the title: Anti bloat and anti gas. Digestion helping. Easy peasy. The tea itself is sweet, but not TOO sweet, and smoother than many I have tried. I honestly love it all around.

The ingredients are simple and, as it's a loose tea, you can see all the different pieces and parts to it which is really cool.  There's Orange peel is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and helps with heartburn, and in some cases acidity and acid reflex. Rose Petals which help soothe stomach issues and help boost the immune system to help fight and prevent colds. Papaya leaf in tea at limited quantities helps reduce the formation of kidney stones. Peppermint and Ginger are beneficial for the digestive system and help fight problems like bloating and gas. lemon balms helps relax muscles in the stomach. Chamomile is known to help ease pain associated with digestive disorders. As you can see, everything in here is highly beneficial, and natural!

The exact review I posted on the website is pasted below, since it sums it up pretty well:

I was a little skeptic at first to try this out, but I am pleased that I did. The tea itself is very fresh and elegant, if that would be a good word to use. It's not thrown together pieces of 'tea' that you can't really make a difference between the ingredients. Speaking of ingredients, everything flows together so smoothly with nothing overpowering the other. It's sweet without being overbearing, and smooth enough to enjoy drinking. Even the smell when it's brewing is delightful. As for it's use, I wanted it for the anti bloat. Needless to say it really delivers. I do drink it after meals as it is the "ideal post meal companion". It is loose leaf, something I just recently got into, but it's just as easy to make as something in a bag. All in all, this is a very enjoyable experience to get to try this, and I will definitely purchase more in the future. For a detox tea, it's much calmer on the body than is it's competitors. The reason it isn't five stars is because I am currently testing shelf life. It does come in an airtight bag, but we all know that doesn't equal freshness. However, I am positive that it will excel in this department as well. 

disclaimer: I received heavily discounted or free in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own and not influenced by the company. 

It's a really pretty tea, too! I almost forgot but it's one of the prettiest mixes I have seen.


That wraps up my review, today! I hope you consider checking them out. Small bonus: free shipping in the US! It's 100% worth it and I would highly recommend to anyone with stomach troubles, or just needs a relaxing tea with the added benefit of anti-bloating.

Don't forget to check out my follow me page!

xoxo,
Niki X.

Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.

Teatox is the new Detox - Teatoxlife Anti-Bloating Tea Review

Hey guys! I am a tea lover, with my current favorites being Green (both matcha and...well, normal), and Earl Grey (check out this post ...

Hey guys!
I've got another recommendation for you today -- Matcha! If you don't know what matcha is, i'll explain:
Matcha, meaning powdered tea, is a fine powder made from special grown green tea plants. It's green in color and earthy in smell (duh!). It's packed with more antioxidants than regular green tea (a 10:1 ratio!) and has better health benefits because of it. It's literally a super tea, and I highly recommend.

Because of the health benefits of Matcha, it's good for anyone suffering from fatigued, sluggish moods. In short, if you need a quick boost or pick-me-up, try this out. 

I have tried four different kinds of matcha and none compare to the smoothness and quality of The Flavor Project's Original Matcha. (Great packaging too, amirite?!)

matcha-original-bag

If original isn't to your liking, they offer blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, and vanilla. I've only tried original, but strawberry and vanilla sound like heaven. I'll definitely buy those someday!

Why do you need it?
1. Packed with nutrients
2. Aids in weight loss
3. Improves concentration
4. Loads of vitamins
5. Natural detox
6. Prevents disease
7. Fights cancers
8. Plenty of fiber
9. Improves mood
10. Helps blood sugar and cholesterol

Much like normal green tea, matcha is very beneficial to the body and soul. The only difference is matcha contain higher levels of these, giving you more bang for your buck.

In comparison to other brands I tried, this green tea is much smoother and much easier to work with. I read something a while ago that explained that there are different grades of matcha, so maybe you'll want to check that out as some are meant to be more bitter than others. According to some, matcha is an acquired taste, however I don't see it as THAT bitter or odd. It's tea, and if you're one to try different teas out, you're bound to come by some that are stronger or more bitter than others. I suggest being open minded before you judge anything new, you can't be too harsh, ya know. The matcha in particular was much easier to get used to. Past attempted have left a bad taste in my mouth that made me scared to try a different one. With this, there's no worry for that!

For me, matcha was a bit difficult to make without it tasting like gross tree bark Temperatures and times are very important when making, just like with making other teas. Here are the steps I took to create the perfect glass:

1. Add 1tsp to a glass
2. Add heated water (I didn't have a thermometer when I first made it so I wont add the exact heat)
3. Pour water
4. Add sweetener (and milk if that's your forte)
5. Shake!

(I tried how it said on the package but if you don't have the right tools it might not work for you.)

That's how I did it, but you might want to experiment with your own tastes.Some like more bitter tasting and some like more milky, I don't want to influence that. But I added 2 recipes below that I liked or want to try, I hope you do, too!

Straight from the Recipe Blog, I chose :
Matcha Banana Smoothie
Matcha Banana Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
1 banana, peeled, cut into chunks, and frozen overnight
1 cup plain unsweetened soy milk
1 1/2 teaspoons agave nectar or Honey (non vegan)
1 teaspoon matcha (Japanese green tea) powder
DIRECTIONS:
Add banana, soy milk, agave (or Honey Non Vegan), and matcha to blender. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

I asked the company if they had a favorite, and they recommended the Mango Green Tea Pops which I hope to try later in the summer. Here's the recipe:

5 ingredient popsicles with one layer of sweet mango and one layer of antioxidant-packed green tea. Creamy, naturally sweet and so perfect for summer.
Mango Green Tea Pops

Ingredients
Green Tea Layer
1 tsp matcha green tea powder
2/3 cup full fat (or light) coconut milk
2-3 tsp agave nectar or maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
Mango Layer
1 cup fresh mango, cubed
1/4 cup full fat or light coconut milk
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Instructions
Depending on which layer you want on the top of the popsicle, prepare that first. I went with green tea.
Add coconut milk, matcha powder and agave to blender and blend until smooth. Divide evenly between popsicle molds – mine makes 6 small pops, so adjust as needed.
Pop in the freezer to set briefly while you prepare the next layer. This will help them form two distinguished layers that don’t run together.
Rinse out blender and add mango, coconut milk and lemon juice. Blend until creamy and smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
Pour over the green tea layer, tap to remove air bubbles, and gently insert popsicles sticks. Freeze for at least a few hours or until completely set.
Remove from molds and enjoy! Store extras in a freezer-safe bag for up to a couple weeks, though best when fresh.


Check them out now, there's free shipping on all order, no limits! What are you waiting for?!

xoxo,
Niki X.

Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.










Matcha Is #winning - The Flavor Project Matcha Review

Hey guys! I've got another recommendation for you today -- Matcha! If you don't know what matcha is, i'll explain: Matc...

Hey!

So as you can see by the title, my motto this week is "Shirt Maketh Outfit", and it's true! Your shirt can make or break your outfit, it can attract or repel. and it can woo and awe, so why not make it a great one?

I got to test out a shirt by Wolf and Bear Shirts (the link goes right to the one that I received) and I was surprised at the quality and comfortability of it, honestly. I'll jump right into my thoughts about the shirt:

Firstly, it really was comfortable. It wasn't stiff or clingy or suffocating like some are. It wasn't too thin and wasn't too thick. Wearability was a 10.

Secondly, the design on it is a bit generic, but don't let that fool you. Compared to, say, a WalMart shirt with a very similar design, this one wins by a lot. I don't diss WalMart (or even Dollar Store clothing) so my views aren't biased. But this shirt stands up better to multiple washings (which I did for the sake of this review. Needless to say it's gonna smell great for awhile) better than it's "competition". It also didn't start pilling like the other began to do for some reason.

and Lastly, the shirt's design doesn't budge. The other started fading quite quickly, whereas this one doesn't even have a crack.

This shirt was much better in all tests and deserves it's 10 rating. The best part? Not only is this an affordable shirt, but there are over 300 style, color, and size combinations on the website. There's something for everyone!

I didn't know about this website before-hand but I'll definitely pick up some awesome shirts here soon. Check them out for sure!

[Apologies for the lack of pictures, I cannot upload anything for some reason which is kind of annoying but I don't know what to do just yet. Hope to get this fixed soon and come back to update!]

xoxo,
Niki X.

Check out my find me page before you go!


Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.

Shirt Maketh Outfit (WolfAndBear Shirt Review)

Hey! So as you can see by the title, my motto this week is "Shirt Maketh Outfit", and it's true! Your shirt can make or b...
Hey!

So I think anyone who has been interested in hair care has tried or at least heard of Not Your Mothers products. Personally, I have only had one not to favorable experience, and I have tried several products. Today, I will explain my experience with Plump For Joy Thickening Hair Lifter!
Small but mighty! Thanks Influenster!


Rated: 4.9/5
Drawbacks: Not enough!

Let me explain. Basically, you'll want to use his every day because it's fantastic.

It's good for using with damp or dry hair, but to avoid putting too much in one area, I prefer to use it in damp. Though, overall it's pretty spreadable.

Here's my steps!
1. Wet hair because why not

2. Comb through, preferably with your fingers. But don't pull too hard, your hair doesn't like it!

3. Spray product into palm. You can spray it directly into hair, but it's easy to apply everywhere and not waste so much if you use your hands.

4. Scrunch it up! You want pretty waves, don't you? I do!

5. All done!

It's a super easy to use product, actually. When I first read about it, I thought it was going to be a mist but it's more like a thick spray. It's not quite a gel, but it's kind of jelly if that makes any sense. Either way, it's a lifesaver when you're having a bad hair day or just going too quickly to spend foreeeever on your hair.

My favorite features:
1. The smell is quite pleasant. Not overwhelming, but not nonexistent. It smells like a light perfume. Thank goodness it doesn't make my hair just smell wet (gross, right).

2.The texture isn't sticky or gooey or tacky.

3. It goes a long way despite what I said in the beginning. Yes, you'll want to use it a lot, but it doesn't go so quickly that you're replacing it weekly, don't worry!

4. It really does volumize! Nothing about this product weighs the hair down. A+!

5. It does add shine, but just a touch (so no greasy hair!).

The product works pretty well and lives up to the claims. All in all, this product quickly became a favorite of mine.

Xoxo,
Niki X.

Thanks to Influenster, I had the chance to test this for free! No worries, though, all opinions are my own!

Jump for joy with #PLUMPFORJOY !

Hey! So I think anyone who has been interested in hair care has tried or at least heard of Not Your Mothers products. Personally, I have ...
Hey!

Ah, I have a lot of products that I love today. This time I will keep it formatted and simple! Let's start.

1. Cutex Advanced Revival Nail Polish Remover Pads (That's a mouthful!)
Image result for cutex remover pads
Pros:
Easy to use
Not an overwhelming smell like some
Not overly drying
Pretty quick with the whole removal process, even on glitter
The pads are really durable

Cons:
They dry out too quickly if you've got a lot of layers of polish, or something particularly stubborn (not including glitter)
RECOMMEND

2. Not Your Mother's Plump For Joy
Image result for plump for joy
Pros:
Smell is pretty great
Not sticky
Not tacky
Doesn't make hair stiff and gross

Cons:
If you have more hair you may have to use quite a bit
RECOMMEND
3. NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
Pros:
This stuff is literally heaven for your skin
Makes your skin velvety
Isn't greasy or too oily
Doesn't leave any residue
THE SMELL

Cons:
Literally none
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
4. Sunbelt Bakery Granola Bars
 This one has it's own review! You can find it here.

5. Secret Outlast Xtend Invisible Solid
Pros:
Durable
Long lasting
Great scent
Also comes in gel version last I saw

Cons:
None
RECOMMEND
and last but not least,

6. Sinful Colors Nail Polish (I got Teal Midnight)
Pros:
Super pretty color
GLITTER
Good application
Average wear

Cons:
Takes a few coats to get a color (very transparent)

It's basically just like a glitter overcoat, actually. If you put it over silver or blue, you'll get a kind of baby blue tint after a couple of coats.
RECOMMEND ONLY IF YOU LIKE GLITTER COATS
So these are all the things I got! I hope you check them out!

Tell me what you think of them, and how you use them!

Xoxo,
Niki X.



Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.





BloomVoxBox Review

Hey! Ah, I have a lot of products that I love today. This time I will keep it formatted and simple! Let's start. 1. Cutex Advanced ...
Hey guys!

I don't want to take too much time but I have a product suggestion that I think you'll like.

Personally, I love granola bars, and quality is a must. That being said, I had the BEST granola bar I have ever tasted in my life a few days ago- I won't be eating anything else any time soon. It's called Sunbelt Bakery Bar, and the one I had looked like this:
I had the chocolate chip one, but there are many other kinds. You can find all this wonderful company has to offer here.

3 reasons I LOVED this:
1. So chewy
2. The taste is surprising! It's delicious, don't get me wrong, but the amount of chocolate I was expecting was much less than what I got. It was such a great shock, and probably the reason I am addicted
3. They taste real. You know what I mean, you've tasted those bars that just don't have it. Well, this one does!

3 reasons I hated it:
1.
2.
3. What?

Yeah, so basically this is the greatest thing I have tasted this week and I was so happy to try it out. Best thing? They're super cheap! Who doesn't love something that's good AND extremely affordable??

Tell me if you have tried these, and give your opinions! I love these, I hope you do too!

xoxo,
Niki X.


Disclaimer: I received this product for review either free or heavily discounted. The review is in my own words, from my own thoughts, and are my own opinions. My review is unbiased and honest.

Sunbelt Bakery Bar -- Review

Hey guys! I don't want to take too much time but I have a product suggestion that I think you'll like. Personally, I love grano...

 

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