ZOMG Magazine Galore!

I absolutely love magazines, and my current subscriptions. Unfortunately, I haven't had the time to read them so they have been stacking up in a huge pile magazines, as well as books by my bed.  I look forward to the Christmas holidays, for many reasons, one of them is catching up my readings and shows. 

* I don't think I'm going to subscription to Harper Bazaar next go around. I don't find the articles relatable to my lifestyle.

*I'm definitely going to keep my subscription with Elle Canada and Maire Claire. 

* I think I will also stop my subscription with Architectural Digest and Ebony too.

* Town & Country is another magazine that doesn't really suit my lifestyle and interests.

* Haha, yes I read Cosmopolitan magazines. Don't judge me! I know the statistics are sketchy but I like their fashion pieces and articles....I find them super entertaining. 

♥

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 Review

Hello Readers!

I realized it's been sometime since I have reviewed a product. Oh, how time flies! I  bought the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 for my dear brother because winter is upon us and his lips are cracked and bleeding. However, he said the balm was "yucky" and greasy. So he gave it to me to use.  Score one for me, right? 

The Claims about the balm:

" A Kiehl’s classic and #1 bestseller, soothing lips since 1969.

•Temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked lips.

•Helps protect lips from the drying effects of wind and cold weather.

•Formulated with soothing emollients Squalane, Lanolin and Sweet Almond Oil as well as Vitamins A and E"

What I liked about the balm:

• A rich, thick and consistent texture, which reminds me of Vaseline (i.e. petrolatum jelly)
• Clear/colorless
• Glides on easily, effortlessly and smoothly
• Brings instant relief to sore and dry lips without the heaviness or stickiness
• Unlike other products that sits on top of my lips this balm moisturizes and sinks into the skin
• Leaves lips smooth and soft
• Lips appear to be shiny and glossy 
• Does not irritate the skin
• A little bit of the balm goes a long way

*The applicator is blunt and uncomfortable to use...*sigh* I wish it was a slant applicator

 What I disliked about the balm:

• There is no applicator... I strongly dislike using my fingers to apply any lip products
• It's a bit pricey 15 ml for $12.XX
• Low on the SPF spectrum - it should be at least 15! 
• The product is mostly petrolatum jelly - I could have paid a lot less and gotten more product had I purchased a tub of Vaseline

*The balm melted into a "jelly" consistency on my skin

Bottom line: The balm is not mind blowing or awesome. It does it's job and nothing more.

Recommend? No

Repurchase? No

♥

Homemade Ginger Honey Tea

Hey Readers,

I made ginger tea over the weekend because everyone in the family isn't feeling well.  Ginger tea is a great way to treat colds, flu, and sore throats.  Ginger time is super yummy; it has a spicy and invigorating taste.

Homemade ginger tea is very easy to make. 

Ingredients 

• 5 cups of water 
• 4-inch piece of fresh ginger root
• Honey
• 4 Chamomile tea discs

*Cups with a table spoon of honey

Preparation

1. Wash the ginger root and then slice it into thin slices
2. Add the ginger to the pot of boiling water
3. Reduce a simmer for 20-25 minutes
4. Strain the tea
5. Add a tablespoon of honey and a chamomile tea disc to each cup 

* Boiling ginger in hot water

Good luck and take care!

♥

Raw Cocoa Banana Honey Facial Mask

Rationale 

Bananas were on sale at the grocery store so I picked up a few extra for baking, as well as homemade face masks! Banana masks are excellent for people who have oily or acne-prone skin because the fruit acids will slough off dead skin and encourage cells to regenerate. It will also balance sebum activity and brighten the skin.

Honey is an  antiseptic and antibacterial properties which means it kills germs and reduces  inflammation. Since honey is an antioxidant it will keep skin healthy, supple and beautiful. 

Cocoa is a powerful antioxidant that exfoliates and renews the skin. Plus cocoa slows down the aging process.

Ingredients 

• 1 ripe banana
• Honey
• (Unsweetened) Cocoa powder

1. Peel one banana, and mash the fruit with a fork until smooth.

2. Add two table spoons of cocoa powder, and mix well.

3. Add one table spoon of honey, and stir well.

4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes and then apply evenly to face and neck.  Avoid the eye area and corners of the mouth.  Keep the product on for 15-20 minutes. Keep the left over in container, and toss after a week 3 days. 

The product is safe to use three times a week for those who have oily/ acne-prone skin, like myself. Those who have normal/combination skin should use the product only once to twice a week to avoid over-drying the skin.

♥

Kinder Surprise Fun!

Hey Readers,

I hope you are all warm and well.  As usual I've been kept busy by school, my current practicum, and other stuff (which I'll blog about later).  I'm almost a quarter of a century old and I still looooove absolutely cookies and juice boxes, and Kinder Surprises. As Henri Frederic Amiel said, "Growing old is compulsory; growing up  is optional." I'm living proof that age is just a number. 

*A bat 

*A stamp

*Puzzle 

♥