February Monthly Favorites!

February Monthly Favorites

Welcome to my February Monthly Favorites. I have been super excited to write this post, I love reading these types of blogs and watching monthly favorite videos on YouTube.   So I will get right to it, I have a variety of things to share, from tea to make up.... stay tuned...

Traditional Medicinals Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Tea of the month:  Traditional Medicinals Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Considering I am currently 39 1/2 weeks pregnant the Traditional Medicinals Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is a daily staple for me as I prepare for labor.  Not only is this tea is high in calcium, magnesium, iron, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E but it also helps to tone the uterus in preperation for labor.  There is a long list of non-pregnancy related health benefits as well, but that aside I really enjoy the flavor of this tea, it has a nice mild herbal taste which I like.  So overall I really enjoy this tea!

Himalayan Salt Lamp

Himalayan Salt Lamp:

Where has this lamp been all my life!  I recently purchased a himalayan salt lamp from....wait for it....Home Depot of all places.  It was super cheap and is the real deal.  Not only does it look earthy and cool but the difference it makes in my sleep is enough to make me never go without again!  What this lamp does is release negative ions which neutralize positive ions....the ions that are released from cell phones, computers....etc.  Ever wonder why standing next to a waterfall or being outside in nature makes you feel so good?  It's because ocean waves, lightening and other natural events release negative ions.  So being able to get that same effect being stuck indoors during a Canadian winter is a win for me!!  

I keep this lamp beside my bed and sleep with it on during the night...it has a dimmer switch and gives off a nice orangey glow which isn't too bright.  Since going to bed with it on I have been getting such a good sleep.  I tried going a couple nights without it and well I didn't sleep so good.  I also think it gives off the perfect amount of light for late night feedings....which I will be doing soon when this little one decides to make an appearance.  I am definitely digging this lamp!

Eden's Garden Essential Oils

Eden's Garden Essential Oils:

I just recently got into essential oils.  There are so many uses for them and they just smell so good.  I put a few drops in my evening bath, mix them with my laundry detergent, or place them into a diffuser just to name a few uses.  I recently discovered Eden's Garden after a few  Green Beauty Vloggers I follow on YouTube recommended them.  They sell good quality oils for very reasonable prices.  

I purchased the "Create you own" 6 set.  The company is great because you can choose individual oils or you can pick up their synergy blends.  I chose 6 synergy blends and then I picked up an individual Sweet Orange Oil.  I chose the Four Thieves, Breathe Easier, Invigorate, Calming, Stress Relief, and Relaxation.  The Four Thieves and Breathe Easier are natural remedies for illness, while the rest I picked up to help me relax and calm the mind for when I do yoga, meditation or to use during labor.  I use the Sweet Orange mixed in with my unscented laundry detergent and I place a few drops into my wool dryer balls.  I love the smell of oranges, it just makes everything so fresh and yummy!!  So overall I am really enjoying these oils and highly recommend this company.  The shipping was pretty quick to Canada although I think they may have just increased their shipping costs.

Acure Organics Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

Acure Organics Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner:

Greening up my hair care routine seems to be the biggest challenge for me, but I finally got rid of my Aveeno Shampoo and Conditioner and bought the Acure Organics Argan Oil ones instead on a recent *iHerb haul.  I have a very dry itchy scalp and oily hair.  I've stopped washing my hair so frequently in a hope to improve the health of my hair and have very gradually worked up to 5-7 days without washing.  Honestly my hair is the healthiest it has ever been.  

My first time using this shampoo and conditioner my hair felt a little oily and heavy, but I think it just needed to get used to the product.  Now my hair feels so soft and silky!  I was also pleasantly surprised by the smell of the product, I wasn't expecting it to smell like almonds.  I really enjoy washing my hair with this stuff it reminds me of almond biscotti each time I lather up...mmmm yummy!  Overall I am really enjoying this product and the price point was pretty good too, I think it was $8.50 for each.

Shea Moisture Baby Healing Lotion

Shea Moisture Baby Healing Lotion:

Excuse the rough shape of my Shea Moisture bottle here.  I bought this lotion to use on our newborn, although I may actually end up using the whole bottle on myself before she arrives.  This stuff is great, it feels like I'm slathering myself in buttercream and it contains shea butter which seems to work really well with my skin.  It's full of other great ingredients like cocoa butter, mango seed butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil, just to name a few.  I love that the ingredients are really clean and that it smells so good!  It soaks in quickly and leaves my skin soft and moisturized all day long!  

My only complaint about this product is the packaging.  It comes in a pump bottle but the lotion is WAY to thick to be pumped out.  It would have been much smarter to put it into different packaging.  I actually squeeze the product out into a tin and then use it that way..... much easier.  Despite the packaging I still really love this lotion and will continue to use it not only on myself but on the little one when she gets here.

Sibu Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil

Sibu Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil:

It's no secret that I love Sibu Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil!  I have already done a full review of this product here.  I love how this is one of the few oils I can use on my face and it doesn't leave my face red and itchy.  I mix it with my moisturizer to add an extra boost and love how nourished my skin feels.  I have very dry, sensitive skin and this has been working great for me.  If I have dry flaky patches I just put a couple of drops on those areas and voila problem solved!  This will definitely be a staple in my face care routine!

Red Apple Lipstick

Red Apple Lipstick:

These lipsticks are soooo good.   I look forward to putting these on everyday!!  I currently own two bullets in Audrey and Brazilliant plus a sample of Reddish Fetish.  Whether I'm wearing makeup or not I like to add a pop of color on my lips when I go out.  They have a light moisturizing formula that is easy to apply and wear.  I've really been enjoying them!  I have also done a full review on Red Apple Lipstick here.

So that's it!  Those were the products that I really enjoyed this month.  I have been gradually greening up my skin care, makeup and well my life recently so it's been fun trying out new things.  Initially I thought that I would have to spend a fortune switching my products over but I realized that you CAN find products that are reasonably priced and good for you!!  That's definitely a win-win situation!  

*I purchased a lot of these products from *iHerb if you're interested in a coupon code, check out the link below!!*

Talk to you soon.

~❤️N

*iHerb Coupon Code for up to $10 off your first purchase - http://www.iherb.com?rcode=QQH910

All opinions expressed are my own and the products were purchased by me.

Petit Vour January Subscription Box

January Petit Vour Box

This post is a little late, but I just received my January Petit Vour box in the mail the other day and was excited to write about it.  Not only is it my first box with this company but it's my first subscription box ever!  Petit Vour is a monthly luxury vegan beauty box and although I personally am not a vegan I find that vegan products tend to be more natural and conscious about their ingredients.  I figured since I have just recently starting switching over all my makeup and skin care to more natural brands that this was a great way to try out a bunch of products every month without breaking the bank.  This box did not disappoint.

There were four products in Januaries box.  Three full sized products and one deluxe sample size.  I'll start with my least favourite and end with my fave!  Hard to decide which I loved the least and most since all the products were great!

RawSKinCeuticals Rose Cream Blush

RawSkinCeuticals Rose Cream Blush: Blush is probably my favourite makeup item so I was very excited for this one!! I love the formula of this blush.  It is super pigmented, and a VERY small amount goes a long way.  I always have a hard time applying cream blush evenly but this blush was very easy to blend and dries to an almost powder consistency.  

RawSkinCeuticals Heavy Swatch

I wanted to love this blush but I couldn't get past the color.  The best way to describe it would be a pale lavender pink....wait is that even a color??  When it dries it almost leaves a white cast on my face.  It just did nothing for my complexion.  I am sure it looks beautiful on cool porcelain skin tones and although I have a very light complexion, especially now in the dead of our Canadian winter, it was still too pale for even me.  I will continue to play around with it, and it may be nice as a base to another blush.....but that seems like adding more steps to my already simple makeup routine.

Evolvh Smart Start Leave-In Conditioner:  I am super excited about this product.  Switching my hair care over to cleaner brands has been of a slower process for me.  I am looking forward to trying something in my hair that nourishes and protects my hair at the same time.  I am hoping that this will replace my chemically ridden heat protecting spray.  I have tried using this a hair refresher for second day hair but I find my hair responds better to a dry shampoo since my hair tends to get a little oily.  I really enjoy the smell of this product too, it smells so fresh and clean!

100% Pure French Lavender Hand Buttercream

100% Pure French Lavender Hand Buttercream:  I have been dying to try anything from 100% Pure and this hand cream did not disappoint!  It is so rich and hydrating but not greasy and it absorbs quickly.  It feels so buttery and luxurious as far as hand creams go!  The irony is that although the smell of lavender is not my favorite, I use it all the time for aromatherapy.  I find it so de-stressing and relaxing.

Modern Minerals En Pointe Eyeshadow

Modern Minerals Eyeshadow En Pointe:  This is such a beautiful rose-gold color!  Fall out is minimal for a mineral shadow and the color is so beautiful.  This was definitely my favorite of all the products, although as you can probably tell I really liked all of them.  The color payoff was pretty good and it built up pretty well.  It lasted all day with just a minimal amount of creasing, a little primer would probably go a long way to making this shadow really long wearing.

Overall I am so pleased with my first box and I can't wait till February's comes in!!  If you're on the fence about subscribing I would say do it!  It's $15 if you're in the US and $23 for Canadian subscribers.  The total value of January's box was $43.50 so even with the not so good Canadian dollar it was still a great value!

~❤️N

All opinions expressed are my own and the products were purchased by me.

Red Apple Lipstick Review

Red Apple Lipstick in Brazilliant, Audrey, and Reddish Fetish

 Well I am excited to write this review on Red Apple Lipstick!  I have always loved lip products.  Since simplifying my makeup routine and switching over to greener beauty products I was on the hunt for a great lipstick.  When I was younger I used to focus on eye makeup and just wear a gloss.  As I'm getting older I find I'm doing the opposite.  I have simplified my daily routine to a tinted moisturizer, blush, mascara and then I add a pop of lip color.

This product comes so highly recommended from Green Beauty Bloggers all over the web.  When I checked out the Red Apple Lipstick website I signed up for their VIP Club (it's free) so that I could get emailed monthly coupons....I sure do love me some coupons!  And then I lay in wait...... until a buy one get one deal came around!

Audrey

I chose to purchase two colors, Audrey and Brazilliant.  Both came highly recommended by YouTuber Sarah from Holistic Habits.  Audrey is a beautiful neutral pink color without sparkle that would suite most skin tones.  This color is really raved about but to be honest it has taken me a while to warm up to it.  I think I was hoping for a lighter peachy pink color.  My lips are a fairly dark mauve so Audrey shows up as a darker neutral pink on me.  I will say the more I wear it the more I like it though.

Brazilliant

Lately I've been gravitating towards lipsticks without any sparkle but I decided to give Brazilliant a try anyways.  The lipstick is not overly shimmery and is a very nice peachy pink color.  It is very neutral and the perfect everyday shade for me.  I really like this color and it's perfect for days that I want to feel like I'm wearing lipstick but don't want to be really obvious about it.

Reddish Fetish

I was also sent a sample of the color Reddish Fetish.  Let me tell you I LOVE it!  It is a beautiful pinky, berry color.  Not a shade I would have picked out for myself but I'm so glad I was sent this sample.  It is so hydrating and lasted a long time on my lips!  RAL you really nailed down the formula on these lipsticks!  Because I have a lot of lines on my lips I do wear a balm under all the colors, they don't require it, but I find that the colors look a little bit better that way.

From L to R: Reddish Fetish, Audrey, and Brazilliant

PROS:

• Moisturizing, long wearing, overall great formula
• Pigmented, can be worn sheered out or built up for more intensity
• Lots of different shades to pick from
• All natural and mineral based
• Free from: gluten, parabens, allergens, soy, corn, and cruelty
• Cute packaging; comes in a sleek matte black tube and was sent in a cute re-usable bag

CONS:

• Cost $23.50 per lipstick (If you sign up for the VIP Club they send you monthly coupons)
• Only available online

The small taste I've had of this company has left me wanting more!!  Out of the lipsticks I really want to try Vogue and Oh La La, a neutral berry and pretty dusty rose color.  I've heard great things about their lip glosses as well, especially Honey Badger.  They also carry mascara and eyeshadows!!  I'm thinking that I may have to purchase those to try out and perhaps even use them for my wedding makeup in July!  Stay tuned for an update on that front!

So overall, I highly recommend trying this company out.  Surely Red Apple Lipstick will become a staple in your makeup routine if you do!

~❤️N

*I personally purchased all the products reviewed and all opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Sibu Beauty Balancing Facial Cleanser and Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil

Sibu Beauty Balancing Facial Cleanser and Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil

I recently purchased the Sibu Balancing Facial Cleanser and the Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil after seeing many positive reviews about it on Youtube.  I tend to scour the internet for reviews before I purchase skin care....okay maybe not just skin care but all products.

Okay, so let's start with my skin.  My skin is sensitive, dry, and acne prone.  I have a hard time finding products that work for me.  When I react to an ingredient my skin tends to go red, get itchy and burn.  Sometimes I have a delayed reaction and I think that something is working for me and then I break out in eczema and acne a week later.  Other times I find a product that my skin is not reactive to but it's not moisturizing enough leaving me with flakes on my cheeks and forehead...  It's a never ending battle and so frustrating.

But alas I have met the wonderful ingredient of sea buckthorn seed oil, which is an ingredient in all the Sibu Beauty products.  Sea buckthorn seed oil is good for all skin types, helps lessen the signs of aging, and promotes skin recover and healing.  Overall just really good for the skin.

Sibu Beauty Balancing Cleanser

The Balancing Cleanser is awesome!  It has a gel like consistency and smells like oranges, yum!  It gives my skin a deep clean without leaving it dry and itchy.  It has these tiny little exfoliators which are gentle enough for everyday use and don't irritate my skin.  My face feels so clean and smooth after using this product.  I use it twice a day and look forward to it.  I love how it removes my makeup in one step and how clean my skin feels afterward!

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil

The seabuckthorn seed oil is also great.  I just add a couple of drops of this amber liquid to my night time moisturizer and I wake up with the softest, smoothest skin in the morning.  It gives my moisturizer the extra boost it needs.  This is one of the only oils that I have used on my face that doesn't make my face super itchy.  A huge plus.  This is a product I will always have on hand, especially in the cold winter months.  The only negative thing I can say about it is that the oil has a distinct smell, I don't find it overly unpleasant but if you are sensitive to smells you may not like it.  But don't let that deter you from trying it.

So while I am still on the hunt for a great moisturizer I will say that my skin is loving my Sibu cleanser and oil!  I highly recommend trying them out.  I purchased the products from *iHerb, the cleanser was $14.36 and the oil was $12.76.  I really want to try more products from the company and I'm thinking about adding the Sibu Face and Body Bar onto my next iHerb purchase!  

Overall I would say that Sibu Beauty is definitely worth checking out!

~❤️N


*iHerb- First time customers get $5 off a purchase of $40 or less or $10 off a purchase of $40 or more: http://www.iherb.com?rcode=QQH910

Top 5 Pregnancy Favorites

I just want to start off by saying welcome to my blog!  I am currently 36 weeks pregnant and thought that it would be appropriate to share my top 5 pregnancy favorites.  I don't know that I would go as far as saying essentials for everybody but these are items that I personally couldn't live without.

1.  New Chapter Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin

I was originally taking the Thorne Research Basic Prenatal because that's what my Naturopath had recommended, but I could not keep it down during the first trimester.  It really irritated my stomach, even when I took it with food.

As a result I stopped taking Prenatal's for a few weeks.  I kept searching for an alternative until my hunt led me to the local health food store where the pharmacist recommended the New Chapter vitamin.  This vitamin is made up of whole foods and so much easier for the body to digest.  Let me tell you this vitamin is so gentle I can take it on an empty stomach.  I know you first trimester mamma's can appreciate that!

Cost: At retail I paid $72.99 for 192 tablets.  But in my opinion it's worth every penny!

One of the best prices I've seen has been on Vitacost where it costs $50.99 for 192 tablets.

*Check out the code for $10 off your first purchase from Vitacost down below

2.  Rocky Mountain Soap Co. Belly Butter

Every pregnant lady knows that you need a good belly butter.  I am of the belief that stretch marks are hereditary but why not leave the skin as moisturised as possible to minimise the result?  It can only help, right?  So I've been oiling up the belly twice a day since about 14 weeks.  I've used a couple of different products but find the Rocky Mountain Soap Co.'s to be my favourite.

I love that it comes in a deodorant type twist up so it's super easy to apply and you don't have to get your hands greasy if you don't want to.  The ingredient's are really clean and I love that it is locally made!

The butter is made up of cocoa butter, shea butter, beeswax and a bunch of oils.  Although it is a little oily when first applied it sinks in quickly and leaves you feeling moisturised all day.  Bye bye itchy belly!

Cost: Retails at $15 and they offer international shipping.

One "stick" lasts me a few weeks using it twice a day.  They recently changed the packaging so mine looks different then the one on their website but it's the same stuff.

3.  BoobDesign Nursing Tops

Okay so I know that this sounds like a post natal necessity which it is, but I've been living in the BoobDesign Pregnancy wear "ruched" collection through out my pregnancy.  It's designed for pregnancy and after, and I love to be as practical as possible so buying something multipurpose just made sense.  These tops are sooooo comfortable and accommodate a growing belly so well.   I am excited to try them out for nursing as well, the nursing opening is so discreet that I feel like I would be comfortable enough to nurse without a cover.  I will keep you posted on that front!

I currently own the v-neck t-shirt, the long sleeve shirt and three tank tops.  I live in them now and I'm sure that I will continue to live in them once the little one gets here.

Cost: These tops range from $55-$89.  I originally purchased them off the outlet section of their website and saved a lot of money.... but ended up paying a lot of shipping.  Alternatively I found a great little Canadian store called Bellies in Bloom that also sells them online.  They have lots of sales and free shipping over a $100 CAD and $150 US.

4.  Positive Pregnancy with Andrew Johnson iPhone App

This App and Andrew Johnson's Relax + App are great!  You can use them to help you sleep or just pop it on during the day to help you well.... relax.  With an over active pregnant mind, I'm constantly making lists and planning so it's nice to be able to lay down at the end of the day with a guided meditation to help me unwind and sleep!  Since it is hard enough to sleep during pregnancy as it is, I will take every little bit of help I can get!  When I use this app I find that I get a restful deep sleep, it definitely works for me.

I do have to listen to this with headphones on, which is what is recommended, but I do it because my fiancé finds the voice annoying.  I personally find the author's Scottish accent very calming and soothing.  Oh well to each their own I guess.

Cost: $3.49 for Positive Pregnancy, Relax + is free :)

5.  Nettle Leaf Tea

I drink a cup of this every day.  Although it doesn't have the best flavour it is high in Iron.  It also has Vitamin C which helps with Iron absorption so I drink it as a supplement.  Pre-pregnancy I struggled with low iron, since taking this tea my levels have been great!!

I have taken the Traditional Medicinals Nettle Leaf Tea which is great but I just recently purchased some loose leaf Nettle from my local tea shop.  

I checked with my midwife before using this tea as there are so many rules with what you can and can't drink especially with tea's..... and they actually recommend taking it.

Cost: Varies

Bonus Item:  Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

I didn't feel like I could finish off this post without adding a bonus item.  This book changed my perspective on childbirth!!  It really takes the fear out of giving birth and gives such a practical approach to a natural process.  Ina May is probably one of the most famous and respected midwives in North America.  If you are interested in natural childbirth then this is the book to read!!

Ina May also has a great TedTalk about Reducing Fear of Birth in US Culture, which is also worth watching.

Cost: $12.72 on Amazon

Well that sums it up.  I hope that you find some of these items as helpful as I've found them.  Thanks for checking in, stay tuned for some upcoming green beauty reviews and hauls!~❤️N

*$10 off your first Vitacost Purchase - http://goo.gl/FTCJJZ

I purchased all the products reviewed and all opinions are my own.