Tryazon: The Ritual of Sakura Skincare Set by Rituals Review #Tryazon #RitualsUSA

As much as we enjoy a day at the spa, reality is that sometimes the spa needs to come to us. Having products that help renew your space not only helps in creating a relaxing environment, but takes the home space to another level.

In comes Rituals, which provides an array of products that can be used at home or even when you travel. Stress relievers on the go! It is no longer not having time to book an appointment but stress hits us at any hour. It can be midnight and a soak in a tub can be enough to make you finish the rest of the week strong just because you took some time to give yourself some very much needed TLC. I have yet to know a spa available at midnight and going out in my jammies at such an hour becomes a drag if the idea of getting out the car comes into play. Stay in your pajamas and use that travel time at a place that has no waiting room, your home!

Rituals has many sets to choose from and products are sold a la carte or if you wish for a more economical idea, you can get a gift set that allows you try out four products from the same line. These are not only great for self gifting but make great presents because one thing we all share, is needing a touch of less stress in our lives. I opted for the set called The Rituals of Sakura. You will find on the Rituals site that they even have gift sets available in size small, medium and large, again accommodating for every budget and each set comes with a gorgeous reusable box. Men are also not excluded (hear they get stress too 🙂 ), so you can also find products for that special guy in your life. Make it a dual spa day!

 

The Rituals of Sakura Renewing Set Includes:

• One Keepsake Luxury box with ribbon and a beautiful metal emblem
• One Celebrate Each Day Body Scrub
• One Zensational Foaming Shower Gel
• One Magic Touch Body Cream
• One Blossoming Hand Wash

All products assembled in the Netherlands (Amsterdam) and disturbed out of Delaware (USA)

Retail Price: $45 and the site advertises free shipping with orders $40 or more. You can also add an item and receive a free gift when you spend $50 or more. A pop-up window will come up and offers you sign up for emails and again offers a percentage off of orders, making the deals only sweeter.  You can also access Ritual products at Macys’s, Jet, Ulta, and Lord & Taylor

 

Verdict:
The scent in the Sakura collection is light and pleasing. The site advertises the scent of Japanese Cherry Blossoms, which is delicate and Rituals did get the fragrance spot on. The scrub has a soft almond scent that is calming when paired with the floral notes. The shower gel goes further than expected, so a small amount is needed when using. I worry as some gels can be irritating but this gel still had a nice scent that remains but is not overwhelming. I also found it nourishing to my skin versus how some gels tend to strip away moisture and leave your skin feeling tight. Not exactly a relaxing experience, but Rituals got it right where this is a foaming gel that lends itself in being kinder and beneficial to your skin’s surface. I was concerned the body cream would be overpowering as some fragrance enriched products can be. I don’t want to walk by someone and make them feel like I beat them with a cherry blossom tree! Again, a sweet cherry scent that is soft to the nose but does not linger to become annoying. The cream is not heavy and my skin absorbed it, leaving a nice even texture with zero dry spots. I would use this lotion daily and it takes the bore out of my no scent oatmeal one I had been using prior. The hand wash was a nice surprise. I thought it was that extra item in the set that I was not too ecstatic about but after several uses, my hands improved so the not so exciting item became a favorite too. Nice scent and cleanses enough that after cooking, I had no lingering unwanted smells left from making dinner. Again, it is nice when a hand wash with perfumes actually washes versus just give me scented hands.

Final Verdict:
I have purchased products from skincare and bath stores with same scents, but nothing has captured the Cherry Blossom experience as well as Rituals. The ingredients like rice milk aid in softening your skin’s texture, so this a true spa quality product versus just scented goodies that have no benefits.  Finally, a gift set where each item can be used with no throwaways included! I liked that not only for myself but when I gift a set, I know it is not just filler made to look nice and pretty. The ingredients are top notch, non-irritating, and scent wise it became a desirable fragrance I looked forward to using. This is definitely a must buy and will easily make it to the #2018GiftGuide this year!

 

To Connect with Rituals, please visit:

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• #Tryazon  #RitualsUSA  #2018GiftGuide

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Rituals USA and Tryazon. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. I received no other compensation in exchange for my review. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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HouseParty: Boursin® Gournay Cheeses in Pepper, Shallot and Chive, and Garlic and Fine Herbs #Review #BoursinCheesePack

 

I was fortunate to be able to have Boursin® Cheese be a guest at our holiday table and I was very lucky in visiting Von’s Markets and finding all the cheeses in stock.  The deal became sweeter when Von’s had a promo going of Buy-one-get-one-Free (BOGO), so using the free item coupon provided by Boursin, yielded an extra cheese item.  We were Boursin-ing it at our house this holiday so much, that 2016 will also feature a nice cheese platter when it comes to welcoming the new year.

Some companies have cheeses that tend to all taste the same no matter the flavor listed.  They use the same base and are not generous with the add-ons, so when you buy one kind, you pretty much bought them all.  Not with Boursin cheeses!  Every flavor tastes different from the other.  You may have a texture that resembles each other but if the package states Pepper, peppery goodness is what you will enjoy!

Boursin Gournay Cheese in Garlic and Fine Herbs-

Ingredients: Cultured pasteurized milk and cream, granulated garlic, salt, white pepper, parsley, chives*.*Dried

I was worried that the garlic would be overwhelming even though I love garlic, however I worry when it comes to dairy based products, that the ingredient can drown all the others out.  Again, Boursin found the right balance and you taste garlic but it has not permeated the entire cheese.  The white pepper provides a zingy taste that differs from the usual black peppercorns.  You get a mild spice that is perfect for even non-pepper fans!   The parsley and chives bring the herb notes, but chive also provides a nice mild onion flavor that tends to also brighten up the cheese’s overall taste.  This is the one you buy if you are new to the Boursin family.

Boursin Gournay Cheese in Shallot and Chive-

Ingredients: Cultured pasteurized milk and cream, shallots*, salt, chives*, green onions*, potassium sorbate (preservative). *Dried

This version of Boursin cheeses is one of my favorites.  You have a blend of dry herbs and that creamy Boursin cheese that is smooth in texture and flavor.  The onion notes are real and not like what you get from a powdered product, that tends to even dry a cheese out.  There is freshness here and if you like onion based dips, this is the cheese that takes your taste buds on an onion-y adventure.

 

Boursin Gournay Cheese in Pepper-

Ingredients: Cultured pasteurized milk and cream, salt, black pepper, potassium sorbate (preservative).

You have black pepper as the main ingredient and this is the more simpler flavor that tends to combine with all other toppers or spreads you may want to add with the cheeses.  The peppercorns are mild in flavor and thankfully the texture is pleasing.  You do not get huge chunks that disrupt the smoothness of the cheese’s texture and Boursin was still able to produce a smooth textured product that is enjoyable on a cracker or even added to a dip.

Verdict:

This year we enjoyed the cheeses as-is and added them to crackers.  I visited Costco and they sell a trio package there.  Costco was sampling the cheeses by adding them to mashed potatoes and it created a smooth and appealing product.  It was a nice way to spruce up a comfort food and give it a little gourmet twist.  This New Year’s Eve, I will be baking fresh loaves of Rosemary rustic bread, cutting the loaves (not all the way through) to create pockets (crisscrossed pattern) and filling them with a a little butter and then Boursin cheese with shredded cheeses, and then baking.  This will create a nice pull-a-part bread that guests can enjoy eat while still being able to enjoy the festivities.   It is an easy appetizer to add to our others and melted cheese is something we all love.  I may add even some pancetta to some of the loaves to create a different flavor.  Boursin cheeses go with anything you serve because they stand on their own on a cheese platter, or you can add them dishes and dips.  There is no rules or limits here, so I highly suggest bringing a smile to your guests this year by welcoming 2016 with Boursin!

 

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Houseparty/ChatterBox and Boursin Cheeses.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Wizzhome’s Creative Scents “Schonwerk” Decorative Bowl

 

It’s not often I’m forced to do reviews in a rush, but unfortunately this item came damaged and the deadline for my post arrived the morning after the item did. And, sadly, that seems to be the norm with Wizzhome, so while their items are usually quality, they’re packaging and shipping is for the birds. But, as for this bowl, it’s a gorgeous little knick-knack that works well with my, and really any, decor. Let’s dive right in.

To start, it’s a heavy cast resin painted a deep, rich walnut color and brushed with a wood grain. I know it’s resin because the first one they delivered had one of his little feet broken clean off. Thankfully, Wizzhome replaced it, and all the little knicks and dings I’d thought were representative of poor workmanship seemed to be the result of the loose foot rattling around in the box. The Interior of the bowl has a golden/brassy crackled glass inset into the resin, and it rests flush so as to not leave any sharp edges protruding. The result is a brilliant beautiful sparkle, and due to the nature of the piece, no two will be alike. I also know this because I had two to compare. Sadly, the one with the broken foot had to be disposed of, but even in the bin, it looked fabulous. And the part I loved the most is the non-skid, non-marring pads on each foot. So often I buy something that has none and will slide around of whatever surface I choose for it and mark the dickens out of it, or I’ll have to buy some little protective pads. They were blissfully included with Wizzhome’s Schonwerk Bowl.

 

 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I have ordered products from Wizzhome several times and have yet to get one without damage. Whether it’s from shipping or poor packaging, it’s always heartbreaking because the products from Wizzhome are top shelf. And, thankfully, they’ve always been quick to send a replacement, making the process painless. But it’s still something I think needed to be addressed. Whether you treat it as a bowl, or a holder for other decorative pieces, or just an object unto itself, it’s a sight to behold, and works with holiday decor, or really, year round. It’s a little pricey at $32.25, and I’m not sure I’d pay for a small-sh 10″ x 5.5″ x 3.5″ decorative accent, but value is in the eye of the beholder, and this Creative Scents Schonwerk Bowl is truly a sight to see.

Connect with Wizzhome:

• Online
• On Amazon

I received the above product(s) free of charge from WizzHome.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

RichCraft Products Premium Burlap Roll with No-Fray Edges

I’ve been crafting with burlap now for about a year, and if there was one thing that really chapped my bottom, it was the fraying edges of most standard burlap. It’s messy, it’s nearly impossible to mend a straight edge to it, and consequently keeping straight lines on projects was a futile effort. And then RichCraft came along and offered me their Premium Burlap “Table Runner” roll with “No Fray” edges. It’s like the clouds parting on a cloudy day and feeling the sun shine on your face.

RichCraft uses a tightly-knit, super premium natural burlap fabric that isn’t patchy and full of holes, but retains that rustic charm inherent to burlap fabric. But they went the extra mile and sewed over the edges to insure you don’t have little bits and strings sticking out all over the place, which had become my number one complaint working with burlap. The texture is uniform, unlike most industrial or low-grade burlap, and you get 10 yards of 12″ premium burlap to work with. They call it a “Table Runner” roll, and I have no doubt it would look stunning as a table runner, but there’s so much more you can do with it, because it’s made so well and doesn’t make the same mess you’d be used to with normal burlap. You can even make placemats to go with the table runner, the possibilities are endless!

There’s a lot of burlap fabric out there, and some of it is terrible to work with. It’s messy, poorly woven, with jute thread of varying sizes throughout, making any project a little bit harder to complete. RichCraft’s Premium Burlap Roll is one of the first I’ve used with sewn edges, and I’ll have a very hard time going back to my other burlap rolls after this. RichCraft has spoiled me! It’s a little pricey, but you have to balance quality with price, and I feel RichCraft has hit that sweet spot with both. I highly recommend their Premium Burlap Table Runner Roll!

Connect with RichCraft:

• Online
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• But your roll right here!

I received the above product(s) free of charge from RichCraft Products.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

U.S. Art Supply: Chalkmaster® Liquid Chalk Markers 18 piece set #Review #UsArtSupply

 

When the craze of chalk markers hit, I was so happy that they finally came to be. I even bought chalkboard paint and made my own boards, tags, place cards, and you name it. I then go to open my $7 dollar pen and I was disappointed. Let’s say the pen could barely write and when it did, it would ooze marker paint all over than where I wanted to write, that it made my writing look like I was in kindergarten. I tried everything from shaking the marker really well to trying to write in the only goofy angle the pen would allow marker fluid to flow…..but still I was unhappy with the results. Then came the clean up and everything I had attempted to write on was left with a green colored film, the same hue as the marker! Talk about having high hopes and just being left with black boards and going back to crumbly chalk sticks.

U.S. Art Supply, is a company I have reviewed in the past and you know from reading my reviews, I love them. I enjoy many make-up brands and U.S. Art supply is the what I call the make-up for my crafts! Every product I have tried from them works and performs as designed. When crafting a project is sometimes only as good as the product you are using, and not always can talents or imagination save it if the core product just does not deliver. These like others from U.S. Art Supply, delivered!

Retail Price Point: $19.96 for a set of 18 markers. Each pen comes with a chisel point on one side and a bullet point tip on the other end (just flip the ends) and it comes with free replacement tips. Double duty and performance to make sure every writer can deliver their messages in beautiful print and colors!

Verdict:
Get the chalk board paint out because these guys are just what you need if you are seeking out chalk liquid markers. Don’t have chalkboards? Well, these markers go beyond writing on other surfaces from glass to metal, to plastic and even paper. The colors are vibrant and beautiful, but most importantly, they work! You can write flawlessly and not one of the pens was temperamental when using. Every time I picked a picked a pen up, it performed and glided smoothly over any non-porous surface. Clean up was easy and if you want your writing to stay, you can opt to seal the project with a light spray from a varnish can. I wanted chalk markers to use to write on all the boards I created and also to decorate all the mirrors I have up around the house. It’s a great way to decorate for a party and easy to clean up, plus I don’t waste ink and paper from a printer. I have written menus on mirrors for guests to know what will be served to celebration messages. The ideas are endless, to decorating for the holidays to even having guests write messages for the guest of honor. You then can then take a picture of the creations to save for memories, clean the mirror off, and it’s ready to make new mirrors again. The ink leaves no film or residue, easy to wipe off because it’s water based and also non-toxic. You have electric neon colors that pop to vibrant primary colors that are deep with color. The cost for an 18 set of markers is economical and because you saved some money, it does not mean you don’t get quality because with U.S. Art Supply products, they stand behind what they make with a 100% Money Back guarantee. Not that you need it because when they placed such a guarantee, it was with the intent that the products aim to please the consumer and I am always pleased with everything I have tried!

Connect with U.S. Art Supplies and Satisfy your Creative Hunger at:

• On-line
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• #UsArtSupply

I received the above product(s) free of charge from U.S. Art Supply. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Celestial Seasonings: Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea #CelestialTea #FrostyVoxBox

Influenster’s Frosty Vox Box included a sample of their holiday tea, along with a coupon to save on a future purchase. I enjoyed the tea as-is with just a touch of honey. I like that the tea is decaffeinated because that means I can enjoy a cup at anytime and not worry about being too alert later, and not getting any sleep. The peppermint is not overwhelming and really makes this herbal tea different from the everyday flavors I already enjoy. Not just a holiday drink, since I have been enjoying it all Winter!

Connect with Celestial Seasonings and find your favorite at:

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster and Celestial Seasonings. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Gurin: High Accuracy Digital Bathroom Scale ACS-100 #Review #DigitalBathroomScale

Gurin High Accuracy Digital Bathroom Scale with 4.3″ Display and Step-On Technology

There is one product that everyone absolutely needs this time of year, but no one thinks about. A scale. With all the rich comfort foods, sugary desserts, and appetizers, my bikini body can go “poof” in a New York minute. And I worked very hard on it, so you better believe I’m tracking every calorie and pound. What better way to do that than with this stylish, tempered-glass digital beauty from Gurin? Why can’t a scale look snazzy too?

Retail Price Point: $23.50 via Amazon

It feels solidly built enough that I’m not terrified to step on it. Hubby either. This Gurin ACS-100 is backlit, consistent and reliable, safe for up to 400 pounds. The 4.3″ LCD Screen can be viewed from any angle, even in the dark! With “Step-On” technology it’s a cinch to operate. And best of all, it runs on AAA batteries, which, yes, thank heavens, are included.  Four precision sensors means an accurate reading the first time, and every time. We compared side by side with our previous scale that cost nearly twice as much. We got the same reading time after time.

I’m loving this new scale. And I’m loving how it looks, even if it doesn’t always deliver the news I want. Specifically, that cheesecake, pumpkin pie, and stuffing are not calorie free and as we’ve established, this Gurin ACS-100 doesn’t lie.

Start 2015 with a Gurin scale!  The scale comes with the Gurin Satisfaction Guarantee and a 2-year warranty.

 

Connect with Gurin and their products at:

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• #DigitalBathroomScale

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Gurin.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.