GoodnessMe Box August 2014

I love food. Seriously love food. This means I’m not so great at things like dieting, or going vegan, or even quitting sugar. There is always the remaining guilt though that “everyone else” manages to do these things while I fail miserably, part of which is from avoiding the preaching nature of health nuts (sorry Sis). Cue compromising with self. I figure that as long as I am incorporating some of each of those things I am being healthier than doing nothing at all and it’s a good step forward.

Enter GoodnessMe Box!

 

GoodnessMe Box is a food subscription box. Winner! But it is a bit different to what you might expect. All of the items placed into the box need to be at least two or more of the following: organic, sustainable, raw, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free or vegan. You receive a great variety as well. Everything from super greens, to coconut water, to chocolate. GoodnessMe say they will surprise you with 5 – 10 health food goodies in each box. Boxes on the month-to-month plan cost $25 each and can be given as gifts as well.

Products:

The Chia Co: Chia shots – Just about everyone has heard of Chia seeds. Little superfood balls that are amazing for you and can be used in a number of ways including to make pudding. These little guys come in individual sealed packets so are perfect for if you are travelling or on the go. I have a big pack of chia seeds open already but I am taking my monsters away in the September school holidays and this pack should be just enough for that.

Brookfarm: Gluten Free Porrij – This product was a single serve item (the actual product is huge) and is used basically the same way you make a quick oats sachet. But it’s made from things like amaranth, quinoa and flaxseed. Perfect item to put into a box delivered in Winter!

Nuzest: Clean Lean Protein Natural Protein Made Easy – This protein is made from 100% vegetable and is soy, gluten and dairy free. That means lots of people who might not usually be able to get protein powders have some more options. This is a product that not everyone might use though and clever Nuzest have thought of that. They have included two recipes on the card that these samples were attached to. Genius!

The Sugar Break Up: Organic Golden Rice Malt Syrup – I did not know this product existed! It is a natural sweetener that is fructose free and also has no gluten, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives on its label. My Aunt mentioned she had quit sugar and fructose months ago and I thought her food life was over. She’s a super smart lady though and I reckon she would have known about a product like this. I do wonder though, would this be kind of cheating?

The Carob Kitchen: Mint Banjo Bear – Ah yes carob. It’s a bit of a dirty word to chocolate lovers. But nevertheless I decided to try this product as it had no added sugar and is gluten free. Not to mention mint flavouring and a teddy shape. I didn’t enjoy it. I love raw chocolate or chocolate that doesn’t include milk solids. It was pretty close though to sugar free chocolate. I tried it, I then inflicted it on my best friend, once we both gave up my son got it. Guess what. He loved it. Findings of experiment: Mummy and She are chocolate snobs, Kiki not so much.

Madame Flavour: Lemongrass Lime Ginger, Mint Lavender, and Raspberry Hibiscus Tea – Madame flavour teas are great, they are a little bit fancy but still very accessible as the major supermarkets stock them. I usually have the white tea with rose flavour and hadn’t tried any of these flavours before. Also pretty generous to get 3 different flavours but consider it to be 1 product on the info card. Unheard of for a lot of companies, kudos to GoodnessMe. Note – if you aren’t a ginger fan (I’m not at all) you probably won’t enjoy that one.

 

Good Food For Me: $10 Voucher – This Company is an online health store that is all about organic, natural, non-processed products and no refined sugars. They say they stock leading brands of natural and organic health foods and beauty products but I was pleased that when I had a look around the site there were things I had never seen before.

Charlies Balls: Clean Treats – It’s all the name really! I just want to start with how delicious they were. They were really very tasty. These are not unlike bliss balls or the kinds you find elsewhere and Charlie (who is actually a lady) likes to be able to focus on making them gluten, dairy, refined sugar and preservative free. The flavour I had was Chocolate Nut and contained; almonds, dates, coconut water, dutch cocoa and vanilla. These ingredients come together wonderfully. I should also add Charlie has peanut butter and choc brownie balls as well!

Overall

I love this box. It had foods I will eat, and included recipes on the info card and in the Nuzest packaging for ideas on how to use the products. So not only is this company saying, “Hey eat these things they’re good for you”, they’re also saying “Here is how you do it just in case you think you’ll get away with just stashing them in the cupboard”. Apparently they knew I would be ordering?

I can understand why some people might think that a box like this is for seasoned “wellness warriors” but I have to say just about anyone would be able to open one of these boxes and go for it. You know what, you might HATE carob, but at least you’ve given it a go. The texture of soaked chia seeds may remind you of frog’s eggs, but you still tried it just once.

Are you a wellness warrior? Do you already subscribe to GoodnessMe? Would you try any of these products? Have you inflicted carob on your friends and family? Perhaps you’re actually a massive fan of soaked chia seeds? Perhaps you also would like to try Charlie’s balls? Let me know!

Memebox Special #11 Cacao

We all have our weaknesses. One of my big ones is chocolate, so when I saw that Memebox had a Cacao box coming out I just knew I had to have it! Ever since it was ordered the wait until it arrived was fraught with impatience. This means that when I got the delivery notice I was as excited as a child at Christmas time. I was NOT disappointed. The minute I opened the box the rich chocolaty smell that we all love filled the room. Winner!

 

Products:

Etude House Milk Talk – This product is both a body wash and a bath milk so those who don’t have baths in their home do not miss out. Even cuter is that you can also purchase a special sponge to match the Etude House Milk Talk varieties. Everyone needs a little bit of extra cute right?

Wonderuci Cacao Brightening Mask – This mask is the most amazing thing I have ever smelt and then put on my face!!! It smells like my unbaked brownie mix and is the EXACT SAME CONSISTENCY! I’m a fan. I’m a MASSIVE fan. It was a really thick product to put on, I used a brush for this, but as it warmed up to my skin’s temperature it started to get shiny and almost felt runny (it wasn’t though!). My only warning with this product is not to use white towels. The product does wash out but no one likes proof that they’re a bit of a grub.

Apologies if I scared you!

 

Pure Smile Essence Mask Chocolate Milk – Now this is a sheet mask that is worth looking like the thing from Jeepers Creepers to use. Not only does it include cacao extracts but a decent amount of vitamin E and collagen to hydrate and even out skin.

Evas Vitamin Cleansing Dessert Magic Cream Soap Coconut and Cacao – It’s always nice when you can have a bit of a giggle at translations of products (I’m sure it goes the other way as well!) You wouldn’t know it with the product name but this little beauty is a facial cleanser. Maybe not the most hygienic as it is a tub of product but with a name like Magic Cream Soap I’m willing to give it benefit of the doubt.

Pure Smile Choosy Lip Scrub Chocolate – A lip scrub is a great investment especially as we are in the middle of winter, well what passes for winter in Queensland anyway. No one likes dry lips though and this is one product that I might not have thought of buying myself but is a welcome addition to the family.

Purederm Nose Pore 6 Strips Choco Cacao – Now this one is a product that I have only ever heard raves about and I had very high expectations as I buy a charcoal version from elsewhere that I love very much. I was disappointed. VERY disappointed. I found it didn’t make much difference to me and it smells terrible. Seriously bad. Perhaps mine were a bit yuck because everyone else I’ve spoken to loves them and had bought more? These are definitely not for me.

 

Overall:

I LOVED this box. No, I may not have loved every product but the other products in the box more than made up for those that I didn’t like.

Would you buy a box not knowing what might come based on one ingredient? Have you ever really disliked everyone else’s wonder product? Maybe you got the Cacao box as well? Let me know!

Memebox Special #10 Mask 4

My first Memebox was the Mask Edition 2. Now turns out this was a restocked box and that I was just lucky that I managed to nab one. I wasn’t taking the chance of missing out when the 4^th edition was released though and ordered it straight away. The thing is, masks are so luxurious and for so many people they are a rarity. These boxes are allowing us to make masks a regular part of our routine.

 

 

Products:

Sua Young Berristure – Cute name, cute packaging, smells like strawberry lollies. And done. No really, those were my first thoughts! That and how the little black dots in the gel must be just to make it look more like a strawberry. I never said I was a genius…….. Turns out the dark spots are collagen capsules and that the gel can be used as either a wash off pack or an overnight mask. I wouldn’t recommend using this as a sleeping pack unless you did it the night before you washed your sheets and had a shower the next morning as you’ll need to wash your hair as well.

SLCOSMETIC Soo Effect Plus Essence Sheet Mask (Repair, Energizing, Waterdrop) – So as mentioned previously I love sheets masks and have no problems looking like Jeepers Creepers (I get a bit of a kick out of my hubby seeing me with them on). There were 3 masks in the box and it is safe to assume they are the repair, energizing and waterdrop as mentioned on the card. The only problem is that due to my lack of Korean reading skills I cannot tell which is which. Minor detail really as I have never used a sheet mask that was seriously hydrating and made my skin feel nice.

WHEN 10:00 PM and Travelmate – The packets for these sheet masks are nice and bright and can be bought from Sephora in the US so they have obviously made a name for themselves. You can also get them here in Australia from an online company called Love Beauty Hub but I don’t know much about them. Did I also mention these masks are made from coconuts for environmental reasons?

Skin Factory 7 Seconds Morning Sheet 7 in 1 – This product concerned me a little as I had horrible flashbacks to pimple products with scratchy exfoliating bits on the wipe. Very pleased to say that I was wrong and that this product is phenomenal. It really is the perfect product for time poor ladies. One side of the wipe is bumpy and exfoliating and the other side is soft and moisturising. AND there is an opening between the two so that you don’t have your fingers all over it. It basically completes the skincare routine up to the bit where you put on any extra serums and your moisturiser or eye cream. I love it!

Purederm Vitamin C Facial Pads – These little babies can be used wherever you like on your face to soothe and refresh the skin. They are very cute and look like little round orange slices and do have a citrusy scent. I think I might try putting them over my eyes while I have my cacao mask on next time. Jaffa anyone?

 

Overall:

Another winner. I love that these mask boxes allow you to pamper yourself more regularly and that the variety means you aren’t just going back to the same mask every time which might not suit what is currently going on with your skin. I will continue to invest in these mask boxes as they are great value.

Do any of these products appeal? Do you use face masks regularly or are they only for special occasions? Perhaps you buy them but then just hoard without using? Let me know!

 

Memebox Special #9 Skincare

I mentioned my addiction to Memebox previously and the next few posts will be proof. I recently had a number of boxes arrive together or within a few days of one another I will post each box separately so that they each get a fair unboxing. For those new to the Memebox concept you can find out more info here.

This box is supposed to be a routine in a box and to include both day and night products. The description card that came with this box included the words, “Trust the box. It’ll make everyday a good skin day!” Being fairly new to Korean skincare and recently starting the full routine I was VERY excited.

Products:

Nasarang Rose Balancing Toner – I was SO excited to see this one the product card but was pretty devastated to see that this was one of the mini items. This toner is more of a gel than a liquid like we are used to and I love it. It just wasn’t big enough.

Verikos Advanced Power Tightening Cream – This item was also a mini and would be great as an anti-aging moisturiser. I wasn’t all that upset that this one wasn’t full size as it will probably be a really great product to travel with.

Boscians Cycle Repair Wrinkle Spot – This anti-aging product is for fine lines and has been recommended for use around the eyes. It also contains galactomyces which are supposed to be great for you and I have seen them in a large number of products recently. Plus it’s never too early to start your anti-aging right?

Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence – Another wonder product! And full size! I have heard SO many amazing things about this product although I will admit to being a little worried as it seems that some people react really badly to the Benton products and for others it’s a bit of a miracle worker. I am pleased to say though that my product was completely clear with no smell and haven’t had any issues using it at all! I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s a miracle product yet but I haven’t been using it long enough just yet.

Dewytree Tea Tree Porest Powder in Toner – This toner is more of a liquid like we are used to although it has the added bonus of having powder in the liquid so you need to give it a good shake before you use it. You also might think that being Tea Tree there would be a strong smell or a slight stinging but it was surprisingly gentle.

Dewytree White Dew 7 Cut Extreme Serum – This serum is supposed to sooth, tighten and brighten skin for a healthier looking complexion. I do think it is a very silky product however it is a bit difficult to get at due to a dropper like process that seems almost like the dropper isn’t long enough? The bottle is 30ml but I doubt I will be able to get to all of it the more it is used.

Secret Key Super Plumping Jelly Cream – This is one of the most random feeling products I have used! It literally is a set jelly moisturiser that you scoop out with a little spatula. I had been told to expect Botox like results from this product. Sad to say this did not happen but it is a nice moisturising product all the same.

 

Overall:

I felt like this was a great box because it filled the current essence/serum gaps that I had in my current routine as well as having a few other good products to add in once what I’m using is finished. It was also really fun to have a think about all of the different ingredients in these products that I was putting on my face. There was snail secretion, bee venom, salmon eggs, broccoli, lotus flower, peony roots, and more!

Would you buy skincare items because they had strange sounding ingredients or would that put you off? Have you tried any of the products mentioned above and if so, what are your thoughts? Let me know!

Korean Skincare Routine

If you have heard anything about Korean skincare routines it will have seemed like they are long and complicated usually involving lots of steps. It sounds scary and unnecessary but I recommend trying it at least once or twice before making up your mind. You may find it isn't as big a deal as it sounds (it can be done it 15mins or less).

Now I’m no expert on skincare, just a regular person trying something a bit new and different but my understanding of Korean skincare is that the best description for the finished product is super clean skin that is well hydrated.

The steps are generally as follows:

• Makeup removal – all eye and lip makeup needs to be gone
• Cleanse
• Exfoliate (not every day)
• Tone/refresh
• Essence/serum/ampoule/oil
• Mask (not every day)
• Eye cream
• Moisturise
• Night cream

This list is rather long but remember not everything is being done every time and you can make the process a really quick one or take some time to pamper yourself.

As I am still awaiting many Memeboxes I have been using my own collection of products but using the above process. I don’t feel that it is one particular product that makes a difference as much as using the products in the right way can.

Current products

Mummy Monster

The first time I tried this out I made it into a Sunday afternoon pamper session as I wasn’t sure just how long it would take. My first go took about 45 minutes but I was also doing masks on my hair and “Mummy Monster” was playing hide and seek while waiting for a face mask to dry. I have noticed that on the days I do not use a mask the routine can be done in 10-15 minutes.

I feel like my skin is improving but I should admit I wasn't even a regular cleanse, tone and moisturise kind of girl before I tried this out but I'm converted now.

If you have read about the process before please don’t be discouraged because it sounds really involved and don’t be afraid to vary it depending on what you have on hand.

Have you ever thought about trying a whole new routine? Or starting a skincare routine if you don’t already have one? Does this sound like something you’d like to try even once? Perhaps you've tried it before? Let me know!

Memebox Mask Edition #2

Have you ever thought about buying a product with the intention of just trying one only to realise all of a sudden you’re knee deep in an addiction and await impatiently for more? Well I have……. Perhaps that could be the “out of control shopping problem” my husband refers to. Perhaps not. Either way, this has happened to me most recently with Memebox.



 

Memebox is an online Korean Beauty retailer that curates non-subscription beauty boxes. That’s right, this isn’t a once a month thing, although I’m sure many Memebox addicts wish it was. You only buy the boxes that interest you. Which of course was ALL OF THEM when I first saw the site.

I thought I was being clever when I picked the Mask #2 because it shipped immediately and everything else seemed to ship rather far in advance (it really is that popular!)
 

The box itself is super cute and then everything inside also came in a little bag. It was very sweet.

 So remember when I said I thought I was being clever. Well I ended up ordering a stack of them before the Mask box had actually arrived because I didn’t want to miss out on any others while it was on its way to me.

Sad I know; I’m not proud.
 

It is however really exciting to receive and try products from another country which in this case can have some really out there ingredients or strange combinations (snail extract and bee venom).

I have however become a fan of the Korean skincare regime and will post my current variation of that while I await more Memeboxes.

I’ve included a picture of the foot mask in action (not the peeling part - that’s just gross and mean!)

Would you be willing to try products from another country like this? Have you perhaps tried Memebox before? Let me know!

Babble Box July 2014

Everyone loves receiving a special package in the mail that they don’t have to share, especially kids!

Babble Box is an age curated monthly subscription box just for children that I splash out on for my son Keenan (3) so that he gets the excitement of opening his own themed surprise every month.

As his favourite thing to do every day is check the mail it made sense to have this extra special treat be something delivered just for him. It is also seriously cute when he asks the courier if they work with Postman Pat, pretty sure their hearts melt every time.

Anyway, enough about my child and on to this month’s box!

Theme: At the Zoo

Each month you receive a product card describing what each item in the box is however as you’ll see from the images below, I’m not very bright and let him go to town on the box. The beautiful wrapping and item explanation card disappeared very quickly and I wasn’t allowed to touch anything because they are all “MINE”!

I will make sure I get copies of these for future posts.

Included in the box was: Dear Zoo mini book, Magnetic animal book, Little Bellies organic animal biscuits, Cardboard Animals, and Skip Hop Monkey snack bags.

We absolutely love Babble Box!

It adds just that little bit of extra excitement to your child’s month and the products that are received are always of a really high quality. You can find out more info on their website Babble Box or you can also check them out on Facebook.

Have you tried Babble Box? If so, what did you think? Do your little ones have an obsession with checking the mail daily or other little routines? Let me know below!

Welcome to my blog!

Thank you for stumbling on to my blog!

This is my first time creating anything like this and I’m a little bit excited so please forgive any mistakes I make while learning how everything works.

According to my husband I have a rather serious shopping problem (which I find completely manageable) and plan to share a lot of the products and experiences I encounter with you along the way. Currently I have an addiction with subscription boxes of all shapes, sizes and experiences so be ready for lots of those being reviewed but I’m sure that will change down the track. Or expand exponentially. Who knows!

I also enjoy a spot of baking at times so if I am ever particularly proud of something I've created I will be sure to share it. Like my children below, I baked those little guys for AGES :-)

I hope that in this space you will find something that interests you whether it be something new or something rediscovered.

Happy Reading!

Hubby and I

The Ratbags