Origins Review

Wadsworth, IL:  June 5, 2015.  Summer has officially begun!  McKenzie is home from college; Brooke graduated high school and is ecstatic to be attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study Business in the fall with McKenzie.  In the mean time, both of us will be working throughout the summer, blogging, and getting ready for college with fun dorm and apartment goodies.  I write to all of you today sitting at home bored out of my mind because I am anchored to the couch with an ice pack:  I just got my wisdom teeth removed. Hello milkshake diet!  To get into the post, I received a gift for Christmas of a bag of Origins products.  The bag consisted of miniature sized products, a little test of a bunch of products for a good deal.  McKenzie and I both have always been a fan of all Origins products, and definitely plan on trying out more of their things, but for now I will just review what was in the bag. First was their GinZing moisturizer (orange jar), and let me tell you, this was my favorite thing out of the entire bag.  It smells so good, and it leaves your skin feeling so moisturized.  It did not leave my face oily, which is sometimes an issue I have with face lotions.  You will be shocked at how soft/smooth your face (and hands from applying) feel!  When I go to Origins this will be the first thing I purchase.  Next, the exfoliator Modern Friction (white tube).  This facial scrub I also really liked.  The smell was not as great as the last, but the gritty-ness of the scrub really cleaned my skin and once again left it feeling so soft.  I would also recommend this product, however I really want to try the GinZing scrub just because I am literally obsessed with the lotion version.  Next, the Clear Improvement facial mask (black tube).  This mask has a charcoal base which is very helpful in cleaning out pores, and eliminating black heads.  McKenzie also loves this mask, as does my cousin, and so do a few youtuber beauty bloggers that I follow.  I also love this mask because it does not take long to put on and wash off; some face masks you have to leave on for up to 30 minutes, and this one I leave on for only five minutes.  It's so fast, so easy, and it works!  I will be purchasing this again, it's a staple.  Lastly, the No Puffery cooling roll on for eyes (green/blue tube).  I have never really used anything like this, so I was really excited to try it out.  I will say I was a little disappointed.  I suppose I don't really have a huge issue with under-eye bags, but I didn't see a huge after effect from using it.  Although, like I previously stated, I have never used anything like this so it is difficult for me to compare it to anything.  I am very interested in trying out an eye cream, rather than a roll on.  Any suggestions?  I think A Perfect World for Eyes eye cream looks like it might be a good next purchase from Origins.  Let us know what your favorite Origins products are in the comment section below!

Spring is in the air

Wadsworth, IL:  May 27, 2105.  Before we fully transition into summer, I have to blog about this outfit!  I definitely have a love hate relationship for lace because all sorts of things get stuck on it, and you typically have to wash lace items with caution, but this shirt is much thicker than the average.  I also love these Toms, especially with this outfit!  It is as if the shirt and shoes were made for each other.  Then of course I accessorized with a belt and bracelets.

Shirt: HollisterCo

Jeans: American Eagle

Belt: Unknown

Shoes:  Toms

Bracelets: DSW

Lush Favorites!!!

Wadsworth, IL:  May 2, 2015:  For starters, Lush is a beauty company that Mckenzie and I have recently discovered.  The company not only makes great products, it has a good story too.  All of their products are handmade with organic fruit and vegetables, essential oils, and safe synthetics; as well as all of their ingredients are purchased from businesses who do NOT take part in animal testing.  Lush chooses to use no packaging at all, or packaging with little to no preservatives.  All of their vegetarian ingredients are also clearly listed on the packaging, and some of the products have a picture of the person who made the product by hand!  The company does it best at trying to protect the environment, animals, and us!  Take a moment to read about their story on their website (linked below).  Aside from the company's good morals, it makes some pretty awesome products.  I hope to try out a lot more of their things in the future, but thus far I have yet to be disappointed.  Every one who has tried their products that I have spoken to loves them too.  If you have the chance, take a visit to a Lush store because the store in and of itself is pretty cool, there is a store in downtown Lahaina, Maui that we went to twice and in Old Orchard (a shopping center not too far from us)!

Movis is a facial soap.  I might have been too excited to use it, and forgot to take a picture until after I tried it and got it wet, oops.  This bar is indescribable.  The first time I used it I was shocked at how smooth it made my skin, and it makes it feel so clean!  The smell might be different for a few people, but I actually like it.  The bar is made of "wheat-based ingredients and is rich in vitamin E... Whole wheat breadcrumbs are mixed right in to help exfoliate and revive the skin, while gently scrubbing away any dry bits. And with cleansing labdanum and sandalwood oil, your face will feel refreshed and clear."  My mom and I actually buy a bar, cut it in half, and each use our own piece (we are on our second bar)!

Montalbano is a shampoo bar.  Shampoo... in a bar? I know weird, but of course I had to try it!  I had no idea how to use it, so I just experimented and rubbed the bar in my hands, then put my hands through my hair, or just rubbed the bar straight on to my hair.  This worked so well, again I was shocked.  I was not expecting to get 'suds' out of a bar, but I did! A little bit went very far too.  In the store I was told this was for blond hair, online I am not finding anything in regards to that, but I felt like it made my hair blonder.  I have tried several 'blond shampoos' and none have worked, except this!  It also added shine to my hair.  The shampoo was VERY clarifying.  I am not sure if I would recommend using it every day because it could be drying, but I did most days and it did no harm.  Now, because all of these products are handmade and there are not a lot of preservatives, make sure you use them in a timely fashion! I would say this bar lasted about 2-3 months.  Try to keep it in a spot where it can dry out every day, otherwise it will dissolve faster.

 If you don't know what to get, try out a gift box!  There are a variety of products in these boxes all coordinated around a specific theme.  Next time I take a trip to the store, I will be buying myself a gift box just so I can try out multiple products!  Show this company some love, it deserves it.  What this company stands for is what we all need to stand for, to protect our Earth and our future.  

One Last Winter Outfit

April 30, 2015:  Wadsworth, IL.  Hello everyone, it's almost Friday, and that's something to celebrate about!!  Today, I  want to share with you guys one last winter outfit.  I know it's spring, but I did wear this outfit in early March.  As well as, recently it has been pretty cold here in Chicago, what's new!  Spring will come eventually I know it.
For this outfit I kept things pretty simple, but I think the vest really spices things up and gives the outfit the extra push it needs to be a good one.  Vests are great to add a little something extra, or to keep you warm if you would like a non-fashion reason!

Vest:  Ralph Lauren

Sweater:  Urban Outfitters

Jeans: American Eagle

Necklace: H&M (these are every where!)

Shoes:  Crown Vintage

Lentil Chili

April 23, 2015: Champaign, IL.  Lentil Chili is by far the meal I get asked to make most often.  Even though it looks like a mixture of refried beans and dog poop, it's a dinner I can eat three days in a row and still want more!  I have never liked beans and always asked for "bean-less chili" growing up, until I discovered this lentil variation.  This recipe is so easy and hearty, perfect for these uncharacteristically cold spring days we've been having!

 Ingredients

1 bag of Lentils

4 Cups Beef Broth

1 Lb Ground Beef, Ground Turkey, or Vegetarian Ground Beef

1 can Petite Diced Tomatoes

1 packet Chili Seasoning

1 tbs minced Garlic

1/2 of a large Yellow Onion

1 tbs Garlic Salt

Salt and Pepper to taste

Start by browning the garlic and onions in a small sauté pan.  Next, combine all of the ingredients in a large pot or crock pot.  Allow to simmer on low heat for up to 6 hours.  Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or crackers and enjoy!

Maui

April 21, 2015:  Wadsworth, IL.  Hello everyone! It has been a LONG time since we have blogged. Times have been a little bit crazy with school and life, but we have a bunch of cool stuff coming.  This post is devoted completely to our spring break.  Mckenzie and I traveled to Maui, Hawaii on March 22.  After a 9 hour flight we arrived in paradise.  Words can not describe how beautiful this island is, if you ever have to opportunity to go please do.  You will not regret it!  Our parents actually got married here, so we have visited a couple of times before, but this trip was special;  Mckenzie and I are old enough that we will definitely remember it forever, and our next family vacation is unknown with both of us attending college next year. 

Downtown Lahaina:  Cheeseburger in Paradise, Shaved Ice, and the Great Banyan Tree

       

 

Duke's Beach House, we ate here a few times if you can't tell.  Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, Banana Macdemia Nut Pancakes, Hula Pie 

Hotel:  View from balcony, rental car, sight while walking beach

Leoda's Pie Shop: Chocolate Macdemia Nut Pie

Whaler's Village

Ka'anapali Beach: Triangl Swimwear

  

Road to Hana:  Sights along the way, Banana Bread, Homemade Coconut Ice Cream, Ohe'o Gulch (2 mile hike up rocks, through bamboo forest, all to reach the waterfall.) 

Black Sand Beach: This is on the way down from the Ohe'o Gulch on the Road to Hana

  

 Nakalele Blowhole: Pohelua Bay