L'occitane Cherry Blossom Perfumed Soap Review

 I hope everyone had a very Happy and Merry Christmas...I can't believe Christmas came and went so quickly this year. Really the whole year flew by. I have a few reviews I want to get up before the end of the year- but I don't think I'll get to them all. We shall see and I will try.

I definitely want to review this soap because I only have a sliver of it left. It was a tiny bar so at most you may get a week. Perfect to sample the scent. But it does not come in a larger size. 

L'occitane claims:

The Cherry Blossom Perfumed Soap gently cleanses skin as it delights your senses.

Enriched with a cherry extract from the Luberon region of Provence, this plant-based soap leaves skin delicately perfumed with a floral fruity scent.

I have no idea what Cherry Blossom really smells like. Probably the most well known Cherry Blossom scent is the one from Bath and Body Works.  I really dislike that scent though. The best one was a long discontinued scent from The Body Shop. I also had a bath gel from Kneipp.  None of those smell anything like the other so I am completely lost on what Cherry Blossom smells like. 

This is completely different. It's very perfume like. In the way you would use as a spray perfume. I was expecting something a little softer or gentler. It doesn't smell like a shower scent to me. It smells like an out of the shower spray.

It doesn't smell bad...I think it might be nicer as a hand soap or something. 

As for the soap itself- I am a fan of L'occitane soaps. They are nice on the skin, lather nicely. They rinse clean and  don't dry the skin. And they really get you clean. 

Bar soaps always have better ingredients than their gel counterparts. They are palm oil free so if you avoid palm oil for whatever reason but still prefer a bar soap- this could be a good option. It does have cherry fruit extract which is one of the more unique ingredients that is supposed to moisturize and soften the skin. 

Ingredients:

HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL - COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL - PALMITIC ACID - STEARIC ACID - SODIUM HYDROXIDE - AQUA/WATER - PARFUM/FRAGRANCE - PRUNUS CERASUS (BITTER CHERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT - SODIUM CHLORIDE - CITRIC ACID - TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATE - PROPYLENE GLYCOL - SILICA - KAOLIN - LIMONENE - LINALOOL - CI 77491/IRON OXIDES - CI 77007/ULTRAMARINES - CI 77499/IRON OXIDES

Overall, nice to try but I wouldn't buy it again in the bar soap form. 

Capri Blue Apple Cider Social Candle Review

 I definitely said in the last Capri Blue review that one would be the last for awhile. But I completely forgot I had this one. I think I wanted a candle to burn for Thanksgiving. And the mini size really appealed to me. So into the shopping cart it went.

Capri Blue claims: 

Cozy up to fall with this cutie pie! Our Apple Cider Social Glimmer Mini Tin is filled with spicy notes of crisp apple, cinnamon, juicy pear with grated clove and fresh nutmeg. This is just what you need to enjoy the autumn weather!

Poured in USA

Up to 15 hour burn time

Apple Cider scented candles can be found by basically any company....I didn't realize until I did a search but I've had quite a few of them. Including Cider Lane by Bath and Body and Apple Cider by Yankee. I can't remember how either smelled but from the reviews I'm thinking the Yankee scent was probably my favorite. 

I think this version is nice- it smells like Apple Cider. The apple notes aren't very crisp though and the cinnamon is slightly craft store like. It's a nice scent but nothing that will stick out or stand out and be memorable. A suitable scent for the holidays, would be a good one to burn for Thanksgiving. 

For such a tiny candle- it does have an impressive throw. It filled the room quite nicely.

The tin candle is pretty, festive, easy to travel with. 

Their wax is a mix of soy and paraffin. As long as you stay on top of trimming the wick you shouldn't have trouble with sooting or smoking. 

The only thing I have come to dislike is that the candle usually does not burn to the end. There is so much leftover wax...luckily I repurpose it and make a DIY candle to burn. 

Overall, it's nice. Nothing amazing. I probably wouldn't purchase again. 

Butterscotch Thumbprint Cookies (Remixed into Banana Pudding) and Herby Roast Chicken with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

 I woke up too early...so I am in need of a nap. But before I take that nap I wanted to knock at least two posts out. Then when I wake up I'll be ready to do Christmas Eve. Or maybe I'll just grab a cup of coffee. 

Not sure yet. But this is what I made in the past week:

First up-my disaster shortbread cookies turned banana pudding. It wasn't really a disaster-just felt that way when I was making it. So I intended to make the shortbread cookies for a Tamale Party. I always like to bring something- usually a dessert. I was a bit wary of making a cookie recipe I had never made before but I decided to do it anyway. I like the Walker's shortbread cookies and I have made shortbread before- I think. It's a bit different because there aren't any eggs or vanilla extract either. Usually I will add some vanilla but I decided to just do it true to shortbread. The issue was that the cookies would not bake in anywhere close to the instructed time. I was getting tired of watching them. Eventually they were done and I made the butterscotch. They were good- not sweet and very buttery. But the butterscotch would not stay in the middle when I traveled with them so I decided to remix it into Banana pudding. I made some pudding. I spiked it with my Baileys Salted Caramel. Then I ran out to buy bananas which weren't ripe enough and I didn't have enough of the more ripe ons....I decided to top with the Butterscotch. The result was good, just wish I had more ripe bananas. I am saving the Butterscotch recipe to make again and again because it was so easy and took only a few minutes. It would be so good on so many things! 

And then I roasted a chicken per Mrs. Weasley. I did use a whole  chicken. I followed the instructions mostly. I butterflied the chicken. And season the chicken with the same seasonings in the herb butter that you rub under the skin. I would roast the chicken the same way again. Now for the mashed potatoes, I couldn't bring myself to do it as written. I just do not want onions in mashed potatoes so I skipped that. The most I could do is a little onion powder. I also never peel my potatoes because I use the ones with thin skin. IDK what type they are. I used butter- because putting vegetable oil in mashed potatoes sounds gross to me. I also did a bit of cheese, lots of creme fresh, and garlic powder. I did add the chicken stock (I don't think I have ever done that) and I would do it again. Overall, my mashed potatoes were good- but they always are! This was a solid Sunday dinner. 

And that's all! 

Shirley Brown

It's already that time for another music post. Today...Shirley Brown. 

Hello Barbara, this is Shirley. This line is ICONIC. The whole song is really. 

She said- you might not know who I am...big ol' fine sexy thang like me 😁. I'm about to refer to myself like this from now on. The only thing Miss Shirley got wrong was paying this man car note and buying his clothes. #ain'tnoway 

But I do love to sing MOST of the lyrics. 

I adore this song. I adore Shirley too. She sure was fly in that red dress with that big hair.

Love it! 

Plant Therapy Caraway Seed C02 Extract Review

 It's the Eve of Christmas Eve. My how this year has flown.I really can't believe it. I want to knock out a couple of posts before I go on vacation in a couple days...so I might overload with posts. Depends on how fast I can get myself packed. Usually I wait til the last minute- but I am really trying to not do that this time. So it was about that time to open up my oils...and yet again realize I need to try and use some up. So I am reaching for the strange ones first to see what I can do with them. 

Plant Therapy claims:

The light and refreshing characteristics of Caraway Seed CO2 have a profound effect on emotional well-being, leaving you balanced and energized for the day. Its warm, rich aroma is similar to fresh rye bread and helps stimulate a tired mind and promote feelings of alertness. Traditionally, the seeds of the Caraway herb were often used to make “comfits,” or seeds coated in sugar, to eat after meals to help aid in digestion and relieve feelings of bloat. That is because the seed, much like the oil it creates, has carminative properties that support the digestive system and can ease discomfort caused by excess gas and cramping. Additionally, Caraway Seed CO2 can support the respiratory system during times of seasonal concerns as well as encourage a strong immune system. It makes a great addition to cleaning products thanks to its high limonene content, which not only helps to freshen up your space, but also imparts a stimulating, inviting, and spicy scent.

Botanical Name:

Carum carvi

Aromatic Scent:

Rich, warm, spicy aroma reminiscent of fresh rye bread

Shelf Life:

3-4 Years

Country of Origin:

Germany

Cautions:

Harmful if swallowed. Keep out of reach of children. Discontinue use if skin irritation/sensitivity occurs. If pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. External use only.

I don't have much experience with Caraway- except I did use it last year to make Bath Buns. The spice has been collecting dust in my cabinet ever since. I probably won't end up using that spice for anything else...but I'll keep it anyway. Otherwise, it is not my favorite. I don't remember what it tasted like except that it was odd. 

I was trying to read up on how best to use this oil. It does mention it's good for cleaning blends. As well as digestion. It's also purifying. And  it's supposed to boost your immune system. 

So I have mostly been using it to "purify" the air. Just to use it up. I figured breathing it in is also probably helping my immune system. The only problem is it smells like Dill Pickles. I read that most people think it smells like Rye Bread-  I love the smell of fresh bread and this doesn't smell like that. So I can't say I particularly like the scent. After it dissipates I think the air smells fresher...so I would agree it's purifying.

I did spike some of my DIY cleaners with it- but I probably wouldn't again. If I am using a scent I enjoy, cleaning becomes a bit less of a chore. The scent of pickles doesn't do that for me. But if you have ever thought you wanted a cleaner that smelled like Pickles- this is what you would want. 

Overall, it's not something I would buy again and I am overall very happy to use it up and free up some room in my collection. 

Danessa Myricks Haul

 I've been having a super amazing weekend, good food- lots of laughs...just everything!  Now the weather is super ugly so I am just hanging around the house. Will probably start Sunday Dinner in just a little bit. But before I get on with all the Sunday things I wanted to share what I bought in my most recent Danessa Haul.

I couldn't resist her Holiday sale and that email for 35% off just couldn't be ignored. Figured I would finally try out the Chrome Flakes that I have been wanting to get my hands on for awhile. And while I was added I wanted to try out her Twin Flames and the multi-chrome liner. I had the hardest time picking out colors but ultimately I am obsessed with chartreuse so I went for anything that had Chartreuse in the description. 

Starting with my favorite of the bunch- Chrome Flakes. I bought the color lightning bolt. These are pricey but they are so pretty and unique. I haven't seen anything like this anywhere else so I would say they are worth it. They definitely give a very unique look- probably more suitable for editorial makeup. But I love them and I am very extra with eye make lately so I will probably wear them casually. And for everyday. I wore mine over a teal shade and LOVE it. But I'm sure it would be gorgeous over purples, pinks, greens etc. They mostly appear gold but you can definitely see blue, pink, and green shifts. It's the most shifty and more complex than I think you could get from a powder. 

Then I bought one of the Twin Flames. The color I bought was Passion. I wanted a bright pink to lime green shifting color and I was expecting this to be that. Mostly I get a pink glitter look. I'm not sure I needed this since I did buy the most recent light work palette and I think I like those powders over this. But I do need to play with it more. I coudn't get it to photograph nicely....

Last up, I bought a multi-chrome pencil- shade Charlotte. I think this might be the most dissapointing of my haul. I don't see much multi-chrome effect to it. It just feels like a deep purple. The pencil is very thin...not as creamy and smooth as I was expecting. And the tip already broke off. But I will reserve judgment until I have used it more as there may just be a learning curve. I would probably still test out other colors later down the line though....

And that's all! I'm off to play in some makeup and then probably get started on dinner....