Salmon Cakes and Blueberry Banana Pie

 This week went a little better for me as far as cooking. So let's get to it.

I made Salmon cakes. This was a recipe from my Vitamix Cookbook- only I did not make it in the Vitamix. It just seems like he perfect thing to make in the food processor. So that's what I did. They whipped up in no time at all. And I even used fresh instead of canned Salmon. I also used Panko Bread crumbs because those are my favorite. And then I made tartar sauce. Which was amazing! Who woulda thought it was so simple to whip up? I feel like I can make most of the sauces I need so that's pretty cool. These are very basic- but very good. You can probably make much more exciting flavors by adding a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Chipotle Cranberry anyone? Garlic and Honey? The possibilities are endless. I've have to experiment some. Served with Okra and Cous Cous. 

Then I made a pie. I'm at the part of the Harry Potter book where there are a few appetizers listed. Very complex appetizers. And I don't want to spend all that time on a complex appetizer. So I decided to turn one of them recipes into a pie. I was curious about the cream/cheese and heavy cream mix. Which is good. Not mind blowing. I made a blueberry pie filling and threw some bananas in it and there we go! It was slightly too sweet...but still pretty good. I probably wouldn't make it again..I think I would rather eat a Lemon Meringeue Pie or Sweet Potato pie. 

And...I found glass bottle Martinelli Apple Juice! So glad I found it, it's very sweet but I love the glass bottles. I can't wait to repurpose them with single serve tea! 

Apotheke Cardamom Chestnut Candle Review

 

I've been watching this lady on youtube make a massive amount of freezer meals and I always catch myself wondering why I don't do that....until I realized I really don't have the fridge/freezer space for that. I kinda wish I did but I feel like even if I bought a separate freezer it's highly unlikely I would actually even make the meals. It seems like a lot of work- and I mostly like to cook fresh. But why am I rambling about food..let's talk candles! 

Apotheke claims:

Apotheke Cardamom Chestnut Candle blends spicy black cardamom, roasted chestnuts, creamy vanilla, and warm woods for a decadent gourmand fragrance.

The white specialty-ceramic vessel features a reflective-gold interior that glistens more brightly as the candle burns down. Sophisticated yet festive, it enhances any space with understated elegance.

Apotheke Candles Fall Collection candles include extraordinary scents that burn clean, enhancing any room with beautiful, simple design. Apotheke Candles are made in Brooklyn, of a high quality soy wax blend and burn 60 hours.

Hand Poured in USA

Apotheke is a new brand to me. I don't know if I've heard good or bad things about it- but sometimes you have to try things for yourself. I can tell you I'm not impressed.

I was expecting a spicy and nutty scent. And this is largely vanilla. I don't get any cardamom. Not even a hint of something spicy. And nothing nutty. I don't know how a chestnut smells- I've had them a couple times but the scent isn't coming to mind. 

This is sweet vanilla. Maybe a slightly more complex but still very sweet vanilla. And it smells nearly identical to a candle from Anthro I just reviewed. I didn't mind the vanilla scent in that candle...it's just when I get a nearly identical candle from two completely different brands it kinds throws me off! 

It is quite a large candle. Comes in a matte white vessel. I hate the feel of it when I pick it up so I am throwing it out when the candle is empty. 

It also smokes quite a bit. Sometimes right after I have trimmed it..it will just released a steady puff of soot. So disappointing and reminds me of the candles from Illume. 

I didn't realize it at the time but it is supposed to be one of their Holiday candles. I don't know if it's coming back next year- I sure hope not! 

It's supposed to be a soy blend. More than likely it does have paraffin. 

Overall, not a fan. 

Danessa Myricks Infinite Chrome Micropencil In Charoite Review

I really thought this pencil was named Charlotte. I just now found out it's Charoite. And apparently a Charoite is a rare purple crystal. Learned something new....

Danessa Myricks claims:

A color-shifting, multi-chrome, waterproof micro-pencil that creates smoldering and graphic lines.

Most of the Danessa products I have I love. But if I'm being honest- I didn't love this. 

I don't know if it's just this color but I don't really see the multi-chrome. And I was hoping this purple would look great on me- but I never have luck with deep purple (liners or shadow) and the way it shows up. It just doesn't stick out on my skin tone. I think I need a purple with a different undertone. 

When you put it on, it just looks purple and not as exciting as I was hoping. It does wear well though in the waterline. Especially if you set it. In order to add more fun, I like to take a few different shades of blue and pop it over the purple but leave the purple peeking through in a random spots.[

It is a mirco-pencil. So it's thin....and you have to be careful or else you can break it off. I ended up breaking it the very first time I used it. I can see why you would want a micropencil for something like your brows but I can't see the point in a fun coloured liner. I tend to only use it in the waterline because I don't like the way it goes on as a lid liner and it's easy to break that way.

One complaint I have is that it barely has product. I feel like I have only used it a handful of times and I'm running out. I only have a very more uses before I throw it in the recycle bin.

And last up- the packaging feels cheap. It's rickety and just doesn't feel like a liner that costs $22. 

So overall, I was definitely disappointed. I might still try another color just to see if any of the other shades are better. But not anytime soon.

Pre De Provence Linden Soap Bar Review

I thought this soap was Linen at first and I looked all up and through their site for it until I realized it was Linden. I thought Linen sounded a bit of an unusual scent for a "French" soap brand anyway.  I had never heard of Linden - also known as Lime trees but unrelated to the citrus fruit. The reviews looked pretty good though so I was excited to try it.

Pre De Provence claims:

Fresh, warm floral aroma with delicate, sweet, honey-fruit top notes and a fine green, undertone of meadows and sweet herbal tea.

Bright, Sunny Floral.

For centuries, the luxury of French-milled soaps has remained the gold standard of excellence. Each time you begin to lather a French made soap, you enter a time and place where quality and craftsmanship have stood still. Traditional French soap is triple-milled to produce a completely uniform and smooth soap, without impurities, thus lasting longer.

Each bar of Pre de Provence soap is not only carefully made today by dedicated soapmakers in Provence following their proud traditions, but quad-milled to be smoother and have a richer lather to create our luxurious feel.

Using pure, natural ingredients enriched with shea butter, you can feel the difference in our unique quad-milling process. Aromatic fragrances transport you into a moment of calmness, vitality, dreaming, or well-being.

It's not worth the hype.

The scent is so light and unremarkable. Just a light, very forgettable floral scent. And you really can't smell it much. I was using its n the shower but took it out to use as a hand soap because I get more scent that way. 

Everything else was fine. Lathers well, rinses cleanly, not drying.

I don't see the ingredients listed on the site and they weren't on the box.

Overall, glad I have the mini...could be the full size has more scent but I won't be buying it to find out. 

Sly and the Family Stone

I made a mistake of taking a really long nap earlier, which means I'll probably have a hard time sleeping tonight. And I have to wake up early tomorrow. Yikes! I should probably make some iced coffee for tomorrow....

In the meantime...a quick music post. I love Sly and the Family Stone. If You Want Me To Stay is a classic. Very unique sounding song. I love that hat...it looks like something you would see on Good Times.

Gotta share the studio version- cause I like the vocals on it a bit more. Lyrics are just a bit stronger.

Everyday People might be my favorite Sly song. This song has an important message I think a lot of people would benefit from hearing these days. Short and to the point.

Essential listening! 

Urban Hydration Honey Deep Conditioner Review

 I had planned to review some liners I have  but I don't feel like putting make-up on today. More that I don't want to wash it off because I did technically already played a little in some colors. But back to deep conditioner. It's always my goal to regularly deep condition- I missed a couple months last year simply because this took quite awhile to arrive to me. I almost thought it was lost in the mail. Eventually it turned up though. 

Urban Hydration claims:

Immerse your hair in the nourishing embrace of Urban Hydration's Honey Health & Repair Deep Conditioner. This luxurious formula, enriched with Honey and Argan Oil, penetrates deep into each strand to repair damage, prevent breakage, and tame frizz. Infused with Sweet Vanilla Bean Extract, it promotes healthier, shinier curls while non-greasy Argan Oil provides weightless moisture and enhances elasticity. Experience the transformative power of this deep conditioner as it detangles, cleanses, and restores softness to your hair.

How to Use It? Indulge in this deep conditioning ritual by applying a generous amount to your palms and working it through wet hair from roots to ends. Detangle with your fingers or a comb, then rinse thoroughly. For an intensive moisture boost, leave on for at least 15 minutes before rinsing.

Our Honey Health & Repair Deep Conditioner serves as a powerful treatment designed to deeply moisturize dry and damaged hair. The unique formula features natural honey, which is known for its humectant properties. This means that it attracts moisture from the air to your hair, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. Therefore, you will notice a significant improvement in your hair's texture and shine after just one use!

In addition to hydration, our deep conditioner helps to repair your hair from root to tip. With consistent use, this product nourishes the hair follicles and reduces breakage. The rich ingredients work together to strengthen each strand, resulting in healthier and stronger hair. So, you can enjoy the benefits of revitalized hair that is less prone to split ends and damage!

Made in China

I hadn't heard of this brand before...it seems like it doesn't have a strong brand identity. Just something quickly created to make some money but when I googled it does appear this brand is black owned. I was really surprised to see that. I think it's the name "urban" that throws me off. And the packaging.  Something about the brand still feels a bit off to me....but IDK. 

I got this for a great price though...it was on sale. I didn't pay more than 7-8 dollars. 

So we'll start with the scent. It's very light and pleasant. But doesn't stick around and is not particularly noticeable. I would say the scent is on the sweeter side- a bit reminiscent of an almond cookie. Doesn't leave any scent in my hair though. 

As for the actual conditioner- I read other reviews that said it was like applying lotion to the hair. It just doesn't feel like a conditioner. And definitely not like a deep conditioner. It doesn't provide slip so not the best at detangling. It doesn't really seem to do much for my hair unless I leave it overnight. So that's how I usually use it. Wash my hair and let it sit, then run the comb through the next day and rinse out. 

Even though it doesn't feel like it's done much- it does seem a bit heavy without feeling greasy. By that I mean it seems to add weight and weigh down my super tight curls and stretch them out the teeniest bit. The trade-off is my hair doesn't have that movement to it nor does it feel light and fluffy. I do think it helps with frizz though.

As for repair- I don't feel like any deep conditioner can really repair hair. 

It claims to increase shine- can't say my hair looks any shinier. Softness is OK. 

Almost forgot to mention- I don't like the packaging. I think this would be much better in a tub. It's just such a hassle trying to pump out and the pump seems hard on the hands because you have to push so hard and so little comes out at a time.

The ingredients aren't bad. Actually toward the bottom there are a lot of great ingredients. It looks like they may have recently changed them though because the list is a bit different on their site. 

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Beeswax, c-12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, DMDM Hydantoin, Ginger Extract, Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil,  Argan Oil, Aloe Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Honey, Disodium EDTA, Vitamin E, VitaminA 

Overall, it's not bad. But I have other deep conditioners I would prefer over this so it's not a repurchase.