Caswell- Massey Almond Soap Review

There is always a bar of soap somewhere for me to review...I think out of everything it's the only thing I review consistently. There's nothing more I love than unwrapping and trying out a new bar. Or a new brand. This brand has been one I have wanted to try for a while. I have gifted a set of the soaps before..but this is my first time trying them myself.

The most intriguing  thing to me about this brand is the age of the brand. It's been around since the 1700's. A very long time. And it's claimed to have been used by past president. This particular one is supposed to be favorite of Eisenhower. Supposedly during his presidency the White House was stocked with this soap. Interesting. 

So that means this bar has been around since at least the 50's. 

Caswell Massey claims:

Experience the comforting indulgence of our iconic Almond Bar Soap, beloved for generations. Crafted with a warm, gourmand fragrance that layers almond, soft cherry, and a whisper of salted warmth, this triple-milled bar offers a rich, creamy lather that gently cleanses while replenishing moisture. Made with natural botanicals and plant-based ingredients, it leaves skin feeling nourished and lightly perfumed. A symbol of everyday luxury, our best-selling Almond Soap transforms the simple act of bathing into a ritual of refinement.

5.8 ounces

Made in the USA

Almond scents are a dime a dozen. I've used many Almond scented bars. Most of them are more or less the same. As is this one. It smells like Almond extract. Which is pleasant enough but not my favorite and not very memorable. You can get the same scent in a cheaper form from a brand like Dr. Bronner or even one of the many bars they sell at TJ MAXX.

The scent was probably mre unique back in the 50's. 

The scent is also on the lighter side. So if you like scents that aren't overpowering or just light...and you like almond extract scented soaps you might like this.

The soap itself is a larger bar that tends to melt down quickly. But you only need a little to get a lot of rich, thick, bubbly lather. I tend to overdo it. It doesn't dry my skin-but my skin looks ashy/dry. I need lotion to come back to an acceptable color. 

The soap itself is nice..oval shaped and feels very soft. It does look pretty lux. 

Comes packaged in a boring cardboard box though...easily recyclable. And it also comes wrapped in tissue paper. Packaging is alright. 

It's been around so long I wonder how close it is to the what they originally came out with. Have they changed in the ingredients or scent over the years? I wish I knew.

Ingredients:

Sodium Palmate, Sodium Cocoate, Water (Aqua, Eau), Glycerin, Benzaldehyde, CI 77891, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Cocamide MEA, Sodium Borate, Stearic Acid, Pentasodium Pentetate, Tetrasodium Etidronate,

It's a decent almond soap. Personally I would not buy it again...but I will try some of the other scents at some point. 

Williams Sonoma Bridgerton Scented Candle Review

 I had a super amazing weekend and awesome weekend. TBH I'm a little sad that it's over. 

 Now it's Monday..and back to regularly scheduled hustle and grind. Except I am off tomorrow so that's nice. 

I've mentioned Bridgerton many times- I might be a little obsessed with the show. It's one I can watch on repeat though I try not to.  I usually steer clear of wanting collabs- usually it's just an IP cashing in and you end up with low quality items. But I wanted this. And my sister got it for me.

Yay! 

Except the quality of the candle is just not there. TBH I could barely smell anything the entire time I was burning it. I had a fear that might happen...and it just so happens I was right. 

The scented notes are supposed to be Wildflower Honey and Mandarin. Very Bridgerton sounding notes.

I guess at least the ceramic vessel is gorgeous. I will keep it forever. Might even refill with my own wax. or just use it as a candy jar. Or for something else when I feel like setting a cute but eclectic table. 

I'm happy I got the itch for a Bridgerton collab met...and I'm glad to have the jar. But they need to go back to the drawing board on the candle scent. 

Vitamix Macaroni and Cheese, Salmon with Fresh Mango in Pepper Jelly, and Brussel Sprouts in Béchamel Sauce

 I have quite a bit of food to post...so here goes! 

First up- Mac N Cheese. I rarely make mac n cheese. I love it! But I just feel it's so bad for you. Good for special occasions though. I have my own way of making it- I like adding wine. Lots of different cheeses. And I make a cheese beschamel basically in a double broiler. This was easier. But not better than my usual. I didn't follow the recipe exactly though...I mixed of the cheese because I'm not a fan of American Cheese. I used Cheddar, Gouda, and Mozzarella. And I also used more cheese than the original recipe calls for. Because that wasn't enough cheese. It was super easy because you basically heat the cheese sauce in the blend. Don't have to shred anything. Just cube it. I'll keep it in mind for when I need a quick cheese sauce. But probably won't be my go to method for mac n cheese. 

Not great pics...it happens! 

Next up...Brussel Sprouts. This recipe came from the Harry Potter cookbook. Unofficial. I think this is the 3rd Brussel Sprouts recipe. I don't love Brussel Sprouts- but these were actually good. Of course you are adding a buttery sauce... how can it not be good?  Served with rice and honey garlic chicken.

 Yet another terrible picture....

And last but not least- I skipped around because I saw this coming up and I had two ripe mangos. I didn't have pepper jelly but I did buy Elderflower Jelly a few weeks back- which is really good! I decided to spike it with some hot sauce and call it pepper jelly. Then I jut cooked up some Salmon. Added the pepper jelly with mango and threw it one some of salad. And dinner was served. I really liked this! I'll have to do it again...

And that's all! All my ugly pictures of food I made this week. Most of it was good tho so it's OK.

The Temptations

 

Who doesn't love the Temptations? I feel like The Temptations are the first oldie group that I had heard about. They are probably one of the most well known and important groups of Motown. 

We are about to to be here quite awhile as I post all my faves. There are a lot.

Where to start?

I think we will start with Papa Was a Rolling Stone. This song literally turns the subject of absent fathers into a most entertaining and catchy song. Complete with dance moves and a funky groove. They sound out of sight! 

I can't find a live clip of this one- it seems to fly under the radar. This song is HOT! 

Hey Girl I Like Your Style is my perfect song for cruising on a nice sunny day. You can't not feel good listening to this one. Beautiful! 

Ain't Too Proud to Beg is probably my top two Temptation. If I could be in the crowd I would be screaming and fainting with joy all over the place. I need time machine.

Get Ready will get the party started. 

A little random but we are gonna throw some Christmas songs in the mix. Because Temptations are necessary to my Christmas playlist. I can't have Christmas without it.

Everything for Christmas is another Christmas classic. One of my faves! 

I love this song, love this clip!  Everybody looks like they are having a grand time.

Classic Temptations here...

I was hoping to find a live clip of this one too..no luck. Such a shame! 

And my favorite Temptation song of all time- Just My Imagination. It was love at first listen as a kid. 

And now we are briefly taking it back to Christmas. They have two Christmas albums and thank goodness! I love this one....

And here we have the most compelling telling of Rudolph I have ever heard in a song.  

And then the definitive Silent Night. At least for me. The only one that comes close- Boyz II Men.

Ah, my third favorite temptation song. Or second favorite. I could listen to this on repeat. Or maybe it's Number One. IDK. It's one of my favorites though!

We are getting close to the ends (sadly). This is a bop too. I tend to love songs about rain. I could probably make a rain playlist. I probably should.

And last but not least...

As far as I'm concerned one of the best groups of all time. There will never be another group that is quite the same. Especially not the way music is going these days....

I should go watch The Temptations movie- somehow I have never actually seen it....

Sally Hansen Miracle Nail Thickener Strengthener Review

 My nails have been trash ever since I started painting them again. So I'm trying to give them a little break. I think it might be the base coat I'm currently using that is wreaking havoc on my poor nails. I don't want to throw out the base coat though, I might just start doing double coats to try to use it up quicker.

Anyway...Sally Hansen Nail strengtheners have never worked for me. And this is no exception.

Sally Hansen claims:

MIRACLE NAIL THICKENER

Weak nails need a miracle? With Sally Hansen Miracle Nail Thickener™, get up to 70% thicker nails in just 4 days!*

Bolster soft, thin and ridged nails with this emergency thickener. 

When your nails need protection against bending and breaking, our exclusive Calcium and Ceramic Gel formula builds a hard shield. Ridges and imperfections are filled in, for thicker, harder, stronger nails. 

*Measured layers of nail protection. 

I'll start with the packaging. It is a purple overspray bottle. Packaging does feel al little cheap. But I don't mind...as long as the product works.

Which it doesn't. 

I think part of the problem is that it does not stick to the nails. I look at it and it's chipping and flaking everywhere. For that reason I would never try to use this as a base coat. The finish would take your nail polish off just as soon as you painted them! 

It is pretty glossy and thick on the nails.And it does dry fast. It also tends to bubble and look thick in a bad way on the nails.

The worst thing- I don't think it thickens or strengthens my nails in anyway. Maybe they do feel a tad stronger with it on, but I think that's just the reinforcement that any old polish can give.

I don't like this product. I don't know why it's still on the market. Mine has been kicking around for a few years and will probably stick around for a few more before I can finally use it up. 

Glasshouse Sunkissed in Bermuda Candle Review

 

This makes Glasshouse candle number two..and probably that last four awhile. They are just really expensive for what you get and I haven't been blown away with the two scents I have chose so far. 

Glasshouse claims:

A Geranium Floral, freshened by Grapefruit with hints of Red Berries.

Basically the size of the candle is a votive. And it costs $20. Which is crazy high. But it does come in nice packaging- complete with a box and a unique little jar with a lid. They kinda remind of Yankee Candles a bit. 

As for scent- it's a very much tropical fruit wit ha hint of floral. I can't really say I can pick out the claimed notes of geranium or red berries and grapefruit. It seems way more tropical- maybe guava, pineapple...

It reminds me of drinking a tropical tea (specifically Caribe from Harney and Sons).

And it also kinda reminds me cheap Glade type candle scents too. If Glade did tropical scents...or maybe they do. 

It does burn very well. Cleanly. No smoking- no sooting. It is a soy blend. I always wish brands would tell use what is in the blend- does it contain paraffin or other veggie waxes. I want more transparency! 

Overall, it's fine. I think it just falls out of the category of scent that I prefer in a candle. Maybe once I cycle back to the brand I should try more of the woody type scents.