Yesterday I went to see the movie Obsession- tell me why it was so unexpectedly good. So good I took a few hours on the reddit group reading opinions, theories and etc. I even want to watch again and there aren't very many recent movies that have made me feel that way. Recommendation from me for sure.
But back to the review. I've reviewed a lot of Zum products. Mainly the soaps and years and years ago. I do plan to try more- they have lotion, laundry soap, and all kinds of things and are more accessible than they used to be. You can actually find them outside of healthy stores. I was really surprised when I saw this in my local store and snapped it up right away.
Zum claims:
Meet Zum Sweet Orange All-Purpose Cleaner: a fresh scented cleaner that brings citrus-forward freshness to your routine. This multi-purpose cleaner spray works on kitchen counters, appliances, bathroom surfaces, and everyday messes.
Made with saponified coconut oil, alcohol, essential oils, and baking soda, this cleaner is free from ammonia, bleach, and artificial acids. It’s a go-to orange-scented kitchen cleaner that delivers a solid clean while leaving behind an uplifting, citrusy aroma.
I usually do cleaning posts- and lump a lot of stuff into one post every couple months or so but I wanted to do a stand alone for this. It's on the pricier side and I like the brand- so full review it is.
First things first- it smells amazing. It smells like Orange bubbly. Orange champagne. One of the best cleaning sprays I have ever smelled. It's not strong though nor does it linger excessively.
It does clean really well...but doesn't make things as shiny as some of the other all purpose cleaners I have used.
The ingredients are clean and feel completely safe. It even has cleaning super hero baking soda in it- which I have yet to see in a cleaning spray.
One thing I love the complain about it when a company only makes regular bottles and not refills- I went to their site fully expecting not to see them- but they do have them. Yay for saving a little bit of plastic. I wish my local store would carry them but of course they don't. At least I know if I really want one I can just order them from their website.
Overall, great cleaning spray. Smells great and will make you happy to clean- but maybe a bit overpriced. Method cleaners do the same thing but at a much better price...I still might be tempted to re-buy though,. Just not often.
Not me ditching blogging and acting like I am on vacation. I still have another week to go. I'll try to get some extra posts up to make up for it. Anyway, I finally finished up the last of the other blend I was trying to use up so I went through the collection and decided to add this to my use up list. I've had it for a couple years now.
Plant Therapy:
he delightfully sweet smell of our Lemon Cupcake Blend is undeniably uplifting! This happiness-inducing aroma will trigger joyful memories of birthday parties, baking with the family, and digging into a plate of delicious frosted lemon cupcakes. Perfect for celebrations, this indulgent smell is just like the scrumptious baked desserts we all know and love — but don’t give it a taste!
The essential oils used in this irresistible blend create a comforting and inviting atmosphere. With the bright and uplifting properties of Lemon and Tangerine and the delicate, softly sweet scents of Copaiba, Vanilla, and Ho Wood, this blend is calming to the senses and helps to reduce nervous tension.
This was one of the birthday oils that you get free on your birthday when you place an order. I used to always make sure I ordered to get their birthday blends but the last couple years I have completely forgotten. A few years ago it was only available as a birthday oil- now you can just order it.
Which I am glad you can because they really did their thing on this blend. It smells exactly like a boxed lemon cake with canned icing. It doesn't smell like a homemade cake- but the boxed version scent will do. It's so good!
Mainly this oil is supposed to calm nervous tension and uplift. I would agree. This blend just instantly puts me in a happy place.
You do have to always make sure to shake it. If you don't you can see the Copaiba suspended in the other oils.
It has a lot of really great oils- some of my faves really. Like Ho Wood, Copaiba, Tangerine, and lots of vanilla.
Mainly I just add a few drops into whatever lotion I am using. You can also use it in a diffuser, roller ball, etc. Sky is the limit really.
I've already complained about the heat enough for today..so we shall jump right in. As far as I can remember Toni Braxton was my first favorite singer. My Dad had her album when I was a kid and I just loved, loved, loved, when he would play it. I know we have some home vids of me in a plastic wig and singing along. Good times.
Anyway, Toni is one of my favorite singers of all time. I seriously love her music. I'm about to have Toni sing along right now.
Another Sad Love song is from her self titled album. My favorite album by her. The cover is engrained in my head. My Dad has this album. It's probably one I would try to get on records if I ever get my hands on record player. Much of her first album was penned by Babyface.
Next up, He Wasn't Man Enough For Me. This song got me through my first break up. This an another song, I listened to it literally on repeat. I don't think I appreciated this song until that point. It was off the Heat album which I bought- because I loved me some Toni. I rotated this one between my Mariah Carey, Destiny's Child, J-Lo, and Christina Aguilera albums. I love the music video. It looks like it was fun to shoot and of course the dance blew up on social media not too long.
Next up, the Heat. The second song on the album. I listened to it so much I know what song to expect next. I skipped this song a lot, didn't really start loving it until I was older.
Just Be a Man About It is THAT song. Another one I didn't love until I grown. I was like..hold on- wait a minute. It's one I get stuck on and repeat, repeat, repeat.
Speaking in Tongues was another great one of The Heat album. Whole album was fire really.
Maybe was so underrated. I always felt my ears were a little too young. The song I had wasn't this slowed down. But I like it, you can actually sing along a little bit.
Then I found this little clip. I wish it was longer, I always wanted to hear this live.
I was listening to Please just yesterday. She finally bought the short but back. No one rocks a short cut like Toni.
I also bought the More Than A Woman Album. I don't think it was as good as her prior releases but it had some bops. This song is just fun. Wow, I just caught that Birdman is on this song. Hmm.
I just love the lyrics on Rock Me, Roll Me.
Selfish is another good one of the album. I'm just realizing how well her songs fit the concepts of her albums. Wow.
Last song off the More Than a Woman album. Another one where the lyrics just get me. I think this is also the album where you see Tamar's name as background in all the songs. I think she was on this one. I wish I kept the album insert.
And no moving on to the Secrets album. We are about to be here forever. I almost didn't include this one but I'm listening and's a must have on the playlist. It sounds so 90's. Love that
We love the 90's over here because first of all, this song was a bop. And the FINE men in the video. And all my favorite ladies from the 90's are in here too. Toni did get the finest one though....hehehe.
Oooh. I love Talking in His Sleep. Very unique sound. I just read in the comment Brand sang background in this song- and now I can't unhear it. It's the build up for me. And it sounds like something you would hear at a Speakeasy.
How Could An Angle Break My Heart is one I only listen to sometimes. I don't really start getting into the phone until I hear the saxophone. It's like a call and response to the sax. So beautiful. I'm playing the music video now and surprised at it...I guess I've never seen it? But how is that possible? I love it though...
Let it Flow is another one. I can only listen when I'm in the mood though. Usually if I let it play a little bit, I start right back loving it and don't change it- but if I change the song before it starts to play- I won't listen. I don't know why I'm like that with a lot of the songs from the Secrets album. This song is really full of wisdom the lyrics really touch me.. Also you can tell it's very much so penned by Babyface. He wrote a lot of her second album and you can always tell his songs from the other ones.
Beautiful and breathtaking song. Wow. That's all I have to say. I don't hear it often but every time I do it makes my ears happy. A sad song but still hauntingly beautiful
Next...another break up song for me. I remember back in the day I did some ugly crying to this one. I wasn't crying for him (he wasn't even worth one tear), I think more for me. It used to be I couldn't even listen to this one without going back to that time period. Now it's a little bittersweet for me. I still love the song though...we went through it together.
I don't think I've seen this music video either. I missed so many. Wild. This is yet another song I have to be in the mood for.
Next, I love Me Some Him. This song has more view than I expected. I just love the title of the song though. I'm always in the mood for this song.
Unbreak my Heart is THAT song. I remember watching a video about how she didn't even like this song. Ironically it's her biggest hit. The irony. My favorite one to sing along to...all off key and can't hit any of the notes but I try and have fun doing it. I always thought he up and left her for no reason- but in the video he died. Plot Twist. Is it just me or does this song go all Spanish Guitar on us? That' probably the one song I really dislike by her.
And now we are basically going to post all the songs off her debut album. I love seeing all the views on these old songs, I thought I was the only one in love with them. As alway another fine man guest starring in the video.
Seven Whole Days is also one of my faves. As they all seem to be. This one seems to be a little underrated.
More Saxophone goodness. Sometimes I reconsider if this needs to be on the playlist- the the saxophone saves it. And of course love the rhythm and how she sings this one
Spending my Time get's in the head and never gets out. I'm sure I'll be singing this over all the other songs for the next two weeks.
Love Shoulda Brought You Home- maybe my fave song on this album. Maybe. Idk. I love it though. Look at those scenes from Boomerang. I might need to watch that movie now.
I Belong to You is a Bop. It almost reminds me of a Mariah Carey song but not really. Maybe just the beginning. IDK. Oh and the shu-du-du- du's. I love this one though.
I really underestimate how many songs she released as singles and had video's for. most artist have 2/3 but she released so many more for her earlier albums. Not that I'm complaining. OMG, is that Shemar? Looking like a snack😂 They really look cute together.
You Mean The World is also my top fave. Along with these 50 million other songs posted here .If I ever had to rank the songs, I would be in trouble. I could not.
And that's it. I'm sure I'm missing some songs. I'm tempted to go ahead and listen to her catalogue again. Need to see what I missed, if I missed anything. I know there are some songs that I already posted in the Babyface post- and I don't want to double post. One of my favorite singers of all time, I have loved her music since I was four and still love it every bit as much as I did back then..maybe a million times more.
Finally- the last Beekman soap. Well, actually I have one more. But it's the pure one and I am only going to use it on my face so it doesn't count. I was excited for this lemon soap- especially with the weather. Lemon can be very refreshing.
Beekman claims:
This ultra-hydrating, foamy bar soap is infused with goat milk prebiotic to deeply cleanse and moisturize skin, and enriched with a fresh burst of Meyer lemon, lime, rosemary, and jasmine to leave skin brightly fragranced.
It's been a minute since I've had a lemon soap. But I have definitely tried more than my fair share. Jr Watkins has a lemon cream gel (not good), there was the long discontinued Sweet Lemon line from Body Shop that smelled pretty good but not strong enough. Then quite a few bar soaps- most not worth mentioning but my favorite being the Lemon Zest soap from Lush.
This is just going to do down as another forgettable lemon soap. Mostly because...where is the lemon? I only know it's lemon because they told me. Most of the time the scent barely registered for me. It didn't give what I always want from a lemon soap- sweet and zesty, punchy and supposed to smell just like fresh lemon. It can have other stuff there to round it out but should smell like lemon.
As for everything else- solid. It lather well, rinses clean, and isn't drying. And I don't think I've mentioned in the last few reviews for Beekman but I like the ingredients. Can't go wrong with a goat milk soap.
Overall, a very forgettable soap. And now I'll be taking at least a years break from Beekman. I've reviewed more than enough from the brand- found them overall forgettable and now I'm ready to shake it up. Next up, I have a Jo Malone soap I've been waiting to dig into .
It's 86 degrees in my apartment. This summer heat is basically setting records. I can't wait for it to be over. So many business closing early and even the pool is closed. In the meantime, I've still been struggling to cook anything. No one wants to stand over the stove or start the oven in this. I've made a few things here and there but mostly I'm considering living off cold sammiches til further notices. I did manage to make the two things I really wanted to make for the week though..so here we are.
Starting with Buffalo Ranch fries. I only allow myself to fry once a month...and this was my fried food for the month of June. Nothing beats homemade fries made from real potatoes. I haven't managed to make them crispy but they still are really good. I never really eat my fries with anything but ketchup. Rarely mayo. But I did used to work at Charlies in high school so I've definitely made 100's of Buffalo Ranch fries. This is a little different in that they have Blue Cheese. Supposed to be gorgonzola but I didn't feel like going to the further grocery store to buy it so I just used what they had. It wasn't bad. I wouldn't make them again- but I liked them. I should treat myself to homemade fries more often. Excuse the horrible pictures.
And next up- a Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Sammich. I made this today for breakfast. I used Turkey Bacon. Thought I would switch it up because I typically only buy beef bacon. It was good. I would definitely make it again. The lettuce I used was lettuce I grew in my garden box. Yay me!
And that's it. Lucky me, no soup recipes this week. But there is one coming up next week- I'm considering skipping it but I'll probably just suck it up and make it.
Another hot day in the continuing heat wave. I want to play my dancing games- but at this point it's just too hot. I can't wait until we get some cooler weather because this isn't it. Why can't summer just be 72 degrees, all day everyday. Only thing this weather is good for is writing a quick blog post or two. Meant to do this one yesterday actually but I was too busy catching up on House of the Dragon. I'm really hoping this season redeems the last because- it wasn't it. I did finally watch Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and really enjoying that which is probably the only reason I even ventured to start season three.
I bought this one clearance so I think I paid $20 for it. Not a bad price considering you get the cutest glass tray and two bar soaps all packaged in the nicest box. Maybe I paid a little more. I don't remember now and it's too hot to look it up.
Granado claims:
Flora MagnÃfica is a tribute to Brazilian biodiversity and celebrates the union between classic perfumery flowers and the bold notes of tropical leaves. Its fresh and green floral notes exudes a natural scent of rose petals, jasmine and magnolia, while woody notes and coconut flowers define the fragrance with smoothness and a feeling of comfort.
This is my last Granado soap in the stash and I think I might take a break from it for a little while to try and review some new brands. Even though I like the brand- it's time to shake it up. This whole year I have mainly been reviewing this and Beekman. I prefer this brand over that one for sure.
Anyway this is a floral scents. I don't think I'm big on floral scents in the shower unless they have an interesting twist to them. This more of a tropical floral. It's definitely unique- I can't think of a similar scented soap I have tried in the past. It's a very pleasant scent that is nice to experience once but I don't think I would be tempted to purchase it again.
Other than that, it's a quality soap. This scent is not too strong but makes it's presence known. It's scented down to the last little sliver. It lathers well. Cleans OK And it's not too drying.
Overall, it's a nice soap. Wouldn't repurchase but I am really interested in continuing to try more of the brand sometime in the future. I do have a second bar that I might give away or just end up using as a hand soap or something...not sure yet.
