Timex Social Club

 I had a few more songs by this group- but I just realized they were songs always skipped so we narrowed it down to keeping just one song- Rumors.

It's al little funky. Most  forgotten. But it's a banger.

Keeping this post short and sweet...so I can go and enjoy the rest of my Sunday. 

Bathorium Little Charlie Konjac Bathing Sponge

I ordered this not realizing it was meant for little kids. I just saw a bathing sponge and that it was made of konajc and into the cart it went. But now since I have it- may as well go ahead and use it...

Bathorium claims:

Hand-harvested and plant-based, the little charlie™ konjac sponge is crafted for delicate, sensitive skin. Made from 100% natural, biodegradable vegetable fibers, it provides a gentle daily cleanse that lifts impurities without stripping or irritation. Naturally antibacterial, it helps prevent the buildup of bacteria often found in traditional loofahs or synthetic sponges - making it a safer, cleaner choice for your little one’s skin.

Soft enough for newborns yet suitable for dry skin sensitivities like eczema-prone skin, this plastic-free, compostable sponge gently cleanses while offering a soothing, mindful bathing ritual.

Usually I stick with cotton washcloths. It's the eco friendly choice but once upon a time I was really into the plastic loofahs.

You know the ones:

I don't use those anymore because I try to eliminate using plastic where I can. So I haven't used one of those for years. These days there are so many alternatives- no need to use those. My go to will always be washcloths but the kojac sponges have me curious. I know they were trending a few years back. 

Mostly I see them for the face. So I saw this- didn't read the description and bought it. I don't know how they turn the plant into a bathing sponge- but I do love that it's plastic free and biodegradable. So it won't sit in a landfill forever more.

As a sponge it's pretty nice. Gets nice and sudsy- it can help stretch a bar of soap as you can use less to cover more. And it feels like bathing with a little cloud. The texture is so interesting. It is a little small- to be expected since it's for bathing babies/kids. But I can work with it. 

I like the really cute star shape. 

It's supposed to last 3-4 months. I'm not sure it will last that long, I've been using it almost a month and I can definitely tell it has some wear and tear. Nothing too bad. I can't see it lasting more than 2 months- but maybe.

Overall, I'm into it. Maybe I'll buy another one sometime down the line- it's not the most cost effective- at least compared to a washcloth. But if you already replace plastic loofah's this is definitely a more eco friendly alternative to those. 

I'm glad I branched out a little bit. 

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches and Ginger Beet Puree

 It's too soon for this type of post....butI'm ready to post it anyway so up it goes.

 I'll start with the beet puree because it's out of my comfort zone when cooking. Because what do you do with a puree? In the book they have served with some roasted Brussels sprouts but I feel like I have eaten more than my share of sprouts this year. So I just made some cabbage and lamb. It wasn't bad. I just still feel it's outside of what I am comfortable cooking. It wa good though...if you like beets and ginger you would like this. It reminds me of the beet juice my Mom seems to love making. I've also had more than my fair share of beet juice. Anyway...fun to try something new. I probably wouldn't make again because I'm just not that into purees. There is one more in the book that I am going to try and hopefully I don't have to make them anymore. 

Rice, beet puree with fried cabbage, and some lamb

And last up- BBQ chicken sandwiches. I didn't read the recipe so I kinda just did whatever. I thought they were supposed to be cooked in the crockpot so that's what I did. Then when it was done I shredded it up. I made a batch of burger buns to go with it- last couple of times I just bought the buns but I was in the mood to bake bread I guess. The buns were my fave part. I don't think I love these type of sandwiches but it wasn't bad. Just not something I would make again. It probably would be better if I made it like the recipe. I did make the coleslaw to go with and also made some quick frozen veggies. 

And that's all for this week...

Maison Louis Marie No. 5 Kandilli Candle Review

Almost out of candle season but not quite there yet. We have been having some breezy Spring days..not that I'm complaining. It's my favorite weather for sure. Anyway...while it's still ok to burn candle- figured I had better start burning through the lat of my candles.

Maison claims:

Kandilli is inspired by a village on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, where my mother first encountered the scent of tuberose at sixteen. This fragrance captures that sunlit memory with a lush tuberose accord layered over soft white lily. A base of warm amber and sandalwood brings depth and sensuality, grounding the florals in gentle radiance. Nostalgic, luminous, and softly tropical.

I just noticed they hiked the prices of these candles up...so I'm definitely only picking them up when they have a sale. Also on my last check out I realized they had a reward program so I was able to cash some of that out and save some extra money. Saving while spending is the way. 

I just realized I skipped ahead...I also have No.4 but I thought this was first for some reason.

This candle seems to be their powerhouse floral candle. Definitely on the stronger side and very floral. Not exactly unique- I feel like it's similar enough to some other floral candles I've tried, Mainly gardenia type candles like Harlem Candle Lady Day,  Kendra Scott Mother of Pearl or any other white floral candle type. etc. It' not the same as those have  gardenia (not the tuberose that's in this) - but similar enough that if you like those you would like this. 

It's one I think I like most on a sunny day with the windows open. 

It's on the stronger side. Maison candles tend to be on the lighter side. This one is not overly strong but I can smell it even as it sits unlit. 

It is a mostly soy candle. And burns cleanly as long as you keep the wick trimmed. Usually they burn pretty evenly but I haven't been making sure it burns to the edges like I usually do so it's on that it looks a bit wonky. I can fix it with some foil later on though.

I like the packaging- comes in a nice giftable box and the candle design itself is very classic with the brand printed on the candle itself which always feel higher quality than a sticker. 

Overall I have really been enjoying it. I don't know that it's one I would need to buy again because I seem to come across similar enough candles every couple of months...but might be something I keep in mind for gift giving. 

Johnson's Baby Lotion Review

 Time to do a quick review....I don't think I've reviewed any lotions in awhile...although my "collection" seems ever expanding. I guess mostly because I just used lotion these days as needed instead of greasing down everywhere every single day. 

Johnson's claims:

JOHNSON'S® Baby Lotion with coconut oil nourishes and protects your baby's skin from dryness. It is made with skin-nurturing glycerin that draws and locks in moisture and supports healthy skin development. Gently moisturizes baby's delicate skin.

Cleanse and nourish your baby's skin with JOHNSON'S® 2-Step Bath Routine: A combination of JOHNSON’S® Head-to-Toe Wash & Shampoo + JOHNSON'S® Baby Lotion that is proven to help maintain healthy skin. Healthy Skin = Happier Baby!

• 24h moisturization.

• Hypoallergenic and pH balanced.

• Pediatrician and dermatologist-tested.

• No parabens, phthalates, or dyes.

• Effective moisturization for the whole family.

I grew up using Baby Lotion long past my baby years. I think originally I used Baby Magic but at some point a switch was made. I am still kinda curious about Baby Magic and might end up picking up a bottle at some point when I finish all the lotions I have. 

I wonder how the brand is doing since the Baby Powder Talc lawsuit? Have people lost trust in the brand, did their sales decline? Would you trust it to use on a baby? 

Personally I don't think I would use it on a baby. Just looking at the ingredients- you can use something like Almond Oil or which is a lot simpler in ingredients and seems safer to me.

I basically picked this up for nostalgia. 

The baby line has been around since 1893 (I had no idea) and has all kinda of things marketed for babies- shampoo, wipes, baby washes etc. The lotion itself has been around since 1942.  I'm not sure what the original packaging was but I think the most recent packaging is a bit ugly... It was supposed to be recently updated and the most recent iteration uses more recycled plastic (good!) but I still think it looks ugly. Also I have been reading that they changed the formula with the newest packaging...I would hope not. But since I have the older bottle I can't comment on it.

It's gone through all kinds of packaging changes and also many different ads which I always love to see.

 

I love the scent of it. It just has the best scent and from what I can tell it hasn't changed at all. It's not strong and goes away shortly after applying it..but I do really like the scent as I'm applying.  I really hope they did not change it...

As for the moisture- if your skin is dry this doesn't work. I feel like it's best for normal skin that doesn't need too much in terms of moisture. My skin does feel soft after though...but using it in Winter or Dry conditions I can apply and then a few hours later my skin is dry again. I prefer this in warmer weather.

As for the lotion itself- it's very much a glycerin based lotion. Reminds me of the Aveeno I used not too long ago. I prefer oil based lotions though so this is not my favorite formula. I wish I could find a 1940 bottle because I would love to know what the original ingredients are. 

Ingredients:

Water, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance, Sodium Hydroxide

Overall...I still like it. I think it's the nostalgia factor for me though as opposed to it being a truly great moisturizer.

Irish Scones, Pease Pudding, Derby Savory Pudding, and Lobster Pizza

 I know..it's way too soon for a food post but I have a lot to post. I guess I' have been busy in the kitchen.

So here is what I have been making...starting with scones.  Irish scones. Scones are an original British or Irish. I have made scones before but only US style scones so I was excited to make a different version. These were pretty good....when I was baking them I was a little disappointed in how much they spread out but they tasted pretty good so I can't complain too much. I ended up just using raisins because that's what I have and where do you find dried currants anyway besides online? 

Served with tea..of course. I'm currently drinking Republic of Tea Lemon Biscuit tea. I don't love it...but it smells just like a lemon creme sandwich cookie.

 

It was nice to set aside time for tea. 

Then I made Pease Pudding and Derby Savory Pudding. It's not pudding but of course n the UK...everything is pudding. Basically the pease pudding it split pea soup. It was good, filling, cheap, and healthy. Made a good lunch to take to work. And the Derby Savory Pudding was a cross between stuffing and baked oatmeal. Not my thing but edible and filling. These were two recipes from the Unofficial Harry Potter book which I am about 65% done with. 

And last up- I made a Lobster Pizza. I made my usually flat bread recipe but I think it's time to retire the flat bread recipe as pizza crust. It works in a pinch but it doesn't make the BEST pizza crust. I need to stop being lazy and go back to making actual pizza crust. That said- the pizza was good. I pulled out some pesto I froze awhile ago as the sauce, cooked the lobster in the oven and then tossed in butter, parsley, and garlic. Add cheese and bake. Nice way to spoil yourself. This is definitely the most expensive pizza I have made to date--- but you gotta treat yourself sometimes. Or all the time.

And that's all! Now I'm am so sleepy..I'm going to pick a good movie and relax.