Archives for 2016

Entertaining: Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice

November 21, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Every fall since we were young, a family friend with a small apple orchard has served fresh apple cider mulling in her home whenever company came over. The delicious aroma has always been heavenly. As her guests file in, she greets them with a warm mug of her mulled cider with a cinnamon stick in it, and guests young and old gather around the fireplace hearth and sip the tasty brew. Nobody knows her secret recipe of spices; she just keeps the spices and cider at a low, rolling boil for a few hours, tending to it in between greeting and serving each of her guests. Nothing beats a warm drink with fall spices after being outside on a cold, crisp day. During this season, there are lots of opportunities for entertaining ranging from formal events; family get-togethers and even informal tailgating parties and football games. A common theme in all of this is welcoming guests with a delicious drink that everyone can enjoy.

A tasty and traditional drink of the season is either Mulled Wine and Mulled Cider. Mulled Wine, originally the drink offered by generous and well-to-do wealthy households in medieval times, it has seen various incarnations over time. A combination of favorite autumnal flavors such as Cinnamon and various spices taste especially good when simmered in apple cider, claret, port, or in a signature drink of your creation. Still a popular tradition today, in the hustle and bustle of entertaining, this charming drink sometimes get overlooked due to time constraints while cooking a large meal for many guests.

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE TEA BAGS: ALL THE TASTE WITH LITTLE WORK

To enjoy the taste of a simmered mulled drink without having to allocate excess prep time during a busy meal or gathering, consider a tasty Mulled Spice preparation to kick-start your simmered warm beverage options. These bags come eight to a box and are as easy to use as a tea bag. These bags quickly add the flavor and taste of what normally takes a hostess’ watchful eye to maintain a rolling boil on the spice steeped beverage to achieve a full bodied, evenly simmered, not too sweet mulled beverage. If you would like to enjoy being with your guests instead of babysitting the mulling process, the Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice Tea Bags is a great option for you.

TASTE

I was surprised at how much this tastes like the combination of spices used in my apple orchard friends’ cider recipe. A natural and healthy combination of Cinnamon chips, orange peel, cloves, allspice and pure orange oil both smell and taste delicious. It tastes homemade but is very simple to make. Unlike other commercial preparations, there is no added salt or sugar, and it is caffeine free. Add sweetener to taste.

Of course, if your family enjoys any special additions to your signature brew, you can always add in raisins, orange slices, sliced almonds, a pinch of ground ginger, cardamon, and if you prefer to go sugar-free, a vanilla pod for some sweetness. But just adding the bag directly to your brew of wine or cider imparts plenty of flavor.

And, as a side bonus, the mulled spices make the house smell delicious, warm and inviting to guests.

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

USES

Traditional known to be included in mulled wine or cider, the Mulling spices can be used apple juice or other fruit juice, red or white wine, and tea to make a delicious mulled drink. The OldeTraditionSpice.com website has a whole list of recipes to choose from (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) so that the kids and designated drivers can still join in on the fun. Recipes include Hot Toddy, Hot Buttered Rum, Hot Apple Toddy, Hot Buttered Scotch Toddy, Caramel Apple Smoothie, German Wassail, Eggnog, Holiday Apply Cranberry Punch, and Spiced CoffeeLate, amongst many others. I counted about seventeen non-alcoholic recipes so the whole family could enjoy.

It is also tasty as a straight drink when used just like a tea bag in hot water. Steeping a mulled spice bag in green tea is a great way to make the vegetal taste of green tea more appealing to kids without using lots of sugar. It also adds a nice taste to ginger ale and can be served cold. Any of these options make for a nice mulled drink for kids during the festivities.

The bag can also be cut open and the contents used as a seasoning in cooking or baking. As seen in the video, the spices are a good size and not the “dust” remainders of the respective ingredients.

Each bag can be used two to three times or can be used to steep a larger quantity of liquid.

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

ABOUT THE OLD TRADITION SPICE INC COMPANY

In reviewing their website for mulled spice recipes, there was something else interesting I liked about the makers of this product. Olde Tradition Spice, Inc., does community outreach by employing Americans with disabilities for their packing process for various products. The company also stands by using natural and wholesome ingredients to create a product that tastes homemade.

CONCLUSION: I like to be able to make a tasty mulled drink, alcoholic or not, quickly and easily, whether brewed for a large group of guests or just one cup for myself. The Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice Tea Bags smell and taste delicious and smells homemade. I like the option of being able to serve mulled wine to adults and have a similar tasting mulled cider or tea option for kids or those who choose to opt out of drinking. This mulling spice is a nice treat to have tucked away to entertain unexpected guests or to quickly make an inviting beverage during the cooler season.

Find Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice at http://OldeTradtionSpice.com. And stay tuned to Style Chicks, as we will be featuring our favorite recipes made with Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice in the next few weeks, ranging from Mulled Wine to amazing Spiced Green Tea recipes!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcmQtqXxSRM[/embedyt]

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Devyn Marie Professional Contour Sculpting Makeup Brush

November 20, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Perfectly-contoured faces abound on Social Media. Many tutorials demonstrate where to place contour and highlight, but there is less attention on what kind tools to use to apply the makeup and how to blend it for a natural, believable finish.

A CONTOURING Brush FOR REAL PEOPLE

These extreme contouring video tutorials don’t necessarily translate to real life, where contour and highlight need to look believable and natural. Proper contouring can reshape a face, make it appear lifted and youthful, and give the visual appearance of being ten pounds thinner. Bad contouring looks at best like a weird smudge of dirt or a demarcation line of unfinished makeup, and at worse, it looks like a streaky, muddy, fake tan orange, possibly aged looking clown face.

Personally, I find many contour application and blending brushes to be lacking when it comes to precise placement of the contour and the ability to blend well enough to look natural, but not so blended that the defined, chiseled line is overly buffed out. So I was pleased to learn about the Devyn Marie Professional Contour Sculpting Makeup Brush. This brush has several excellent features that make precise, natural looking contouring simple and quick.

Devyn Marie Professional Contour Sculpting Makeup Brush

WHAT THE DEVYN MARIE CONTOUR SCULPTING MAKEUP BRUSH DOES

The brush is for contouring the cheekbone, but I also found it useful for contouring a defined jawline. I frequently make the mistake of applying contour powder or cream to my jawline and not blend it well enough. But the Devyn Marie brush applies just enough product to give a nice, defined tight jawline look without looking fake or overly made up and cakey. Then it blends it smoothly, so there is no tell-tale demarcation or weird orange tinge to my skin. In addition to cheekbones and jawline, it is also useful for applying a soft dusting of contouring and highlighting powder, bronzer, or shimmer to face, decolletage, and body. It can also handle cream, blush or bronzer consistencies in addition to powder contour and highlighter.

CONTOUR SCULPTING BRUSH FEATURES

Larger than the brush heads of many contour brushes, the brush dimensions are 4 x 1 x 2.2 inches. It is easy to use and grip and fits into a bag easier than a long handle brush. The bristles have a unique shape conducive to precision contour application.

HANDLE

The brush has an Ergonomic grip handle that is very easy to wield and to maneuver the brush, especially in sweeping, curved motions. There is good control of the brush and where the bristles are touching the skin due to the larger grip. The handles suitable for use in both hands, so even applying contour on your non-dominant side is much easier a task. The short handle makes it a portable tool for touchups.

BRISTLES

The densely packed bristles are firmly bundled and give a high color payoff and even powder distribution. There were also no loose bristles, even during use or after washing the brush. The bristles are soft but firm enough to deliver product exactly where you want it. So far, I have not had any shedding of bristles at all.

OF NOTE: The handle and bristles are made of animal-friendly, cruelty-free, synthetic brushes.

UNUSUAL CONTOURING SHAPE

Different from many contouring brushes you may have seen before, the Devyn Marie Contour Brush has a unique shape that fits snuggly underneath the cheekbone, just the right spot for applying contour in the hollow of the cheek. Many competitor brushes have a slanted or curved head; these do not provide a wide enough chiseled bristle surface to easy create a cheekbone contour like the Devyn Marie Contour brush does.

BRUSH CASE

I once had a $200+ high-end cheek brush that made my cheekbones look exceptionally sculpted, but the bristles soon became misshapen even though I stored it within its’ cardboard box. The Devyn Marie Contour Brush has a clear hard plastic case that surrounds the brush and snaps closed tightly and securely to keep the bristles from getting crushed or bent. A case that snaps shut and protects the brush and keeps it standing upright, even after washing – is something that I wish all makeup brushes had. I like that I can carry it in my bag for travel and touchups and without worrying about damaging the bristles. A trick I like to do is to load the brush with some powder, shake off the excess, and pack the brush in the case in my bag, for when I need a quick touch up on the go.

HOW TO USE THE DEVYN MARIE PROFESSIONAL CONTOUR SCULPTING MAKEUP BRUSH

NOSE CONTOUR

Starting from the beginning of the brow and moving towards the tip of your nose try running it alongside your nose with bronzer on both sides.

CHEEK CONTOUR

Lay the brush in the hollow of the cheek (again starting from the back moving towards the center).

JAWLINE CONTOUR

Apply contour powder with the shorter pointed portion of the brush, blend the contour with the inverted valley portion of the blush.

RESULTS

This is a very versatile brush that applies contour precisely and blends creams and powders very well without streaking! No bristles shed while using it. I like how closely the brush hugs the cheekbone to get just underneath the bone into the hollow of the cheek; it creates a much more natural contoured look that lifts the face and looks much better than what I can achieve with a traditional flat head or slanted brush. My cheekbones look sculpted without appearing unnatural.

CONCLUSION

A useful contouring tool that is a cut above other contouring brushes due to its’ innovative cheek hugging design, its’ shed-free bristles, and ingenious snap closed case to keep the brush head shape safely intact even while in transit.

Where to Buy It

Find this fantastic brush at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KN1VXGA

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYXy_BydvRg[/embedyt]

ABOUT THIS POST

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

November 17, 2016 · Leave a Comment

My skin is sensitive, so I invariably get at least some skin irritation when shaving. While part of this irritation is due to the hair removal process itself, some of it is also a reaction to the shaving lotion I have used. It’s hard to find a shaving lotion that enables a close shave and is also made of natural ingredients yet still leaves skin soft and hydrated.

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion is a cut above traditional shaving lotions and creams. It is a highly hydrating and deeply nourishing cream that creates a full, rich lather that provides a smooth shaving surface. It is made with Aloe Vera to help pre-empt and treat any skin irritation such as razor burn.

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

ANDAVI ALL NATURAL SHAVING LOTION FIRST IMPRESSIONS
There is a lubricated feel that does not leave a sticky or gummy residue, yet it produces a creamy, rich lather with a smooth, feel that does not have a sticky pull or drag when the razor is used. The smell is a fresh, pleasant scent, suitable for men or women to use. No one ingredient is particularly overwhelming in scent; the Aloe Vera is notable.

USE
I applied the lotion generously, the amount in my hand as seen in the photo is what I applied to one leg while shaving. It lathered well and made for a smooth surface. I did not cut my legs while shaving, even though I used a duller razor than normal. I also tried shaving with a straight razor, which often gives me razor burn, but I did not experience that with the lotion. It does not sting even on preexisting scrapes or cuts. It rinses off cleanly after use without soap and does not leave a residue or any lingering after scent. I did not experience any razor burn, redness or little bumps even over already existing skin irritations from the previous time I shaved with a competitor brand lotion.

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS
Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion is an all-natural shaving lotion that combines Aloe Vera with several moisturizing, nourishing, hydrating natural ingredients to provide a close moisturizing shave. Andavi skincare moisturizer and shaving lotion are pH-balanced to match the pH level of healthy skin.

BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA
Many of us are familiar with having an Aloe Vera plant in the kitchen to treat minor skin cuts, abrasions, and burns. It provides a protective barrier while shaving that washes off cleanly. Aloe Vera is highly moisturizing and nourishing to the skin, it has much of the nutrients needed for skin to be properly “fed.” But not all products that list Aloe Vera as an ingredient contain the actual beneficial part of the Aloe Vera plant. While many products contain some portion of an Aloe Vera plant, it can be adulterated or misbranded, leading consumers to buy products that meet a legal definition of Aloe but do not contain beneficial Aloe.

So how do you know if you are getting the right kind of Aloe Vera in your skin care product? The International Aloe Science Council is an organization that certifies quality, freshness and hygienic practices use of the Aloe Vera used within products. The IASC has strict standards for product testing, production facilities, and the actual product which contribute to the classification of the concentrations of Aloe Vera within their products. They require purity, freshness, quantity and hygienic practices. All Andavi skincare products contain Aloe Vera concentrations above the requirements for certification by the International Aloe Science Council.

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

Other ingredients include moisturizing, hydrating, nourishing ingredients, ingredients to protect and heal and ingredients to make for a better shaving experience. These are:

Evening Primrose Extract is used for skin issues like acne, wrinkles, and eczema. Full of Omega-6 fatty acids, it keeps hair and skin healthy.
Meadowfoam Seed Oil is a very stable oil that lubricates and can stay on the skin without leaving a residue after it is rinsed off.
Green Tea Leaf Extract is an antioxidant that soothes skin and reduces inflammation.
Honey antibacterial and moisturizing.
Jojoba Seed Oil is a stable carrier oil that treats sores and wounds. A non-greasy, non-comedogenic oil that is similar to human sebum in structure, it is often seen in skincare to soothe and smooth skin.
Coconut Oil is the go-to beauty ingredient of late, and for a good reason. It soothes the skin, provides an emollient base for other ingredients and is nourishing. It also helps reduce inflammation.
Argan Nut Oil is another beauty favorite that deeply hydrates scaly skin, is an anti-oxidant and has fatty acids that are like a superfood for skin.
Arrowroot Powder is a skin softener that heals burns and abrasions. It also works to thicken the consistency of a product.
Comfrey Leaf Extract speeds wound healing.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is used to treat minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation.
Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Cinnamon Extract and Peppermint Oil have Antiseptic and Healing properties.

Andavi Skincare Shaving Lotion does NOT include detergents, soaps, alcohols, parabens, phthalates, synthetic chemicals, coloring additives, fragrance or preservatives.

This combination of ingredients helps make shaving easier, reduces any irritation, cuts or abrasions, and leaves skin soft and smooth.

CONCLUSION: Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion is an all-natural lotion with a high quantity of quality Aloe Vera and a host of other skin soothing, nourishing, softening, and healing ingredients that make for a rich lather, lubricated surface, close shave. It smells good and washes off easily. I did not experience any bumps redness, scrapes, or razor burn, even when shaving with a straight razor. My legs were left soft. Suitable for men or women, skin is razor burn free and left in better condition than before shaving. Recommended!

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGB4xwCyC50[/embedyt]

Skincare: Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

November 17, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

Other ingredients include moisturizing, hydrating, nourishing ingredients, ingredients to protect and heal and ingredients to make for a better shaving experience. These are:

Evening Primrose Extract is used for skin issues like acne, wrinkles, and eczema. Full of Omega-6 fatty acids, it keeps hair and skin healthy.
Meadowfoam Seed Oil is a very stable oil that lubricates and can stay on the skin without leaving a residue after it is rinsed off.
Green Tea Leaf Extract is an antioxidant that soothes skin and reduces inflammation.
Honey antibacterial and moisturizing.
Jojoba Seed Oil is a stable carrier oil that treats sores and wounds. A non-greasy, non-comedogenic oil that is similar to human sebum in structure, it is often seen in skincare to soothe and smooth skin.
Coconut Oil is the go-to beauty ingredient of late, and for a good reason. It soothes the skin, provides an emollient base for other ingredients and is nourishing. It also helps reduce inflammation.
Argan Nut Oil is another beauty favorite that deeply hydrates scaly skin, is an anti-oxidant and has fatty acids that are like a superfood for skin.
Arrowroot Powder is a skin softener that heals burns and abrasions. It also works to thicken the consistency of a product.
Comfrey Leaf Extract speeds wound healing.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is used to treat minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation.
Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Cinnamon Extract and Peppermint Oil have Antiseptic and Healing properties.

Andavi Skincare Shaving Lotion does NOT include detergents, soaps, alcohols, parabens, phthalates, synthetic chemicals, coloring additives, fragrance or preservatives. This means that in addition to meeting the International Aloe Science Council standards, Andavi Skincare products comply with Whole Food Market â€œPremium Body Careâ€ Standards and â€œWhole Bodyâ€ Standards. These standards dictate that a product does not have any ingredients deemed unacceptable as per World Food Market requirements.

This combination of ingredients helps make shaving easier, reduces any irritation, cuts or abrasions, and leaves skin soft and smooth.

Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion

Find at Andavi All Natural Shaving Lotion http://www.AndaviSkincare.com

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGB4xwCyC50[/embedyt]