Review of the August 2012 Eco Emi box!
All products listed below are linked on their site.
Better Life: Cool Calm & Collected Citrus Mint Lotion - The citrus smell is a little weird to me. The lotion itself is quite nice, not super amazing, but does the job.
Botanical Interests: Lettuce Special Medley Organic Seeds - It's not really planting season and I don't have room to grow indoors. But the mix in this packet sounds interesting - Lolla Rossa & Oak Leaf lettuce, bibb lettuce, arugula, mizuna and bok choi. The seeds are for the 2012 season, but I'll try these for spring 2013 and see if they're still OK!
Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques: Orchard Body Glitter - Sparkly! Very nice powder, goes on smooth. I don't wear glitter often, so this sample will last me a long time!
Auromere: Ayurvedic Himalayan Rose Soap - This bar smells amazing, robust earthy rose. A bit harsh; it strips away grease and dead skin but doesn't moisturize enough, so my skin is rubbery afterwards. I think it's good for oily areas, but not something I would use all over.
Naiad Soaps: French Vanilla Lip Balm - Super cute lip balm tin. Lovely product, not too greasy and smells like bakery vanilla.
Moody Sisters: Hydrating Sugar Scrub - Has a nice minty scent and scrubs gently. I think it's too oily for me, but would be great for dry skin!
Aura Cacia: Organic Milk & Oat Bath with Chamomile - It hasn't been cold enough for a soak, but this looks promising. It's more like a cream, instead of the bath salts I normally use, so I'm looking forward to trying this out, once winter rolls around.
Artisana: Organic Raw Pecan Butter - Not my thing. Has an unpleasant gritty mushy texture and tastes like cardboard.
Rainbow Research Corporation: French Green Clay Facial Mask Powder - Very generous sample! I did the basic mixture with water and there was more than enough to slather all over my face. It smelled odd, musty and dirty. As it dried, it tightened and cracked, to the point where it was painful, like the mask was pinching me. After rinsing, my skin was very dry and peeling. I guess I need to add some oil into the mixture, otherwise this mask completely strips moisture away. It definitely lifts dirt and grease and I could feel my pores open and cleansed. But without lotion or added oils, it's quite harsh on the skin.
Frontier Natural Products: Herbs Sampler - A lovely selection of dried herbs! Lavender, Rosemary, Mint & Lemongrass. These were very high quality and I enjoyed using them for tea and cooking.
October 29, 2012
October 23, 2012
CakeStyle Box #3
* 5 tops * 3 bottoms * 1 dress * 1 jacket * 3 sweaters
If I had the budget, I would have kept almost everything in this box! The pieces were well coordinated, like they were all part of a singular collection.
Citizens of Humanity Jeans: Nice jeans, just too expensive for my taste.
Catherine Malandrino Wool Pants: Love these pants! So comfy and the dark green is great for autumn. I ended up buying it.
Trina Turk Noir Skirt: The perfect work skirt. Not too short, not too tight, easy to walk in, professional yet stylish. I kept this as well!
Shoshanna Genna Cardigan: I already have a black cardigan staple, so while this was a nice piece, it wasn't something I needed.
Elie Tahari Gabby Cardigan: I'm such a sucker for Elie Tahari. This cardigan was a lovely cobalt plum color, super soft and a keeper.
Trina Turk Rebecca Shell Top: Pretty grey pattern with purple/red flowers. Long length and nice frame. I really liked this top, but just didn't have room in my budget for it.
Trina Turk Multicolor Shell Top: Another stylish Trina Turk top. Really interesting banded print, definitely something my closet currently lacks. This was a keeper and paired well with the skirt.
Plenty by Tracy Reese Peasant Top: Awesome flowing top with a lovely fall leaf pattern. Loosely structured but also elegant. I kept this one and it works well with the dark green wool pants.
Plenty by Tracy Reese Scallop Jacquard Dress: This dress fit like a glove. The cut and size were perfect, but the print was totally weird on me. It made me look like I had black & white fish scales. I wish the pattern was different; if not for that, I would have bought the dress!
Trina Turk Miss V Sweater: Super cozy, soft lightweight grey sweater. I have plenty of v-neck sweaters and this design wasn't unique enough to justify purchasing.
Tees by Tina Camisole: I liked the fabric and construction of this cami, but it was waaay too long. The hem hit mid-thigh, making it difficult to properly tuck in under shirts.
Olive & Oak Contrast Back Shirt: Nice shirt, but I have better white blouses.
If I had the budget, I would have kept almost everything in this box! The pieces were well coordinated, like they were all part of a singular collection.
Citizens of Humanity Jeans: Nice jeans, just too expensive for my taste.
Catherine Malandrino Wool Pants: Love these pants! So comfy and the dark green is great for autumn. I ended up buying it.
Trina Turk Noir Skirt: The perfect work skirt. Not too short, not too tight, easy to walk in, professional yet stylish. I kept this as well!
Shoshanna Genna Cardigan: I already have a black cardigan staple, so while this was a nice piece, it wasn't something I needed.
Elie Tahari Gabby Cardigan: I'm such a sucker for Elie Tahari. This cardigan was a lovely cobalt plum color, super soft and a keeper.
Trina Turk Rebecca Shell Top: Pretty grey pattern with purple/red flowers. Long length and nice frame. I really liked this top, but just didn't have room in my budget for it.
|
Plenty by Tracy Reese Peasant Top: Awesome flowing top with a lovely fall leaf pattern. Loosely structured but also elegant. I kept this one and it works well with the dark green wool pants.
Plenty by Tracy Reese Scallop Jacquard Dress: This dress fit like a glove. The cut and size were perfect, but the print was totally weird on me. It made me look like I had black & white fish scales. I wish the pattern was different; if not for that, I would have bought the dress!
Trina Turk Miss V Sweater: Super cozy, soft lightweight grey sweater. I have plenty of v-neck sweaters and this design wasn't unique enough to justify purchasing.
Tees by Tina Camisole: I liked the fabric and construction of this cami, but it was waaay too long. The hem hit mid-thigh, making it difficult to properly tuck in under shirts.
Olive & Oak Contrast Back Shirt: Nice shirt, but I have better white blouses.
|
Nanette Lepore Squire Jacket: Absolutely beautiful dark green wool coat. So comfortable and warm and cute! Man, I wish this was within my budget, because I loved it! These boxes keep getting better! My stylist is making great choices and focusing on things that would appeal to me. She is especially good with fit and sizing, something I really appreciate because I'm so short and it's always a hassle finding clothes in my size. I was surprised that there were so many pieces from the same designer (Trina Turk) but since her style seems to suit me well, in the end, I don't mind. I kept quite a few pieces from this shipment and hope to get my next box in time for the winter season! |
October 15, 2012
NYCC 2012!!!
This weekend was NY Comic Con! As usual, we had an awesome time and managed to get our costumes finished too!
We went as Alana & Marko from Saga, which made its debut this year. I was pleasantly surprised by how many people recognized the characters and stopped us for photos!
There was a panel about science fiction comics and both Brian K. Vaughan (writer) and Fiona Staples (artist) were there. We had met Fiona Staples in Artist Alley earlier that day and were hoping to get Brian's signature later. But during Q&A at the panel, the mod actually spotted us and we got to meet Brian and get a photo with him!
The folks from Oddities also had a panel. It was refreshing to see they are exactly as depicted on the show - their personalities on camera and in person are genuine. They had some cool artifacts, including a two-headed, six-legged calf!
And of course, some art highlights:
Ken Knudtsen, Mr. Freeze:
Francis Manapul, The Flash:
Stephanie Han, Phoenix:
Amy Reeder, Batwoman double page spread (won at the charity auction, which raised more than $26K for St. Judes Children Hospital!):
And I can't forget this awesome Aliens setup. You could actually get into the cargo suit, but the line was way too long for us. After the Con, they had a twitter giveaway for the entire prop!
It was another great Con. Every year, NYCC improves. The crowds are reaching a tipping point, though. This Sunday was the most crowded it's ever been on the last day and the popularity seems to increase each year. Hopefully we'll score tickets again next year and have another blast!
We went as Alana & Marko from Saga, which made its debut this year. I was pleasantly surprised by how many people recognized the characters and stopped us for photos!
There was a panel about science fiction comics and both Brian K. Vaughan (writer) and Fiona Staples (artist) were there. We had met Fiona Staples in Artist Alley earlier that day and were hoping to get Brian's signature later. But during Q&A at the panel, the mod actually spotted us and we got to meet Brian and get a photo with him!
The folks from Oddities also had a panel. It was refreshing to see they are exactly as depicted on the show - their personalities on camera and in person are genuine. They had some cool artifacts, including a two-headed, six-legged calf!
And of course, some art highlights:
Ken Knudtsen, Mr. Freeze:
Francis Manapul, The Flash:
Stephanie Han, Phoenix:
Amy Reeder, Batwoman double page spread (won at the charity auction, which raised more than $26K for St. Judes Children Hospital!):
And I can't forget this awesome Aliens setup. You could actually get into the cargo suit, but the line was way too long for us. After the Con, they had a twitter giveaway for the entire prop!
It was another great Con. Every year, NYCC improves. The crowds are reaching a tipping point, though. This Sunday was the most crowded it's ever been on the last day and the popularity seems to increase each year. Hopefully we'll score tickets again next year and have another blast!
September 8, 2012
Flavored Ice Cubes
One of my favorite things...
I add these puppies to tea and lemonade. They're also great smashed into a little frozen ice dessert.
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- pinch of salt
- and the secret ingredient...1 tablespoon of vodka
I add these puppies to tea and lemonade. They're also great smashed into a little frozen ice dessert.
September 4, 2012
Craftiness!
NY Comic Con plans are coming along. The husband is going in costume as well, so we have both been attempting to make stuff. It's pretty ambitious for two barely crafty folks!
My checklist runs bottom to top:
Shoes are done. Belt is done. Skirt & tank are ready, but may be replaced by a shipment I'm waiting on. Final assessment to come.
The tunic is almost there. I spent most of yesterday sewing the shoulders and collar. I learned that I do not have seamstress inclinations. But it should suffice. Button and closure go on tonight. Then I'm waiting for edging to arrive, to finish the rest.
Hair is all set. That should be interesting, a mixture of food coloring & conditioner.
I'm missing some props, though. A sling/wrap thingie which requires some puzzling out. Holster and toy gun, both of which will need to be heavily altered.
About a month to go. We'll see if this comes together in time!
My checklist runs bottom to top:
Shoes are done. Belt is done. Skirt & tank are ready, but may be replaced by a shipment I'm waiting on. Final assessment to come.
The tunic is almost there. I spent most of yesterday sewing the shoulders and collar. I learned that I do not have seamstress inclinations. But it should suffice. Button and closure go on tonight. Then I'm waiting for edging to arrive, to finish the rest.
Hair is all set. That should be interesting, a mixture of food coloring & conditioner.
I'm missing some props, though. A sling/wrap thingie which requires some puzzling out. Holster and toy gun, both of which will need to be heavily altered.
About a month to go. We'll see if this comes together in time!
August 31, 2012
StitchFix #3
Third shipment from StitchFix and their last chance to impress me...
* Topin - dolman button back sweater: Basically a large oatmeal colored smock. The fabric felt cheap and the fit was terrible, like wearing an old sheet. I did not like this.
* Camilla Tree - pleated skirt: Beautiful green skirt with lovely swishing pleats. But there was a flaw in how the fabric lined up with the zipper seam, making an odd shaped bulge beneath my hips. This totally destroyed the silhouette of the skirt. If it weren't for that, I would have kept this.
* Sanctuary - Alpes cotton henley sweater: The waffle texture on this henley made it look like underwear. It was also quite tight, not something that felt comfortable on me.
* MM Couture - sleeveless crossover blouse: I loved the pattern on this blouse and the style was nice. But the crossover portion was way too big for my chest and puffed out like a pelican pouch. Another bad fit.
* GGO: Roche Cowl Neck Jersey Dress: Nice dark blue knee-length dress made with sustainable bamboo in a comfortable jersey knit. It was warm and fit well, except for the cowl. Instead of making a nice sweep along my neckline and chest, it kept bending in half, flopping over instead of draping. I didn't like how this looked, so I didn't keep the dress.
Well, three strikes for StitchFix. I have cancelled my account with them and look forward to the more personalized, better curated efforts of CakeStyle.
* Topin - dolman button back sweater: Basically a large oatmeal colored smock. The fabric felt cheap and the fit was terrible, like wearing an old sheet. I did not like this.
* Camilla Tree - pleated skirt: Beautiful green skirt with lovely swishing pleats. But there was a flaw in how the fabric lined up with the zipper seam, making an odd shaped bulge beneath my hips. This totally destroyed the silhouette of the skirt. If it weren't for that, I would have kept this.
* Sanctuary - Alpes cotton henley sweater: The waffle texture on this henley made it look like underwear. It was also quite tight, not something that felt comfortable on me.
* MM Couture - sleeveless crossover blouse: I loved the pattern on this blouse and the style was nice. But the crossover portion was way too big for my chest and puffed out like a pelican pouch. Another bad fit.
* GGO: Roche Cowl Neck Jersey Dress: Nice dark blue knee-length dress made with sustainable bamboo in a comfortable jersey knit. It was warm and fit well, except for the cowl. Instead of making a nice sweep along my neckline and chest, it kept bending in half, flopping over instead of draping. I didn't like how this looked, so I didn't keep the dress.
Well, three strikes for StitchFix. I have cancelled my account with them and look forward to the more personalized, better curated efforts of CakeStyle.
August 26, 2012
July 2012 Eco-Emi Box
Review of the July 2012 Eco Emi box!
All products listed below are linked on their site.
Hugo Naturals: Lavendar Essential Mist - Soft and faint. There's no alcohol, so no sting or warp of scent. Lovely lavendar & herb mixture, fades very quickly. Nice for a brief refresher, but not a long term room or body spray.
Yogi Tea: Soothing Caramel Bedtime - Not as sweet as expected! Pleasant and aromatic. Not exactly a dessert tea, but definitely something to relax with.
Yogi Tea: Raspberry Passion Perfect Energy - A little weak for me; I would like the black tea flavor to be more pronounced. Overall it has a slightly tart taste.
Crystal Essence: Pomegranate Deoderant Towelettes - Smells nice, crisp & bright. But this isn't strong enough for my BO, even when using one entire towelette per pit.
DeVine: Lip Shimmer in Merlot - Nothing too extrodinary about this. Nice product in a pretty shade, but it doesn't stand out in anyway.
Biggs & Featherbelle: Tequila Bar Soap - Bright salty lime smell! Soap has texture like aged cheese, dense, with little air bubble pockmarks. Not much lather but left my skin clean, smooth & soft. A very nice product that even works well on my face!
i-Chill: Relaxation Drink Shot - I don't normally have problems falling asleep and I'm pretty relaxed most of the time, so I didn't try this yet. I'm going to keep it around for my next long flight, to see if it helps with jetlag.
Madhava: Agave Light Sweetener & Blonde Coconut Sugar - I don't use sugar or sweetners, except for baking. So I haven't used these packets. I'll keep them around, but it'll probably be a while before I can really try them out.
Natural Vitality: Calm plus Calcium, Organic Raspberry Lemon Flavor - All these vitamin & nutrient samples are getting annoying. I don't use supplements unless directed by a doctor. I just wasn't interested in trying this.
Seaweed Bath Company: Body Cream in Lavendar - The smell is supposed to be lavendar and I can detect a hint of that, but it's mainly a weird mossy moldy scent. It's like the lavendar is trying to cover old brine but doesn't quite do the trick. The overall result is really off-putting. This is a shame, because I love the cream itself. It's wonderfully thick but non-greasy, silky smooth without any oily residue. Good for my skin, but bad for my nose.
ThinkThin: Chocolate Dipped Mixed Nuts Crunch Bar - Yum! Nutty flavor, not too sweet, just a tad sticky, with a satisfying crunch. I would definitely buy more of these! Unfortunately, the coupon code which came with the sample didn't work on their website.
Hugo Naturals: Lavendar Essential Mist - Soft and faint. There's no alcohol, so no sting or warp of scent. Lovely lavendar & herb mixture, fades very quickly. Nice for a brief refresher, but not a long term room or body spray.
Yogi Tea: Soothing Caramel Bedtime - Not as sweet as expected! Pleasant and aromatic. Not exactly a dessert tea, but definitely something to relax with.
Yogi Tea: Raspberry Passion Perfect Energy - A little weak for me; I would like the black tea flavor to be more pronounced. Overall it has a slightly tart taste.
Crystal Essence: Pomegranate Deoderant Towelettes - Smells nice, crisp & bright. But this isn't strong enough for my BO, even when using one entire towelette per pit.
DeVine: Lip Shimmer in Merlot - Nothing too extrodinary about this. Nice product in a pretty shade, but it doesn't stand out in anyway.
Biggs & Featherbelle: Tequila Bar Soap - Bright salty lime smell! Soap has texture like aged cheese, dense, with little air bubble pockmarks. Not much lather but left my skin clean, smooth & soft. A very nice product that even works well on my face!
i-Chill: Relaxation Drink Shot - I don't normally have problems falling asleep and I'm pretty relaxed most of the time, so I didn't try this yet. I'm going to keep it around for my next long flight, to see if it helps with jetlag.
Madhava: Agave Light Sweetener & Blonde Coconut Sugar - I don't use sugar or sweetners, except for baking. So I haven't used these packets. I'll keep them around, but it'll probably be a while before I can really try them out.
Natural Vitality: Calm plus Calcium, Organic Raspberry Lemon Flavor - All these vitamin & nutrient samples are getting annoying. I don't use supplements unless directed by a doctor. I just wasn't interested in trying this.
Seaweed Bath Company: Body Cream in Lavendar - The smell is supposed to be lavendar and I can detect a hint of that, but it's mainly a weird mossy moldy scent. It's like the lavendar is trying to cover old brine but doesn't quite do the trick. The overall result is really off-putting. This is a shame, because I love the cream itself. It's wonderfully thick but non-greasy, silky smooth without any oily residue. Good for my skin, but bad for my nose.
ThinkThin: Chocolate Dipped Mixed Nuts Crunch Bar - Yum! Nutty flavor, not too sweet, just a tad sticky, with a satisfying crunch. I would definitely buy more of these! Unfortunately, the coupon code which came with the sample didn't work on their website.
August 25, 2012
Plans Are Afoot
Two years ago, I attended NY Comic Con as Liandra from Fallen Angel. It was super fun and I didn't go last year in costume, so the itch is needing to be scratched. It's a little late to be starting a costume (this year's NYCC is Oct 11th!) and the one I have planned is pretty complicated.
Last night I made some prototypes and so far so good. I'm not sure I can pull this off, but we'll see!
Last night I made some prototypes and so far so good. I'm not sure I can pull this off, but we'll see!
August 21, 2012
StitchFix #2
I gave StitchFix another chance and unfortunately they didn't hit home with this 2nd shipment.
* Jaloux - "Hilary" midi skirt: Beautiful bright cobalt blue pleated skirt. I would have kept this, except it was too small.
* Mysterium - pearl stud earrings: Even though I mentioned in my online profile that my ears are not pierced, they sent these anyway. Sigh.
* ZOA - tab sleeve henley tunic: I know this is an oversized style, but it just did not work on me. The loose fabric billowed at odd places, making me look unkept and shoddy.
* Trinity - 3/4 sleeve silk top: Another loose, flowy blouse that didn't work on me. It felt like I was wearing a poncho.
* Max & Cleo - cap sleeve sheath dress: Nice classic cocktail dress with pretty pleats on the skirt. But it was too small; I couldn't fit my shoulders into the top and it would not zip all the way up.
Aside from the huge mistake of sending earrings, the styles were more to my liking this time. But there were definite problems with the sizing. I would have kept the skirt & dress, if they had fit correctly. It seems they are moving in the right direction, so I'm giving them one more chance.
* Jaloux - "Hilary" midi skirt: Beautiful bright cobalt blue pleated skirt. I would have kept this, except it was too small.
* Mysterium - pearl stud earrings: Even though I mentioned in my online profile that my ears are not pierced, they sent these anyway. Sigh.
* ZOA - tab sleeve henley tunic: I know this is an oversized style, but it just did not work on me. The loose fabric billowed at odd places, making me look unkept and shoddy.
* Trinity - 3/4 sleeve silk top: Another loose, flowy blouse that didn't work on me. It felt like I was wearing a poncho.
* Max & Cleo - cap sleeve sheath dress: Nice classic cocktail dress with pretty pleats on the skirt. But it was too small; I couldn't fit my shoulders into the top and it would not zip all the way up.
Aside from the huge mistake of sending earrings, the styles were more to my liking this time. But there were definite problems with the sizing. I would have kept the skirt & dress, if they had fit correctly. It seems they are moving in the right direction, so I'm giving them one more chance.
August 20, 2012
Awesome Cookbook
This weekend we picked up this beast, compiled by the fine folks at America's Test Kitchen.
I really dig this cookbook. It concentrates on practical cooking and has full color illustrations of various techniques. I love how it offers basic recipes, then suggests variations. For example, there is a simple muffin recipe. This is followed by a list of neat options, like orange cranberry, lemon poppyseed, etc.
Another example: a basic pork chop saute, followed by a list of various pan sauces that work well with pork. We tried this last night with great success, making a delicious sage butter sauce.
Flipping through this cookbook is quite inspiring. Everything is laid out neatly, all the recipes focus on simple easy steps, with explanations for ingredients and test results from their kitchen. There are lots of unique ideas and handy tricks. By far the best cookbook I've ever encountered. We're looking forward to using lots of these recipes!
I really dig this cookbook. It concentrates on practical cooking and has full color illustrations of various techniques. I love how it offers basic recipes, then suggests variations. For example, there is a simple muffin recipe. This is followed by a list of neat options, like orange cranberry, lemon poppyseed, etc.
Another example: a basic pork chop saute, followed by a list of various pan sauces that work well with pork. We tried this last night with great success, making a delicious sage butter sauce.
Flipping through this cookbook is quite inspiring. Everything is laid out neatly, all the recipes focus on simple easy steps, with explanations for ingredients and test results from their kitchen. There are lots of unique ideas and handy tricks. By far the best cookbook I've ever encountered. We're looking forward to using lots of these recipes!
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