Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel & Face Chatter

I would like to take this opportunity to blab a bit on Thayer's.  More specifically their Cucumber Witch Hazel Facial Mist.

I need to preface this by saying that my own personal skin care regimen is next to nil.  That's right...I really don't do anything to my face.  I don't even really 'wash' it.  I know you are probably thinking...EWE GROSS...so let me explain...

I don't wash my face with soap or other chemicals.  When I was a pre-teen and teen I battled with acne like most of us did.  I had oily skin.  Once I turned vegetarian that seemed to improve - as did the acne.  I didn't really add it all up until later in life, to be honest.  From that point on I had more of what they call 'combination skin'.  And NOW that I'm getting older - and AGAIN - I'm being completely honest here - my combination skin only seems to be a problem this time of year...when it's bitterly cold and windy and dry both inside and out.  For those of you who don't know I live in the Tri-State area of New York/Pennsylvania/Ohio and am placed right around that snow belt area.

Anyhow...back to...I don't wash my face...

Yeah...I know...I went off on a tangent but it was going somewhere I PROMISE!  

For the past 20 years or so I really haven't used much on my face!  I don't wear make-up often (if at all) and the few times a year I do it might only be a little bit of cover-up.  And I'm talking like 2 or 3 times a year.  When it comes to 'washing' I usually only use water and for the more oily times, I would use a natural toner such as Witch Hazel.  I have used other brand of Witch Hazel in the past but Thayer's not only stepped up their game to the next level - they have been around since 1847!

Ever since I got my goodie box in the mail a while back from Thayers I have been LOVING each of the 4 items I received!  This Cucumber Witch Hazel Mist is AMAZING!  What I have been doing is spraying some on my Norwex Facial Cloth at night and wiping my face once with it.  In the morning, after my hot shower, I spray it directly on my face.  That's it!  That's all I do for my face/skincare and it's been great!

I'm such a low maintenance person it's scary!  I also LOVE that the mist is so refreshing that after I get out of the hot shower and spray it directly on my face it's a nice little WAKE-UP.  A great way to start the day!  The aroma of the cucumber is delightful, too!

And...I have to tell you...it put a smile on my face to know that the items they sent me were natural, cruelty-free, and vegan!

I can't wait to tell you more about Thayer's so stay tuned!

Chickpea Salsa Soup & Such

After I made the casserole yesterday I had a half of a can of chickpeas left and I didn't want them to go to waste.  I decided to make some more soup!  All in a blender...

1/2 Can of Chickpeas
1 C Salsa
1/2 Small Onion
1 t Smoked Paprika
1/2 t Raw Sugar
2 t Balsamic Vinegar
1 C Water
3/4 C Almond Milk
Basil & Sea Salt to taste
Oil or Vegan Butter Optional

When I came out of the kitchen I found Cricket like this on a blanket on DH's recliner.  She had a funny look on her face and I quickly grabbed my phone and snapped a pic!  She cracks me up sometimes!

I know I have been complaining about the weather a lot but this week is supposed to be somewhat nice!  I think in a day or two we should see high 60's or even hit 70 degrees!  That will be very welcome!

In our travels over the weekend I found a good price on Kiss My Face Deodorant!  It's been a while since I had to purchase any because I had been using the Crystal and it lasted me at least a year!  Sometimes I like to switch back and forth between two.  I'm VERY picky when it comes to deodorants because of all of the chemicals in them - generally speaking.  It's been a long time since I bought anything from Kiss My Face and I thought I couldn't pass it up for the price.  I believe this was $2.99...cheaper than regular store-bought/popular brands I don't buy but most people do.

Encaustic Art

Before I get into posts from last week I wanted to do a quick post about Encaustic Art.  It's something I have been fascinated by for YEARS.  In a nutshell it's art and/or paintings using wax as the base/medium.  I'm not sure I want to actually use wax if I do get into attempting this form of art.  For kicks I quickly found out there are vegan alternatives!  Plant Based Waxes.  I just LOVE the colors in Encaustic Art that is what really draws me in.  I may pursue this down the road.  Just HAD to share in the meantime.

Happy Mail Monday ~Skin, Hair, & Lips

Just a quick little note to tell you about Happy Mail Monday!  I was thrilled when I received these in the mail today!  Actually it was via FedEx.  I can't wait to try them!  There is Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, and Lip Lush (Lip Gloss).  Acure is an Organic Company!  A Plant Based Company!  And a Cruelty-Free Company!  Among other things but I will save that info for future product review blog posts!

Happy Mail Monday - Compassion & Cacao

I'm so excited that I received more goodies in the mail today!  Mondays have been GREAT for that the last couple of weeks! 

This week I received some Mr. Bean Coffee Bean Scrub with Coconut Oil and Sea Salt...MANDARIN Flavored/Scented.  I've been looking for a new scrub as of late and I'm a HUGE fan of Mandarin...so I'm already excited and I haven't even tried it yet!

I've used a few other coffee based scrubs before...1 from a home-based business and the other being hand-made by a friend of mine in town here.  Hers was made with Olive Oil instead of Coconut Oil.

If you click on this 2nd photo and enlarge it - you will see what I saw - as I opened the box!  I thought it was clever and funny!  But then again - I have a strange sense of humor. 

Their website follows suit with their products being organic, vegan, cruelty-free, and very well branded throughout their site, products, media, and packaging!

They are very involved with social media and often use the phrase "Get Beaned" while referring to their product.  Clever and Creative!  I like it!


I also got my package from Sky over at Medicinal Foods and I can't wait to jump in!  He sent a large LOVER'S BAR which is being called the 'hottest chocolate' in the raw food movement right now.  He also sent smaller bars of the Truffle Bars including the Jungle Peanut, Coco Mint, and MacButter.  He sent two of his tonic powders including the Love Tonic (Womb Yin Nutritive) and Lotus Centered Spirit Tonic.  AND...their famous Cacao Elixir!  Woot!  I can't wait to try EVERYTHING!  And of course, I will be coming up with more recipes using these products VERY soon!

Another company I would like to point out in this post - is another cruelty-free company!  Teadora!  I can't wait to try their Rainforest At Dawn hydrating elixir and nourishing body polish.

I really LOVE that they GIVE BACK to so many organizations!

They have a real extensive website, too!

And the Cruelty-Free Bunny logo always helps sell me - as well!

The word "Teadora" translates to "Adore You".  The founder was born and raised in Brazil.  Her mother used only raw, organic, and natural ingredients and she wanted to stick with that tradition with the Teadora Product line.

Teadora helps to fund a philanthropic exchange between the U.S. and Brazil to promote rainforest conservation, education and leadership development.

I will be doing product reviews on all three of these companies and their product lines in the near future!