Product Reviews / Part 3

Let the randomness continue! As a reminder, these are not impulse buys, just self-care/trial and error experiences - that go well:)

What a year so far!

Summer is deadly close and I'm struggling between the pull of going outside in the warmth or staying inside in the comfort of my A/C. How about you?

After downsizing during what I hope will be the tail-end of the pandemic, I have found a few different solutions and replacements for a handful of items in my repertoire. (And one "wildcard").

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful". - William Morris

Here are my latest 5 #lifehack selects that I hope make some part of your days easier or maybe even slightly more interesting.

The Bug Condom

Ok technically not the real name but that is literally what I use it as. Atlanta has huge bees during spring time and I haven't been able to relax on the terrace without feeling terrorized. In an effort to save the bees and not have my husband kill them so I can enjoy some sun - this was the best solution. In the era of social-distancing I'm sure it doesn't turn anyone's head or look like a spectacle...right?

You can fit about two full length chairs inside if you really wanted to but you need at least one to anchor it. They provide a zip up entrance/exit on two sides. Setup is also pretty simple; it pops up just the way a reflector does for a photographer and the carry case isn't an intimidating size/won't take up noticeable space in your closet for storing.

I now spend many afternoons watching every kind of bug bounce off the semi-invisible forcefield of my new shelter. I can close my eyes peacefully now with no fear of them landing, stinging, or biting me...and they can safely move on to the next patio to do their bidding. Win-win.

Chocolate Scented Mascara

The brand is called 100% PURE that uses fruit to pigment this mascara and it really has taken my lashes to new heights. I recently made a solid switch to organic since my eyes have started to have some allergy issues with the mainstream brands.

Not gonna lie, when I made the original purchase I overlooked the part about actually smelling like chocolate upon application (& traces of that fragrance hitting your nasal passages throughout the day). You would think this would present a cravings issue but for me it actually puts off the craving. Maybe it's placebo or something but I kid you not!

Custom, Handblended Body-Face-SKIN Everythingggg

I like to switch up between bar soap and body wash depending on the season. I stumbled upon this Etsy vendor and it feels so good to have my products curated with the ingredients that truly benefit my condition.

The owner is a certified clinical aromatherapist AND works full time as a clinical analyst at hospital in her city locally. How can you not support that?! From infusing her products with amethyst crystals, making sure her containers are made of non-endocrine disrupting chemicals, this shop has products for every categorical issue under the sun. All of her essential oils are also based and distilled from various species of flowers, fruits, bark, leaves, grasses and trees.

The words natural and organic are defined in every degree!

Hybrid Glass Teapot & Water "well" Pump

I might be a little late on this but, I finally found a solution to the dreaded tarnish of the average teapot - glass. Not only does the water boil quicker than a stainless steel kettle but I also like how I'm able to actually watch/see the water do its thing. You also have the option of putting loose tea leaves in the center instead of tea bagging separately in a different cup.

To that end, I have also found a space saving solution to a water cooler setup. It's liking having my own personal indoor well, lol. The pumping is easy and I wish I was the one who invented it.

Old School-yet-New School Clothes Line

Ok if you haven't gathered it by now, I've gotten really "earthy" over the pandemic. I secretly always wanted to have an outdoor clothing line anyway for laundry specifically but with all the different art projects I've been doing over the last year, its become absolutely necessary to have one.

As you'll see in the first pic my balcony has been transformed to a tye-dye drying station most days; then other days I put my masks out to dry in the sun after handwashing them in the sink. I also like that it doubles but can stay taut and I have the option of clipping or putting hangers through the loops without them coming loose or flying away!

If you wanted to find a specific item we talked about over the phone, via text/IG DM, or face-to-face, just click on the little magnifying glass on the top of any post & search by keyword to pull it up on the blog quicker.

On the next episode of this series, I'll be reviewing a new set of 5 things I'm still forming an opinion on/just started trying out.

Until then, I hope you've been inspired to try something new!

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