LUSH Easter Collection - The Easter Hunt Ends Here!

Hi ladies! Instead of giving family and friends over-packaged, calorific chocolate eggs this year, treat them to a tasty selection of LUSH’s new bath products especially for Easter! Much kinder to the waistline and the environment, as LUSH bath bombs, bubble bars and soaps are solid which means they are preservative free and packaging free. This year’s offerings include brand new inventions as well as returning favourites.

I had the hardest time trying not to spill glitters everywhere while photographing Golden Egg bath melt ballistic ($8.95)! A brand new invention, this egg is a bath bomb coated in bath melt mixture. It will unexpectedly sink to the bottom of the bathtub while the outer layer dissolves, popping to the surface as the fizzing centre is revealed. The outer bath melt mix is made using fair trade, organic, Colombian Peace Village cocoa butter and olive oil, and this little luxury is scented with the best selling Honey I Washed the Kids fragrance.

Isn't Bunny bubble bar ($6.95) the cutest thing? A bubble bar shaped like a white rabbit, made with shea butter and coconut oil, and with cornstarch added to the mix, meaning a more condensed bar that can be broken in half and used over two baths. Or you can use the whole thing for masses of softening Creamy Candy scented bubbles. Inspired by the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, this sweet little fellow has a pink tummy containing little cornstarch flowers to float in your bath water.

Fear not, Carrot soap ($6.95) smells nothing like carrots - fruity essential oils such as buchu, lemon and bergamot were used to really make your mouth water. The orange part is made with carrot oil to moisturise while the white bunny inside is made with cocoa butter to soften.

Brightside bubble bar ($10.95) is back this year and this time to stay, as it joins LUSH's all year round range after Easter! A bright and cheerful swirl of a bubble bar to give you a fresh and cheerful perspective. It is scented with a trio of uplifting and invigorating oils: Sicilian mandarin, tangerine and bergamot oil and just a squeeze of lemon. All are energising and also incredibly toning oils that will lift the spirits and clear the mind. Crumble under the running taps and watch as the water turns into a hazy red and orange sunset with frothy white clouds of bubbles. This bar is so big, I am sure it could last for more than two baths!

LUSH Easter products are available online and in shops now!

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Cooking | Chili Con Corn

Hi ladies! I am actually very excited to have finally found a recipe for a vegetarian chili that does not require 98976765465789 ingredients! I am very glad I stumbled upon this amazing blog, The Vegan Stoner, which only features cheap, fast and vegan recipes - exactly what I am looking for! It's perfect if you are starting to cook, and especially if you are newly a vegetarian/vegan.

You will need:

• 1 onion
• 1 can whole kernel corn
• 1 can mixed beans
• 1 can stewed tomatoes
• BBQ sauce

Chop an onion and cook it in a pot. Add a can of mixed beans and a can of stewed tomatoes.

Add half a can of corn and half a cup of BBQ sauce (or to taste). Cook for 10 minute on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Season with salt and pepper if desired and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Vegan Stoner

'It's in the Bag' Nella Bella For Cake Beauty Metallic Wristlet & Hand Creme Trio

Hi ladies! Home-grown brands Cake Beauty and Nella Bella joined forces to create this season’s ultimate must-have for beauty junkies and fashion-lovers alike. The It’s in the Bag gift set ($30, valued at $60) includes Cake’s luxurious, best-selling Velveteen Hand Cremes in Milk Made (vanilla milk & baked raspberry scent), Desserted Island (Tahitian vanilla & coconut scent) and the limited-edition holiday scent Vanilla Cashmere all inside an eye-catching metallic wristlet. The stylish Nella Bella for Cake bag offers a versatile three-in-one functionality that can be used as a daytime mini-bag, a make-up case or evening clutch.

I have not tried a lot of products from Cake, but their Velveteen Hand Creams are definitely a must-have! Not only do they have a mindblowing but never overpowering smell, their perfectly rich texture is absorbed into the skin in no time, leaving my hands incredibly soft, smooth and moisturized, thanks to marshmallow extract, mango butter and glycerin. These hand creams never feels greasy and I don't feel the need to constantly re-apply it through the day.

It’s in the Bag is the perfect gift or even as a self-indulgent treat and is available at Sephora and Murale stores across Canada and at cakebeauty.com.

Learn more about Nella Bella, Canada's leading vegan fashion handbag company, and shop their holiday collection here!

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

LUSH Christmas 2013 - Find Your Favorites That Return Year After Year, Along With Brand New LUSHious Holiday Inventions!

Hi ladies! It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year and LUSH is celebrating with thirty-five limited edition inventions and oodles of gorgeous, unique gifts. This year’s Christmas range is very special indeed – not only have LUSH's most beloved holiday classics returned, but they have created brand new inventions infused with fan-favourite LUSH scents.

Snowman ($5.95) is a warm and nourishing bath bomb full of vanilla and ylang ylang oils for the winter months. It is the Christmas version of Butterball Bath Bomb, a year-round bestseller, and contains chunks of cocoa butter to moisturize skin. Here is a little secret: Snowman’s carrot nose is actually a tiny Bubble Bar!

Buche de Noel ($12.95 - $29.95) is a fresh cleansing roll which contain so many nourishing ingredients, it's food for your skin! Suitable for all skin types, this cleanser contains ground almonds to gently exfoliate, dried cranberries and fresh satsumas to brighten, and hydrating almond oil and cocoa butter to soften dry and sensitive skin. In my opinion, it has a strange seaweed scent, but it works so well, so I guess it's just a minor thing!

Inspired by a hot après-ski drink enjoyed in the ski resorts of the Italian Alps, Bombardino ($5.25) smells of rich lemon cheesecake. Bits of cocoa butter from his whipped hat melt into the bath water to soften up winter skin, while Sicilian lemon oil and vanilla absolute gives the bath a delicious fragrance.

Isn’t The Christmas Penguin ($7.45) adorable? Inspired by the smallest penguins in the world (found on Philip Island, Australia), LUSH have invented their very own tiny penguin for bubbly bathtime fun. Crumble yours under running water for a bath scented with refreshing orange flower absolute, Sicilian mandarin oil and piles of white, glacier-like bubbles!

The Melting Snowman ($5.95) Bath Melt returns this year with his skin-softening legacy and and its spicy and comforting fragrance with cinnamon, clove leaf and sweet orange oils. Cocoa butter and almond oil nourish and soften the skin, while cinnamon leaf invigorates and help shake off fatigue.

This is a season worth celebrating, and as always, LUSH likes to do their celebrating in the tub!

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

LUSH Halloween 2013 - Fizz, Bubble, Mischief And Trouble

Hi ladies! Are you excited for Halloween yet? I wanted to take a few minutes of your time to present two spooky limited-edition Halloween inventions from LUSH, as well as two year round favorites to get you in the mood for that scary holiday - after all, we are only a week away!

Pumkin ($5.95) was created as Mumkin's autumn counterpart, since the adorable, pink raspberry-scented bubbler was so popular this past Mother’s Day. This mischievous little character has gotten into the Halloween candy early with a candy leaf and a licorice top, so be careful he doesn’t sneak into your candy stash when you’re not looking! Crumble into the tub to lavish yourself in mounds of cozy bubbles and soft, beautiful orange waters on a cool autumn night. The delicately-blended sweet and earthy aroma of orange flower absolute and ylang ylang oil softly perfumes the skin and leaves it feeling clean and fresh.

Inspired by the ruler of the Pagan Feast of Fools, Lord of Misrule ($5.95) brings mischievous revelry to the tub with a spicy herbal blend of patchouli and black pepper oil. As it slowly froths in the water, hypnotic swirling silver luster is released and the deep green exterior soon gives way to a rich, wine-colored center. Just like at the Feast of Fools, when the wine begins flowing, the revelry really begins! Popping candies fizz and crackle, creating a world of magic and mischief right before your eyes.

Demon in the Dark ($7.95) is an earthy tingly delight for the skin and a wicked refreshment for the senses. Wrapped in a layer of black wax, (which you peel off before you use it, or you won’t get clean!), underneath lies a forest green cleansing treat to suds up dirt-demons. Made with fresh mint (perfumed with peppermint and spearmint) and antioxidant-rich fresh organic apple juice to stimulate the surface of the skin and leave it brighter and cleaner.

Slip into Ceridwen's Cauldron's ($8.45) enchanting potion of oats, lavender and sandalwood to calm and soothe your irritated, sensitive skin. If you’re wishing for relief, this bath melt it will make your skin dreams come true. Rich, nutritious cocoa butter and walnut oil melt into the bath water to quench and soften your dehydrated skin, frothing ever so slightly, leaving you with a muslin bag of whole oats to give your skin a soothing and gently scented scrub for instant relief from redness and itch.

Enjoy a spooky pampering experience this Halloween with LUSH!

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

LUSH Let The Good Times Roll - Back By Popular Demand!

Hi ladies! If you did not already know, I am happy to announce that this best-seller was a holiday product that’s now a permanent part of LUSH's cleansers range – thanks to its legions of fans! A luxuriously soft and sweetly-scented cleanser (think caramel popcorn, or even, cookie dough - yum!), Let The Good Times Roll is made with maize flour and corn meal to gently exfoliate, and a dash of cinnamon powder to cleanse and warm cold winter skin. Its rich, velvety texture leaves your skin perfectly balanced and glowing. No wonder this cleanser is so popular!

I remember trying a LUSH cleanser a loooooong time ago but I could not remember the proper way to use them - but it is really simple! Simply dampen your face with warm water, then place a pea-sized chunk in the palm of your hand and add water to create a paste (it is surprisingly easy to get the right consistency). Apply to your face using small, circular motions, rinse thoroughly and pat dry. 

Since I have dry and eczema-prone skin, I was happy to learn that, despite providing deep exfoliation, Let the Good Times Roll is gentle enough for everyone to use - my skin was not left tight or drier, instead, I could feel it being super soft and refreshed!

Let the Good Times Roll is available for $12.95 (100g) and $28.95 (250g) and it will remain fresh for up to three months.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

SeabuckWonders - ‘Berry of Steel’ Flexes Its Super Health Muscles!

Hi ladies! Move Over "Man of Steel", there is a new super hero in town – the sea buckthorn berry! This amazing "Berry of Steel" has come all the way from the Himalayas to fight off free radicals, sun damage, aging and potential illness. This berry packs a real healing punch and beats out every other "Super Berry" - Dr. Oz does not call it the "miracle berry" for nothing!

Having not heard of sea buckthorn berry before, I was very excited to be kindly given the opportunity to sample a few SeabuckWonders products!

Infused with a potent blend of Omega 3, 6, 9, and the rare Omega-7, SeabuckWonders’ Deep Hydrating Serum ($34.97) will not only moisturize skin, but also improve texture and tone. This serum nourishes and supports cell regeneration to minimize fine lines and help maintain a youthful, healthy glow. It is ideal for all skin types and is highly effective, yet it will not leave your skin oily or irritated.

I am always pleased when a serum is absorbed fast into the skin, since I like to apply a heavier moisturizer right after, especially since the colder weather is approaching. The Deep Hydrating Serum feels like a refreshing gel and it locks moisture, leaving my skin feeling fresh, smooth and pampered.

Intensely moisturizing despite its surprisingly light texture, the Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion ($14.97) rejuvenates and replenishes the skin’s natural balance, softening and nourishing for silky, touchable skin. Its high concentration of sea buckthorn oil allows for superior moisture retention while protecting the skin from signs of aging and the effects of exposure to the sun.

I still can't believe how quickly this lotion is absorbed into the skin - it almost disappear on contact, I have never experienced something like that! It does calm the itchiness due to eczema, and I don't feel the need to re-apply this lotion until my next shower. I don't know how well it would work in the colder weather, but I have almost already used it up since it is so addictive!

Both products are naturally scented with essential orange oil for a subtle yet pleasant scent, but they are also made with certified organic Sea Buckthorn, they do not contain paraben, and they are vegan and cruelty-free.

SeabuckWonders has a whole line of the highest quality sea-buckthorn-berry-based supplements and skin care products in the marketplace. Feel free to have a look at their website to experience the powers of these super-berry products yourself! 

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

EnvyDerm Lip Volumizing And Conditioning Plumper

Hi ladies! Since I have sensitive lips prone to weird allergic reactions that won't allow me to use chemical lipbalms on them, I have always shied away from plumping lip products, but EnvyDerm Lip Volumizing And Conditiong Plumper is unique in more than only one way!

With lip plumping properties that help restore youthful fullness, plumpness and volume day after day, it is fortified with over 13 organic moisturizing oils, vitamins, super fruit berries and powerful extracts to soothe, soften, condition and prevent dryness while providing maximum protection. Yep, you have heard right - that means up to 37% fuller plumped lips instantly with no pain, burning or sting! EnvyDerm plumping lipgloss is also formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, phthalates, GMO's, tricolsan, mineral oils, and animal products.

L - R: Je T'aime (shimmer - strawberry red) and Cannelle (pearl - cinnamon beige) 

I could not wait to try this lipgloss and when I applied it with the convenient flat wand applicator that makes for a more precise application, it went on smoothly but a bit sticky. I was surprised to feel the tingle right away, and within minutes, even though I could not see a difference in the size of my lips, I could feel them getting plumper!

I had the chance to try two shades, Je T'aime and Cannelle, which are both really wearable (even if Je T'aime is brighter) but I wish this lipgloss was available in other formulas than shimmer and pearl, even though guess the shimmers help to make the lips look fuller and plumper.

I really like the refreshing mint scent - and flavour! - and how moisturizing this lipgloss is, thanks to argan oil, pomegranate seed oil and avocado oil. It is a tad sticky, but nothing that could make me absolutely hate it. Thanks to this though, this product does last about two hours on the lips, keeping the lips moisturizing and shiny as the color wears down.

EnvyDerm Lip Volumizing And Conditiong Plumper is available in 10 sheer to semi-sheer colors for $28.00.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Vitamine & Sea Facial Toner and Eye Makeup Remover

Hi ladies! After my positive experiences with Vitamine & Sea Clay Mask and Cleansing Milk, I was very excited to have the opportunity to try even more products from this luxurious brand.

Enriched with botanicals, extracts, marine minerals and protein to improve skin lipid content and promote firmness, the naturally superior luxury cleansing Facial Toner ($42.00) is also said to add massive amounts of moisture from tamarind seed extract with aloe vera, chamomile and Japanese green tea, to rejuvenate the skin. Cucumber extract tightens pores combined with wheat protein and marine minerals containing selenium, magnesium, copper, zinc, calcium and germanium to round out the essential benefits for a glowing complexion.

Since I have dry and eczema-prone skin, I tend to favour toners and micellar water to wash my face instead of harsh cleansers, especially in the morning when I am in a rush before work. With this toner, I have to be careful because a lot of product comes out of the bottle, but I love how my skin feels pampered, soothed and energized after use. It does not seem to be especially moisturizing - although absolutely not drying! - since my skin is really dry, but maybe if you have normal or oily skin, you will notice a difference.

Vitamine & Sea's unique, luxurious, all natural and organic oil free Eye Makeup Remover uses naturally moisturizing and PH balancing Jojoba wax esters to break down makeup for easy removal, in a base of floral waters rich with vitamins A, C, D, E and B3 that soothe as they reduce redness, and puffiness. Witch hazel is used to clarify, purify and tone without drying or irritating the delicate skin around the eyes.

I am pretty strict when it comes to makeup remover because honestly, who really has the time, and who really enjoys taking off their makeup? I personally tend to do it the lazy way - jump into the shower, wash my face, and wipe away the remaining eye makeup with toner or micellar water when I get out. Since this product is claimed to be oil-free, I was really surprised, and a bit disappointed, that my eye area was left super greasy after using this makeup remover, however, I was even more surprised to realize that the oil residue just seems to go away/get absorbed by itself?! Although this product effortlessely removes eyeshadow and eyeliner, I struggled really hard to remove all traces of my mascara, but maybe it is because of my current mascara's formulation. At least, it is non drying!

Made from certified organic ingredients, vegan, fair trade and cruelty-free, the Facial Toner and the Eye Makeup Remover are available on the Vitamine & Sea website.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

LUSH Easter Collection - These Springtime Treats For The Tub Are Bound To Put A Hop In Your Step!

You may have noticed that I very rarely shop at LUSH, but when I do, it is mainly around Christmas time to snag a few 2 for 1 deals on their limited-edition products, but I never really had the opportunity to try their Easter products before - except for the Fluffy Egg Bath Bomb that was so big that I manage to get, what, five baths out of it? - so when two of them landed on my doorstep, I guess you can imagine my excitement! Along with their returning favorites, LUSH have come up with three wonderful new inventions: Heñata Bath Bomb, The Brightside Bubble Bar and Easter Egg Hunt soap. Each has a cheerful, fruity scent to celebrate the joys of more sunlight and warmer weather.

I absolutely adore the concept of reusable bubble bar so of course, the product that was at the very top of my whishlist was Carrot Re-usable Bubble Bar ($7.95)! I did not really know what to except it to smell like but I hoped it would not smell like, well, carrots, but no, it has a nice subtle fruity and lemony smell. To use the Carrot, simply swish it around the bath by its green top, make your bubbles and then pop it on the side for another time -  this beauty is good for 7-10 baths! How great is that? I like how there is also a little bit of nutritious carrot oil in there though, which is rich in vitamins and an extraordinary skin soother and rejuvenator - perfect for my eczema-prone skin!

Isn't Heñata Bath Bomb ($7.95) the cutest thing ever? Quite simply, this bath bomb is like a piñata for the bath - but it’s a hen, so it’s a Heñata (get it? awwww!). I am not even sure if I will be able to smash this cutie against the side of my bath without feeling guilty, but apparently, it is her destiny to lay bath bomb egg just for you, surrounded in soap paper flower petals to scrub up with - how exciting! Perfumed with fresh and citrusy tangerine, bergamot and mandarin oils - yum! - Heñata is a fiesta for your tub.

 Enjoy an egg-ceptional pampering experience this Easter with LUSH!

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Cooking | Vegan Peanut Stew

Honestly, I would not say that I love cooking enough to reserve all of my afternoon to the preparation of a meal, but I do appreciate the feeling of proudness when I achieve a proper dinner. Because I am lazy, I am always delighted to try a new quick and easy recipe which does not call for weird ingredients that I don't have in the pantry, so I was happy to discover this one on Pinterest - be sure to follow my 'Vegetarian Dishes' board for more mouth watering, healthy and, of course, meat-free recipes.

This is probably one of the fastest and simplest recipe I have ever tried, but it is absolutely scrumptious! I am sure it would be delicious on its own but I chose to serve it over rice. You will need an onion, a medium-size or a few small potatoes, a can of stewed tomatoes, half a can of garbanzo beans (or any type of beans really - I used a can of mixed beans), half a cup of crunchy peanut butter, and some thyme for seasoning (optional).

If you plan to serve the stew on rice, start by cooking the rice and set aside.

Chop half an onion and cook in pot (I don't really like onions so I used the thiniest bits I had left over).

Add the stewed tomatoes, peanut butter and beans.

Chop a potato and add to pot with a sprinkling of thyme.

Cover pot and cook on low heat for around 20 minutes. Serve on rice (if you want) and enjoy!

Yummmmm!

Vitamine & Sea Cleansing Milk

Hi ladies! I was very lucky to be kindly treated to a few Vitamine & Sea products and after trying their Mineral Clay Mask, I was eager to try this luxurious cleansing milk, which seemed perfect for my dry and eczema-prone skin with its unique formula rich in vitamin E, A and B5 to soften, strengthen, clarify and preserve the skin. It also contains organic lavender, rosemary, sage and aloe to give you the softest and most nourished skin possible while adding moisture and being gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, and believe me, it really does!

I don't remember ever using a cleansing milk before - when I was younger and less knowledgeable about the vast world of skincare products, I tended to rely on harsh foaming face cleansers, which left my poor skin even drier and irritated, often causing eczema flare-ups. Now, I have learned to care for my eczema and to stay away from such chemical products and I favour gentle, creamy and non-foaming face cleansers.

Vitamine & Sea Cleansing Milk is absolutely dreamy to use, and I think that is due in part to its milky texture, which is completely new to me in a cleanser. I like to wet my face and rub the product on it, insisting gentlyon the eyes area, if I am wearing eye makeup. It is actually gentle enough to be used on the eyes but it is not able to remove my makeup completely - I often step out of the shower with racoon eyes!

After use, my skin feels surprisingly moisturized without that squeaky-clean feeling, but it is weird how it just does not feel 100% clean - maybe I just need to get used to it since it is so gentle? I would recommend using a toner or a micellar water after this, especially if you were wearing foundation just to be sure everything has been properly removed.

I also appreciate the convenient pump bottle instead of the usual slippery tube, and one pump is enough to cover my whole face and neck, so be careful not to overdo it. I think it's nice that the bottle, despite being made of plastic, does not look cheap at all - in fact, at first glance, I really thought it was a glass bottle!

Made from certified organic ingredients, vegan, fair trade and cruelty-free, Cleansing Milk is available on the Vitamine & Sea website for $28.00

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Bomb La Bon Bon Whipped Sugar Scrub in Cotton Candy

Is there a better way to relax after a long stressful day than with some decadent sweets inspired bath products? Bomb La Bon Bon Bath and Body Candy Products are just what you need to forget all the troubles - Yaryna Storozhuk, the creator of Bomb La Bon Bon, crafts a unique variety of candy inspired bath bombs, sugar body scrubs, tub truffles, whipped body butters and tub milkshakes that are sure to leave your skin deliciously soft and moisturized without the sweet cravings guilt. As a treat for yourself or for that someone special, these products are sure to make your day a little sweeter.

I had the chance to receive an incredibly generous package from Yaryna filled with deliciously smelling bath products and today I would love to share my thoughts on her Whipped Sugar Scrub in the fragrance Cotton Candy, which is a creamy blend of sugar and soft body soap, whipped to a fluffy, creamy, yet dense consistency. 

I absolutely hate when a body scrub makes an oily mess in the shower - you know, when the oil tends to separate from the sugar or salt and you have to mix them back together? Well, you won't have this problem with Bomb La Bon Bon Whipped Sugar Scrub since it is scoop-able and super creamy. It is easy to apply on the skin without dropping it everywhere.

While I personally prefer rougher body scrubs, this product goes on super smoothly on the skin, feeling very luxurious and gentle, which would be great on sensitive skin, although I can't say I felt my skin being properly exfoliated, but I still look forward to using this sugar scrub since it just smell sooooo amazing!

Even if my skin did not really felt exfoliated enough for my taste, I love how the Whipped Sugar Scrub did not leave my poor dry skin irritated - it was soft, silky and moisturized after using this product.

Bomb La Bon Bon Whipped Sugar Scrub contains no parabens, phtalates, SLS or SLeS, propylene glycols, urea or petroleum ingredients. It is, of course, not tested on animals and 100% free of animal-derived ingredients. It is available in 4oz ($6.00), 8oz ($8.00) or 16oz ($14.00) on Etsy or iCraft.

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.