Esthoria Box Review: July 2016

Sorry for the hiatus, I went on a long, much needed vacation and finally found the time to write again. It was nice to be in nature and with people I've missed for a very long time. This trip gave me a lot to reflect upon. Given how expensive the vacation was, I had to cancel my Esthoria Box subscription and this is my last box.

Esthoria Box is an amazing company that provides sustainable, clean, and green beauty. This Bi-Monthly beauty box features luxury, high quality items. Sometimes there's an option to pick between colours or types of products. 

June's theme is Tata Harper skin care. Everyone received the Allure winning Regenerating Cleanser, I chose the Replenishing Nutrient Complex, and I received the Corpa Flora Beauté Divine (all skin types cleanser).

The Regenerating Cleanser is my favourite product by far. It's a gentle exfoliating cleanser that's supposed to improve the glow and appearance of your skin. I have always washed my face with a traditional foaming cleanser and water. With this cleanser you apply to dry skin, massage in circular motions, then rinse off with water. My skin has improved so much. I have less oil production and my acne is going away. I love how there are no soaps, alcohols, and detergents but it still smells so good. My skin feels so soft and doesn't feel stripped after using the cleanser. I love this cleanser so much, i definitely recommend it!

The Replenishing Nutrient Complex is a multivitamin serum that moisturizes, repairs, and soothes your skin. For me it's a bit too oily so I use it by itself at night as a moisturizer. A little goes a long way! I didn't like it that much at first but after 2 weeks of using it, I adore it. I didn't realize what bad shape my skin was until I saw it getting better. During the trip, the hotel a/c and plane ride really dried and imbalanced my skin so this serum was perfect. 

I've gotten on the bandwagon on facial oil cleansers. I've tried a couple and they're a fast way to remove all the makeup and guck off of your face. The Corpa Flora Beauté Divine oil cleanser did not disappoint. It's a rich oil that glides over the skin effortlessly. Be sure to take the time to gently massage the oil all over the face and eyes to break down the makeup, sunscreen, etc... Once you rinse it becomes a gentle milk and I was so happy that my skin was soft, not greasy. A very good oil cleanser that really does remove everything. Try it if you haven't already!

When I started my green journey, the two companies I wanted to try the most were RMS Beauty and Tata Harper. Due to the hefty price tags, I wasn't able to try them out. Thanks to Esthoria Box, I was able to try them at a reasonable price. I've always had a pleasant experience dealing with Sandy and the rest of the Esthoria Box team. I wish them all the best and can't wait to see what they come up with. Keep up the green living revolution!

September's box will feature products from Vapour Beauty. I've heard many great things about this company and wish I could've tried them. Alas, sometimes your can't get everything you want in life.

What kinds of green beauty brands and products do you love?

Goddess Provisions Review: June 2016

It's the best time of the month, the Goddess Provisions box reveal! Sorry I'm late, I wanted to try everything before I reported back.

The theme of June's box is "Dream Time Ritual." That alone made me super excited to see what they'd come up with. Everything in the box was meant to help you with your night time ritual.

The first thing that I tried was Anima Mundi Herbals elixir and tea blend. It's kind of like sleepy time tea and that helps you recall your dreams. The elixir is very unique, I hadn't heard of using an elixir in tea until now. My boyfriend and I tried it together. We used David's tea bags to put the loose leaf tea in. We wanted it to be a positive and spiritual experience so we placed crystals around the tea and meditated before drinking it. He had a spiritually uplifting dream that night. I felt drowsy after drinking the tea and fell asleep almost right away, which never happens. I've had some interesting dreams since then but not sure how much of that is because of the tea. We are looking forward to trying it again.

I use the Eagle roll on (from May's box) to energize me during the day, so it's only fitting to use one to help you off to dream land. The Essence of Vali Sleep roll-on fragrance is very calming. I've been dabbing a bit on my wrists before bed. The moment I smell it, I start to relax. 

Bedrock and Bloom's Smart Ash is an all natural teeth detoxifier and whitener using the power of charcoal. When they say "use with caution" they mean it! It gets VERY messy. Thankfully I read their warning and was able to avoid what would've been a tremendous disaster in my sink. I've used it several times and it really does whiten and deep clean your teeth. This product is definitely on my recommendations list.

The crystal of this month is a Spirit Quartz from Africa. Everyone's looks a little different. The one I received has a calming, gentle energy. It's very difficult to look at a Spirit Quartz and not get swept away by its breathtaking sparkle. I keep it by my bedside table with a few other crystals.

Last, but not least, The Ritual Store's Moon Dust Mask. I finally used it last night and was surprised. The ingredients are not only very good for your skin, but also, contain the powers of selenite and moonstone dust. The smell is quite interesting, couldn't figure out why it smelt like a V8 until I saw that there's carrot powder in it! My face has been very oily lately, I think due to using more SPF these days. This mask sucked it all out and feels so soft and supple now. Another recommendation worthy product.

Overall, I really like this Dream Time Ritual box. A lot of cool, out of the box concepts. Who would've thought I would brush my teeth with charcoal and love it? I love expanding my mind and learning new things. I'm still waiting for the July box, which is all about the Solar Plexus Chakra.

What is essential in your night time routine? What helps you drift off to dream land?

Goddess Provisions Review: May 2016

Goddess Provisions is my favourite time of the month, every month. May's theme is High Vibe. All items are meant to uplift you in positive ways. Let's get into it!

The mala bracelet from High Chi Energy is what I was most excited for! You could have gotten either Rose Quartz or Amethyst. The universe has a great of humour, so of course I received Amethyst. I have quite the Amethyst collection and I feel like I need it most days. The mala has a variety of lovely beads: Pearls (vegan glass ones), Rudraksha, Turquoise, Jade, and Amethyst. I felt a cool, calming sensation the first time I put it on. I absolutely love this colourful and cheerful mala.

There were a couple of fragrant items included this month. The first is the Eagle roller ball from Rootfoot. It's a spirit animal inspired fragrance for perspective, spiritual awareness, and leadership. They call it Intentional Wear, the idea behind their products are interesting. This fragrance matches it's intention for sure! To me, this scent has more of a masculine feel to it. The sweet orange oil balances the scent perfectly so it's not too woody or spicy. It came at a good time because I've been put in leadership roles at work, which can be stressful.

Thank goodness Goddess Provisions has included a facial steam from Soapy Layne. I haven't opened it yet, but it looks divine. The dried ingredients are: organic flowers of red roses, calendula, chamomile, comfrey leaf, and rosemary leaf. I've never used a facial steam before. I'm looking forward to trying it next spa night. 

Energetically, I've been feeling so drained lately. I think these superfood green blends from Mottle Valley Naturals may just be the answer I was looking for. They're jam packed with protein and nutritional goodness. These are going to be great to add to my smoothies before I rush out the door. I hope these give me that much needed bounce back in my step.

Can you tell that I love Citrine? Haha, I have a lot of Citrine and was happy to receive one in this box. The big one is mine, the little guy in front came in this month's box. This is the crystal of joy and abundance. It makes me feel warm, energized, and creative. It's like golden, radiant sunshine for me. I have nothing bad to say about it! You could put this stone in the top left corner of your home, in your cash box, or where you keep money, to attract wealth.

Overall, this month's box left me in high spirits so mission accomplished. I love that Goddess Provisions exposes me to brands and concepts that I probably wouldn't have ever come across. As always, this box is my monthly reminder to do the inner work and strengthen my spiritual practice. Next month's theme will be Lucid Dreams. I am very ecstatic because I love the mystery and power of dreams. I hope there are some moon related items!

How do you raise your vibes?

Esthoria Box Review: May 2016

Today I'll be reviewing the Esthoria Box! This is their first box that they launched. It's a natural and organic beauty subscription that ships bi-monthly. They provide clean, ethical, sustainable beauty. It's luxury beauty that's good for people and the planet; how could you not support that!

This month's box included RMS Beauty products. You got to pick the Lip Shine colour, I chose Royal. The other two products were the Burti Bronzer and the holy grail Master Mixer. As an added bonus, Esthoria Box added the RMS beauty makeup remover wipes as well. On top of that, because I was an early subscriber and filled out a survey, they included two Marie Natie products! Talk about an amazing introduction box!

I've been wanting to try RMS beauty since I've started my transition to a natural, non toxic lifestyle. These products did not disappoint.

These babies are pigmented and very creamy. They all blend on the skin like a dream. The star of the show for me is the Master Mixer. Such a beautiful highlighter that gives you that "lit from within" glow. 

The Burti Bronzer added a beautiful beachy goddess kind of warmth on my skin. No one could tell I was wearing any makeup.

The most shocking product was the Lip Shine in Royal. The purple pigment is intense. Definitely a New Age kind of punch to your lips. It has a very nice shine and is really moisturizing. I use this everyday as a lip balm and base for my lipsticks.

These RMS beauty "The ultimate makeup remover wipes" are formulated with Certified Coconut Oil, that's it! This was my first time using coconut oil to remove my makeup. These wipes are amazing! They took off everything, even my stubborn mascara. I didn't have raccoon eyes and there was no mascara left at all. They are so much better than all my micellar water and wipes. I didn't like the oily feel it left behind but it's worth it. One wipe removed all of my makeup. If anything, everyone needs to try these!

Not too long after I signed up for this box, I was sent an email asking me how I discovered green beauty. Once I did, they said they'll include a gift of a Marie Natie eyeliner in Absolute Black and a Marie Natie lip gloss in Tickled.

The eyeliner is a traditional long-wearing black pencil. I find it helps apply creamier if I warm it up on the back of my hand before I apply it to my eyes.

Tickled is a cool-toned, pinky nude. I would never pick this shade of lip gloss for myself. That's the beauty of these boxes, it forces you to get out of your comfort zone. It's not sticky and I love that it's gluten free and vegan.

Overall I was really happy with this box! I really like all of the RMS beauty products. It was nice to try the Marie Natie products, I had never heard of them before. I'm really looking forward to see where Esthoria Box.

Have you tried Esthoria Box? What are your thoughts?

Goddess Provisions Review: April 2016

This month's Goddess Provisions was exciting! A little after each box is sent out, they send you an email with a survey. Once you complete the survey you're put in a draw to win a free box. I won this month's box for free! I'm so appreciative and overjoyed, I had never won anything online before. Now on to the amazing box.

This month's theme was Free Spirited. Being Spirited Lotus, it couldn't be more fitting. The first thing I checked for was which crystal I received. You could've gotten a Fluorite wand or an Amethyst cluster. I was bummed it was Amethyst, as I've been receiving A LOT of them recently. However, the universe has spoken. It doesn't hurt that I love Amethyst too.

The next intriguing item was the Good Medicine Beauty Lab "Free" Botanical perfume. I'm not a huge fan but it's addictive. I think it's the tobacco that might be throwing me off. It's a deep, warm smell: "rich vanilla, blonde tobacco, rosewood, cinnamon, and ginger." My natural perfume collection has been growing ever since I've subscribed to Goddess Provisions.

So has my boyfriend's addiction to wanting to try all the goodies they send. This time it's the Laughing Giraffe Organics Matcha Snakaroons. I was surprised at how oily they were (as you can tell from the picture) but realized it must be the goodness of the coconut oil. To be honest, the texture and taste is like a healthy version of the chocolate bar Bounty. I wish they had more of a rich matcha flavour. The ingredients are quite clean, so you don't have to feel guilty about gobbling these bad boys up.

The next lifestyle item was a cork and faux leather card holder from Pixie Mood. It's  beautiful design, there were many different kinds you could have gotten. I love this vivid blue one, on the inside it's a pretty purple! Practical yet stylish to hold all your important cards. Love!

Last but not least was what I was really hoping I got. The Eye of Horus Cosmetics liquid eyeliner. I've worn it half this week and love it more than my Zuzu Luxe one. It's easy to apply, remove, and it lasts all day too. The fine, felt tip let's you draw lines with ease and is richly pigmented. Which Goddess wouldn't want to line their eyes with an Egyptian inspired liner? You could've received this liner or the 100 Percent Pure one. I've tried that one... but I'm not a huge fan of it. It was much harder to take off and I prefer the ease of a pen than a pot. It's still an amazing liner because of the ingredients alone.

Overall, I really enjoyed this month's Free Spirit box. Almost everything took me out of my comfort zone. This box is a monthly reminder for me to do my inner work and go on a mini spiritual retreat. A huge thank you to Goddess Provisions for choosing me to be this month's winner. You guys are the best!

What are your thoughts on this month's box? What are some things that make you feel free spirited?

Goddess Provisions Review: March 2016

This month's theme is "Self-Awakening" and is focused around the crown chakra. I love the colour purple and was pleased to see the beautiful pops of colour, especially since spring has sprung.

It was surprise to see which of the four   Chakra Love  talismans you would get. I received Smoky Quartz. I was hoping for Lapis Lazuli but realized I needed to be more grounded so I'm happy to have gotten what I needed. 

This blank Your Joyologist journal is beautiful. The idea is to express all the good or bad to help with your spiritual growth. I've always wanted a gratitude journal. Before bed each night, I'll be writing down at least one thing I'm grateful for.




This month's treat was from from Nicobella Organics. This Omega Munch was rich and delicious. Plus there's a percentage of all their sales that go to animal charities.

Aroma therapy is always welcome in my home. These Purple Frog Patches smell so refreshing and invigorating. They're individual fabric stickers that you squish and stick that diffuse the essential oil blend. Once I clear off my desk, I'll be happily using them.

Last but not least is this House Blessing & Cleansing Herb Kit from House of Good Juju. It's everything you need to clear the energies of your home. There are herbs, flowers, Palo Santo Wood, Black Tourmaline, and Clear Quartz (just to name a few) of all the goodness in this little tin. There's a detailed information card explaining why each item was included and how to clear your home or space with this kit.

Overall, this is the most interesting box I've received from Goddess Provisions. I really look forward to working with my crown chakra and clearing all that no longer serves me. When you want to progress in life, sometimes you need to let go of the extra baggage slowing you down. Sometimes that could be literal things, relationships, or even thoughts.

Wishing you all the strength to do all that you need to do so you can get where you need to be.

Let Go and Just Be

Sometimes life gets so hard that you find it difficult to trust yourself to let go of anything.

You can do more damage to yourself by holding on rather than letting go. This includes toxic relationships and behaviours.

To live in fear is to be imprisoned by your own thoughts.

You can break free by taking a leap of faith by just doing what you know needs to be done. There is a deeper wisdom within you that knows what's right for you.

Start letting go of what no longer serves you and allow yourself to receive all that you need to.

You are loved, valued, and not alone. 
It's ok for you to be your authentic self.

What are you waiting for?