Quarantine Life Update – I’m Feeling Better!

Hi guys! Wow – crazy times we’re living in, huh? Los Angeles has had a “safer at home” lockdown for a while now, but my husband and I have been practicing social distancing for some time, and haven’t left our house since March 15th. Like you guys, I’ve had all sorts of emotions come up, and the anxiety, cabin fever, and depression are real.

I came down with the flu (including fever) a week ago, which really scared me. I have thyroid cancer and health issues that cause shortness of breath, so I am afraid the coronavirus (and the overburdened hospitals here in LA) could mean a life or death situation for me. Luckily, I’m feeling MUCH better and I’m on the mend. My husband also caught whatever I had, and he’s sick in bed, but no fever so far. Whew!

We are being very careful. Washing our hands constantly, wiping down or temporarily quarantining any packages or food deliveries that come into the house, and not going anywhere other than short walks around the neighborhood (while avoiding people on the street). We are staying away from friends and family, especially my husband’s elderly parents, who are at increased risk.

When the outbreak first started, I had so much anxiety, that I had to resort to prescription drugs to avoid a panic attack. Since I’ve been sick, the feeling has changed to one of fatigue and depression. Now that I’m on the mend, I finally feel somewhat more normal. I have been wanting to talk with you guys via Instagram stories to see how you’re feeling, and update you on the blog, but until now, I have just been wiped out.

Now that I’m feeling a bit more like myself, I want to start brainstorming ways to keep myself (and you guys) busy. One thing I thought might be fun is to share some DIY beauty recipes from my blog and from fellow beauty bloggers. Not only does this give you something to focus on other than terrifying news and angry people on Facebook, but it can also be something you can do with your kids or other family members. Some of you may be having supply problems and/or money issues, and I thought this might also be helpful for that. I wish I had a DIY recipe for toilet paper, but unfortunately, I can’t help you with that one!

DIY Beauty Recipes to Keep You Busy During Self-Isolation

Let’s start with hand sanitizer. There are a ton of DIY hand sanitizer recipes out there, and some are diluting the alcohol too much. Please check this post out from Michelle of Lab Muffin Beauty Science.

Easy DIY Beauty Recipes

DIY Bubble Mask by Phyrra

DIY Hand Cream Recipe by Glamorable

DIY Cruelty Free Hair Mask Recipes

Body Balm and Curl Booster by The Vegan Gloss

14 DIY Homemade Lotion and Massage Bar Recipes

DIY Vegan Lip Plumper by The Fabzilla

DIY Vegan Skin Scrub Recipes for Dry Skin

A Girl’s Gotta Spa Coconut Coffee Foot Scrub Recipe

DIY Vegan Face Masks

DIY Beauty Serums for All Skin Types

Eucalyptus & Spearmint Foot Mask by The Vintage Modern Wife

DIY Vegan Hair Masks

Simple Charcoal Face Mask by Phyrra

5 DIY Hair Masks for Shiny Hair

Mix Up Your Own Tinted Foundation by Phyrra

DIY Face Masks for Dry Skin

Hope these can help! I would love to hear how you guys are coping with the “new normal.” Please hit me up on social media!

This year, I thought it would be fun to put together a woman owned and woman operated holiday gift guide for 2019. If we’re going to spend money on holiday gifts, why not support women and small businesses in the process? I’ve got all kinds of fun stuff here from home fragrances and candles, to dog treats and even lingerie. All of these brands are owned by (or co-owned by) women, and run by women. As you get ready for Women Led Wednesday (November 27, 2019), give these gift ideas a look!

Skeem Design

Skeem Design – Can you really ever go wrong with candles and room sprays? I think not! These Skeem Design products are beautiful to behold and the scents are divine. You must check out the vintage-chic Burn Brightly Apothecary Match Bottle (so cute! $26), winter-forest scented Sweet Balsam Room Spray (soooo good if you don’t have a real tree but want that holiday scent – $32) and Candle ($30), and good-vibes-only Palo Santo Room Spray ($36) and Candle (earthy and delicious scent – $32). Available at Skeem Design, Nordstrom, Terrain, and many shops across the US.

Founded by a couple, Suji Meswani and Geoff Weiser. Suji Meswani ditched the corporate world in order to pursue a different path: launching Skeem Design, an indie company that designs beautiful, useful items such as match bottles, candles and incense sourced and made in America. Popular collections include Palo Santo, Citronella and CBD. The name is a play on “scheme.” Finding a way out of the corporate grind in an effort to fully realize her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit was the goal.

Women’s Bean Project

Naughty or nice, our furry family members are one of the most important parts of our lives, and deserve the best. Denver-based social enterprise, Women’s Bean Project has partnered with Wagster to bring your furry friend chef-inspired treats that are made with all-natural ingredients, human-grade, vegan, and selected for their healthy benefits.  The Dog Treat Gift Box ($18.95) is the ultimate gift for your pup, featuring sweet treats like Peanut Butter & Molasses, Banana & Toasted Coconut, and Apple & Almond. Not only will your pup LOVE you for it, but you’ll be supporting two social enterprises, Women’s Bean and Wagster. 

Women’s Bean Project is a women-run social enterprise on a mission to break the cycle of chronic unemployment and poverty by putting women to work producing gourmet packaged foods. Pooling a workforce of impoverished women with backgrounds ranging from organized crime to histories of incarceration and addiction, WBP has given thousands of women a second chance at life over the years.  

Mama P

MamaP – MamaP (whose name is inspired by the Incan goddess Pachamama, whose popular nickname is Mama Pacha) specializes in creating natural products to replace household plastics. MamaP’s bamboo toothbrushes ($7 each) are fully compostable and feature recyclable bristles. And each one celebrates a different cause (of which a portion of the proceeds is donated), such as ocean conservation, women’s rights, mental health and even saving the bees!

Suzan Hernandez is MamaP! Suz is a dreamer, a creator, and an explorer. About launching a collection of bamboo toothbrushes that give back, she says, “If you have an undeniable feeling inside you, a vision, don’t overthink, just go for it. Listen to people’s advice, but ultimately, follow your gut and light that fire.”

A Girl’s Gotta Spa!

Soar rollerball perfume is one of my favorite Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free perfume scents! It has a spicy, citrusy, floral blend: Meyer Lemon, Wild Orange, Ginger, Geranium, Rose Absolute, Green Tea, Fig, Spice, Amber, and White Musk (fragrance oil) in grapeseed oil.

A Girl’s Gotta Spa!, a cruelty free personal care line with an emphasis on encouraging and empowering women, was created by solopreneur, Shannon Smyth. Initially a mental health professional helping children, Shannon shifted her focus to staying home and raising a family (which eventually became 6 boys.) A true extrovert and always looking to take on new challenges, she launched a beauty blog in 2005 to give women (mainly moms) straightforward reviews when they are short on time or simply hiding in the bathroom for some sanity. She never imagined the game changer it would become. 

Her journey has led her to speak at the HBA Expo and Cosmoprof North America, among other expert panels. In 2013, after countless reviews of beauty products and helping other beauty start ups, she launched an extension of her blog with her own product line. Shannon firmly believes that You Deserve to Be Pampered and A Girl’s Gotta Spa! promotes this mission.

Figleaves

Figleaves – One-stop (easy) online shopping for pajamas, lingerie, loungewear, active and swim, including Figleaves’ own-brand of on-trend winners. Available at Figleaves.com and Amazon, retail prices range from $45 for a chemise, to $60 for a PJ set, to $312 for a cashmere robe. Pictured – the beautiful Harper Bralette ($36) and Juliette Lace Bralette ($31) – available in a wide variety of sizes for all shapes.

Female CEO and 100% female design and buying team. With women in key positions such as garment technologist, software test manager and senior designer, Figleaves believes that every woman, whatever her shape or size, should enjoy the transformative power of great fitting lingerie and swimwear. Figleaves is truly for every body.

Verloop

Verloop – Bold and chunky knits for her, him and home, including hats, scarves, (tech) gloves, slippers, bottle covers, pillows and more. First of all – how genius is this pack of THREE Pair and Spare Touchscreen Gloves ($32 – show in Black Marl)? If you lose a glove, you always have a spare! And for the fashionista who has everything, the Scarf Scarf Scarf ($87) is sure to please. Who doesn’t love a good slouchy winter hat? The Fair Isle Hat ($34 shown in Wine Red) is perfect for those cold winter nights. There are lots of bold colors as well as neutrals to choose from. Available at Verloop.com, Nordstrom and Anthropologie, among others.

Verloop is woman owned and operated. When Ella Lim received her MBA, the plan was never to apply it to starting her own business. With an interest in art, she thought a good way to segue into design would be to work on the business side first. After working for an industrial design company for a few years, Ella decided to switch gears and go back to her roots—specifically to her family’s knitwear factory based in the Philippines. 

TRVL Design

Trvl Design – Designer Irene Herold’s new collection, TRVL Design, offers an array of accessories that will keep jet setters organized whether traveling by train, plane or automobile, or simply to the office on foot. ($28 to $54). The gorgeous, lightweight quilted weekender Overpacker bag ($118) is perfect for a gift OR for your own holiday travel road trip or carry-on! Featuring durable web handles, a padded/detachable shoulder strap, three large interior pockets, a mesh wall pocket and trolley slide with zip pocket – it will keep your necessities at the ready! Everything you toss in this bag will have a home! 

Woman owned and operated. Irene Harold, an industry veteran who designed for other accessory companies, launched TRVL design in 2019 with one goal: create the most convenient, travel-friendly, affordable accessories in exclusive colors and patterns for women like herself – BUSY.

Catskill Provisions

Catskills Provisions – Epicurean treats and spirits infused with 100% raw wildflower honey harvested in New York. Founded by Claire Marin who left publishing to pursue her passion, beekeeping. Claire is one of a handful of female distillers in the US. Catskills Provisions’ kosher honey is raw and never heated, which maintains all of the antioxidants and amino acids that are lost in large-scale produced honey. Their New York state artisan maple syrup is heated at 180-200 degrees and double filtered through natural paper. This helps eliminate “syrup sand” and boosts clarity. Their gourmet apple cider vinegar is made with non-GMO NY State Apples that are fermented and aged for 8 months in steel. They blend the vinegar with their own wildflower honey and infuse an herb blend from renowned spice blenders, La Boite. Products range from $7 to $49.

Woman owned and operated. Born in Madrid and raised in New York City, Claire M Marin, proprietor of Catskill Provisions had already attained success in the corporate world as a national magazine publisher. After discovering the Catskill Mountains, she took up beekeeping as a hobby and found herself drawn to the bees and how they work in easy harmony with each other and their surroundings.  Inspired by their example, she began building her own business, drawing upon the local natural resources of Upstate New York. Today, Claire tends to over 300 beehives in Delaware, Sullivan, and Madison Counties in New York State in cooperation with other local beekeepers to create 100 percent raw, small batch, hand-packed honey harvested several times a year.

BFFs & Babes

BFFs & Babes – How cute is this Dog Mom Tie Dye Tote Bag ($28)? Perfect for the dog lover in your life! BFFS & Babes was founded by Chevy Berndt. Using her experience in fashion PR and her obsession with everything tie-dye, she created her first set of tie-dye totes for her bridesmaids in 2019. Since then the line has expanded on Etsy to offer a variety of tote bags, apparel and giftable accessories. Every item is hand tie-dyed and personalized with love!

We Are Paradoxx

We Are Paradoxx – A cruelty free and vegan hair brand created by Irish hairstylist, Yolanda Cooper. We are Paradoxx is infused with ingredients native to her homeland, including botanicals such as moss, hops, whiskey, clover, seaweed, Celtic salt, and more. The brand is environmentally responsible, socially conscious, and makes damn good hair care products. My hair feels thicker and shinier, and less damaged after using the Super Natural Shampoo ($22) and Secret Weapon 3 in 1 Conditioner ($25). Seriously though – these products have made my hair shinier than any other products I’ve ever tried! I have fine, wavy hair, and although this line is on the heavier side, I feel that it gives my waves more heft and takes away any frizz. Plus, the hair oil ($35) comes in a metal flask – how cool is that?

Soji Crystal Bottles

SOJI Energy Crystal Water Bottle – For the free spirit friend who loves taking pics for Instagram (hey – it’s okay – most of us do it)! The crystals used for SOJI Crystal Water Bottles ($94) are mined ethically all over the world. SOJI Energy has partnered with the WaterisLife foundation, which helps brings clean, safe drinking water and other hygienic solutions to communities in need. SOJI donates a portion of each sale to this endeavor in hopes to cycle that positive energy back into the earth. The glass bottle is dishwasher safe – everything else (especially the crystal!) is best hand-washed.

SOJI Energy is a company founded by Rebecca Coon. Her team’s mission is to create unique wellness products that cultivate a daily reminder for us to slow down, take a moment and trust the journey. Being a team of mainly women they really wanted to revolutionize the beauty and wellness industries. Creating products that would change how we go through our day. Making us all more mindful from our beauty routines to our many daily responsibilities.

Dreambook & Planner

Dreambook Planner – Sure, we have the calendar on our phone and computer, but that can turn into a never-ending list of scrolling to-do’s. Limits and life balance are needed to intersect the need-to-do from the want-to-do’s. Here’s a glimpse of what you (or your friend) will work through within the Dreambook planner ($48):

• Exercises to figure out your unique values, gifts and purpose to better figure out what it is you truly want.
• A tested and proven system to define clear goals, break those goals down into action steps, and get them scheduled.
• Impactful self-care and life-balance practices to keep you healthy and focused, plus incorporated reminders so you don’t forget to do them throughout each week.
• A space to set an intention for each day and a space to reflect on the things you are grateful for. 
• Strategically asked questions that prompt weekly reflection to make sure you are still on the right path.

Perfect for busy people who have dreams of being accomplished in work and life, the Dreambook Planner, created by Briana Borten, founder of The Dragontree Spa and Apothecary, simplifies the process of setting and achieving your goals alongside robotic daily tasks. Since its release in 2016, the Dreambook Planner has been an integral tool to more than 50,000 people who have been able to reach their dreams, prioritize their passions, and deliberately create exceptional lives. The book is relaunching in a new and improved edition to get ready for a new year.

This gift guide is sponsored by Babbleboxx.com. All opinions are 100% mine!

2019 Holiday Gift Guide – Ideas for the Entire Family

Build-A-Bear Peppermint Twist Sloth Holiday Party Gift Set

If you’re looking for a unique, customizable gift for a kid in your life, Build-A-Bear has you covered! Sloths are having their moment in the spotlight right now, aren’t they? I think this Peppermint Twist Sloth Holiday Party Gift Set is just ADORABLE! My littlest nephew, Teddy, is going to love him. His fur has peppermint stripes, and his paws have velcro so he can give hugs. He comes with a super festive (and quite dapper) holiday party suit. And you can even add sounds (a personalized message or pre-recorded sound) and a scent (where was this when I was a kid?)! Build-A-Bear has lots of other cuddly critters to choose from too.

Special Offer: Get $5 off a purchase of $25 or more with code BEARYMERRY at buildabear.com or at your nearest Workshop! Some exclusions apply, see full details at buildabear.com/offers.

No Nonsense Soft & Breathable Socks

Okay this one is funny to me, because when I was a kid ALL my dad ever asked for during the holidays was socks! We thought he was crazy, but now that I’m an adult, I TOTALLY GET IT! I was legitimately overjoyed to receive these No Nonsense Soft & Breathable Socks from Babbleboxx, because lately I’ve been working out more often, and I can never find any clean socks. Seriously – does the washing machine eat them? I will never understand where they go! They come in No Show and Quarter Top options – in black and white. Like the name, they are actually SUPER soft, as well as moisture-wicking and ventilated (no one wants sweaty feet). My husband is Jewish, and the joke in his family is that everyone gets socks for Hannukah! These make a great stocking stuffer too. No matter who you are, or what you celebrate, everyone can appreciate new socks!

Aftershokz Air – Bone Conductive Wireless Headphones

Okay first I’m going to tell you why these amazing Aftershokz headphones were created and why you may want to gift them (or buy them for yourself), and THEN I’m going to tell you the surprise benefit I found for these!

First off, these “bone conductive headphones” conduct sound through the bones in your head (really!), so they are worn differently than normal headphones. You place the speakers right above your ears (not in them), and the strap wraps around the back of your head. My husband loves them because normal headphones never seem to fit in his ears. These are lightweight and easier than his big, bulky over-ear headphones to wear while working out.

They were made for athletes and runners, because they allow you to listen to music while still being alert to ambient sounds (which is much safer when you’re out running or working out in public). Plus, they are water resistant and they don’t fall off when you move. They are also great for office workers who want to listen to some tunes without bothering coworkers, but also be alert when the phone rings or someone needs them!

But the exciting thing I discovered is that these headphones help my migraines! Yep, that’s right. They gently vibrate with the music, which is probably not something you’d ever notice. But I put them on when I had a headache, and I found that I didn’t want to take them off! Even better, I found some binaural beats (40 Hz is a good one for me) and meditations on Spotify, and WOW – new migraine hack!

You can pair these wireless headphones to your phone with Bluetooth. Then, while you’re wearing them, you can easily switch songs, pause the music, change the EQ or volume, and even take calls by pushing a button.

SPECIAL OFFER: Babbleboxx has teamed up with Aftershokz this season to #GiveGoodVibez. Purchase any wireless headphone and get an Open-Box Titanium headphone FREE. Gift your extra pair to someone special to brighten their day. Use code GGVBABBLE for $50 off all wireless bundles! (Not available during Black Friday/Cyber Monday.)

Maglite Preparedness Flashlight and Everyday Carry Sets

Okay so normally you see pictures of tool sets and flashlights and things like that and you think, “gifts for dads.” Okay sure, but there’s no reason why women wouldn’t like to have these too. Gregg and I have been on a preparedness kick since the latest California wildfires (we’ve got fires, mudslides, earthquakes, power outages – lots of fun stuff…). So we were equally excited about these Maglite flashlight sets.

I’m not what you’d call an “outdoorsy” girl, but even I know that Maglite is a trusted name. They make reliable and sturdy products. The ML50 Roadside Safety Pack comes with a C-Cell LED flashlight, two Energizer C batteries, a cone and a mounting kit. The cone is really cool and something I hadn’t seen before. It easily attaches to the flashlight and boom – instant red light that you can use to flag down help if your car dies, or use as a flare at night. We are keeping this one in our car, but with the batteries OUTSIDE of the flashlight so they will be fresh if an emergency happens. The Solitaire LED/Gerber US 1 set comes with a small flashlight for your keyring (I immediately added it to my car keychain) and a utility knife (which is going in my emergency car kit). Great stocking stuffer ideas!

Special Offer: Use code MAGBB19 for 15% off online orders. Some restrictions apply. Outlet, seasonal shop and discounted items excluded. Cannot be combined with another offer or discounted item. U. S. Shipping addresses only. Promotion available for limited time. Expires: 12/31/2019.

Aura Analog Photo Frame

Aura makes digital and analog photo frames. The Aura Analog photo frame comes with a cool print subscription service. It’s perfect for grandparents, because you can gift them the frame and 5 prints, and then sign up for the monthly service, so they get 5 NEW prints each month in the mail! You can put a landscape or portrait print into the carved white stone frame, plus there’s space in the back to put a year’s worth of prints (60), so you have a place to store them, and you can change them out whenever you like.

The app makes it easy to choose photos right from your phone to send as a monthly gift (or to yourself). There’s no editing involved – just choose the photos you want, and Aura prints and sends them in the mail! The monthly subscription is just $7.99 per month.

Charlee Bear Dog Treats

This list wouldn’t be complete without something for your furry, four-legged friends, now would it? As you can see from the photos, Charlee Bear dog treats are a BIG HIT with my pooch, Riley! There are freeze-dried, grain-free meaty bites, which are perfect for dogs with allergies and sensitivities (like Riley who has Cushings and associated skin issues). And the Bearnola Bites have yummy, veg options that mimic Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, like cranberry cobbler, blueberry pie, and pumpkin spice dog treats! These treats are made without corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. They are made in the USA by a family-owned company. Riley gives these two paws up!

The Animal’s Companion book by Jacky Colliss Harvey

And last, but certainly not least is the perfect pet gift book for your animal loving family and friends. The Animal’s Companion book by New York Times bestselling author, Jacky Colliss Harvey, is a heartwarming history lesson that explores the connections humans have with their pets, and how keeping pets around actually makes us human. It’s a history that can be traced back to a cave in France where anthropologists discovered evidence of a boy and his dog taking a walk together — 26,000 years ago. Harvey explores relationships between pets and famous and eccentric people. There are some full-color photos included. This is definitely going to be coming with me on the plane to read on my way to visit family for the holidays. I think it will make a great re-gift when I finish reading it too!

Giveaway Time!

One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive – Aura Analog Frame, Aftershokz Headphones, Build-A-Bear Furry Friend, Charlee Bear Dog Treats, No Nonsense Socks, Maglite Safety Pack & Solitaire LED 

Four (4) Runners-Up will receive an Aura Analog Frame

BabbleBoxx will randomly select winners from all program entries and will be responsible for fulfillment of prizes to the winner. Ends November 25, 2019.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Recently my mom (who lives in Louisiana) told me that she had just purchased an air quality monitor and was shocked with how bad the air in her house was. She had low quality air and too much carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide was a relatively easy fix (open the windows and buy a few snake plants), but the air quality ended up needing a much more extensive fix. She had to replace her whole indoor heating and cooling system. Now she and my dad are breathing easier!

That got me thinking about my air quality. Los Angeles is well-known for having low quality, smoggy air. And it seems like parts of Southern and Northern California are ALWAYS on fire! We just had a major scare with my in-laws (we were prepared for them to take their 3 kitties and come to our place during the last big fire a few weeks ago), and currently there are several fires going on in the area. Even if your home isn’t in immediate danger, or you can’t see the fires from where you live, you can bet that the air quality is going to suffer. But if you live very close to a fire, even more reason to take action!

IQAir reached out to me at exactly the right time. I was just starting to consider my own air quality, when they reached out to see if I’d like to review their Air Visual Pro air monitor and their Atem Personal Air Purifier. I’ve been using them for several weeks now, and I am so impressed.

The IQAir Air Visual Pro air quality monitor shows me what the air quality is in my house (low numbers are better) versus the air quality in my city (as well as forecasts for later in the day and the next day). It also tells me what the carbon dioxide levels are in my house (not to be confused with carbon monoxide which you should have an alarm for), and if I should open or close the windows, or avoid strenuous outdoor activity. You also get temperature, weather forecast and humidity readings.

This is a really sensitive air monitor. It uses advanced laser technology to give highly accurate readings of tiny fine particles (PM2.5) – all the way down to 0.3 microns. When I burn a candle (or “blacken” something a bit too much while I’m cooking), it will immediately tell me that the air is not so good and I may need to crank up the air purifiers, or open up a window or two!

I have been mainly keeping this in my living room (where I work most of the day), but I’ve also tried it out in my bedroom and back office, and I’ve found that the air quality in my house is generally better than the air quality outdoors (thanks to my air purifiers). But sometimes the carbon dioxide goes up and I need to be alerted to open the windows. There is an IQAir Air Visual app that will alert you if the air is bad, and you need to stay indoors, open a window or take other action. Air Visual Pro can also be connected to ITTT (If This Then That) to alert you for these things.

I’ve also been testing out the IQAir Atem desktop air purifier. This is a small, but very powerful air cleaner. As I mentioned, I have several air purifiers in my house. We have a dog and a cat who both do their business indoors (we have a Pet Loo and of course we have a kitty litter box), so we need a lot of stink-busting devices! Even with all the air purifiers, once I turned on the Atem, I could see on the air monitor that the air instantly started to get cleaner.

IQAir’s HyperHEPA filtration technology has been proven through rigorous independent testing to effectively filter air down to the 0.003 micron level. That’s smaller than most viruses! IQAir machines are designed in Switzerland and made in Germany. They are extremely high quality, and a must-have for anyone who is sensitive to the elements (like me!).

The Atem retails for $399 so it’s not a cheap device, but consider this: if you have a smoker in your family (or live near one), the Atem can get rid of the teeny tiny particles from smoking (0.01 – 1 micron) as well as soot from fireplaces (or fires if you live in California!), which are 0.01 – 0.3 microns. The Atem can even filter out viruses as small as 0.003 microns! If you (or your kids) have asthma or allergies, this type of air purifier is a no-brainer.

This works well in your house or at your office. If you need a different size, IQAir has everything from personal to entire house air purifiers. There’s even an air purifier for your car!

It’s day six of our TRICK or TREAT giveaways, and today I’ve got a fun one from Fragrant Jewels for you! But first, if you haven’t entered the other giveaways this week, go back to the home page to enter ’em all!

I’ve got a gorgeous candle and a selection of bath bombs from Fragrant Jewels to give away. Even more exciting, they are all Halloween-themed! Every Fragrant Jewels product contains a collectible piece of jewelry and comes with a code for your chance to win a $10,000 ring!

Here are the deets on the exciting prize package ($100.80 value) one lucky winner will get in the mail (and don’t worry – we’ll ask for your ring size before we ship them out):

• Dark Kiss Bath Bomb ($16.95) – Kisses aren’t always meant to be sweet. Give in to your inner dark temptress with the wickedly sinister Dark Kiss Bath Bomb. Light some candles while thinking about who your next unsuspecting victim might be. Watch as the water transforms into an empty black abyss while seductive aromas of Lily of the Valley, cedarwood, and jasmine fill the air. The night is yours! Inside every Bath Bomb, you’ll find one of 2 black-toned bands featuring a garnet colored CZ center stone and clear CZ accent stones. Wear each ring to help lure innocent prey into your Dark Kiss. Scent: Mandarin, rose, lily of the valley, patchouli, & cedarwood.

• Wicked Kitty Bath Bomb ($16.95) – With a mischievous look on their adorable face, the Wicked Kitties of the world control every aspect of our lives. But they’re just so darn cute we can’t help but love them anyway! Relax with your purr-fectly wicked kitty as you drop in your Bath Bomb and experience soothing aromas of cucumber, lavender, & chamomile. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds from each Candle and Bath Bomb will benefit Kitten Rescue Los Angeles, whose mission is for every sweet (and wicked) kitty to have a meow-nificent home. As your Bath Bomb begins to fizzle, you’ll also discover one of 5 kitty-inspired rings. Each black-plated ring features a glittering green apple CZ center stone. Wear this ring as a reminder of your cute, yet diabolical little pet. Bath Bomb Scent: Cucumber, lavender, chamomile, & sandalwood.

• Wicked Satin Candle ($49.95) – Allow yourself to indulge in the finer things of life – only this time with the perfect dose of mischief. Enjoy exotic aromas of fresh-cut rose, jasmine, and rich cedar-wood. As your candle burns down, you’ll discover one of 4 Limited Edition sterling silver rings featuring a simple yet extravagant black center stone. Each ring features a stunning Swarovski Silver Night Crystal Fancy Stone which will allow you to carry a little wickedness with you throughout the day. Candle Scent: English Rose, Cedarwood & Honey.

• Apple Cider Bath Bomb ($16.95) – There’s nothing like the feeling of taking your first warm bath of the new Fall season. Grab your favorite book, crack open your window the perfect amount, and drop in the Apple Cider Bath Bomb. Enjoy authentic aromas of apple cider cooking on the stove as you bathe in soothing oils and natural minerals. Inside each Bath Bomb, you’ll discover one of 12 fall-inspired rings. Just like the season itself, each ring features stones in dark earthy tones (dark emerald, orange, and scarlet reds) and comes in one of three band colors (rhodium, rose gold, or antique gold.) Collect all 12 designs and wear each one during your favorite Fall activity! Bath Bomb scent: Crisp apple, currant, french vanilla, & maple wood.

No purchase necessary. To enter the giveaway, wait for the Rafflecopter widget to load (below). You can enter as many times as you like. You must be 18 or older. US only. Giveaway ends 10/31/19 at 12 am PST. Winner will be notified via email. By entering, you agree to the official rules.

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It’s time for our next TRICK or TREAT giveaway ladies and gents! We’ve been doing this all week, so if you haven’t entered the other giveaways yet, visit the home page. Today I have a beautiful Organic Aromas nebulizing diffuser to give away.

The Organic Aromas Raindrop Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser ($95 value) looks like something you’d find in a science lab in the middle of the tropical rainforest. It has a cool beaker-esque shape with a hand-made wooden base. The Raindrop is a therapeutic aromatherapy diffuser that does not use heat or water. The device is clean, safe, uses very little energy and is completely quiet. This Nebulizing Diffuser uses pure essential oil. It has a “volume” switch to precisely control how much oil you diffuse. It also has rainbow LED carousel lighting to create a soothing, zen-like atmosphere.

Low energy consumption, the unit has a usage cycle of 2 minutes on, and 1 minute off.  It automatically shuts off after two hours. Excellent atomizing performance requires little essential oil to saturate the air quickly. Under ideal conditions it can “service” a room of up to 800+ sq ft.

If you don’t need an essential oil diffuser, you may still want to enter to win, because this would make a beautiful gift for the upcoming holidays! I’ve got one Raindrop Nebulizing Diffuser ($95) to give away to one lucky winner!

No purchase necessary. To enter the giveaway, wait for the Rafflecopter widget to load (below). You can enter as many times as you like. You must be 18 or older. US only. Giveaway ends 10/31/19 at 12 am PST. Winner will be notified via email. By entering, you agree to the official rules.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I remember when I first moved from Louisiana to California (about 17 years ago), a coworker mentioned that she used a swamp cooler to beat the aggressive Los Angeles heat. As someone who was born and raised near actual swamp land, I thought it was weird that I had never heard that term before. I have since learned that an evaporative cooler (AKA “swamp cooler”) is something that can only be used to beat the heat in DRY climates. It takes hot, dry air, mixes it with water, and produces a cool ocean-like breeze.

I have traditional window unit air conditioners in my LA apartment, but I’m on an upper level floor, and when it gets really hot in the summer, they can be on full blast, and it will still be sweltering. I’ve tried fans, but they just blow hot air around, and on a really hot day, they can almost make it worse. I wanted to buy another air conditioner for my living room (where I live and work, and spend most of my time), but I have slat windows, so that wasn’t an option. A traditional air conditioner has a hose that has to flow out of a window, and my windows don’t open wide enough for that to work.

When a distributor for Honeywell reached out to see if I would like to try one of their air conditioners, I realized that although I can’t use a traditional freestanding AC, I CAN use an evaporative cooler! It needs to be near an open window, but there’s no hose to worry about. They sent me the Honeywell CL201AE Portable Evaporative Cooler (in silver), and it has made a huge difference for me this summer!

So first of all, the machine is huge (it covers up to 280 square feet), so you do need to have space for it. You’ll need to be in a climate that has less than 60% humidity (SouthWest and MidWest peeps are good candidates). You basically just put it near an open window, plug it in, add water (and ice if you wish), and you’re good to go! The effect is literally like they say – like a “cool lakeside breeze.” You can also turn the cooling part off and use it as a humidifier during the winter. The downside is that you do have to add at least two large pitchers of water each time you use it (it will last for several hours). But when it’s really hot out, trust me – you won’t mind the extra effort! If does have wheels, so if you want to, you can wheel it on over to the backdoor, and fill it up with a garden hose.

Take note of the water reservoir indicator. There’s a little floating thing that shows you when the water is at the right level. My husband didn’t read the directions, and put in something like six pitchers of water the first time he turned it on, and then realized it was WAY too much, so he had to go dump it outside! Once we figured it out, it was actually really simple to use. There’s a low water alarm, so you’ll know when it’s time to add more water. There’s even a remote so you can turn it on and off, change the speed, etc.

Overall, I’m really happy with this cooling addition to my apartment. My pets and I are a lot more comfortable, and the added humidity is also good for my skin! This model (CL201AE) runs about $200 and is made for indoor use, but there are larger or smaller, and indoor and outdoor versions available too. If I actually had a yard (a girl can dream), I would definitely get one of these babies to make sitting outside in the summer more bearable!

So maybe you’ve noticed the lack of blog posts on My Beauty Bunny lately? Sorry about that! I have been MIA lately, and if you follow me on social media, you probably know why. I found out in mid-June that I have thyroid cancer. At first I was pretty devastated, but I poured myself into 24/7 research to learn everything I could about the disease.

It turns out that thyroid cancer is what they call “the best kind of cancer to get.” That was comforting to me in the beginning, but that seems to generally piss off most people with thyroid cancer, who say there is no GOOD cancer. While that may be true, there are definitely more aggressive forms of cancer that I am very happy not to have!

I’m going to tell you what I have learned by doing a crazy amount of research and talking to a surprising number of you guys who either have dealt with thyroid cancer or know someone who has. I am not a medical professional, and you should not take anything I say as medical advice (duh!). The BEST thing I can recommend to those who are diagnosed with this (or any disease) is to get a second, even third opinion, and do your research!

So I found out that I have thyroid cancer because I was noticing a lump in my throat. It’s not visible and I can’t even feel a lump, but I felt like something was stuck in there. It also felt inflamed and irritated in the general thyroid area. When I went for my monthly facial at Verabella Spa, I noticed that I was very uncomfortable when they (very) lightly massaged that area. I decided to go see my primary care doctor to see what was going on. I certainly didn’t expect her to say I had cancer!

My thyroid blood tests were (and still are) normal. There was nothing for my doctor to be worried about other than the fact that I was telling her I had neck pain. As a precaution, she had me go in for an ultrasound. I remember sitting and waiting for Dr. Herrmann (my dermatologist) to give me my melasma laser treatment when I read the test results in my Cedars Sinai hospital online portal. It said, “Small (9 x 10 mm) hypoechoic nodule with internal microcalcifications in the mid-upper pole of the right lobe which is highly suspicious. Ultrasound-guided aspiration is recommended.” Why would they say “highly suspicious”? Are you kidding me? I immediately started crying when Dr. Herrmann walked into the room. She assured me that things were going to be okay.

So then I got the Fine Needle Aspiration (AKA biopsy) done at Cedars Sinai Hospital, which I was terrified to do but it turned out to not be so bad – quick and very little pain – and helped with a little Ativan to calm me down. When I got the results from my doctor, she told me they said they believe it to be papillary thyroid carcinoma. Of course, I was VERY freaked out, and it was taking forever to make appointments. They were telling me I had to wait over a month to follow up with an Ear Nose Throat doctor and endocrinologist. So I did my research, and I called back repeatedly until they got me in for earlier appointments.

By the time I saw the ENT, I already knew several things about my cancer.

1. Thyroid cancer is usually a very slow growing cancer (unless you have a rare aggressive form) – thyroid cancer is often found in autopsies of older people who had no idea they even had it!
2. Thyroid cancer is usually very treatable with active surveillance, surgery (partial or total thyroidectomy), and/or RAI (radioactive iodine tablet therapy). Chemo is not usually needed.
3. My nodule is pretty small (about 1 cm). In a follow-up ultrasound, they did not find cancer in my lymph nodes (so it hadn’t spread).
4. Surgery may not be the only option. Surgery can be rough, and living without a thyroid is not always a walk in the park. Meds can be hard to get right, and they may change over time.

After following up with the ENT and endocrinologist, I decided to do what they call “active surveillance.” It’s part of a pilot study in LA, NY and Japan. Basically, if you’re a good candidate, you can decide to NOT have surgery, but to watch and see if the nodule grows over time. I’m going to have a follow-up ultrasound in October, and if it grows at any time, I can have the surgery to remove half or all of my thyroid. In the meantime, I’m doing holistic things to see if I can stop this sucker from growing (or maybe even shrink it – who knows?). I’m taking lots of well-researched supplements, consulting with my friends at Elements of Wellness, changing my diet, taking CBD/THC, and even trying to get out into nature by going to the park daily and visiting the beach and mountains more often (you don’t realize how little “nature” you get when you live in a big city).

The only thing that bugged me was that although the doctors believe it to be papillary carcinoma (the most common and slow-growing form of thyroid cancer), there’s a possibility it’s a more aggressive form. There’s even a slight possibility that it’s NOT cancer at all! They won’t know for sure unless they cut it out and send it to the lab. But, since I’m going for another ultrasound in October, I feel confident that we’ll catch it if it somehow turns out to be an aggressive cancer. If it somehow does spread to the lymph nodes (which I doubt), they can be removed during surgery as well.

The weird thing is that what brought me in to check my neck in the first place was pain and a feeling of something lodged in my throat (especially when I was lying down). My doctors all told me my thyroid cancer nodule was too small and couldn’t be causing this feeling. I believe my thyroid was inflamed (thyroiditis) even though they couldn’t confirm it. With the holistic treatments I’m doing, the inflammation has mostly gone away. It comes and goes from time to time, but I’d say it’s 90% gone.

I’m also having a lot of other ongoing symptoms (shortness of breath when I walk, fast heart rate and dizziness when I stand up, abnormal fatigue, etc.) that the doctors are saying are not related to the cancer. I’ve had so many tests lately and spent thousands of dollars (even with good PPO insurance). I’m really calm about this whole thing, but I’m also just tired – mentally and physically. I feel like all I’ve been doing is doctors and treatments, so I’m really happy that I’ll be able to take a quick vacation in Florida with my husband and extended family soon! Nature heals baby!

Glamcor Riki Loves Riki – Riki Skinny vs Riki Tall Selfie Mirrors

People in the beauty industry already know that Glamcor makes great mirror and lighting products. Glamcor is well-loved by makeup artists, hairstylists, aestheticians, microblading/permanent makeup artists, tattoo artists, manicurists, film/TV pros, YouTubers, and other beauty professionals. I got my first Glamcor Mono Light as an addition to my photography lighting set-up as a gift from my husband last year. Recently, Glamcor sent me their Riki Skinny mirror and Riki Tall mirror to review for you. Let’s take a look.

First, let me say that these are the brightest lighted mirrors I’ve EVER seen! I’ve tried a lot of beauty mirrors in my day and none have even come close. There are several settings, so you can choose how much light you need – it’s not all or nothing. Both Riki mirrors come with a magnetic 3x close-up mirror, magnetic phone clip with BlueTooth selfie function, USB charger, and stand. Let’s take a look at the differences so you can decide which one is best for your needs.

Let’s talk about the Riki Skinny mirror. It’s a small, personal-sized lighted mirror (9.5″x13″), that can stay on your vanity or bathroom countertop, and also be packed into a carrying case for travel. The obvious advantage here is the price. It’s not a cheap mirror, but at $195, it’s much more affordable than the larger Riki Tall ($495). The stand is adjustable, so you can get the perfect angle for skincare and makeup application. The selfie function button is located on the mirror itself, so you can attach the magnetic phone clip, pair it with your phone, and then press the button to take a selfie. You can also film a close-up beauty tutorial video easily while looking directly into the mirror. The phone clip can be positioned either vertically or horizontally.

When my husband came home and saw the Riki Tall mirror in the living room (which is where I keep my vanity because we live in a small apartment), he said, “Whoa – where did this giant iPad come from?” And it’s funny because it does look like a giant iPhone or iPad! The Riki Tall mirror has the same features as the Riki Skinny mirror, but it’s MUCH larger (28″x20″)! It has five stages of brightness – the daylight bulbs go from moderate to SUPER BRIGHT! With all these lights, somehow it doesn’t get hot, which is a huge plus. There’s also a 3x mirror attachment, phone clip attachment, and remote control for the power, BlueTooth selfie function, and brightness adjustment. This is a large mirror even though it’s very thin (14 lbs), so the stand for this one is not adjustable. It’s giant but doesn’t take up a large footprint. It comes with an extra-long cord, so you can keep it plugged in. The best part is that this required pretty much no installation. I am terrible at installing things, and this was a piece of cake. I basically lifted it out of the box, slid it into the base, and then tightened two screws. That’s it!

I didn’t want to share this pic, because you can clearly see the mess in my living room (I had to clear off my vanity to take these pics, and it was SO overloaded LOL!). BUT, I want you to see how big the Riki Tall mirror is, and I’m not sure if the other pics do it justice. You can use this as a full-body mirror!

Overall, I think the Riki Skinny mirror will be perfect for most at-home makeup (and travel) needs. If you have a vanity or bathroom area that needs a bigger mirror, or if you’re a makeup artist or hairstylist who needs a larger mirror for clients, the Riki Tall mirror might be better. The light is perfect for applying makeup and for filming quick tutorials. I’m excited to experiment with that, since trying to hold up a phone while applying makeup is pretty much impossible! I think I will stick with daylight for selfies though because I have bought SO MANY lights and gadgets, but I haven’t found a ring light, lighted mirror, or daylight bulb that is better than good ‘ole sunlight!

Want to buy a Riki Loves Riki mirror? Use code BBunny15 for 15% off!

Hair cut, color and style by Patricia Lynn Laas. Lipstick – Too Faced Pillow Talk. Lashes – Stacy Lash.

How to Edit Photos Using Only Apps

Photo editing is a valuable skill whether you’re an influencer or an Instagram addict! Programs like Photoshop and LightRoom are great for professional bloggers and photographers, but not everyone has the time to pull out their laptop and overcome the learning curve that comes with sophisticated programs like those. That is where photo editing apps come into play. When I’m in a hurry or have to edit on the fly, I will often use iPhone apps to edit my photos. All of the editing apps mentioned below are readily available for both Android and iOS systems.

VSCO for Photo Editing

VSCO, or VSCO Cam, is a photo editing application as well as a social media network. Its interface allows users to edit photos and share them to VSCO’s network of fellow photography enthusiasts. Since its launch in 2012, it has claimed a spot on the hearts of recreational and professional editors for its wide range of filters and adjustment settings for fully customizable exposure, contrast, saturation, and more.

How to Use

Open VSCO and click on the third icon at the
bottom. From there, you can choose to either import your existing photos by tapping
the blue plus button or take a photo by tapping the black camera icon.

Once that is done, select the photo you have
imported or taken and tap the icon showing two horizontal lines with circles
inside of them. This will take you to the editing interface, where you can add
filters, make adjustments, and save presets.

Once the edit has been completed, tap the “save” button to save it your phone or the “publish” button to share it with VSCO’s community.

Facetune for Selfies

Facetune is a powerful but dangerous weapon! I’ve seen so many people go WAY too far with this editing app. My personal opinion is that if you look like a cartoon character and have no contours or pores, you’ve gone overboard. I like to use it to smooth out my skin a bit, whiten my eyes and teeth, get rid of blemishes and blur out a few wrinkles under my eyes. Facetune can also be used to add makeup/highlights, eye colors, and emphasis to the cheeks and jawline with a few taps, but I’d say that those are more advanced features, and I haven’t really explored them.

How to Use

Upon opening Facetune, you’ll notice that there are stock photos to practice on. Choose one and click “Select Photo” to get started. If you would like to skip that instead, click the camera icon at the top of the interface to load your own photos and begin experimenting with the features at the bottom of the app. There are plenty of tutorials that go into extensive detail on how to create specific effects that you can follow.

You can enhance your selfies easily with the Retouch/Auto feature. I usually move the Smooth slider to less than half so my skin still looks real. I turn the Glow slider all the way off. And I may tweak others depending on the image. I feel I should mention that I do this mainly for selfies, and I never change the colors of makeup products and things like that. If I’m doing a before/after type of image (like this one), I don’t retouch at all because I want to show you the true results.

Adobe Photoshop Express

Adobe Photoshop Express is Photoshop’s mobile sibling. It allows you to not only have the advanced capabilities of Photoshop available in your pocket but also allows you to use these capabilities for FREE. Some features you may love are cropping, text overlay, a plethora of brushes to experiment with, and the ability to edit photos in raw formats.

How to Use

Start by launching the app and selecting a photo. The first screen will show photos available on the phone. Once you have chosen your photo, experiment with the icons at the bottom of the app. These allow you to add filters or “looks”, crop and resize, make adjustments, and use many other features. When the photo has been edited, simply click the
share button at the top right and export it by selecting “Save to
Gallery.”

As cell phones have become more advanced, so have the capabilities of their accompanying apps. The key to creating beautiful photos is to figure out which apps work for YOU, and then using them often, so you can do it in your sleep!