LittleLuxe Bath & Spa {review}

Happy Friday y'all! Who's ready for another review? Today we have LittleLuxe Bath & Spa, a delightful small business specializing in dozens of quality, natural bath and luxury spa items! 

Now and then you just need to pamper yourself, amiright? What better way than to indulge in some decadent bath salts, sugar scrubs or bath soaks? 

I was sent a collection of bath scrubs/salts and also a sugar lip scrub and the Bird of Paradise bath gift set from LittleLuxe. I absolutely love the photography and aesthetic designs on the LittleLuxe Etsy listings! So pretty! 

Bird of Paradise Gift Set  

This set features a homemade soap and bath salts. The soap has a sweet but almost tangy scent. It definitely has a tropical vibe to it! I love the color scheme! The bath salts have a similar scent but it’s a little different. I love the color of these salts. The scent is sweet and tropical themed, but I am not super fond of it personally. It is starting to wear on me a little more but initially it wasn’t a scent I would pick above others.  Overall, this is definitely a lovely gift set however, and I loved the packaging as well!

Here is a synopsis of all the bath soaks/scrubs I was sent. Visit the LittleLuxe store to see the full collection of bath soaks and scrubs! 

Blueberry Bath Tea Soak

 I love that this bath tea soak has actual dried blueberry pieces in it! It smells very pleasant and sweet, and not overbearing at all. One of my favorites in this collection!

Pink Lemonade Lip Scrub 

This sugar lip scrub tastes so darn good! It tastes just like real pink lemonade. It's very messy to use, but my lips felt so soft and moist afterwards. I am definitely a fan of this flavor! If you check out the link above, you'll see there are dozens of other cool flavors to pick from, too! 

Ocean Mist Bath Salt Soak

This luxurious bath salt soak will take you to the beach even if it's not quite vacation time! I love the scent, and the dead sea salts will leave your body feeling radiant. 

Vanilla Espresso Natural Body Scrub

Oh my goodness, this sample smelled so good! It makes me want to eat it! This natural body scrub is great for exfoliating the skin, and I’m telling you, it really does smell like espresso with a little hint of warm vanilla. Another favorite!

Fresh Blackberry Body Scrub

Blackberry is not a common scent you see in a lot of beauty products! And this sugar body scrub really nailed the blackberry scent! It is sweet and refreshing. I like it almost as much as the vanilla espresso body scrub! 

Overall, this shop has a lot to offer. They use only natural ingredients, too, which is the best part! 

Go check out LittleLuxe Bath & Spa today if you wanna "treat yo'self" a little! 

//

note: I was sent these items in exchange for my honest review. 

Exhale Natural Body Care {review}

Good morning! How has your week been going so far? I still can't believe it's Tuesday already. This year is just flying by! Today we have a delightful review from another small business on Etsy!

Please welcome Exhale Body & Birth to the blog today! This shop offers dozens of all-natural products - everything from tinctures and essential oil blends, to soap, lip balm and teas. Exhale focuses on general natural health and wellness, but also specializes in products to help with fertility! 

(Before we get started, have you entered the SPRING GIVEAWAY yet?)

Y'all know I love essential oils. I have made a few tinctures in the past, too. There is so much power you can harness from different herbs when they are kept in a tincture form! Not to mention, they will preserve for a pretty long time in that state. 

So naturally, I was pretty darn excited to get to try out some of the blends from Exhale.

I was sent four different products, and each one I have enjoyed testing! 

Here's what I was sent, and my analysis of each product: 

1. Headache Relief Tincture

This alcohol-free tincture is a major blessing and must-have. I don't get many headaches, but when I do, they are terrible. I started getting one over the weekend after doing some inversions in yoga, and took two dropper-fulls of this tincture. In about 20 minutes I was headache free. I also had my husband try it because he said he was getting a headache later that evening. I didn't hear him complaining a bit after that! 

I love the ingredients in this tincture: Organic Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Lemon Balm, Organic Chamomile, Organic Willow Bark, Organic Valerian Root and Organic Ginger. 

2. Energy Booster Aromatherapy Roller 

Sometimes even the most energetic person needs a little extra boost, am I right? For the most part, I have a lot of energy - I mean I kinda have to, as a personal trainer and group instructor. My diet and lifestyle keep me pretty awake. But there are times when I wouldn't mind a little extra "awakeness". Haha! This energy-boosting aromatherapy roller has a lovely citrus scent mixed with peppermint. The pink grapefruit and lime essential oils mixed with the peppermint oil will definitely get your mind/spirit feeling sharp and rejuvenated! A little goes a long way! 

3. Arnica Muscle Rub

"What is Arnica? Well it's a super plant from the sunflower family that helps relieve aches and pains. So if you have a bruise you can't get to heal, you have arthritis pain, some muscle soreness or a headache that just won't go away. All you have to do is roll this on your sore muscles and let it's magical properties start to ease your pain. We have included some organic essential oils in this roller to help ease you into relaxation. These essential oils are also known to help with pain relief."

This is a description on arnica that is on the original Etsy listing. I love this stuff! It's so easy to use, and since I work out frequently any kind of muscle relief is always welcome. I messed up something in my knee doing lotus pose in yoga practice, and have been rubbing this oil on the affected region. It seems to be helping ease some of the pain. 

The ingredients in this muscle rub are:

 Organic Arnica Oil, Organic Almond Oil, Organic Rosemary Essential Oil, Organic Frankincense Essential Oil, Organic Bergamot Essential Oil, Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Organic Clary Sage Essential Oil, Organic Lemon Grass Essential Oil and Organic Lavender Essential Oil.

4. Natural Strawberry Lip Balm

Ahhh, now this lip balm is the BOMB! Or, the BALM, should I say?! I loved the scent as soon as I got it. It smells like actual strawberries and cream. So sweet and pleasant! The scent is not overwhelming at all. This lip balm leaves your lips soft and moisturized, too - but without all the harmful chemicals of a typical store-bought lip balm! 

Here are the ingredients: (I love how ridiculously simple and natural they are!)

Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Beeswax & Strawberry Extract. 

And just saying, this lip balm is only 2 bucks. I mean, Burt's Bees is more than that, and there are way more ingredients, not all are exactly amazing for you, either. So this is a pretty amazing deal. 

//

Overall, I am happy to give my 'seal of approval' for Exhale Body and Birth! This shop is awesome, and their products definitely speak for themselves. They aren't overpriced, they are great quality, and just great for you in general! You should check them out today! Tell em' I sent ya! 

Ole Man Cooking Seasonings/Spice Rubs {Review}

Who here likes to cook? Who loves their steaks, burgers and meats? Looking for a way to SPICE up your dinners?

Today we have a cool review featuring the shop Mister Joe Sprinkle and the "Ole Man's Spice Rub" collection. Mister Joe Sprinkle offers several different kinds of delicious spice blends for all your cooking needs! 

Personally, I enjoy making good food. I take pride in being able to prepare a meal that is both healthy and tastes good! I also love my proteins, especially since I'm trying to build lean muscle!

Sometimes when you are cooking beef or chicken it can be challenging to figure out a good seasoning combination. The Ole Man seasonings are just the right way to add a little flavor and kick! 

I was sent a sample of the Award Winning Original Blend seasoning/spice rub, the Diet Blend spice rub, also the Mediterranean Blend and TNT blend! 

As you can see, the ingredients are pretty simple! Nothing questionable. A lot of seasoning mixes from the regular grocery store include MSG and other bad ingredients. It's good to see that the Ole Man mixes don't do this! Yay!

The Original Blend is really good on steak and hamburgers, in my opinion. My husband and I tried it when we had company over and everybody loved the flavor! We also used a little bit on some sauteed mushrooms and onions, which tasted delicious as well. The TNT blend added a great kick! 

If you are trying to watch out for the extra sugar, the Diet Blend is perfect. It's just like the Original blend but minus the sugar and salt! You can still enjoy the unique Ole Man flavor but without those extra calories! 

The Mediterranean blend is great on chicken. Overall, my husband and I have really been enjoying these seasoning blends! They are a great deal for what you get nutritionally and flavor-wise! Especially with the free shipping!

Go check out Mister Joe Sprinkle today and try out these seasonings for yourself! They have sample sizes too! 

CeCe Naturals Hair Products {reviews}

Are you trying to grow your hair out or increase volume? Been struggling with dull, damaged hair for some time now? You'll be happy to read today's review, then! 

 CeCe Naturals specializes in natural hair growth products to make your mane look gorgeous and healthy! Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, CeCe Naturals has shampoo/conditioner for both curly hair and fine/straight hair. So no matter your hair type, you can enjoy the products! 

I was sent a Restoration Growth Oil, and a Fermented Rice Water shampoo rinse with Fermented Rice Water Conditioning Mask. I have never tried anything with fermented rice water until now, it's such a fascinating concept! 

The Restoration Growth Oil is a great natural conditioner and encourages the growth of roots, and strengthening of follicles. I massaged a few drops into my scalp and then distributed it through the rest of my hair in small portions. I left it in overnight and then washed it out then next day. My hair felt so silky smooth and radiant! 

The Fermented Rice Water Shampoo Rinse  is very thin in consistency since it's a rinse vs. a typical shampoo you'd find at the store. I had to use a little bit more of this since my hair is so long. I used it in the shower and it gave a wonderful lather which was surprising. 

Last we have the Fermented Rice Water Conditioning Mask. Click here to check it out on Etsy! 

If you're looking for a deep conditioner that will nourish your hair and moisturize to the max, this is it. It took me two washes to get it out fully. Serious stuff! I recommend only using a small amount because of how concentrated it is. 

CeCe Naturals has many other awesome hair care products which you should definitely check out! If you have curly hair, there are products specifically for you, too! 

Go show this shop some love and tell em' I sent ya! 

//

note: I was sent these products in exchange for my honest review. 

J&J Farms Natural Goods {reviews}

It's a brand new week, and that means having a brand new review on the blog! Who says Mondays have to be blah?! 

Today I am pleased to feature J&J Farm which offers natural/organic soaps, lotions, essential oils and herbals! They are based out of Quantico, Virginia! 

I was sent a few awesome things to test, including a Bengal Balm, Acne Detox soap, and Organic Grass Fed Tallow soap. 

First, let's take a look at the Bengal Balm!

Click the link to view the Etsy listing. This balm is great for sore, achy muscles, stiffness, and even arthritis. Since I am constantly teaching fitness classes, and working out on my own, it is a great tool to have this stuff on hand. I get a lot of lower back soreness and during my monthly cycle, a lot of muscle cramping. This helped alleviate some of that discomfort. And it's nice to know that if I ever feel reaaaaallly super sore after a serious workout, I have this to back me up! 

Next, we have the Acne Detox Soap  which I was also super interested in trying because acne is one of those icky details I have to live with at times. You know when you have extra sugar or lactose and your gut just says NOPE? Next thing you know, there are zits galore? Yeahhh. That's what happens for me, too. If I eat clean, it's not an issue, but once I reintroduce those things back in to my diet, boom, my face is a wreck.

This nifty bar of soap is definitely a wonderful way to cleanse your face. It's nothing fancy to look at or smell, but it gets the job done and helps to reduce the inflammation that acne can cause. 

Last but not least, we have an awesome-yet-simple soap Organic Grass Fed Tallow Soap for shaving, or just for general usage. Both men and women can enjoy it, but it's recommended especially for men. If you're looking for a soap that is very safe for people with sensitive skin, this is the one! Can't go wrong here!

Overall, J&J Farms has a lot of quality products to offer, and from the three things that I got to sample, they seem like a top-notch business! I love that they promote a natural lifestyle through their products. You should definitely check them out today!

ALSO, have you entered the ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER NECKLACE GIVEAWAY YET? CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT!

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note: I was sent these products in exchange for my honest review. 

SPRING GIVEAWAY - Essential Oil Diffuser Necklaces {review}

If you love using essential oils, you're gonna love today's post! I'm so excited to present you all with not just another review, but also a GIVEAWAY! Whoop! 

Today I'm featuring Corps & Ame, a Canadian based small business that offers handmade, unique creations like essential oil diffusers, jewelry, pots for small plants, and more! It's definitely a cool shop with a lot to look at. 

I was sent two different essential oil diffuser necklaces. Check out the Etsy page here for the full list of Corps & Ame diffusers!

Each diffuser necklace is unique and handcrafted. No two are alike! They are made with clay, and allow you to have a portable diffuser for your favorite essential oils all day long! All you do is put a few drops of oil on the necklace, let it absorb, then wear and enjoy! So awesome!

The construction of these necklaces is superb. They are solid and comfortable to wear. 

You can see where I have been using my oils on the necklace on the left. I absolutely love it! Not only is it a pretty necklace, but I love having a safe way to wear essential oils throughout the day. Some oils are too strong to put directly on your skin without a carrier oil like coconut or almond, etc. 

During cold season, you can put eucalyptus oil on your diffuser to help keep your sinuses open. If you are needing to relax or just chill out a little, put some chamomile or lavender on your diffuser! There are so many options depending on what you need or want!

I have been using jasmine oil and it has been just divine. It's like a natural perfume that also encourages relaxation. While I go throughout my day, now and then I'll get a little hint of the oil and it just makes everything else better! If I'm teaching yoga, as I move into down-dog I'll catch a whiff and be able to enjoy the flow even more. I can't stress how much I'm in love with my diffuser!

A few drops on it will last a few days before you need to to add more. 

Sooo now for the best part, the GIVEAWAY! Below you can enter to win your very own handcrafted clay essential oil diffuser necklace! 

Winner's prize is the NAMASTE diffuser necklace pictured above and below! And if you are a yogi, this is definitely the diffuser necklace for you! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Go visit Corps & Ame today and tell them I sent you! Visit my Instagram for more chances to win! (IG: leah_oxendine_strong)

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note: I was sent these products in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Illua Soaps {review}

Happy Friday Lovelies!

Today we have a review featuring the amazing ILLUA Soap Shop, based out of Stockton, California! 

I was already a fan of this shop even before they sent me any products. Just looking at their beautifully organized Etsy store made me want to try their items! The photography for all the soaps is so professional and tasteful. Not to mention, the actual products looked so appealing!

To my delight, I was sent a collection of whipped sugar soaps and a solid soap as well. I enjoyed testing all the products! ILLUA offers quality hand-crafted soaps made with natural ingredients. 

So, in case you aren't familiar with the amazingness of whipped sugar soaps, here's a description from the ILLUA Etsy listings:

"ILLUA whipped sugar soaps are a cleanser, scrub, and moisturizer in one. 
Our Ocean Breeze whipped sugar soap work up a creamy lather combined with sugar and dead sea salt exfoliator that leaves your skin soft and silky."

My favorite of all the whipped soaps I was sent was the Espresso Whipped Sugar Scrub . Positively divine! It smelled just like real espresso, which made me want to eat it. It includes real coffee grounds to help with exfoliating the skin. Absolute perfection. I can't get enough of this stuff!

A very close second to the Espresso scrub was the Cranberry Whipped Sugar Scrub . The sweet scent here is wonderful, coupled with a hint of organic hibiscus which adds a floral undertone. Mmm. Excellent combination! I love the color of this scrub as well. So pretty! 

I was also sent a Lavender Purple Clay Soap. Not only does it feature a demure, pleasant lavender scent which is great for relaxation, but it also has Brazilian clay and goat's milk! The clay helps with making beautiful skin and goat's milk is wonderful for moisturizing! I like how it has actual lavender seeds on top, too. 

The last two products in this review are the Sunshine Whipped Sugar Scrub  and the 

Ocean Breeze Whipped Sugar Scrub .

The Sunshine scrub smells very floral and bright. The title fits it perfectly. I like how it has oatmeal powder for added exfoliation. 

The Ocean Breeze scrub is also lovely, and features dead sea salt, which is known to be fabulous for the skin as well! The scent definitely reminds me of the beach! 

While I liked the Cranberry and Espresso scrubs better personally, these two are still delightful! 

Overall, I would highly recommend ILLUA soaps for quality and a luxurious bath experience! 

You won't be disappointed with the assortment of scents and styles that ILLUA has available. When I finish using my little collection here I will very likely be back to buy some more! 

//

note: I was sent these items in exchange for my honest review. 

Pink Parchment Soaps {review}

In today’s review, I am featuring the Pink Parchment Soap Shop! 

Pink Parchment Soaps is based out of Michigan and offers lots of different luxury, hand crafted shea butter soaps.

I was sent the Juicy Soap and Claire de Lune Soap. Both are positively beautiful to look at and smell!

 Here are their descriptions from Etsy:

Claire de Lune Soap (Formerly Moon Glow)
"Unwind with Claire de Lune. Lavender, violet, and light musk combine for a surprisingly serene and calming fragrance. Dreamy and romantic, this scent will melt your stress away. Just don’t forget the bubbles and wine. A shea butter soap, Claire de Lune has a luxurious lather that leaves your skin feeling soft and clean."

Juicy Soap

"A wonderful combination of Amber, Musk, Citrus, delicate florals and warm woods."

Honestly the scents are, to me, almost indistinguishable. They both smell amazing! It’s hard to smell a huge difference in fragrance, though. There is a slight difference, but I can’t put my finger on it. It's probably the citrus in the Juicy soap, which is my favorite. Both soaps offer a luxurious experience in the shower. Their aroma is delightfully feminine and sweet. I love the floral accents and hints of musk.

Let’s also talk about how pretty the packaging is! It fits the store name so perfectly! Even the business card is elegant. I think this shop wins the award for most professional, elegant packaging! 

As to the quality of the soap, it's undeniably excellent! Even my husband liked how it smelled, and he's not big on fragrances usually. The soap gets you feeling clean, and not to mention, smelling lovely for even a few hours after you use it! 

For quality handcrafted soap, you should definitely check out Pink Parchment today, and tell them I sent you!  Visit the shop HERE! 

 //
Have a fabulous day, and don't forget to follow my Instagram account for more fun stuff!
 @leah_oxendine_strong 

note: I was sent these items in exchange for my honest review.