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CES 2016!

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The top of my CES badge.

We are back at CES, and this time it’s (supposedly) bigger than ever, with even more drones & 3D printing areas.  Not that we really need more, but why not?  I am looking forward to seeing everything that will be coming out in the next year.  Over the week, I will try to post updates on what we experience.  I am especially looking forward to seeing what new products Razer and iHealth will be producing over the course of the next year or so.  Virtual Reality (VR) is another thing I am quite excited for, and not just for the gaming aspect.  With VR, you can be just about any place at any time.  Last year, we were chased by a T-Rex, we attacked a giant robot destroying the city, and watched two cute cranes play ball.  Oh, the future…

Stay beautiful!      

Happy New Year!

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Well, it’s almost a new year.  Where did this year go?!  The older I get, the faster time seems to fly by.  It seems like yesterday we were packing for CES 2015, and prepping for what was to come.  Tonight, I will be packing for CES 2016, and planning out the year.  Planning what I can, anyway.  Life has a way of throwing some curve balls and being spontaneous.  

I hope you all have a fun, safe New Year’s Eve, and a fabulous new year.     
Stay beautiful!

Gift-Giving Guide, Part 4: Technology, Gadgets, & Travel

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There are tons of gadgets available so it’s hard to pick just a few.  What is on your holiday list?

1.  ESPRO Insulated Coffee & Tea Press, $49.95

Image courtesy of brookstone.com

Know anyone who can’t live without their tea or coffee?  I must admit that I am one of those people.  I also don’t mind saying that I kind of want to buy this for myself.  Who wouldn’t love the perfect cup of their favorite fresh-pressed tea or coffee?  Whether it’s made ahead of time to enjoy on the way to the office or made so it’s ready to enjoy at the office, the tea/coffee will be amazing and stay hot for up to 6 hours.  Comes in black, stainless steel, and white.

2.  Perfect Bake:  App-Controlled Smart Baking, $69.99 (currently on sale, $49.99)

Image courtesy of brookstone.com

At CES 2015, we watched the demo for this “smart baking” set.  I think it’s a wonderful gift for those who are just starting to bake, as it does far more than weigh your ingredients.  You hook up the scale to your device, and it will auto-adjust the amount of ingredients necessary for whatever it will be put in the oven.  Need the recipe for half a dozen cookies instead of a dozen?  What if you need more?  That’s no problem either. 

3.  GoalZero Flip 10 Charger, $25.80

Image courtesy of amazon.com

I listed this in my post about gadget travel essentials, which you can read here, if you like.  This portable charger has saved me countless times.  I always take it, whether I am headed to the store or traveling here and there.  You can bring the power stick to a full charge on your computer.  Attach the USB cable, and charge away.  The link provided happens to be for the green charger, but they do offer other colors.

4.  ZUCA Pro Artist Case, $305.00 ($275.00 on amazon.com)

Image courtesy of zuca.com

If you are feeling extra generous this year, you can splurge on a ZUCA.  I LOVE mine, and have had it for ages.  It has been all over the world, and rolled through just about everything– rocks, snow, ice, gravel, etc.  The frame still looks new, and it still acts as a seat.  You can read more about my use of ZUCA here.  This makes the perfect gift for anyone who travels and is looking for a lightweight, durable carry-on.  The ZUCA Pro Artist Case also comes with convenient inserts for storage and organization.  

5.  Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma, $99.99

Image courtesy of razerstore.com
Image courtesy of razerstore.com

The Chroma products from Razer are fun and functional.  I love that the Chroma line can be synced to change so all devices have the same colored light.  If you’d like, you can click here to read about what I have.  They can also change or be set on a static color.  The sound is amazing, and the noise-cancellation is comparable to Bose.  Each headset also comes with an enhanced digital microphone.  When it retracts into the earpiece the microphone will turn off.   

6.  R2D2 Kitchen Timer, $19.99

Image courtesy of bedbathandbeyond.com

No Star Wars fan’s kitchen would be complete without this adorable R2D2 kitchen timer.  He is the perfect addition to any counter top, and will ring when the time is up.

7.  iHealth Edge Activity + Sleep Tracker, $69.99

Image courtesy of ihealthlabs.com

iHealth is a wonderful company.  They have everything from glucometers to advanced scales, blood pressure cuffs, and more.  The products can all be linked to the app, so all stats are within reach.  The Edge is comfortable to wear, and there is no need to worry about burns or other issues.  It is not waterproof, though, so no swimming or showering with it.  All-in-all the Edge is a fantastic gift for those who are health/fitness savvy.

Gift-Giving Guide, Part 3: Hair & Fragrance

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1.  ULTA:  Ultra Chi Travel Tools, $149.95 (on sale now, $99.95.  Only available at Ulta.)

Know anyone who loves to style their hair?  It can be difficult to carry hair tools, especially when traveling.  This travel-ready set comes with smaller versions of some great and effective Chi products.  The best part is that this set can travel wherever the recipient does since it comes with its own case.  The white, quilted bag is thermal-lined and comes with removable pouches.     

               Image courtesy of ulta.com

List courtesy of Ulta.com:

– Ultra CHI travel dryer
– Ultra CHI travel hair styling iron:
– Ultra CHI Travel curling iron:

    2.  Caroline Chu:  Ayurvedic Herbal Thickening Boost Shampoo & Conditioner Duo, $128.00

    Image courtesy of carolinechu.com

    I can’t say enough positive things about Caroline Chu products.  Her line has expanded, and now you can have a one-stop shopping experience.  She has wonderful skincare, makeup, and haircare.  This thickening boost duo is the “it” gift for those with thinning hair.  Hair feels smoother, softer, and fuller in just a few uses.  Pamper your loved one with this high-end hair duo must-have! 

    Contains:

    – 16.9 fl. oz. Shampoo
    – 16.9 fl. oz. Conditioner 

    3.  Wen by Chaz Dean:  Cleansing Conditioner Sampler, $38.00

    Image courtesy of sephora.com

    Wen is one of my favorite hair products.  My aunt gave me a set to try awhile back, and it worked wonders.  My hair was soft, shiny, and I didn’t need to use a leave-in conditioner after.  This set is wonderful because of the variety of scents it offers, and each tube is travel-friendly.  Give the gift of beautiful hair with this set of Wen.      

    Set includes (list courtesy of sephora.com):

    – 6 x 2 oz Cleansing Conditioner in Sweet Almond Mint, Tea Tree, Fig, Cucumber Aloe, Lavender, Pomegranate.

    4.  Verb:  Style with Verb Set, $36.00

    Image courtesy of sephora.com
    Image courtesy of sephora.com

    This set from Verb is a great value.  You can read a little bit more about it here.  While the shampoo & conditioner samples are only enough for one or two uses, everything else is full-sized.  I really like the dry shampoo and leave-in conditioner.  I haven’t yet tried the sea salt spray, but as soon as I do, I will post an update.  If you have someone on your list who loves trying new haircare, I highly recommend this set.  It even comes with a travel bag that fits all of the products shown, and then some!  The set contains the following (list courtesy of sephora.com):   

    – 0.065 oz Hydrating Shampoo
    – 0.065 oz Hydrating Conditioner
    – 2 oz Dry Shampoo
    – 8 oz Leave-In Mist
    – 6.3 oz Sea Spray

    5.  Pacifica:  Roll-On Perfume, $12.00 each
     

    Tahitian Gardenia
    Hawaiian Ruby Guava
    Island Vanilla
    Tuscan Blood Orange
    Indian Coconut Nectar
    Malibu Lemon Blossom

    These roll-on perfumes from Pacifica are a great gift for those looking for a more exotic scent to wear.  My personal favorites are blood orange and gardenia.  The fragrances are fun, slightly sophisticated, and great for anyone regardless of age.  And speaking of, it can take ages for a whole bottle to be used up, so these roll-ons are perfect.  They also travel well, and are a great alternative to travel sprays.
    **All images courtesy of ulta.com**   

    6.  Viktor&Rolf:  Spicebomb Shave Set, $125.00

    Image courtesy of nordstrom.com

    Spicebomb is a very popular fragrance from Viktor&Rolf.  This set is perfect for the Spicebomb fan on your list.  Each item is travel-friendly and will fit into any kit.  It comes with the following (list courtesy of nordstrom.com):

    – Eau de Toilette Spray (3 oz.)
    – Razor
    – After-Shave Balm (1.7 oz.)

    Notes:
    – Top: bergamot, grapefruit, pink pepper, elemi.
    – Middle: cinnamon, chili pepper, saffron.
    – Base: leather, vetiver, tobacco.

    7.  Billy Jealousy:  Beard Envy Kit, $20.00

    Image courtesy of nordstrom.com

    Beards need love, too.  What better way to paper your bearded wonder than with this Billy Jealousy set?  Complete with beard wash, lightweight styling product, and boar bristle brush, your recipient’s beard will be the envy of all.  

    The set includes the following (courtesy of nordstrom.com):

    – Beard wash (3 oz.)
    – Beard control (3 oz.)
    – Boar bristle brush

    8.  The Blend by Fred Segal:  Custom Fragrance Blending Kit, $150.00

    Image courtesy of sephora.com

    If you are looking for a more extravagant gift, this set of rollerballs from Fred Segal are perfect for anyone who loves trying out new fragrances.  Worn alone or layered, these scents are wonderful.  My personal favorite is Tropic Bloom.  It reminds me of walking along the beautiful beach in Waikiki as the sun set into the ocean. 

    The set (list courtesy of sephora.com) contains the following:

    – 0.17 oz Water Lily
    – 0.07 oz Grassy Vetiver
    – 0.17 oz Amber Vanilla
    – 0.07 oz Forest Patchouli
    – 0.17 oz Tropic Bloom  
    – 0.17 oz Clean Musk
    – 0.17 oz White Tea
    – 0.17 oz Exotic Rose
    – 0.17 oz Ocean Air
    – 0.17 oz Citrus Zest 

    Gifts with Purchase and Promo Codes:

    Don’t forget that several companies have some good promotional codes and/or gifts with purchase.  For the latest, check out the following links:

    ULTA
    Nordstrom
    Sephora
    Bloomingdale’s
    Macy’s

      Gift-Giving Guide, Part 2: Skincare + Devices

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      1.  Clarisonic Mia 2 Polka Dot Duo, $149.00

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      One Mia 2 is $149.99, so for $50.00 more, you can purchase two.  Keep one for yourself or gift them both.  The each come with their own bag and charger, which means they are perfect for travel.  You can read more about Clarisonic and my personal experiences here.

      2.  Mia 2 Keith Haring Set, $149.00

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      Clarisonic has paid homage to the late artist and activist, Keith Haring.  There are a couple of designs to choose from.  Any of the designs are perfect for the pop art lover or Keith Haring appreciator in your life.  Set contains (list courtesy of sephora.com):

      – Mia 2 Keith Haring “Love” Facial Cleansing Device
      – Sensitive Brush Head
      – Universal pLink Charger
      – Keith Haring travel bag
      – 1 oz Refreshing Gel Cleanser

      3.  Clinique Sonic System, $89.50 and up

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      Clarisonic can be a bit pricey, and while the Clinique cleansing brush is steep as well, it’s a bit more affordable.  

      The set in the image above contains the following (list courtesy of sephora.com):

      – Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush in pink/orange
      – Charging base
      – Pink/orange travel case
      – 1 oz Foaming Sonic Facial Soap
      – 2 oz Clarifying Lotion 2
      – 1 oz Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ 

      4. Caroline Chu Anti-Aging Starter Kit, $59.95

      Image courtesy of carolinechu.com

      Give the gift amazingly radiant, youthful skin with the Anti-Aging Starter Kit from Caroline Chu.  Each set contains a moisturizer, serum, and eye cream.  The products work well with all skin types, and can be used day and night.  They also work together to reveal firm, hydrated skin, and fades away fine lines and wrinkles.       

      I have used several of her products, and if you are interested, here is a link to a review of some of the others.  There isn’t a product I have used that I didn’t like.  The moisturizers keep my skin hydrated all day, and the eye cream is perfect for banishing tired eyes with dark circles.  Any recipient of her skincare, haircare, or makeup will not be disappointed.    

      Set contains (list from carolinechu.com): 

      –  CAROLINE CHU ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM with Reishi & Tibetan Mushroom Essentials 0.17OZ/5g
      –  CAROLINE CHU ANTI-AGING DAY & NIGHT with Reishi & Tibetan Mushroom Essentials 0.35 OZ/10g
      –  CAROLINE CHU ANTI-AGING SERUM with Reishi & Tibetan Mushroom Essentials 0.33 FL OZ/ 10ml

      5.  COOLA 4-Piece Organic Suncare Travel Set, $40.00

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      In case you missed it, I reviewed COOLA, and you can read that review by clicking
      here      .  I LOVE their suncare.  Of the plethora of suncare companies, they are in my top 3.  I had purchased this set in a suncare haul (I haven’t posted it yet, but I will), and think it’s a great buy.  As we all know, anything organic is going to cost more, but it’s not always worth it.  This suncare definitely is.  The spray is wonderful and absorbs faster than any spray I’ve used.  The lip conditioner comes with spf as well.  This is the perfect way to try out COOLA and protect all your recipient’s bits.  The products even come with their own travel bag.   This set contains the following (list by sephora.com):

      – 3.4 oz Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 in Piña Colada
      – 2 oz ER+ Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion
      – 0.85 oz Classic Face Moisturizer SPF 30 in Cucumber
      – 0.15 oz Liplux SPF 30 in Original Formula
      – Zippered travel pouch

      6.  boscia Black Charcoal Pore Perfection Set, $10.00

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      Charcoal is a wonderful adsorbent, so one way to beautiful skin is through this set from boscia.  With a mini charcoal cleanser and charcoal blot paper, you recipient’s skin will be clean and detoxified.  The best part?  It won’t put too big of a dent in your wallet.

      Set contents (list courtesy of sephora.com):

      – 1 oz Detoxifying Black Cleanser
      – 100 x Black Charcoal Blotting Linens

      7.  First Aid Beauty FAB Cleanse & Exfoliate Kit, $10.00

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      Perfect for the recipient on-the-go, this cleanser and facial pad combo fits perfectly in any gym bag, weekender, or carry-on.    

      Kit list (courtesy of sephora.com):

      – 2 oz Face Cleanser
      – 10 x Facial Radiance Pads

      8.  Murad Acne Mini Cleanser Set, $25.00

      Image courtesy of sephora.com

      If you give this as a gift, hopefully the recipient isn’t offended.  Personally, I LOVE Murad.  Everything works well, and this travel set is perfect for anyone on-the-go, dorming, or needs their skin rejuvenated.  Each product works quickly to clear up problem skin.  The mini set is the perfect way for your recipient to try what Murad has to offer.  This set contains cleansers and an exfoliator for face and body. 
       
      Set contents (courtesy of sephora.com):

      – 1.5 oz Clarifying Cleanser
      – 1.5 oz Time Release Acne Cleanser
      – 0.043 oz Transforming Powder Dual-Action Cleanser & Exfoliator
      – 2 oz Acne Body Wash

      Two Weeks Until Christmas!

      / darphynia / Leave a comment

      Over the last week, we have been busy decking our halls with all sorts of holiday ornaments.  From snowmen to moose and everything else festive, the house looks a bit like a decor store.  I am nearly done making the gifts for the ones on my list, and have completed the shopping portion. 

      It’s hard to believe the new year is so close, which means Christmas is even closer.   This weekend, I will have posts up this weekend focusing on all types of gifts.  They will also contain links for those of you who are getting your holiday shopping online.  Personally, I’d rather skip the malls, especially since they are so packed.  By the time you get there, find a space, park and enter, it’s been over 20 minutes!  And in-store deals aren’t always worth the hassle.  

      What are you looking forward to the most this season?
      Stay beautiful!

      Countdown to Gift-Giving Day!

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      It’s already December!!  Where has this year gone?!   There is so much to do, and not enough time (isn’t that always the case?).  I’m nearly done with the buying end of things.  Now I just have to complete the items I am making.  Holiday music is allowed in the car.  I never play it prior to December because I like to enjoy the holidays one at a time.  When you start seeing Christmas items in August/September, it’s just too soon.  Since you now have 24 days to get everything you need, I will be positing several pieces that will (hopefully) give you some ideas.  In case you missed it, here are the links to previous gift-giving posts:


      This is an 8-part series, covering:  kids, adults, pets, beauty, gadgets, and more.   
      What’s on your gift-giving list this year?
      Stay beautiful! 

      Foodie Feature: Chocolate Water

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      I was flipping through YouTube videos, and came across a Jamie Oliver beverage channel.  I don’t really know how, since I wasn’t searching for anything related to him.  Anyway, this guy was making cold brew chocolate water.  And why not?  We add fruit & veggies to amp up the flavor of water, so it seems fitting that someone would simply add cacao nibs.  One of my favorite flavored water companies, metromint, makes a cocoa-mint water that is really good and refreshing, so this is sort of a play on that I suppose. 

      I decided to give it a try, and must say that I’m quite pleased.  The taste is a light cocoa (depending on your water-to-cacao nib ratio) with a slightly bitter finish.  I’m not a huge fan of bitter, so I added a little cinnamon & sugar to my drink.  Tossed it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, and done! A relatively guilt-free hot chocolate.  You can add virtually anything to it, and it to anything.  It’s a nice replacement if you’re making a dessert that calls for water (and chocolate won’t ruin it), and you can indulge by adding your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk, sweetener, whipped cream, etc.  Just remember to filter the water through a paper towel or cheesecloth.  Nobody likes gritty drinks!

      Recipe:
      1/2 c. Cacao Nibs (unsweetened)
      32 oz.  Filtered Water

      This is the brand I used, since it was on sale. 
      Image courtesy of navitasnaturals.com
      Cacao nibs.  Image courtesy of
      navitasnaturals.com

      Using a spice grinder or mortar & pestle, break up the cacao nibs.  You want them to be coarsely ground; we aren’t going for a powder.  Once you have a coarse grind, add them to your container.  I used a mason jar, but really anything will do.  Next, add your filtered water.  That’s it!  After you’ve finished, it becomes a waiting game.  Yes, it will look like murky water, but looks are deceiving with this one.  When I opened the jar and took a whiff, a wonderful cocoa aroma filled my nostrils.  I couldn’t wait to experiment with all different types of drinks & foods.  What a fun way to channel some creativity!  I really encourage you to play around with the ratio to suit your taste.  Hopefully you enjoy this as much as I do.  It’s simple and easy, which is sometimes, exactly what we need.  Oh, the little things in life.  What will you do with your chocolate water?

      The end result.
      Looks are so deceiving sometimes!
      Reminds me of the Orbitz drink
      (that really needs to make a comeback). 
      Photo doesn’t do it justice. 
      It definitely looked better in person.

      Stay beautiful!   

      Updates, Updates

      / darphynia / Leave a comment

      How was your holiday?  Mine was nice.  A good dinner with family is always welcome.  While I have my own opinions on this holiday, it is a time for reflection.  There are many things I am thankful for, which I tend to think about more and more as time goes on.  

      Anyway, I’ve been working on the rest of a gift-giving series, which will be completed next week.  Hopefully they help you and your holiday shopping needs.  I have also been experimenting with some recipes, so I will try to post those as well.  
      These days, I’m trying to organize every aspect of my life, starting with cleaning out my closet.  Literally.  Everything that I can donate will be given to Out of the Closet, since 96 cents of every dollar goes to AIDS research.  You can learn more about the non-profit here:  http://outofthecloset.org
      I guess that’s all for now.  We are staring to deck our halls, so I better get busy.  
      Stay beautiful!

      My Short Life as a Vegan

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      Some people live to eat, and others eat to live.  Me?  I love food, which is no surprise to people.  I also love trying new recipes, restaurants, etc.  Thus far I have been very lucky to have also experienced the world and the various foods that other cultures provide.  There is so much to learn about an area just from what the locals eat. 

      Anything can be inspiring.  Sometimes, I will go out to a place, have a meal, and figure out how to make it, and what I would do to tailor it more to my taste.  Everyone is different, so when trying out a recipe (with rare exception) I use the main ingredients, but change the quantities.  One of my favorite places to eat in Las Vegas is Ri-Ra, which is an Irish pub.  There isn’t anything I’ve had that I didn’t like.  They make these amazing honey-Jameson wings, and easily the best pork chop I have ever had.  I have since re-created those wings the best I could, and they are pretty amazing.  I will have a recipe up soon for them.  By now, you’re probably wondering how any of this is related to the post’s title.  Well, here it is.  A little side story about me:

      Before being vegan was a thing, I was.  In high school I was having some horrible intestinal issues, or so I thought.  They never could figure out what the problem was.  It turned out that I was lactose intolerant.  After that, I went through a vegetarian phase.  Yes, I was one of those “meat is murder”, and “PETA is amazing” kids.  Now I realize how horrible PETA is, and how irritating it is when people push their views on others.  Oddly enough, my mom was far more accepting of my meatless ways than anyone else.  In fact, I had other family members say I was negatively affecting their businesses because they are cattle ranchers, and I wouldn’t buy beef.  I know they were exaggerating, but it was still upsetting.  Looking back, it’s embarrassing to think of how I acted when it came to food.  Fast-forward, and I’m out of high school.  I had started eating meat again, well, everything but red meat.  Then, one day, we drove by In-N-Out.  Prior I was never a fan, but as we drove by, I felt like I really needed a cheeseburger.  I still have issues with milk, but on the occasion where I want something dairy, I have medication to help.  Now, I am all about having what I want, when I want it, but not going overboard.  So, long story short:  Found out I was lactose intolerant, became a vegan without knowing, then went back to eating meat.   

      What did I learn?  Well, vegetarianism and veganism did not change my body.  At least, I never felt like it did.  So many people talk about how being meat-free changes their energy levels, stamina, skin, etc.  My body never experienced any of that.  I never had a spiritual awakening, and did not feel any more connected to Earth and its many different inhabitants.  There are days when I don’t feel like eating any meat and/or dairy products, and I often wonder if it’s my body communicating, or if it is a bit from my past.  I did learn the following: (1)  To listen more to my body, (2)  I can’t eat like I used to,  (3)  Youth truly is wasted on the young, (4)  Never limit yourself unless you medically have to, (5)  Indulgence is necessary once in awhile, (6)  Don’t push your views, regardless of what they are, on others, (7) Love you, and (8) You are not in control of your body.  Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and sometimes it’s better to just listen.