Vanilla Lavender Body Scrub + a Giveaway

Disclaimer: The product reviewed in this post was provided free from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas. The honest review and opinions are my own.

The folks at Nielsen-Massey Vanillas believe that, when it comes to holiday gifting, it truly is the thought that counts, and what could be more thoughtful than a handmade gift?
DIY holiday gifts are as fun to make as they are to give. Plus, there are lots of ways to customize them!
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Here are some unique packaging tips Neilsen-Massey Vanillas shared with me to give handmade gifts an extra-special touch:

• Package homemade biscotti, cookies, or even body products in vintage tins or jars. A beautiful container is an additional gift that the recipient can keep long after the handmade gift is gone.

• Instead of using traditional wrapping paper or gift bags, wrap boxes in craft paper and decorate with pens and markers. Wrap jars and bottles in fabric, burlap, or a pretty kitchen towel and secure it with colorful striped baker’s twine. 

• Attach a Christmas ornament to the outside of the package in lieu of a traditional gift tag. Ornaments can be treasured for years to come.

• Include a hand-written note or card with the recipe for your gift – it is the gift that keeps on giving!

Homemade skincare products are a hit when it comes to gift-giving. I don't know anyone who doesn't like sugar scrubs.

This recipe for Vanilla Body Scrub from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, included below, is the perfect gift for friends, sisters, daughters, or anyone who deserves a bit of pampering this holiday season. Fragrant Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar gently exfoliates while olive oil moisturizes, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and rejuvenated.

Vanilla Body Scrub

• 1 cup Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar 
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 or 2 drops of an essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, ect.)
• Decorative, waterproof container

Directions:

Mix ingredients together in a bowl. Spoon into a decorative, waterproof container. Wrap in decorative paper.

Instructions for use: Apply a small amount to damp skin while in shower or bath. Gently scrub skin with a soft washcloth. Rinse thoroughly.

Making this body scrub was extremely easy and fun! I used a few drops of lavender essential oil and even added lavender buds to the mix. It smells delicious. I tested it out on my hands and they were really soft afterward. It is very exfoliating so I had to be gentle or else I would have scrubbed my skin off.

Note: The Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla sugar is Kosher, Gluten-Free Certified, All-Natural, Allergen-Free and GMO-Free.

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Want to create your own scrub for the holidays?

Enter to win a 8.5 oz bottle of Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar! (ARV $17.95)

Open to US only. Giveaway ends 12/10.

Entry-Form

Nuby No-Spill Printed Flip-it Cup and Fun Feeding Bowl Review + a Giveaway!

Disclaimer: The products reviewed in this post were provided free from Nuby. The honest reviews and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

My 2-year old was so excited when he saw some Nuby products on the counter. He immediately wanted me to pour him a drink in his new No-Spill Nickelodeon Printed Flip-it Cup and put some snacks in his new bowl. I didn't know he'd get so happy over a cup and a bowl but he was elated!
No-Spill Flip-It Cup The 10oz cup features a leak-proof straw which you can take apart for easy cleaning. The cap can be flipped closed to allow children to "hide" the straw which helps to keep dirt and germs away.

• BPA-free
• Perfect for taking on-the-go
• Nickelodeon characters printed on cups
• Soft and flexible silicon straw

Easy open & close

No-Spill

Fun Feeding Bowl The Nuby Fun Feeding bowl is available in a variety of bright colors. It's just the right size and can be used for any snack or meal - warm or cold. The bowl is also lightweight and BPA-free.

These Nuby products are available at the following retailers: Amazon - Cup | Bowl BuyBabyDirect Meijer Kmart

Nuby products make fun stocking stuffers! Enter below to win a No-Spill Flip-It Cup or Fun Feeding Bowl.

There will be two winners (one winner for each item) *Giveaway ends 11/27* *Open to US residents only*

Entry-Form

InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask & Age-Defying Moisturizer

Does your mane need help looking and feeling healthier? I'd say try InstaNatural's Argan Oil Hair Mask and see how it works for your tresses. It deep conditions, restores, and strengthens. I have been using it for about a month now and am very happy with the results. Silky smooth hair!

The super hydrating and nourishing ingredients include Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Japanese Green Tea, Amino Acid Complex, and Vitamin B5.
You can use it as a daily conditioner or use it once a week.
Directions:

Apply hair mask to clean towel-dried damp hair. Use your hands and fingers to evenly distribute a generous amount beginning at the scalp and working towards the ends. Leave treatment in for 5 to 15 minutes and then rinse. Use once or twice a week.

The hair mask has a pleasant scent. I couldn't really describe what it reminded me of until I asked my husband who says it smelled similar to root beer.

Hair Selfies:

Age-Defying Moisturizer

InstaNatural's Age-Defying Moisturizer is 98% natural and is like the Argan Hair Mask for your face and body. It contains many nourishing ingredients and improves the skin.

• Contains no parabens, sulfates, or alcohol
• Helps improve damaged skin by moisturizing
• Anti-aging - minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Hydrates, tones, and improves skin texture

This moisturizer can also be used on your hands and body and is safe for all skin types.

Since I have oily skin, I use it sparingly. You can still use it daily if you have oily skin but I choose not to. I might be using it more during the colder months to keep my skin hydrated.

I love that it has a pump (less mess).

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Note: Both links are my affiliate links

Argan Oil Hair Mask

Age Defying Moisturizer

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.