Friday, November 27, 2015

Sunsella Pastry Scraper & Chopper Review

 I hope all of my readers had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! Today's review features a handy kitchen tool!



I love this pastry scraper and chopper from Sunsella! I received it complimentary in exchange for my honest review.


This scraper can be used in so many ways. It's perfect for chopping veggies! You can also easily transport your chopped veggies from the cutting board to the pan. It also has a ruler on it which is really handy. It can also be used to get stubborn burnt food off pans and casserole dishes (make sure to be careful doing this, I don't recommend it for non-stick pans).

The scraper is made out of stainless steel and it's dishwasher safe.


I always see chefs on The Food Network using a tool like this and I'm so happy to have one. It's going to make holiday cooking a breeze this year.


Click here to purchase a Sunsella Scraper & Chopper on Amazon!

Thanks for reading!

-Melle Belle

Sunday, November 22, 2015

#TryDry Influenster VoxBox Review

Influenster sent me a VoxBox with 2 Degree Dry Sprays. 1 for men and 1 for women.

Here's the VoxBox:





First off, I was really surprised to get one for Kyle to try too! I was expecting just one sample for me to try.


I love the packaging and the fact that both containers have a lock and unlock feature in case you're traveling or you need to throw it in your gym bag.

I really like the scent of the Degree MotionSense in Fresh Energy. It's clean and not overpowering, and it's easy to apply. The package claims to last 48 hours. So yes, I did test that out. I applied it once (don't worry I still took showers during the 48 hrs lol). It worked fine for me but keep in mind I didn't exercise during that time. I prefer to apply this once a day.

Kyle likes his. He was apprehensive to try it but he said he likes it! That's about as far as his review goes!

A $1.50 off coupon off 1 dry spray antiperspirant was also included. I believe you can use this on other brands offered by Unilever, like Dove.

I want to try the Dove dry spray next!

When I first heard that I would be trying a dry spray all I could think about was that AWFUL Secret deo spray (in the tall baby blue bottle), that everyone used in Jr. High gym class. That powdery, burning smell is still ingrained in my brain. I was worried it would be like that stuff but it wasn't. No offense if you still use that brand or scent, it's just not for me.

Are you on Influenster? You should check it out! Here's my referral link: www.influenster.com/r/161607

Disclosure: I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.


Sunday, November 15, 2015

POPSUGAR Must Have Box November 2015 [Unboxing]

I love subscription boxes....I think because of the element of surprise and having goodies delivered straight to my door.

My sister and step-dad bought me 2 months worth of a PopSugar Must Have subscription. This November box is my 1st PopSugar box, so I'm really excited to share what's inside!

The POPSUGAR Must Have box is basically what I'd like to call a lifestyle box. It has a little bit of everything ranging from beauty, entertainment, home decor, fashion, fitness, food, books, and more.



 It's here!

Look what we have here!

The inspiration behind the November box was "Friends & Family, Gratitude, Gifting, and Festivities." That definitely sounds like November and Thanksgiving to me. 

November 2015 Box Contents:

  • Deepa Gurani: Katie Crystal Headband. Handcrafted in India. It has crystal detailing and elegant scallop design. Perfect for every holiday festivity. Suggested Retail Value: $56 deepagurnani.com
  • Tarte Cosmetics: Beauty & the Box Eye Shadow. The perfect beauty palette for fall. Four colors with a creamy matte look and a little bit of shimmer. Suggested Retail Value: $22. tartecosmetics.com
  • West Emory: Bingo Set. Bingo game set with a classic, modern look.  Suggested Retail Value: $20westemory.com
  • Capri Blue: Mercury Jewel Box in Rain. Doubles as a candle and a jewelry holder. Made with beautiful mercury glass. Once the candle burns out it can be used as a jewelry box. Coupon code for 20% off also included. Suggested Retail Value: $18.95. capribluecandles.com 
  • Gramr Gratitude Co.: Exclusive Thanksgiving Postcard Pack. Beautiful postcards to share with family and friends. Perfect for sending a thoughtful handwritten letter to your loved one. Suggested Retail Value: $10gramr.us
  • Terrapin Ridge Farms: Pecan Honey Mustard. Rich flavors of pecan and sweet honey mustard. Perfect as a dip or marinade.  Suggested Retail Value: $6. terrapinridge.com 
  • Inkdot: Gift Card.Turn your digital photos into prints, coasters, phone cases and more. Suggested Retail Value: $20. inkdot.com      
Suggested Retail Value of Box Contents: $156.95 (includes $20 Inkdot giftcard)
The PopSugar boxes are $40 a month, but I got this one for $30 because I had a $10 off coupon code.


 Here's a close up of the Tarte palette. I really love the colors. They're perfect for fall. 

The Capri Blue candle glows when it's lit. The Rain scent is very clean and fresh. I think I might put this in the bathroom. I wonder if it will be easy to clean once the wax is gone so that it can be used as a jewelry box. 

I really want to try this with brie! I might make it as an appetizer for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I love pecans and I would have never thought to pair them with Honey Mustard.


I wanted to take a quick picture of me wearing the Katie Crystal Headband. It is so gorgeous in person. I love that it's handmade. It's surprisingly very comfortable because it has a fabric backing. 

I'm also wearing all of the colors from the Tarte palette in this photo. :)


I didn't take any shots of the Bingo board. My sister gets the PopSugar box too, so I'm going to hold off on opening mine incase she brings her game to Thanksgiving dinner.

Also, I won't be taking any close up pictures of the postcards because I want to surprise some of my friends with a card in the mail. They are really pretty. I'll try to take a few shots before I drop them in the mail and I'll post them on instagram. Add me on Instagram! @mrsmac42


Overall, I really LOVE this box. I can't wait to get the December box. I've heard that the December box is of the best ones you can get from POPSUGAR.

Click here to subscribe and get $5 off your first POPSUGAR Must Have Box When you use the code "REFER5"

Thanks for reading & have a great week!

-Melle Belle











Thursday, November 12, 2015

Sweet Dreams [DreamEssentials Sleep Mask Review]






DreamEssentials sent me their Sweet Dreams Sleep Mask Kit to try out.





The kit includes the sleep mask, ear plugs, and a pouch that is perfect for traveling.

The mask is lightweight and is contoured for comfort so that it doesn't touch your eyes when you sleep. Using eye masks and ear plugs can greatly improve your sleep quality. Source

Kyle even tried out this mask and he likes it too. He works third shift so it can be hard for him to get a good 'nights' rest during the day.

The only thing I don't like about this mask is that the nose opening presses against my nose too much which is a little uncomfortable, but if I adjust it a bit it doesn't bother me.

If you need a sleep mask check this one out! Click here to view the DreamEssentials Mask on Amazon


**Dream Essentials sent me this mask for free in exchange for my 100% honest review.**


-Melle Belle

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

November Target BeautyBox UnBoxing [Lots of Pics!]

I've always wanted a Target BeautyBox and by the time I get a chance to sit down and order it they are sold out! Well, I finally got one! I love, love, love subscription boxes and trying products out before I buy the full size. This box was packed full with 10 products and the listing on Target.com claims that the box value is $49.95. This box is $10 (I got 5% off with my Target RedCard).






Product Description Card:

Plus $4 in coupons!


I have a terrible eczema flare up on my left hand, so I was really looking forward to trying this body butter from SkinFix. It's fragrance free and has coconut oil, shea butter and sunflower oil. I really like it, it's not greasy and perfect for the cooler months coming up. 


These vitamins from Olly taste really good! I might consider purchasing this brand in the future.




Hello brand is awesome! This toothpaste is mojito mint flavor. I really like it! I'll have to get the full size once we're out of toothpaste.

I already have this CoverGirl eyeliner, thanks to a past Influenster campaign. If you suck at applying liquid liner, like I do (thanks shaky hands), then this is a great option for you. Plus it can be applied in a thin line, or thick line which is pretty cool. $6.99 value


I really love this packaging, it's classic and grabs your attention. The product card said this exfoliant was supposed to be made with sugar, coconut oil, and shredded coconut. I guess I got a different kind. I really wish I would have received the coconut one because this exfoliant from S.W. Basics is HORRIBLE. It smelled like vomit and I immediately washed it off as soon as I applied it. Plus it's kind of messy too.





This shampoo and conditioner from Acure smells just like cherry & almonds! I've used it once so far and my hair felt very soft!

I don't know why but I always get bright pink colors from subscription boxes. Looks like Target thought I needed another pink lipstick, too. This color is called "High Heels",  I was hoping to get one of the darker colors for fall. It's a sheer pinkish color. $8.49 value




 I've never tried a Roc product before and was happy to see this was going to be in my box. I don't have any deep wrinkles yet, but I've read that this product can also help fade acne scars. It contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid, so make sure to wear sunscreen when you use this product or any other face product containing AHA. This burns a little when applied, because of the AHA, but that's normal and the package says that the burning sensation should fade after a few applications. $19.99 value!!


As you can see, the price of this box is definitely worth it. I hope to get the next beautybox, and I'll try to post a link on my Facebook when the next one is available for purchase!




Have a great week everyone!

-Melle Belle



Sunday, November 8, 2015

seriously sharp!

If you're looking for a quality set of tweezers that doesn't break the bank (I'm looking at you crazy expensive $30 tweezers), then check out Majestic Bombay's Tweez'em Stainless Steel Tweezers! Majestic Bombay sent these tweezers complimentary to me for my 100%  honest and unbiased review.

*photo courtesy of tweezer listing on Amazon*

First off, these tweezers are super, super, sharp so use caution! They are PERFECT for those stubborn ingrown hairs and for tweezing your brows too! Personally, I hate tweezing my eyebrows because I can't stand the feeling (I prefer threading). These tweezers are precise so it made tweezing faster and easier for me so I didn't have to spend a lot of time on my eyebrows. 




The tips of these tweezers are small and sharp, so they will also be perfect for getting out splinters or even arts and crafts!  I really like these tweezers and I recommend them if you're looking for a new set!


Have you ever typed or wrote a word so many times that it started looking weird? I think I'll add tweezers to that list now.

- Melle Belle






Saturday, November 7, 2015

i love tea!

I've been obsessed with tea here lately. I have a pretty decent variety of loose teas at home. I've been wanting to try Matcha green tea since I found out about the numerous health benefits of it.







Midori Spring Green Tea powder is a premium grade and rich in antioxidants! The matcha powder comes in a sealed canister to retain freshness. Upon opening the can, I could smell the earthy, freshness! You can tell this matcha is the real deal!




I brewed the tea according to the directions, except I used my Keurig to boil the water and I don't have the traditional bamboo whisk. Check out their website for more brewing tips: http://www.midorispring.com/perfect-matcha-brew/





The matcha is a beautiful, bright green color. The first sip might take you by surprise, it's very strong! I drank about half my cup because of the intense flavor. Midori Spring compares trying their matcha to drinking tea or coffee for the first time. Give it a few tries, then you will love it (or possibly be hooked, like I am to coffee - lol!). They also recommend adding raw honey, making a matcha latte,or adding it to a smoothie! I definitely want to try those variations. I also found a recipe for matcha shortbread cookies, so you might be seeing those in a later post! 



Check out that gorgeous, green color! Arya wanted to see what I was drinking!



If you're interested trying matcha, I definately recommend the Midori Spring brand. You can buy it on Amazon, too! 



Thanks to Midori Spring for sending me their Matcha green tea powder, for free, for my honest review and opinions!