Mini Review: Skin Balm Apothecary

I thought it would be fun to do a little review on some products I've tried from Skin Balm Apothecary. I found them on Instagram last year and thought it sounded like a really awesome company--all their products are organic! I've purchased (and repurchased) a few of their items and wanted to share my thoughts here!

Peppermint Lip Balm | I originally purchased the Balm Quad, so I got to try all three lip balm flavors: peppermint, peppermint orange, and orange and lavender. My absolute favorite is the peppermint. (I wasn't a huge fan of the other two.) Peppermint lip balms are my go-to, and I am always stocked up on Dr. Bronner's peppermint balm. BUT the SBA peppermint balm is EVEN MORE PEPPERMINT-Y! Which I LOVE. I think I've purchased like 4 or 5 of these over the last year or so. (My mom just bought me a few more!) My only problem with it (not really a problem, more of a nuisance) is that the twist thing at the bottom of the tube twists inside my purse, so sometimes I open the top to find the lip balm pushed really high.

The Eye Balm | I feel like this is the product with the cult-like following. It is to be used around the eyes to promote skin health and to help with eyebrow and eyelash growth. Many claim it also helps with bags under the eyes. I can't make such bold claims, but I do like it. I don't wear mascara, but I can tell it makes my eyelashes at least look a little longer, and it helps them stayed curled longer if I decide to curl them. At $15 per tube, it's not a must-have in my skin care routine, but it's nice to have!

Revive Clay Mask | I don't use this mask as much as recommended, but I do like it when I use it! I really need to get in the habit of doing a face mask a few times a week. I always make sure to moisturize (I use organic jojoba or almond oil) after using it.

I want to try the Blemish Balm (it reduces redness and inflammation) and also the Purifying Collection. While the products are pretty pricey, it's because they are organic, which is really awesome! Chelsea, the owner, often pops on Instagram to explain the importance of organic skincare, and it has really got me wanting to use more organic skincare products (hence the organic jojoba and almond oils I use for moisturizer). It's nice to know I can get quality, organic skincare products from this reputable company!

Things I Love September

IT'S OCTOBER Y'ALL! Finally!

It still doesn't feel like October here, though. Today's high is 94. My walk to work is ten minutes and every single day I find myself wishing I could make the walk without sweating.

BUT fall is coming, and the weather people say it's coming next week. Fingers crossed.

Okay, so here's my things I love September!

Fall decor! | Despite the fact that it doesn't look or feel like fall outside, I still have to put up some fall decor! I don't have a ton, but there are now pumpkins in every room (the small ones have finally been placed strategically so the cat won't knock them off various shelves and such), my favorite "give thanks" sign that my bestie Rachel made years ago, and a leaf garland I made out of book pages last year. Now I need to get a cozy blanket and pillows for the living room.

This photo is four years old--I didn't feel like taking a new photo, ha! But I still love to put this fox by my Give Thanks sign!

Fall diffuser blends | I promise this whole list isn't just stuff with the word "fall" in front. But I did get some new essential oils to make fall blends with! (Cinnamon bark, nutmeg, clove bud, more "Thieves" and bergamot...) My new fave is Young Living's Stress Away (I make my own blend that is similar), cinnamon bark, and nutmeg. I've got it diffusing right now and it smells divine!

Wireless earbuds | I've been listening to audiobooks a lot lately but the cord for my earbuds often gets in the way when I'm doing housework or shelving books at work. So I decided to look at wireless earbuds, but the Airpods are like $200!! I found these on Amazon for $45 that have the same look as Airpods--they're sleek and white. They charge in the case when you aren't wearing them. I've absolutely loved using them! Five stars for sure.

Streetside Market | Casey and I are loving this new restaurant downtown! It's multiple restaurants in one, so there's Chinese, seafood, pasta and pizza, sandwiches, and BEIGNETS. There's something for everyone! We've been several times and our fave thing is the pizza. This place is always packed!

Bohin Wrist Pincushion | Another Amazon purchase! When I started sewing, I picked up a little wrist pin cushion at Hobby Lobby for like $2. While I loved storing my pins on my wrist, the pin cushion was poorly designed and the pins would go all the way through and poke my skin. I saw this pin cushion on the wrists of several sewists I follow and decided to get it. I love the look of it! It's a little big for me (I have really tiny wrists), but I push it up my arm a bit and it works like a gem.