One of the good thing about vacations is my chance to catch up on various more personal and creative projects. Now most of the time they involve sightseeing or eating. But a part of that time is also about catching up on my blogging on some of the “fun finds” I come across.

In the past I’ve spoken about me member with BirchBox.com; a mail order samples membership that for a monthly fee they provide you with sample (and on occasion full size) products for face and body. Often I think the monthly is general fair, lets say around 85% of the time, but that bumps to 90% when I go on a trip, the gym or a weekend trip and need a sample or small size product. These samples are perfect for travel.

I’ve been a huge fan of one of the beard cleaners; Mr Natty Face Forrest Soap and have gone on to purchase it several times since I initially got it in my box. But being on the east coast, this summer, in the heat and humidity I found myself needing some alternatives for skill and face. This prompted me to bring out the a new product; Das Boom Everything Wash with a blend of Bay Rum, Smoke and yes “Dirt” – it’s an earthy natural scent that when use as a full body wash isn’t overpowering or floral. It also leaves your skin feeling clean and moisturized sort of a nice change after sweating and putting sunscreen on all day. I have to say – I have found another fave product ! Check the link for the other versions of the brand as well. I think the next up for me is its Bourbon & Leather Soap version.

The other product I got a chance to enjoy is Brickell’s Purifying Charcoal FaceWash. Now, be prepared – if you aren’t used to products with a charcoal component – it isn’t a white color – it, well it looks liquid grey liquid coal. But don’t let that stop you – it goes on cool and refreshing and leaves your face feeling clean, but not super dry. With its blend of Charcoal to cleanse the pores of bacteria and irritants, while natural oils dissolve the bad kind and replenishes skin with healthy ones. 

 
If you have yet joined Birch Box use this members share link to find out more: https://www.birchbox.com/invite/BiteTheRoad

OK so I just saw these on one of those Facebook “like” ads. The (@Quirky),  Quirky’s website is pretty simple and has a bunch of creative ideas on products. These three were the ones that caught my eye first.  They have both a tote version for both men and women (if you play gender roles) and a backpack for the kids . Summer isn’t that far off!

The “womans” version is natural with a pop of color  and the “mens” is charcoal.

Right now the woman and kids version is $20 and the men’s is $29 for mens – either prices looks worth it.

A few of you asked me about the small oil burning candle that was outside at the open house. I picked it up at Bed Bath and Beyond a few years back. it burns botanical oils so the smell if used indoors isn’t so bad. I think BBB only sells the wicks these days but I’ve found the same item on Amazon.com as

HoMedics Illumine Harmony Luminous Tabletop Fireplace, Black

I think over the years when you aren’t a big dairy person because of the way it makes you feel – we still do miss some of those occasional high-fat rich, dairy flavors.

Luckily we’ve seen an increase in almond and coconut-based products over the last four years. This year seems to be a hot year because there’s at least 5 to 8 different manufacturers were making either coconut-based or almond-based products for those that don’t want dairy or soy.
Since october they’ve rolled into the season offerings with pumpkin, eggnog and mint chocolate themes from the traditional Safeway in Cala tower market to even specialty groceries like whole foods.

I’m thinking that this could be a fun season — in fact some of these I’ve cooked with and exchanged them for cream or dairy-based products.