Sunday, November 20, 2016

Hotter Mystery Boot, Tan Leather. Fall back in love with Hotter Originals! A Review. No more Boring Mom shoes.






It is a beautiful time of year, and while I miss summer a little already (always a summer gal here), I do love the Holidays. It is November and the leaves are still in their lovely golden, orange, and red toned hues. It is perfect boot weather. The leaves are still fluffy and crunchy, and you feel like a kid again as you purposefully kick the leaves into the air as you walk.

I must admit though, I have not been a boot lover all my life. In fact I am actually new to this. You see, its almost as if I was sworn throughout life to never find love, and then suddenly find the one (boot that is) that I want to share the rest of my life with. When you find them, you know. You just do.  I have tried boots in the past.  I have tried winter boots, and all sorts of fancy, feminine boots with a pretty heel that you see so many women wear with ease and grace, and think to yourself that you too can wear boots like them.  For hours.  You can't. (I can't, but maybe you can?). Those ladies must be in pain and feel like they might tip over at any given time. What really gets me is often they will wear boots like that and have a toddler and or baby in tow.  As a mommy to a 5 1/2 year old, 2 1/2 year old, and 6 month old, my husband and I are outnumbered (happily, but still outnumbered).  Chasing busy feet in public is what we sometimes need to do.  I need something comfortable on my feet, but I want to look nice.  I used to wear athletic shoes all the time.  I wore Nike sneakers and boot cut jeans everywhere.  I never wear t-shirts or sweatshirts out of the house, but I did not look overly put together in my sneakers and jeans.  I still felt like I was very unfashionable, somewhat frumpy, and very bland.  I enjoy being a mommy, but I was looking like a tired, worn out, unfashionable parent.

I thought I was doing myself a favor by wearing boot cut jeans.  I still wear them, mostly at home.  My jeans were comfy and a bit loose.  But I felt my plus sized body shoal wear them.  I never thought about skinny jeans or jeans that had a legging type look.  I decided to buy 2 pairs of skinny jeans from Gap online in my size as I kept seeing plus sized gals in them and they were rocking them.  It was the same time that I was given the opportunity to review some leather boots.

When I was given the opportunity to review a product from Hotter Shoes, I decided to try their boots.  Looking over the website, I saw that their boots were without a heel, and were deemed "Best Selling boots." I was not sure if the boots would be a great match for me, but they sure did look fantastic online.  I selected the Mystery Boot in Tan leather, and standard width.  I was not sure at the time if I should have ordered the Extra Wide instead of the Standard.  Being a plus sized gal (US size 16-18 jeans) and rather tall (5' 9), I was concerned the boots would not fit over my rather curvy figure.  I ordered the standard in Women's 11 and hoped for the best.  

My order took a while to arrive as it came delayed due to some shipping transit issues.  These ship from the UK and then from what I understand, are transferred to a US shipment carrier.  I contacted the company and they were very professional and kind and notified me that although the boots were currently on backorder again (they are popular), they would send replacement boots to me when they were in stock again.  Normally their orders and shipment processes take about 2 weeks (shipping promptly about 24 hours from date of ordering).  My replacement boots came promptly they were in stock again.  Instead of 2 weeks, it did take over a month and a half, but trust me when I say this, they were worth the wait.  True love is worth it.  

The boots were in a lime green shoe box (covered with a mailer bag) and wrapped with gorgeous Butterfly and Floral themed tissue paper.  They were a joy to open for sure and would be perfect for  a gift.  The leather is buttery soft, top quality, and durable.  The boots are so slouchy! Love.  The zipper is smooth and the boots have a nice stretch to them.  They have a flannel fleece like lining inside and are so cozy.









The boots feature a ruched (slouchy) leather or suede (depending on which style you select) with a stretchy zipper part. When putting these on, I was immediately impressed with the fact that the boots felt like I had been wearing them for months.  They felt like we were already old friends, soul mates / sole mates.  I had finally found the boots.  I have been wearing these every time I go out of the house.  They are that fantastic.  These fit over my curvy legs wonderfully without looking stretched out or misshapen.  These boots have an elastic side insert, a full toe area, soft lining and removable antibacterial insole.  They do have some tread on them for a nice grip when walking.  I love that they do not have a sharp heel.  They look classy, yet feel like walking shoes.  I am in awe.  I wear them with my new favorite Gap Jeans (I now have 3 pairs!) Although I am plus sized, and a mommy of 3 little ones that keep me on my toes, I feel I have greater confidence when wearing these boots.  They look great and feel great, even after wearing them hours on end.  

  • Leather collar and zip guard
  • Quality leather and nubuck
  • Removable antibacterial insole
  • Cushioned insole
  • Upper Material:
    • Black: Leather
    • Burgundy: Leather - Suede
    • Chocolate: Leather - Suede
    • Tan: Leather
    • Truffle: Suede
  • Lining Material: All Textile - Leather
  • Sole Material: All Polyurethane
  • Removable Insoles: Yes
  • Fastening Style: Zip Fastening
  • Heel Height: 23mm, 1 inch







The company is nothing short of amazing.  They want you to be fully satisfied and have what is called a "Happy Guarantee."


"We realize that getting just the right shoe and fit is really important, and we want to assure you that you can order from Hotter with complete confidence. 



If for any reason you're not 100% happy we will be pleased to refund or exchange your purchase, please see our Happy Guarantee page for full details."




I am thoroughly impressed with the service I had received from this company and the boot is amazing.  I was not previously familiar with this brand, but it has been around for years.  It is a family company, dating back to 1959.   They are passionate about quality, comfort and service.  Happy feet and happy customers.  

**As mentioned, I was sent these boots for evaluation and this is my own, honest opinion.  I was not compensated for my posting, other than a review pair of boots. **

I think these boots would make an excellent gift for a loved one this Holiday Season.  Follow Hotter Comfort Shoes on Facebook and Twitter for new products and updates.  

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.


Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.


















Friday, November 18, 2016

Essa Skin Care Vita-C-Whip Review







I use a lot of serums and moisturizers as I am in my early thirties and Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid have both been in my daily routine. I have used a variety of serums that have these 2 ingredients and frequently the serums are very similar. Sometimes I have noticed that the Vitamin C serums I have been sent for review are almost identical (with just different branding and labeling).

I reviewed the InstaNatural Vitamin C serum earlier this week and although it was a positive review, I did mention that it felt a bit sticky and soapy on my fingers and when applied to my face. I often have this problem with serums that contain grapefruit oils / peel extract. I was sent a lotion type serum from Essa Skincare this month and while I am not as pleased with the ingredients (several chemical sounding), I do like the way it is not sticky. I do not have to wash my hands immediately after application (which is nice since I use this at my variety in my bedroom prior to doing my makeup). I like the lotion consistency and find that this absorbs quickly without any heaviness.

The fragrance has a hint of citrus and dissipates quickly. The bottle is a frosted glass and feels quality. I always prefer serums and skincare to be housed in glass instead of plastic. The pump works well and I did not have any issues. The ingredients, as I mentioned above, are not as simple or natural as I would prefer, but I do like that there are no sulfates, phthalates, or parabens. I have not had any irritation when using this product, and it does not cause my makeup to apply cakey or pill up.

Ingredients

Purified Water, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP, Copolymer, PEG -12 Glyceryl Dimyristate, PEG-23 Glyceryl Distearate, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Nobilis, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol ● This proprietary blend has NO Sulfates, NO Pthalates, NO Parabens, NO Formaldehyde. ●

While I do like the Green Tea, Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid and Grapeseed, I am not fond of some of the other ingredients.  Please note that this does have dimethicone (a silicone).  I do not have a problem with using this on my skin as it does smooth my pores and blurs them temporarily which makes my foundation look nicer.  I do stay away from silicones in my shampoos since I am sulfate free and silicones can build up on my hair (and are harder to remove with sulfate free shampoos).  Since my pores on my cheeks, nose and chin are quite large, I generally use dimethicone to soften their appearance.  

This serum was sent to me for honest review.  Check out Essa Skincare on Facebook.  I like this serum and use it at night after using a liquid Vitamin C serum and also on days that I have used my facial 1.0 mm derma roller.  I try to use my roller between 1-3 times a month, and do not have any issues using this serum afterward.  I do want to mention, that this is a good stand alone product, and does not need to be layered over a liquid Vitamin C serum.  I find this more convenient than a liquid (easier to travel with) as well as it can be double duty as a moisturizing primer for my makeup foundation.  I like the smoothing effect it has over my pores.

















Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.


DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.



InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum Review











InstaNatural's Vitamin C Serum is housed in a dropper bottle that is frosted white.  I have reviewed numerous Vitamin C serums and this is the first with this type of frosted bottle.  It seems that it would block some of the light from entering the bottle, which can preserve the ingredients better than if the bottle was clear.  I am used to seeing cobalt blue or amber brown glass bottles.  I hope that this frosted white bottle protects the serum as well as the blue or amber.  

Vitamin C serum is a product I have had in my routine for a few years now.  I whole heartedly believe that serums such as this one can have some benefit to combating the signs of aging and overall skin concerns.  I have used Vitamin C serums in various formulations and most have delighted me with a few that have fell flat.  This serum from InstaNatural has some fantastic ingredients.  These ingredients help rejuvenate and repair skin.  This serum contains natural ingredients that can slow the effects of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, eye bags, etc.). 

Vitamin C is packed with potent antioxidants that can bring dull and damaged skin back to health and give it improved appearance.  I recommend using a Vitamin C serum of some sort (this brand or another one you like) to prevent further signs of aging and damage to the skin.  I like that this serum is formulated for oily, dry and sensitive skin.  I do not have any itching or irritation from using this serum.  I do notice a slight sticky or almost soapy feel on my hands and face if I use to much.  I seem to have this experience with products that have a lot of grapefruit extract in them.  I like this serum, but am not fond of the sticky feeling I have for a few moments after application.  I always have to rinse my hands immediately when I apply this particular serum, which is not always convenient when I am in a hurry and trying to apply my makeup in my bedroom at my vanity.  

I love all the fruit oils and botanical extracts in this serum.  


Key Ingredients:

+ Vitamin C
+ Hyaluronic Acid
+ Ferulic Acid
+ Sea Buckthorn Oil
+ Plant Stem Cells

Full Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glycerin*, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ferulic Acid, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Glucosyl Hesperidin, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Laminaria Digitata (Algae) Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion) Extract, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum*, Pentylene Glycol*, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin.




*Naturally Derived

This was sent to me for evaluation, but all views are my own.  I am very particular about what products I use on my skin/hair and family.  Although I am not 100% "crunchy" or natural, I like to use all natural products when possible.  I have been sulfate free for several years now and limit my exposure to chemicals and unnecessary additives and fillers with the products I use.

For more Information of InstaNatural, you can find them on Facebook and Twitter.










Please Follow me! 

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

RETINOL MOISTURIZER by InstaNatural (Review)


Do you use acne treatments or special face cleansers to keep your skin looking smooth and keep blemishes to a minimum?  Do you slather on chemicals and use a wide variety of products in hopes to dry out, soothe and heal irritated skin?  I sure would have liked to have known then, that all those treatments and chemicals I was layering on my troubled skin areas, were actually hurting my skin and causing my skin to further strip its natural oils, actually making it produce even more oils (to compensate).  I was actually causing my acne and uneven skintone to be even worse.

In high school I had moderate amounts of acne. I was not the teen with severely broken out skin, but I would have at least 2 or 3 red, sore cystic acne areas on my jaw, chin, or cheeks per week.   I had extremely shiny skin by lunchtime each day, and my nose and cheeks were peppered with blackheads.  I seemed to always be on the lookout for the latest, potent acne cream or wash. Back then, anything that dried out my blemishes (and in return caused flakey skin with oily patches) was on my bathroom vanity or in our medicine cabinet.  I even remembering being prescribed topical medicines, and taking otc herbal pills designed for working from the inside out (Nature's Cure).  Benzoyl Peroxide creams and Salicylic Acid were always on the shopping list and I always used strong acne facial washes and would sometimes wash my face 3 times in a day (with the same harsh products).  

For the past 4 years, I have only used natural soaps (either coconut oil, african black soap, charcoal, or shea butter based) or used the oil cleansing method.  I wash my face once per day (sometimes just every other day) and my skin is the clearest it has been in years.  It also is softer and has less oil production, while still being balanced.  I do attribute my skin improvement to the use of Vitamin C serums, Hyaluronic Acid, and Retinol.  

Vitamin A, (Retinol)  assists skin in the exfoliation and rejuvenation process.  It gradually, and gently reveals healthier, softer skin with the removal of flaky, dull and damaged skin.  Often Retinol can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes and fine lines with continued application (in moderation).  I like to remove my makeup with argan oil, jojoba oil, rosehip or sweet almond oil, and then do a quick oil cleansing afterward.  I pat my face dry and then use a toner of some sort such as a Witch Hazel or a Rose Water Toner mixture. I like using a Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid serum followed by Retinol cream.  

Vitamin C encourages collagen production, which can plump up the skin for a firmed and toned appearance, making fine lines to become less noticeable   I also find that it gives my skin a healthy glow and clears acne and blemishes promptly.

I have been sent many products over the last few years of natural skin care and one company that I have been consistently fond of is InstaNatural.  This month I was sent their Retinol cream, Toner (recently reviewed) and their Vitamin C serum.

InstaNatural's Retinol Moisturizer comes in a plastic airless pump and is in a creamy lotion form.  It combines Vitamin A (Retinol), Vitamin C, Green Tea and a variety of amazing botanical extracts and oils to heal and soothe tired, dull and irritated skin.  This cream has a light scent and is not greasy in application.  It is beneficial to skin in that is contains antioxidants and ingredients that are effective in anti aging.  

I do not have wrinkles, but I do have some fine lines and uneven skintone.  I have some past acne scarring and have noticed that daily use of Retinol and the above ingredients has improved my skin.  I like this moisturizer as it comes in an easy to use pump that does not clog, become messy or unhygienic.  It is easy to use and does not cause my makeup to apply clumpy or pill up.  The pump top has an ergonomic feel.

This cream has the antioxidant benefits of Green Tea, which has be known to repair and replenish skin from the negative effects of pollutants and over exposure to the Sun.  I like how this product contains some of the oils and ingredients I already use in my daily routine such as Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, and Shea Butter.  My skin feels soft and hydrated, without a heavy or greasy feel.  I like the thick consistency of this cream and find that it absorbs quickly.




Key Ingredients:
+ Retinol
+ Vitamin C
+ Hyaluronic Acid
+ Sunflower Seed Oil
+ Green Tea Extract

Full Ingredients:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water (Aqua), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Retinol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Extract (Botanical Hyaluronic Acid), Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Propolis Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

You can learn more about this brand and their products, by visiting the InstaNatural website, and following them on Facebook and Twitter.  This product was sent to me for my honest evaluation.  















Please follow me:

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.