Friday, December 24, 2010

Self-Made X-Mas Gifts

Hello lovelies,

this year I made a lot of Christmas gifts myself and matched them with various presents that I bought for my family and friends.
I'd like to share 2 ideas with you.

1. Lip Balm:


I created my own lip balm and put them into little containers that I picked for each person individually. I found an Asian box, some retro boxes from the 50's & 60's, and an oriental container.
The ingredients for the lip balm:
- 40 ml beeswax
- 60 ml Almoond oil
- some splashes of rose water
- 4 drops eucalyptus oil
you heat it up in a stove until it's fully blended and then spill it into the little balm boxes. Let the substance cool off before you use it. Done!

2. Chocolate Plate:


I melted white chocoloate in a bowl that was placed in stove filled with water. I added poppy seeds to the melted white chocolate and spreaded the mix evenly on a tall plate. Next I prepared the same mix with dark chocolate and added cinnamon, clove, and pepper to the liquid chocolate. Then I created some stars and a semi circle with the dark mixture. I let it cool off and it is ready for transport in a cardboard box.

Did you create some self-made goodies for your folks? Do you like this better or do you prefer presents bought in a store?

I wish you'all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2011!! I am so happy I created this blog because it is just so delightful to meet you here! Thank you for bringing so much happiness into my life!!

Love, Sam xx

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Snowberry - Instant Deep Cleanser


Little Snowferries*
It is definitely winter where I live and the Christmas markets are the place to be :) The best past-time activity for dark and freezing evenings in December!





When I come home at night my skin's usually dry from the cold outside and the heaters indoors. Washing my face could make this condition worse. Not so since I am using my Snowberry Instant Deep Cleanser. My skin feels really smooth and silky even before I apply my night cream! In my opinion this product is the perfect winter treat and makes a perfect gift.
The packaging is very cute and the formula contains an advanced combination of natural ingredients and the latest findings in skin care science. The company is based in New Zealand and many of the ingredients are harvested from the local rainforests.
I spent 3 weeks on this amazing island and I can safely say that I am still day-dreaming of seeing these strong and pristine landscapes again! (If you like I put up some pictures of my travels)

Sorry the pic above looks so useless... the cleanser in my hand is lightly red and with one pulp you can cover your entire face. The product comes in two sizes, 15ml and 50ml. I got and recommend the big-sized version as it's better value for money)

The Instant Deep Cleanser is made using the following substances:

Melia azadirachta linn (Neem) seed oil An exotic natural emollient from Neem seeds with moisturising, hydrating, and skin softening properties. This oil stimulates cell regeneration, a mild antiseptic and gives skin a smooth and healthy appearance.

Plantservative WM A naturally derived ingredient from the Japanese Honeysuckle with strong anti-microbial and preserving properties.

Inca Inchi Oil
An exotic natural plant ingredient with moisturising, hydrating, skin softening and sun protection properties.

Passion Fruit Oil (WS) A natural active emollient from Passion flower with a high level of linoleic acid, providing deep nourishment and moisturization for the skin.

Dracorin GOC
A naturally derived plant/synthetic ingredient with emulsifying properties and provides a rich texture and feel to the skin.

Dermofeel G6CY (Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate)
A naturally derived plant ingredient with skin conditioning agent, emollient, solubiliser and secondary emulsifier.

Orchard Complex OS
A natural plant ingredient with emmoliency and anti-aging properties. It also enhances product spreadability delivering a smooth feel to the skin.

Sopholiance
An active, naturally derived anti-bacterial & anti-lipase agent, which prevents growth of certain noxious gram positive bacteria yet respects the natural flora of the skin.

Sun Essence (Cloudberry Seed Oil) An exotic natural plant ingredient with moisturising, hydrating, and skin softening properties.

Pufabe Echium Oil
A natural ingredient from an Arctic plant with moisturising and hydrating properties.

Wheat Soramides
An ingredient of essential lipids for the skin with moisturising, revitalising and restructuring properties. Rich in Phospholipids, Ceramides, Phytoserols, fatty acids and retinol with functions including skin-identical lipid composition and reconstruction effects.

Lyconat CI 75125 (Lycopene)
A natural biotech ingredient derived from a natural fermentative process which involves a fungus, the Blakeslea Trispora, which has active anti-aging properties.

Nikkol VC-IP
A naturally derived ingredient from Vitamin C with anti-aging properties. Primary function is to promote collagen synthesis and inhibit lipid peroxidation.

Macpaste
A naturally derived gelling agent from nuts of the macadamia tree with moisturising and emolliency properties.

Coleus Oil
A natural extract from the roots of Coleus forskohlii with excellent cleansing and moisturising properties while giving a pleasant aroma.

It contains NO:
Lauryl Sulfates
Petrochemicals
Propylene or Butylene Glycols
Volatile Alcohols
Artificial Colours
Silicones
DEA or MEA
not tested on Animals

...And this is only the cleanser! Check out the other products at the well-designed webside http://www.snowberrybeauty.com/

I am very confident that is the kind of brand that'll eventually knock out L'Oreal and all those other companies that only look at their own profits rather than the sustainability of our planet and the health of their costumers. My skin never felt this good during the winter months and it makes me a bit angry realizing that I wasted many years wondering how to 'cure' my skin. Since I've changed my cleansing routine my skin has improved tremendously! Snowberry even claims to be certified 'carbon neutral', meaning that "the carbon the company produces at any given time is neutralised by mechanisms such as registered forest regeneration, which extracts the same quantity of carbon dioxide from the air." Taken together, I can safely say that all these great properties make up for the steep price of 38 Euros.

What do you think of this brand? Do you know Christmas markets and hot wine punch?!

Season's Greetings,
Sam xx