Diane's Vintage Zest!: review

Spicy Chorizo Cornbread Stuffing

A spicy spin on my Cornbread Stuffing that EVERYONE loves!

Sweet Potato Souffle for Thanksgiving

One of my most popular recipes EVER, and just in time for Thanksgiving!

DIY Painted Photo Backdrops

Super easy backdrops for your photo, plus a few tips!

Golden Sweet Corn Bread Mini Muffins

A sweet spin on traditional cornbread!

Easy Sweet Potato Pie (without a crust!)

The easiest (and healthiest) pumpkin pie recipe ever!

Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Handmade Gift Feature & Review: Moxxie Essential Care!

For today's "25 Days of Handmade Gifts" feature, I have something extra to share with you: a review!  Not only did I have the opportunity to meet the lovely owner and creator behind Moxxie Essential Care at Patchwork Santa Ana, I was able to get an interview for you all to see the magic behind this natural bath and body product line!

Now, I chose four different products all with a "peppermint" theme because it's the holidays!  It was definitely a gift for myself.  :)  First, I tried the Peppermint Solid Sugar Scrub and it was great!  It was not too "scratchy" and the tub contained small cubes so I could use one at a time without getting the other ones wet.  Next, I tried the Double Mint Body Bar and it was amazing!  As you could tell from its name it had twice the mint, so it smelled fantastic in the shower but did not leave me smelling like an Altoid!  Now, my favorite find of the four is the Peppermint Lip Balm because it completely resembles another unnamed brand of all-natural mint lip balm that I used in the past.  The brand was bought by a larger company and no longer used all natural ingredients, and it changed drastically even though it is still available.  This is exactly what I have been looking for since then!  Lastly, I tried the Peppermint Moisturizing Body Creme, which was my real favorite!  I was expecting a thick creme, but it was whipped and lovely!  And surprisingly, it was tingly after I applied it on my skin for about 15 minutes!

Okay, that was a quick rundown of just four of the many products in the entire Moxxie Essential Care line.  Take a peek at how beautiful everything looks and start picking out your favorite scent!



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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My Story 
I AM     Philosopher - Designer -  Innovator - Producer.
I LIVE   to Create, Transform and Impact.
I LOVE  to Design the Blend of Colors, Forms, Textures and Aromas.
Formulating plant-based bath and body products gives me all that and then some.

During the 80’s and 90’s I studied the art and science of architectural design, community planning and construction then set upon a mission to design and develop pioneering affordable housing for non-profit community organizations and innovative office work spaces for multi-national corporations on the East coast and in Canada.

Amidst the anticipation and excitement of Y2K I reinvented myself, pulled up stakes and headed west with my family.  My husband and I acquired and took on the challenges of managing a west coast B2B manufacturing business.  At the same time we nurtured and parented two wonderfully terrific kids into young adults.

Some years ago, I discovered the simple feel good pleasures of handcrafted natural soaps.  I then stumbled upon a beautiful color-filled book on the craft of blending plant-based oils, pure plant extracts and botanicals to make natural soap.

Ahaa.. It was a calling for me to take better care of me.  And to design again!   A calling to craft marvelously spirited natural bath and body products that promote healthy skin while nurturing the mind, body and spirit.

In 2010 I created Moxxie Essential Care as a commitment to honor my passions.  To reaffirm my authentic self.  To explore, design, and create.  To enjoy and share!


-Moxxie Collage 4


Where did the name of your store come from?

The true meaning of Moxxie is about seizing the moment.  About thriving in that special space where luxury meets practicality, where fortitude and exploration reveals positive energy and determination unleashes personal style.

moxxie
mox·ie  /ˈmäksÄ“/
Noun
1. The ability to manage competing demands - day in and day out - with spirit and courage.
2. Positive, creative energy.  determination.
3.  Whole body, mind-body self-affirming care.


What is your favorite item?

hmmmm..  hard to say.  I rotate through the line.  Currently  I am really enjoying  the lavender lip balm because I am a lip balm freak and the lavender is a nice, light scent that surprises me with how smooth and comforting a felling it provides each time I use it.


-70 Moxxie Essential Care


What is your most popular item?

Blueberry Donut Smackdown!

Beware, this post is a combination of my foodie tendencies, my scientific side and my obsessive need to try everything insatiable zest for life!  This is the story of how a couple of girls conducted a very serious blueberry donut experiment, straight from the gym no less.




I'm not sure if you subscribe to the Yelp newsletter in your area, but it has been really invaluable for me to learn about what goes on in my area.  They usually have a section that recaps the weekend events, and more importantly a roundup of some type of food or activity in the area (acai bowls, local hikes, pho).

Some time ago they had a roundup of donuts, so a bunch of the suggestions went on the list.  As if I hadn't had enough donuts this week.

Now, I was headed to the supermarket after the gym with a friend of mine, and I noticed a few of the donut stops were on the way there.  Awesome!  There's nothing worse than going to a supermarket hungry.  For two of the shops, it was recommended to try the blueberry donut and there was even a crosstown rivalry between them on Yelp.  Well, a 0.8 mile rivalry because they're around the corner from each other.  When I checked on the third, people also recommended the blueberry donut and the idea for an experiment was born!



(Null) Hypothesis

There will be no statistically significant difference between blueberry donuts purchased at King's Donuts, Mel's Donuts, and M & M Donuts.


Method

Buy and eat donuts, duh!



Old school signs with one table in the front.  Fancy!



Check out this awesome table!  Unofficial extra points for decor.  :)





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