Cariloha -- Clothing made from bamboo!

Would you ever believe that this lovely white pullover you see on the right is made from bamboo? 

And what about this adorable, stylish camisole?

Well, my friend, it's true. These two tops are actually made from bamboo, and come from the shop Cariloha who specializes in products made from bamboo, and basically turns those stalky plants into things we can wear.

If you haven't ever felt the softness and flexibility of bamboo clothing, then you probably think that the idea is nice, but that wearing it couldn't possibly feel that comfortable. But you'd be so wrong, my friend because it happens to be the most comfortable clothing item I have ever put on my body. Not even joking.

In fact, it feels so amazing that I had to get a pair of boxers for Bronson once I'd gotten the awesome opportunity to wear these two tops myself and feel the lovely feeling of bamboo on my skin. He loves em', of course. Just as I told him, he confirmed that the bamboo boxers are in fact the most comfortable things in the world to wear.

Most comfortable stuff in the world aside, Bamboo clothes actually have some incredible properties:

• They provide natural UPF (50+) protection.

• Bamboo is hypo-allergenic, has anti-odor and anti-bacterial properties!

•  Sweat-wicking properties

• Cariloha's bamboo clothing features useful stretching all 4 ways/sides.

Here's giving you an *idea* of how nice the stretchy fabric is. I didn't stretch it to its maximum potential as I didn't want to damage the fit of the shirt, but this photo should give you somewhat of a clue.

Featured in this post is the Bamboo Celeste Tank, and the Core 1/4 Zip White Bamboo Fitness Wear top. 

The entire materials used in the Core Zip Bamboo Fitness Wear top are: 55% Organic Cotton, 40% Viscose from Bamboo, 5% Elastan

The Core Zip top is semi-fitted, which means it's a nice, comfortable fit that isn't designed to stick to the body, but is a comfortable, not baggy, but not clingy fit.

Perfect for activity on cool days, and also warm days since bamboo has the ability to adjust with your body's temperature meaning if you're cold, the clothing will keep you warmer and vice versa. Pretty incredible how that works. 

Photo of Core Zip without flash.

In fact, Cariloha states on their website that bamboo is actually 3 degrees cooler than cotton. 

The Core Zip top is wonderfully comfortable, even if you plan to be working hard and working up a sweat since as I said, the fabric wicks away sweat and adjusts to body temperature. I tend to wear this top most during workouts and I've never overheated in it. The only times I've felt it necessary to take it off was from worry of the lovely white getting dirty.

Below you can see the green Carlioha label on the lower side of the top.

These photos show the top's features and fit a little better than the previous ones did:

 Adding a pair of simple leggings with the  Core Zip Bamboo top, for workout time makes an entire outfit full of comfort. I have been keeping nice and warm for exercising this winter by wearing a pair of fleece lined leggings with this top, that way I can be comfortable (jeans do not work so nicely during vigorous workouts) and not freeze my hiney off.

 On the other hand, it actually does look nice with a pair of jeans, though, huh? It would be just perfect as a regular top, too. Especially if comfort is your thing and you don't want to save a nice bamboo top just for workouts.

The back.

And now, more about the stylish, adorable Bamboo Celeste Tank.

Let me just start off by saying it: The Celeste Tank is the most comfortable simple summer (or spring) cami top. It's perfect since it's so cute, yet comfortable and you won't be burning up on those hot days.

I couldn't resist waiting until the weather warmed up to wear this Celeste Tank, so I've worn it out, under a jacket. It pairs lovely with jeans and boots, or just jean shorts and flip-flops. Heck, it might even work with leggings. I'm not sure it's long enough in the back, but I do love the length. I just don't like wearing tops out of the house with leggings unless the top will fully cover my behind, or else it's just strange. I believe this tank comes pretty close that it could be worn with leggings. 

 

Close-up of the ruffle detailing.

The back of the Tank (ruffle waist goes all the way around -- very flattering)

Anyways, this one has to be my favorite, especially because of the ruffle details. 

Aside from style and comfort, the Bamboo Celeste Tank features a built-in bra, too, but there's no thickness to it, and being white, it could possibly be transparent in certain light. 

Inner built-in Bra

A simple bandeau top could be worn underneath to be extra cautious (as I have done).

Surprisingly, to be so cool, the bamboo fabric is actually thick feeling. Not heavy, but thick as in not super thin like most

t-shirt material is these days. It's got a very nice, high-quality feel to the thickness. I just love that, especially since it means durability, and the straps on the camisole have the same awesome thickness to them, meaning decent support and durability, too.

Straps. Features metal adjusting sliders, too, which adds to the durability

The fit is loose, like an empire waist top, so it's very flattering and comfortable at the same time. Even the elastic on the built-in bra still allows perfect comfortability in the tank. 

 

The stretchiness of the Bamboo Tank is no exception to the Core Zip top. Here's me showing (or attempting to) the stretchiness of the garment, without overdoing it and damaging the fit. The stretch and thickness makes it almost a bouncy kind of fabric. 

 

 

 

The back. Now that I see this photo of me wearing the tank, I'm thinking it'd actually be purr-fect with leggings! Hello tomorrow. I know what I'll be wearing! (Bamboo Tank with jacket, fleece-lined leggings and boots). Sounds like it's gonna be one very comfy day!

Materials of the Bamboo Celeste Tank:
66% Viscose from Bamboo/28% Cotton/6% Spandex

Measurements: 

• Neck width between front straps, at strap base, is between 8.5” and 9.5”, depending on size.

 

• Waist width across bodice seam is between 12.5” and 19.5”, depending on size.

 

• Front body length from highest point of shoulder is between 23.5” and 28.5”, depending on size.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer (I know, I hate them, too, but these days you kind of can't afford to note post them.):
I am not a specialist or any other kind of doctor or expert. Content on this blog is not intended to be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or advice of any sort. I'm simply sharing information about my own experiences and results from use of a product or activity in hopes of providing useful information/suggestions to readers, not to be taken as a patient/medical adviser relationship. I am not responsible for what readers choose to do after viewing the content here. Furthermore, I do not hold an "exceptional" or other special relationship with the company mentioned. I'm simply a consumer who worked with the company on a review that is in compliance with FTC's guidelines. That means, everything you read here is my own words, not anything of the company's unless otherwise stated, and put in quotations (such as product descriptions or claims).  I was not provided with monetary compensation for my review. All information posted has been done so with complete honesty. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication ( I'm not responsible.) Readers who rely on the information in this blog to replace the advise of an appropriate health care provider assume all risks of such behavior.  This is a sponsored post. I was provided with a product in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I receive no monetary compensation for writing this, and you can rest assured that my post (and all of them) is in compliance with the FTC's Guidelines.

Black Diamonds and Mythology

                                   

Ya'll must know by now, the extent of which I adore black diamonds. I think they are gorgeous and I’m seduced by the mysterious look black diamonds carry. 

 

(Image source: www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk)

Perhaps this "mysterious-ness" I get from a piece of jewelry encrusted with black diamonds comes from knowing that their history dates all the way back to the medieval times, and well, the medieval times definitely have a mysterious air about them.

Black diamonds, in their smoky, dark beauty give me the feeling of temptation, and something about them just screams "lusty."  Or maybe it’s my weird mind that causes me to see a piece of jewelry and associate it as  something “lusty,” “seductive,” or “mysterious.” 

It’s only jewelry! 

But I can’t help it. Don’t judge me.

If you look, don’t you notice that those three words suit a black diamond eerily well? See, it isn’t just me.

It is possible, also, that  I associate black diamonds with mystery because of the strange mythology surrounding them.  

For example , in some places, like  India, black diamonds were thought to be cursed and owning them could even result in death! Perhaps it's the black color that makes people think of death. It is true that dark colors, especially black, are associated with death (example: black clothing is worn at funerals).

Or it could also be that black diamonds are impure  forms of polycrystalline diamonds, and the word “impure” does somewhat indicate negative things, and well, death is about as negative as things can get.

Negativity aside, in Italy, black diamonds are a completely different story.

There, it was believed that black diamonds, when touched, had the ability to "fix" marriage problems for a couple by, basically, "absorbing" the troubles of their marriage after rubbing the  black diamond.

Mythology such as that surrounding black diamonds, (the creepy type) has always intrigued me, but throw in the beauty of black diamonds and you have me hooked! I could certainly find myself absorbed in a fiction novel of this topic.

Since we’re on the topic, let's have a look at some of the totally breath-taking black diamond jewelry (from Avianne and Co., of course!)

Black Diamond Jewelry has always stood out to me, and since Ribbons and Pearls often posts for Avianne and Co. I thought I'd dedicate this particular post to lovely black diamonds, starting with the almost retro-ish Heart Pendant with BlackDiamonds: 

And with what almost appears to be tiny slivers of silver ice sandwiched between rectangles of black diamonds, the Women's Diamond Pendant featured below took my breath away at first click.

This is what I call a one-of-a-kind statement pendant.

For those of you who never thought a black piece of jewelry could be so intriguing (or should I use the word "mysterious" again? It is fitting, you have to admit!), I present to you:

The Women's Diamond Onyx Ring

Okay, the glamorous Onyx ring does not feature actual black diamonds, but the gem is black and plenty gorgeous enough to make the list of breath-taking black jewelry!

 The onyx gem -- from that particular angle -- has a velvet-y appearance.

The onyx, lined with diamonds couldn't have been more perfectly crafted, from the shape to the texture to size.

The Onyx gem comes to a sharp point in the center, which is unique in itself, then you have the texture of the gem -- also unique.

Green Street Luxuries

Green Street Luxuries skincare

 

For the past week, I have completely changed my skincare routine & I wanted to share what I’ve been doing and the results with you guys. I want to start off by talking about my new skincare routine, and then I will go into detail about the specific products I have used and how they work (not all in one post.) I’m going to focus on one product for the time being though – a fantastic exfoliator from Green Street Lux. It’s called Organic & Natural Exfoliance Radiance and Facial Cleanser. This stuff is a God-send! 

P.S. You can also watch my video (will be published in a separate post title "Green Street Luxuries -- My New Skincare Routine) where I'll be speaking just a little about all the skincare products. Mostly, I did the video in case all this writing was too much for some of you to read through. It's just a brief little bit on each product and what I think, how it works, what it does, etc. 

My Old Skincare Routine was basically washing with a natural bar soap. The problem is that I have what I consider high maintenance skin and a simple bar soap just doesn’t do everything my skin needs. The bigger problem was that I’d tried a bazillion different products and none of them were helping! You guys know most of the products I have used because I like to share with you what I do, what works and what doesn’t. My biggest problem was, I’d get a facial cleanser or moisturizer or exfoliant or all and they would work nicely for the first couple of days, then my skin would go right back to having the typical problems, which I will describe below.

The Exfoliance Cleanser up close

What the cleanser looks like

The Exfoliance Radiance Cleanser has tiny grains in it, as you can see in the photo above, that help remove dead skin. 

My Skin Problems:

My skin is shiny on the “T-zone” area, right in the middle of my forehead, nose and chin. Then, the rest of my skin like a patch on my forehead and cheek is dry and flaky. This makes things nearly impossible because I always must use moisturizer because of the dryness and also because it’s a habit I like to keep since it can benefit my skin in the long run. Well, the moisturizers would always be too oily where my skin was oily! Most all of the cleansers I was using would leave my skin dry in some areas. Some of them even caused breakouts for me.

Another problem is a few small, but noticeable scars on my left cheek from a breakout a while back. I haven’t been able to get rid of those scars for the life of me. And then I have the breakouts on top of it all.

So if you have skin like me, you understand how stressful it can be! It’s a lot of work and you just can’t ever seem to use the right stuff.

Now that you know my own skin troubles, I will tell you what I’ve done for the past week to improve (drastically!) it.

I already drink lots of water and that is one of the only things that prevent my face from being even worse dry and even worse broken out. So we have that, and it’s important, but it wasn’t giving me results as far as acne and scars or the oily t-zone is concerned.

The first day, I use this exfoliator/cleanser on my face. I told you earlier, but will tell again – it’s called Organic  & Natural Exfoliance Radiance and FacialCleanser and it’s from Green Street Lux. I definitely needed to exfoliate and since I was just beginning an entirely new skin care regime, I figured the best way to start was by exfoliating well.

I had actually spoken with Candy from Green Street Lux and got some advice for my skin first. She took a look at my skin and told me exactly what I needed – which was really amazing! It’s hard to know what is best for your skin when there are so many products to choose from. She also told me what kind of routine I should be using (a life saver!) So here is what she came up with and this is the routine I’ve been following for a little over one week now:

Evening: wash with Tea Tree Soap (LOVE  this stuff!).

After shower, but before bed: Use a product called Stunning (I will explain how each of them work later.)

Candy also told me that your body heals in the first three hours of sleep, so this is why it’s important to use products that aid in healing before bed and not in the morning. Very helpful tip to know!

She also advised me to use the Acne Toner for spot treating acne.

Then the Exfoliance Radiance Cleanser. This is to be used twice a week.

Morning: Shea Butter Soap Wash.

Then after the Shea Butter Soap Wash, the Day Face Lotion.

So the first day I just used the exfoliator first, but then I followed the routine exactly as Candy advised, using the exfoliator only twice a week.

I was really excited to try this new routine & at this point, desperate enough to do anything. So I stopped everything I was doing/using before, including my regular moisturizer. As soon as I looked at the labels on the new skin products, I had no qualms tossing my old crap. The label that lists the ingredients on all the products I was about to begin using was so exciting. Tea tree oil and all sorts of really amazing herbal and natural ingredients only. I knew from looking at the ingredient list that these were going to be great because I’d known the benefits of some of the ingredients listed. Moving on though. I will get to that in a moment.

How To Use The Exfoliance Radiance Cleanser

After applying the Exfoliance Radiance Cleanser, you leave it on for 5 minutes, until it’s dry. Then, while in the shower, use circular motions to exfoliate the skin. So I did this, massaging well all over my face. Then rinse. Pretty simple, and before I even had it all rinsed off my face, I noticed such soft, silky-ish feeling skin! 

After the Exfoliance Radiance Cleanser, I used the Day Face Lotion, which also has fabulous ingredients. This made my skin even softer.

After my very first use of the Exfoliance Radiance Cleanser, I noticed less of those tiny black heads that tend to hang out on my chin and nose and are such a pain! I also had tiny bumps on my chin that wouldn’t really have anything come out when squeezed, and these were not on my chin after the first use of the exfoliating cleanser. 

Ingredients in Exfoliance Radiance Cleanser:

Water, Decyl Glucoside, Acrylates Copolymer, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Jojoba Oil, DMDM Hydantoin, Citric Acid, Triethanolamine, Cetearyl Alcohol (emollient), Ceteareth-20 (emulsifier), Glycerin, Aloe Vera, Pineapple and Papaya extracts, Rose, Lavender & Tea Tree Grains, Sunflower Seed Oil, Shea butter, Cocoa Butter, Palm Oil, Glyceryl Monostearate (preservative & thickener), Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, .Phenoxetol (preservative), Vitamin E, Sodium Citrate, Carbomer (thickener)

The Exfoliance Radiance Cleanser is:

•  Vegan

• Safe for all skin types
• Paraben, SLS and Gluten-free!
• Contains amazing, beneficial ingredients such as organic papaya extracts, pineapple and  more.
• Contains coconut oil, which is healing for skin and leaves is very soft, smooth and moisturized. Coconut oil also anti-ages.
• Leaves skin super clean and smooth and very soft!
• Reduces the look of my enlarged pores & ahem... blackheads.

• Contains  ultra-fine exfoliating Organic Lavender, Rose & Tea Tree grains and a blend of pineapple and papaya extracts - nature’s enzymes that will gently slough off dull skin layers and remove impurities.

               The green bar of tea tree anti-septic soap I talked about in the video:

The Shea Butter Bar: