Chic Mom Review: House of Botori Ginika Tote Diaper Bag

I was super excited when House of Botori wanted to work with me. You just don’t even know how much I fell in love with their website and EVERY product in it. House of Botori is definitely not your average baby/mama items.

She took items that we need for our everyday lives and made them beautiful, modern, and absolutely irresistible. As I was browsing through the House of Botori Diaper Bags, I was instantly drawn in to the beautiful colors, modern designs, and the much needed accessories that accompany these beautifully designed bags.

There are 5 different varieties of diaper bags on the website, and each one has it’s own name, which I loved! They are each constructed with their own individual style, so that you can express yours. That’s the reason I had so much trouble choosing. Each diaper bag has it’s own separate characteristics that make it exclusive to that bag, so I was debating HARD LOL. I was like a kid at a candy store.

Each one has a different number, size, design and placement of pockets, zippers, and storage areas. When you click on a diaper bag, it’ll show you that you can choose any design (some have more color design options than others) you want in the bag structure you want! So, if you like the Kaira Diaper Bag better but was thinking.. “Ooh, I would love to have that in bright pink or dark blue.” You could most definitely get it, shown below are the Kaira Diaper bags in Skipper Rum (pink) and Braid Sapphire (Blue).

That’s what surprised me. There are all these super fabulous diaper bags that made me want each one anyway, and then to find out they are available in a variety of colors too? I was super impressed, so much that I think my jaw possibly dropped.

So, I began looking at what the bags themselves offered. I always think about the benefits and perks of each item. Which design will better fit my lifestyle? Which would expand the amount of items I can carry without being too bulky? More pockets to store stuff so there’s less space for single items to roll around and I have to dig to find them? Or more space to store bigger items and less pockets?  What accessories come with them?

The designs are very exclusive to House of Botori, I had never seen a Bowler style diaper bag before in my life. I was already exceptionally impressed with their meticulous planning of each item before I even chose the bag. I could already tell that a considerable amount of time had been put into the design process of each item. A lot of thought was definitely put into each one, designed with busy moms in mind. How can this ease her stress and save her time? That’s definitely what I thought!

I ended up getting the Ginika Tote in Twirl Tangerine. I immediately fell in love with the bright orange color with the pretty whimsical flowers on the outside. The design is super modern, practical, and it isn’t too big or too small. It’s exactly the right size.

Why be subjected to using a plain, boring, lifeless diaper bag when you don’t have to? You don’t have to give up your fashionable style just because you’re a mom now. Now you don’t have to sacrifice style for functionality and convenience, you can get both! Rock that style mama!

Since becoming a first time mom in 2007, I’ve been through a lot of different varieties of diaper bags. During that time there weren’t many stylish options available, you just picked the necessity diaper bag (the size you needed to suit babies needs) and hoped for the best. The stylish options that were available at that time were very expensive, a regular mom like me couldn’t afford a $400 diaper bag..

Now we stylish mamas can stand up and give House of Botori a bow! Thank you, thank you! Fashionable bags that hold all of your child’s needs. The Ginika Tote is very spacious, and has 10 pockets to keep everything organized and within reach.

This is the inside of the bag, I love the bright inside that is also spill and stain resistant. Having a child, doesn’t matter if it’s a baby or a toddler- spills are almost inevitable with the bottles, sippy cups, and snack containers. So, I love that the interior has made it easy for a busy mom on the go.To clean just grab a baby wipe or wet paper towel and wipe the mess clean, it beats having to throw it in the washer! WIN!

This is just one side of the inside pockets. There are two huge pockets for your mama needs such as sunglasses, cell phone, and any other accessories you might want to bring. There are also 2 tiny pockets on the right for pens/pencils. Then the zippered pocket for keeping your personal stuff/valuables.

Do you know how AMAZING it is to have a key fob right on the inside of the diaper bag? You don’t even want to know how much time I’ve wasted digging for lost keys. Now, the searching is over. The key fob is high quality, made to snap around your key ring so they aren’t rolling around in the bottom of the bag.

I also adore that my full size wallet will fit in any of the inside pockets without a problem. Usually when we go out for the entire day I don’t bring a purse at all. It saves me time, a headache, and possibly a backache as well. So, it’s nice to be able to put my own items in this one as well!

The other side of pockets can be used exclusively for your childs’ needs. Whether it’s diapers or pull ups, wipes, toys, snacks, medicine, or bibs and hats. No matter what you need to fit inside, including the extra clothes, they’ll fit!

On each side of the bag there are PEVA lined pot pockets. These can also hold whatever.. it’s the right size for holding extra empty bottles, baby lotion, or a larger snack container (like little puffs). That’s just the inside pockets, which consist of seven. Of course we can’t forget that giant opening for putting extra clothing for your little one. We ALL know that it’s better to keep at least 2 extra clothing changes on hand at a time.

I was thrilled to see so much room inside those pockets. Pockets are VERY essential to me. I’ve had other HUGE diaper bags, but organizing everything was a hassle because there wasn’t any inside pockets. If I wanted the clothes separate from the bottles or sippy cups, toys, and diapers/wipes I would have to pack them individually in separate bags and then put them inside the diaper bag. So when I seen the pockets, I was VERY impressed.

The outside of the bag is just as spectacular as the inside. I am IN love with the bold colors and eye catching design. The first picture below is the back pocket with the magnet closure. This is where I put the changing pad (that comes with it). It fits in their perfectly! The side pocket you see in the picture, there is another on the other side as well.

This is the front of the bag. I love that it can easily hold the tablet so my daughter can play games while we wait at the doctor. With all the space, I never have to worry about a tantrum being thrown because I can pack all the toys she wants to play with!

It comes with all these accessories, with the same beautiful design as the exterior. I loved that they take this extra step for mamas. I’ve never seen a diaper bag offer all these selections in the same bag.

There are 2 drawstring dirty clothes sacks, an insulated bottle holder, a pacifier holder, a changing pad and padded shoulder straps. Everything here is essential to the life of a mom yet no other diaper bag company goes above and beyond like this to offer all the accessories shown AND at such a cheap price.

It makes the diaper bag that much more lovable because I can pack it without the regular strap digging into my shoulder. The shoulder strap prevents that, so it’s comfortable. I love that everything that I need is in reach, and I know which pocket or space it’s in. It makes being the mom of 2 children exceptionally more easy and definitely more enjoyable.

PLUS, when you no longer NEED a diaper bag, this would make an awesome laptop bag!

Buy it: House of Botori Ginika Tote Diaper Bag $79.97

Connect with House of Botori online:

Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Youtube

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Vita Liberata Untinted Deeper Deep Self tan Lotion & Application Mitt

It’s summer and that natural bronze look is craved everywhere. What do you do if you burn, don’t tan well, or don’t want to subject your skin to UV rays? Self tan, that’s what. I know what you’re thinking.. MOST self tanners are messy, goopy, and make of mess of everything within a 10 foot radius.


Image Credit: Fast Company

We’ve all had or at least HEARD of those ghastly stories of a bright orange tint caused by self tanners, causing the oompa loompa look. It becomes streaky, orange, and now semi-permanent? How does that come off? ONLY by wearing off by itself and maybe the help of a loofah scrubber and a great quality body scrub (or baking soda and water if you don’t have a body scrub on hand).

What about clothes and bedding that’s been ruined because of self tanners? The only way to avoid this is to sit very still without touching anything, without any clothes on until your entire body dries completely. This could take QUITE some time.
The Vita Liberata Untinted Deeper Deep Self Tan Lotion distributes an ultra moisturizing, sunkissed glow, lasting for up to seven days without the mess. It doesn’t bronze you instantly, which is why it doesn’t create a mess.

Exfoliate & Shave!
Before applying the self tanner (or ANY self tanner) make sure that you properly exfoliate your skin. This helps the dead cells and dry skin come off so that the self tanner can be applied without any spots or streaks. If you don’t exfoliate, those dead cells/skin will be on the very top of your skin and WILL attract the self tan.. and it will cause a problem.

I recommend using a high quality sugar scrub or an exfoliating body bar that aren’t oily. A sugar scrub is different than a regular body scrub, because it isn’t greasy. If you can’t find any, you can always make your own.. mix some sugar with a shower gel or body wash and you’re good to go.

Image Credit: Dreams Time
While you’re in the shower, go ahead and shave. Even if you already shaved on the previous day. Shaving will further help the tanning lotion go on as desired without attaching to those pesky hairs.

NO lotions 24 hours prior!
Try not to apply ANY kind of lotion AT ALL for 24 hours before applying the Vita Liberta Untinted Self Tan, unless you have severely dry areas. If you do have severely dry areas, apply lotion to only THOSE areas and make sure you dab them with a dry towel or washcloth after. Make sure the lotion is completely dry before applying the self tanner.

If you use lotion on parts of your body that doesn’t absolutely require it moisture from the lotion creates an “oil/gloss” barrier on your skin. That barrier is what keeps the self tan from getting to the pores in your skin. This affects the ability for the lotion to develop.

Apply!!

This is the part where I get out of the shower and step on my bathroom rug and dry off. Make sure your skin is completely dry before beginning to apply the self tanner lotion. I love that this has a very easy to use pump-action top. It makes it so much easier to get what you need out of the bottle without getting it everywhere.

Make sure you purchase a Vita Liberata Classic Tanning Mitt, which keeps your palms and hands from ALSO developing the tan as well. It is reusable and can be used on your body as well as your face. It’s very soft and is amazing at helping apply the tanning lotion.


It looks, feels, and applies just like an everyday moisturizing lotion, because it is untinted. Untinted means it doesn’t have an INSTANT bronzer in it, it continues to develop slowly over a 4-8 hour period.
It doesn’t smell AT all, which I like. Most self tanners have a very noticeable, harsh, musky smell that stays with you for awhile after you apply it. This is absolutely odorless, so you don’t have to worry about packing around a musty, musky, overwhelming smell.

The Self Tanner sprays just a little stream, which makes it easier to maintain. The pump top keeps the lotion from splashing or drizzling on anything. I start with my arms and work my way down. You apply the lotion in a circular motion all over your body.

I always do smaller circles on my arms and shins, while making sure I don’t miss any spots. Then for the stomach, back, and thighs I do larger circles so that the circles aren’t overlapping too much. Then I gently swipe my elbows and knees.

I could feel it dry as soon as I put it on, which was really weird for me because I’m used to waiting for awhile before I’m actually dry. Not having to wait on dry-time was a miracle in itself because I am a very impatient person. That’s the second reason I don’t use traditional fake bake tanning lotions.

As soon as you’re done applying the tanning lotion, make sure that you have a wet washcloth or an unscented baby wipe on hand so you can wipe off the excess from your knees, elbows, and ankles (where you are most likely to streak from buildup). If you accidentally got it on your hands, between your fingers, or on your knuckles—wash wash wash!

It contains a unique moisture-lock© system for 72 hour hydration, so you don’t have to apply lotion over top of the tanning lotion.. just let it develop on its own. After the 4-8 hour period is over, and you decide you want to further develop your tan you now can.

Just reapply it like you did before. Circling around and around your body until your whole body is covered with the lotion. The layering of the lotion will help you intensify your tan. You want to gradually develop your tan rather than trying to get “SUPER DARK” the first time. The layering will help the tan look more realistic.



These are pictures of the tan after the second application. I already had a good base tan before I applied the self tanning lotion, but this deepened the tan without ANY streaks! I love how the mitt kept my hands from becoming bronzed too. With regular self tans they show up right away, which is what causes the orange-tint, I think. It’s great to go with a gradual self tanner that develops slowly over time instead of instantly.


I looked very closely, and there wasn’t even ONE spot, streak, or discoloration to be found! I am truly amazed by this! Those of you who want to look tan but don’t want to be in the sun, have problems tanning, or are allergic.. this is definitely for you.

I chose the deeper deep lotion, which does produce the darkest coloring out of all the choices.. but you need to start out with something close to your skin tone. I am naturally dark, so this isn’t something you can pull off if you have very pale skin, you’ll need to choose the medium color!

I loved it though! No more messes, no more odors, and no more standing around completely naked waiting to dry. This DID dry instantly like a lotion does. I did wait an extra 5 minutes each times before putting on my clothes (while I was blow drying my hair), but I was dry before I began.

This easy-to-apply luxury lotion with marine and organic botanical extracts ensures optimum skin conditioning and a totally natural-looking, flawless fade. It has absolutely no parabens, sulfates , or phthalates inside, and is cruelty and gluten free. Dermatologist tested!

If you’ve never applied self tanner, or would like to know how to apply it so that it goes on smoothly without any incidents.. the video below is the tutorial for applying every kind of self tanning lotion, mousee, and gel on their website.


If you need help learning how to properly apply a self tanner, you can visit the Vita Liberata Tanning Tips If you need help choosing a color for your skin tone, visit the Vita Liberata Tan Matcher.

If you’d rather go with an instant tanner (that’s not going to make you orange) you should check out the entire selection on the Vita Liberata Website

Buy it:

Vita Liberata Untinted Deeper Deep Self Tan Lotion at Sephora for $37.50
Comes in 3 shades: Warm, Deep, and Deeper Deep

Vita Liberata Classic Tanning Mitt $6.50


Connect with Vita Liberta online:

Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Pinterest, & Instagram

 

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Shampoo, Conditioner, and Quick Dry Shake’n Spray Blow Out Spray

These three simple pink little bottles.. hmm.. what are they exactly? Why a blow-dry secret that’s for SURE! I received the My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Shampoo, Conditioner, and Quick Dry Shake’n Spray about a week and a half ago.

I love to blow dry my hair, I always have. I love the lift and natural volume it gives my hair. When I’m cut short on time, I have to pass up the blow dryer and throw my hair up in a ponytail and go. My hair is really long, so it takes me quite some time to actually get it dry without any wet spots.

This is a blow dry trio: Shampoo, Conditioner, and spray to help cut the blow dry time by 50%. Could it take the heat? Could it really blow dry my long, layered hair in half the time it usually takes me?

I immediately loved the simple yet stylish design of the packaging of all 3 of these products. The shampoo and conditioner have press-down flip-up tops. The pink is an eye-catcher and "feminine” so maybe I could keep Adam from using all my goodies lol.

First I’ll tell you about the My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Shampoo and Conditioner. The shampoo is a very creamy formula with a low lather. I didn’t have to use very much at all to wash ALL my hair, although I added a bit more just in case . Okay, I admit it.. I used a little more because it felt like liquid silk. As soon as this touched my hair, it transformed it. It was nothing but soft, silky, and felt so healthy!

As you can see it’s a yellowish color and it smells amazing. Even though it’s made with coconut oil, I couldn’t detect a hint of coconut.. only a sweet blend of fruits.  It is a volumizing shampoo, so not only does it help speed up drying time but it helps add oomph!

It also helps to protect the hair from heat damage, which can dry out the hair. It’s made with InstaDry technology (Virgin Coconut Oil Hydrosol). It also delivers antioxidants to the hair to prevent it from breaking!

This conditioner is nothing but luxurious and luscious. It’s rich and white as you can tell in the picture. I always use less conditioner than I do shampoo because I don’t condition my roots. I have naturally oily hair, so I try to avoid making it look even worse. I do deep condition the rest of my hair though, by leaving the conditioner on for 3-5 minutes.

The shampoo and Conditioner are both safe for all types of hair, it’s even color safe. Using these will not fade your color.  They are also free of parabens, sulfates, and phosphates. They are both made with VCOH (Virgin Coconut Oil Hydrosol) technology.

The coconut oil used is built with super-fine molecules , which run throughout your hair strands after washing and conditioning with the shampoo and conditioner. These super fine molecules is what helps speed up the blow drying process.

The coconut oil, frizz fighters, moisturizers, and shiners remain on the hair after you’ve blow dried it. This is what helps your hair transform into a luxurious, shiny, silky mane of hair! They remain to protect, nourish, and moisturize!

This is the last of the trio. This is the My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Quick Dry Shake’n Spray. It adds to the Shampoo and Conditioner by cutting dry time. It also helps to protect your hair from the damage that blow drying can do overtime.

You shake the bottle to blend the ingredients together. As you can tell the clear part (which always floats to the top of the bottle) is what helps drying time. The pink part is what consists of the sun protection and condition. It is amazing at detangling the hair, as well as adding nourishment.

I’ve been using this on my daughter’s hair JUST as a detangling helper. She usually hates having her hair brushed.. but when I used this NO crying. It smells like fresh fruit/flowers mix.. delectable and invigorating and the scent stays all day!

This is the after effect of using all 3 of these products. It usually takes me about 15 minutes to fully blow dry my hair without any wet spots. This helped me get it down to about 9, which isn’t half but close enough for me! It cut out 6 extra minutes that I could be doing something else!

Not only did my hair dry in a quicker amount of time but the volume was amazing. I love that it looks so healthy, shiny, and is manageable without looking heavy, oily, or weighed down with product! It felt moisturized and full of volume, I loved all 3! Even the next day my hair looks exactly the same, still no oil appearing in my hair!

Still going strong on day 2!

Buy It: My Amazing Blow Dry Secret Trio $78 for all 3

Connect with My Amazing Blow Dry Secret:

Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube

 

Jessica Renee

Book Review: How to Start a Creative Business-The Jargon-Free Guide by Doug Richard; David & Charles Publishing

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For anybody, starting a business can be quite frightening. Where to start? What do I need? What are my goals? Can I do it? All these questions flash through our minds at record speed. Who am I targeting as customers? What kind of relationship do I want with my customers?

Failures among new startup businesses is VERY high, and that is the reason so many ARE scared to venture out by themselves. Especially those wanting to start a creative business. This isn’t just money needed to buy the products they want to resell. This is their ACTUAL work, their time, their dedication being sold and most doubt their abilities.

Starting on a firm foundation of learning business principles is what is needed. Most creative types just aren’t that into business. They don’t understand the legalities of creating their own business, so this book breaks down all of that in terms we CAN understand and put to good use.

Doug Richard knows what he is talking about, because he runs a school in the UK. This school teaches people like us how to start a business and make it profitable, while still being enjoyable. This book is based on what he teaches there!

He covers the ten steps that are needed to start any business, no matter what kind. It takes you through the questions all business owners must answer. What is my product, who are my target customers and how can I best reach them? Is there a need for the product or service you offer?

Are there too many people who do or sell what you are offering? Too little? How hard is it going to be to reach potential customers if there are too many/ too little offering what you do? Who are your competitors and how did they get where they are if they are profitable?

The chapters that are most essential for new business startups are what those who have failed have avoided. If you’re product or service isn’t needed or wanted then you aren’t going to have much success in the business world. Doing the research on the demands of what you’re offering is all in there!

The other mistake failed business owners make is pricing. Most new business owners, especially those going into the creative market try and compete on the prices. They feel like if they offer lower prices that they are going to gain more customers. This isn’t reality. Customers know if they want great, high quality handmade items or services, they have to pay for the item + time. Don’t sell yourself short.

I love that that he takes all the “Business Jargon” and makes it understandable for us “creative types.” Although I have an associates degree in Business Management, this was STILL way more helpful than the 2 years of college I completed.

It shows you how to make a spreadsheet with all your competitors information on it. This isn’t anything new “the spreadsheets” but the information is. He shows you how to look at ALL of their advantages, where their products can be bought, prices, and notes on each competitor. When you know what you’re going up against and the margin prices for the products you’ll be making.. it’s easier to start. You don’t want to open a business blindly and not know where to start or who you’ll be competing against.

I am loving the cute little illustrations throughout the book. It livens up an already awesome book! This book shows us what we must be good at in order to be a great seller of our products. Understanding ourselves, our business, and our promises to our potential customers.

The best thing is that there are random business owners that share their stories. When we see what other “REAL” business owners can and have done, it makes us realize our potential. They share where they started, what channels they used to get where they are today, and their thoughts on making it easier for us.

I would totally recommend this to anyone who just started a creative business or someone thinking about doing so.

 

About the Author

Doug Richard is a UK based Californian serial entrepreneur and angel investor. Richard came to public prominence as a result of the BBC TV programme Dragons' Den, where he appeared as a 'dragon', or investor in the first two series. He subsequently became known for the Richard Report, the Entrepreneur's Manifesto and several other initiatives directed at improving UK support for startups and small businesses. He is regularly invited to appear on business initiatives and economic development pieces with some frequency on the BBC and financial news networks. Doug has received a host of honours and awards during his career and was the first American to receive The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion. Amongst others, he became a fellow of the RSA and received an Honorary Doctorate of the University of Essex for his contribution to entrepreneurship education. In 2008 Doug started School for Startups through which he has educated nearly 20,000 startups on the skills required to be successful. In 2010 Doug started School for Creative Startups with the sole remit of teaching creative people how to turn their creative hobbies into sustainable lifestyle businesses.

Buy It:  How To Start a Creative Business: The Jargon-free Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs $17.07

Jessica Renee