Okio B Designs: November 2020

I know Saturday was the big day to Shop Small, but we can all keep it going by supporting small businesses every day! And that's why today's Under $25 Gift Guide features Dermaroot Natanicals, a female- and minority-owned holistic beauty company.

Created by Dr. Gwendolyn Green, a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Licensed/Registered Pharmacist, Dermaroot Natanicals offers a versatile selection of healthy, organic and vegan skin, hair and body products. My favorites include the Tonka Bean Detoxifying Black Coffee Scrub (it smells just like a fresh brew!), and the All Natural Strawberry Peppermint Lip Care Set (my lips have never felt so soft and smooth!).

Shop today to enjoy 45 percent off site-wide - including sale items (use code CYBERMONDAY45). The Coffee Scrub originally retails for $42, but with the code it's only $23.10. The Lip Care set originally retails for $28; with the code it's only $15.40.

Check out a wide selection of goodies for women, men and kids, by visiting DermarootNatanicals.com.

Jeanine

* Note: I received review samples from Dermaroot Natanicals. However, all opinions, text, images, etc. are honest and my own. This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest. Affiliate links and/or monetary compensation will always be disclosed.

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Wishing all of you a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Jeanine

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I'm back after a few days of being down for the count with a nasty cold. Yes, a cold. Remember them? 😆 Anywho, let's get back to business with today's Under $25 Holiday Gifts post.

I'm sharing two of my favorite perfumes from one of my favorite online retailers: FragranceNet.com*. First up is Pink Sugar by Aquolina. This has been my go-to scent for a few years now. The notes of Cotton Candy, Sandalwood, Strawberry and Vanilla provide a soft, sweet aroma that doesn't overpower the senses. It's available in several sizes and with FragranceNet.com's instant coupons, a 3.4 ounce Eau de Toilette spray is only $21.74!

Next up is Simply Belle by Exceptional Parfums. This one is a little more expensive, but trust me when I say it's worth every penny. Fresh, clean notes of Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Vanilla and warm Musk, make this the perfect everday scent for teens, moms, sisters and you! It retails for $54, but you'll save 25 percent and enjoy free shipping when you join their mailing list. Score!

Believe it or not, but these are just two of the thousands of perfumes, colognes, and other bath and body products FragranceNet.com has to offer. Check them out; I know you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Jeanine

* Note: I received review samples from FragranceNet.com. However, all opinions, text, images, etc. are honest and my own. This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest. Affiliate links and/or monetary compensation will always be disclosed.

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When 2020 throws you lemons, you make lemonade and break out the Christmas cheer! Well, at least that's what I've been doing - minus the lemonade. 😏

Mr. Okio B hasn't complained one bit. Probably because he knows it makes me less anxious in these uncertain times. And my boys are completely onboard.

I didn't want to buy a lot of new Xmas pieces this year. However, when I saw all the cuteness at Target's Dollarspot and at Walmart, I made a few exceptions.

A lot of what you see is from either store (this year and last year). Everything was super affordable - $10 or less.

And speaking of affordable, I hope you've been enjoying my Under $25 Holiday Gift Guide posts. Who knew there was so much budget-friendly goodness out there?! Stay tuned because there is lots more to come!

Back to the Christmas decorating: we haven't put our main tree up yet. Mainly because of the cats, and, well the cats. For now I'm satisfied enjoying our flocked tree from Walmart ($35 last year!).

Sooooooo, have you started decorating yet?

Jeanine

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I love supporting fellow Etsy sellers...especially when their products are just so stinking cute! So, for today's Under $25 Gift Guide post, meet Art2TheExtreme - makers of the original rainbow crayon.

Created by Nicole Lewis, a former art teacher, Art2TheExtreme offers personalized and customized crayon designs. The idea came to Nicole when she realized a need for adaptive art supplies for the special needs children in her classroom. Since then, her creations have exploded, and she has even partnered with the OWN Network, Microsoft, Pandora and Sephora, among others.

The best-selling Personalized Original Rainbow Crayon® gift set is just $19.95 (for 1-4 letters) and ships free! Likewise, their Crayon StixTM are also $19.95 and are the perfect crayons for toddlers and children. Their large size makes them easier to use compared to traditional crayons. If you've got kiddos on your gift list, these are definitely a must-have!

And how cute is this Advent Calendar? Although it retails for $79.95, it definitely deserves an Honorable Mention just for its creativity alone!

Find more of Nicole's creations by visiting Art2TheExtreme on Etsy.

Jeanine

Note: Images were provided by Art2TheExtreme, however all opinions are my own.

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Now that we're all washing our hands a gazillion times a day, the next presents in my Under $25 Gift Guide are not only pretty; they're practical!

Take the ho-hum out of hand-washing with a selection of stunning soaps from The Lavender Sachet*. Launched in July 2020, "The Lavender Sachet creates beautifully designed soaps that can become statement pieces for the bathroom counter." These make for the perfect stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift!

Each soap is inspired by naturally occurring gemstones such as amethyst, turquoise, opal and moonstone, among others. Flavors include peppermint, bergamot, sandalwood, tea tree, eucalyptus and more (SRP: $6 per soap at The Lavender Sachet). Take it from me, the Ylang Ylang and Lime Terrazzo smells like a tiny slice of heaven!

Another favorite of mine for the holidays is bar soaps from Nubian Heritage.

Nubian Heritage's bar soaps use certified organic ingredients, and wash away dirt without leaving your hands a dry mess (raise your hand if you've been there!). They come in a variety of scents, including: Mango Butter, Coconut & Papaya, Peppermint & Aloe (smells like Christmas!), and Goat's Milk & Chai, among others (SRP: $4.99 per bar at Nubian Heritage).

Bar soaps just may be the new it gift for 2020!

Jeanine

* Note: I received a review sample from The Lavender Sachet. However, all opinions, text, images (except those provided by The Lavender Sachet), etc. are honest and my own. This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest. Affiliate links and/or monetary compensation will always be disclosed.

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Omg, omg, I'm so excited to share this next Under $25 Holiday Gifts post! This is definitely one of those "where has this product been all my life?" finds - and it's courtesy of Color Street*.

For those of you who don't know, Color Street "offers a vast array of colors and nail art design" in the form of 100% nail polish strips. The strips include "base, color and top in every strip with the bonus of no drying time. The colors are vibrant, the finishes glossy and they easily adhere to the nail instantly." Prices range from $11-$13.

Seriously, where have these been all my life?! I'm the world's worst DIY manicurist. Soooooo, I was really nervous about trying these. Each set comes with 16 double-ended nail polish strips, a nail file and wipe (to clean nails before application).

All you have to do is: 1. Remove the clear cover; 2. Peel polish strip; 3. Tear tab and select end; 4. Apply to nail and gently stretch to fit; and 5. File excess strip. And - voila! - instant manicured nails.

I have to say, I'm pretty happy with my first attempt! (This color is Gratitude is Everything.) It only took me about 10-12 minutes from start to finish. I imagine I'll get better with time.

And the color lasts for days! With all the COVID hand-washing, I thought for sure the color would peel. Nope! However, the color can be removed with ordinary nail polish remover.

These would make for great stocking stuffers for any special lady on your gift list. Find them by at Color Street.

Jeanine

* Note: I received a review sample from Color Street. However, all opinions, text, images (except those provided by Color Street), etc. are honest and my own. This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest. Affiliate links and/or monetary compensation will always be disclosed.

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Are you ready for another great Under $25 Holiday Gift find? This one will certainly make your feet happy...

Let me introduce you to Cicada* (SRP: $14), "a whimsical, organic cotton sock and lifestyle brand" that is donating $1 to social causes with each purchase. Who knew socks and giving back could be so cool?

If you're looking to make a statement with your tootsies, or simply want to support a small business that "has partnered with nonprofits that take action and issues people care about" (including COVID-19 relief, global warming and pollution, among others), Cicada has your back, er, feet.

Current causes the Company supports include: Factory Farming, COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO, Bhejane Trust and WeForest Organization, to name a few. Sock prices range from $14 per pair to $39 for a collection.

Each comes quaintly packaged in its own gift box - making it perfect for slipping in a stocking or under the Christmas tree. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I'm loving their Gone Fishing and Air Pollution styles for men. Both shown above. For women, the Pigsty and Cowshed designs are dreamy.

So, if you're looking beyond ho-hum socks and want to support a company doing good things, add Cicada to your holiday gift list!

Jeanine

* Note: I received a review sample from Cicada. However, all opinions, text, images (except those provided by Cicada), etc. are honest and my own. This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest. Affiliate links and/or monetary compensation will always be disclosed.

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Now that I've got your attention!

This is the first in a series of Under $25 Holiday Gift posts that I have planned for the coming weeks. So sit back, relax and get ready for some fun - and affordable! - holiday shopping.

First up is Unprecedented Thyme*. If you have a foodie on your gift list, this is definitely the gift (or stocking stuffer!) that keeps on giving. (I mean, how cool is the "Beam me up, Scotty"-themed packaging?)

Brought to you by the team from Fleishigs magazine, Unprecedented Thyme (SRP: $9.99) is a new, certified kosher spice blend that features an "earthy, complex, dynamic blend of the highest quality herbs and spices, including thyme, sumac, coriander, turmeric, Himalayan sea salt, cayenne pepper and cinnamon." Yum. Seriously, this stuff smells a.ma.zing!

It's perfect for sprinkling into stews, marinades, on roast chicken and steak. But wait, there's more! Ten percent of Unprecedented Thyme sales proceeds will be donated to providing CoVid-19 Emergency Food Relief (via Masbia Soup Kitchen Network) packages to those in need. Who doesn't love a company that gives back - especially in these unprecedented times?!

If you're interested in finding out more about Fleishigs magazine, click the link above.

And trust me when I say, you're going to want to get an extra bottle of Unprecedented Thyme for yourself!

Jeanine

* Note: I received a review sample from Unprecedented Thyme. However, all opinions, text, images (except those provided by Unprecedented Thyme), etc. are honest and my own. This blog does not contain any content that might present a conflict of interest. Affiliate links and/or monetary compensation will always be disclosed.

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I voted! Did you?

Jeanine

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Break out your Scrabble tiles and Glue Dots for this easy DIY. I used an old, wood bookend for mine. It's a little time consuming, but it's a cute Christmas project you could do by yourself or with little ones. I laid out my pieces first and then individually "glued" them to each spot. I finished up with brown buttons for the "stem."

And if you're wondering, here are the lyrics to O Christmas Tree: