Reviews by kalexias

kalexias says "Works OK for a grocery store brand -salon brands are much better" about Sunsilk De-Frizz Collection

kalexias — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:15:44 GMT

If you are looking for something cheap and easy to get this is the collection for you. It does do a decent job of taming frizz and smoothing hair but just doesn't work as well as salon brands. The scent is very nice too -it is extremely fresh and clean smelling and lingers all day.

The shampoo lathers well and rinses easily. It does a good job of cleaning my hair.

I like how smoothly the conditioner goes on. It takes a bit more rinsing though than the shampoo.

I'm not so sure about the smoothing cream -to me it just seems like a watered down version of the conditioner. Beware on using too much of the leave-in cream; your hair will get greasy looking if you use too much.

One last note -the defrizzing does not last as long as salon brands but overall, 3 stars for being a decent, accessible product line.

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kalexias says "Who wants to smell like a burnt Christmas fruitcake?" about LUSH Christmas Cake Soap

kalexias — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:25:15 GMT

Yep, you too can smell like a burnt Christmas fruitcake! All you need to do is wash with LUSH'S Christmas Cake Soap. I purchased this soap as part of a mixed set of LUSH Christmas items. I was pretty excited about the soap after reading the description. It even looked pretty and smelled great in the packaging! However once I got it wet in the shower the fragrance became horrible and almost unbearable due the amount of burnt wood essence -aka vertivert essential oil. Luckily the scent did not linger on my skin after my shower. Also I did not think Christmas Cake Soap was very moisturizing either -in fact my skin seemed dried out afterward.

Please do not purchase this soap unless you are fond of smoky scented bath products. Do not give it as a gift either. Hopefully it will not be back next year.

Lush's Description:

Looks like cake, smells like cake, but it's best to wash with it (trust us). Christmas Cake soap reminds us of a very special holiday treat on a festive...

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kalexias says "My favorite Australian pizza joint!" about Shagy's - Port Melbourne, Australia, Victoria

kalexias — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:02:01 GMT

My favorite pizza is Skater Boy and includes the following toppings: tomato sumac red onion feta cheese spinach lemon...

kalexias says "Dreamtime smells like chamomile tea." about LUSH Dreamtime Bath Melt

kalexias — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:15:21 GMT

LUSH Dreamtime Bath Melt is a solid bath oil melt that is meant to be used in a warm or hot bath. It does not create bubbles or fizz, but very effectively softens and fragrances the bath. If you've never tried a bath melt from LUSH, this is a good one to start with. The only other one I really like so far is You've Been Mangoed which I have already reviewed.

As I said in my soundbite, Dreamtime smells just like chamomile tea. It also has a heady lavender note which helps to freshen the scent. I found the fragrance to be very calming and extremely sleep-inducing. The scent lingers and lasts for a couple hours after bathing -if you can stay awake long enough to notice.

There are no bubbles, fizz or show from the melt, but what you do get is an inviting foamy, creamy layer on the top of the bath water as it melts -this is from the moisturizing oils. The water does not turn a pretty color but instead resembles dishwater which is no biggie for me since the "show" is in the fragrance. There are...

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kalexias says "Frothy The Snowman has a deliciously unconventional scent." about LUSH Frothy The Snowman Bubble Bar

kalexias — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:51:26 GMT

This is what Lush has to say about Frothy the Snowman:

Liquorice and vanilla-scented bubbles for jolly bathingTake a jolly, happy bath with our snowman bubble bar. This sweetie pie makes mounds of creamy liquorice and vanilla-scented foam to envelop you like a big, warm blanket in the tub. Rolled in coconut, he smells like a bit like liquorice allsorts, those very popular English candies. Have some fun with Frothy the Snowman before his bubbles fade away.

Here is what I have to say:

I was completly blown away by Frothy. I never really expected to like it, but as it turns out it has to be one of my favorite Lush products so far. What I like best is the scent, which does linger afterwards. Liquorice, coconut and vanilla mixed together sounds kind of gross, I know, but it smells a bit more like suntan lotion. If you have ever smelled the Yankee Candle scent, Sun & Sand, it is just like that. I am a sucker for anything that smells a bit like coconut! It is also very close to the scent...

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kalexias says "LUSH Demon In The Dark Soap -not as demonic as it sounds" about LUSH Demon In The Dark Soap

kalexias — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:58:58 GMT

LUSH Demon In The Dark is described by lush as:

Minty and mysterious body soap to tingle sluggish skinDemon in the Dark soap's refreshing infusion of mint, cloves and apple juice stimulates and polishes your skin. Its masses of foamy bubbles tingle you awake and revive you to face the new day. No matter how dark and grey the morning sky that greets you, Demon in the Dark awakens you to all the possibilities that await.

Demon In The Dark is not one of my favorite LUSH soaps -it is just OK. I really enjoy the fragrance, and that is what initially attracted me, But for whatever reason the mint was quite potent and tingly the first time I used it, but it got fainter and fainter with each subsequent use. Bummer as I really loved it the first time. The good news is that hubby likes it so I have since donated it to him.

The soap lathers nicely and is a bit creamy, not drying at all. It does not leave any residue on my skin or color on the tiles in the shower.

If you like minty...

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kalexias says "LUSH Karma Soap -Mmmm I can't get enough of the fragrance!" about LUSH Karma Soap

kalexias — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:36:22 GMT

LUSH Karma Soap is described by lush as:

Spicy orange and patchouli soap to calm and soothe a tired mind. Try Karma soap and see how lemongrass, pine, orange and patchouli essential oils can turn a boring shower into a truly groovy experience. You might think patchouli is only for hippies as it smells just a little too earthy. Well, flower child, you are so wrong! The scent is gentle and lovely but the full effect won't hit you until after your shower... when you experience a moment of true clarity.

LUSH Karma Soap is one of my favorite LUSH soaps. I truly cannot get enough of the Karma scent. It is not exactly patchouli, rather it is a florally, citrusy patchouli and should appeal to both sexes. I find it extremely difficult to describe; it is just one of those scents you need to smell in person. The fragrance lingers for many hours after using the soap which is an added bonus for me!

The soap lathers up quite well and since it is a glycerin type bar, it glides nicely along...

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kalexias says "LUSH Blackberry Bath Bomb - Pretty, but didn't soften my skin" about LUSH LUSH Blackberry Bath Bomb

kalexias — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:48:15 GMT

I purchased LUSH'S Blackberry Bath Bomb as part of the Very Berry Kit. I am not sure about American LUSH shops, but in Australia this bomb is only available in the kit. I really like the scent of You Snap The Whip which is of the same fragrance and was also included in the kit.

The fragrance of the bomb is extremely fruity and uplifting, but not as strong as I hoped for. A quick peek at the ingredients and I see that bergamot and frankincense are the main sources of scent. Amazingly, though the bomb really does smell like blackberries.

The color of the water is probably the star feature. My bath turned an incredible dark purple blue. The color was so dark that midnight blue is probably more appropriate. In fact, squid ink is what really comes to mind, but doesn't sound as enticing! I did need to wipe the tub down after bathing since the color did leave a ring, but it was not difficult to remove. I just used a wet wash cloth and it came right off.

I was disappointed...

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kalexias says "LUSH Figs and Leaves Soap - a mixed review" about LUSH Figs and Leaves Handmade Soap

kalexias — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:20:50 GMT

LUSH Figs and Leaves Soap is described by lush as:

Earthy orange garden smoothes skin and leaves it supple. Ashy or scaly skin? Nevermore with Figs and Leaves handmade soap. Tiny fig seeds brimming with nutrition and gentle exfoliation yield to a creamy, aloe vera conditioning lather and a bouquet of fresh garden aromas. The scent of oranges and earthy ylang ylang linger on your silky, smooth skin as a tempting reminder of sweet cleanliness.

LUSH Figs and Leaves Soap was just OKfor me. I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't very drying on my skin and certainly loved all that rich lather. However, the scent was way too faint for me and the fig seed scrubbies embedded in the soap were just a bit too harsh on my skin. So while my skin wasn't dried out, I felt a bit scratched up and abused after using this soap.

I really think this would have been a favorite of mine if the fragrance were stronger and those darn fig seeds were taken out! I have since wrapped up my bar to save for the...

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kalexias says "LUSH Karma Bubble Bar - A New Favorite! Smells so exotic..." about LUSH Karma Bubble Bar

kalexias — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:47:26 GMT

If you have never heard of a bubble bar, here's the scoop; they are solid bars of bubble bath that are meant to be crumbled into a tub of running water. The consistency is somewhat like the malt inside of a Whopper candy, but softer, crumblier and moister.

The scent of the Karma Bubble Bar is LUSH'S signature fragrance called Karma. It is amazing and so hard to describe. I do suspect though, that it is one of those fragrances that you will either love or hate. It is pretty strong so if you are not a fragrance lover, beware. After peeking at LUSH'S website, the description is that It has a spicy Far Eastern influence, with traditional European lavender and a splash of light orange... And after a quick look at the ingredients patchouli, orange, lavender, pine, lemongrass and gardenia are the predominant essences.

The bars do produce an abundance of bubbles and heaps of fragrance. Usually I can smell the scent on my skin for hours afterwards. Karma is one of the longest lasting...

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kalexias says "Moo Brew Hefeweizen from Tasmania is my favorite Australian beer" about Moorilla Estate, Tasmania, Australia Moo Brew Hefeweizen

kalexias — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:26:59 GMT

Moo Brew Hefewiezen is brewed at the Moorilla Estate near Hobart in Tasmania, Australia. Moorilla is well-known in Australia for its Moo Brew range of beers, but they do also make wine.

Getting back to the hefe, it is a German style wheat beer with a delightful cloudiness and it is preservative free. You can drink it straight from the unique shaped bottle with original artist-commissioned artwork or pour into a glass in order to experience all the aroma and goodness the beer has to offer. The body is medium in the mouth and the head is smooth and heavy, but not overly creamy. Aromas are caramel, banana and lemon. The color of the brew is a bright cloudy gold.

I have only good things to say about Moo Brew Hefewiezen except for the price. In Australia beer is pricey -one bottle of Moo Brew costs $5.00AU (about USD$4.15) The cost isn't the fault of the brewery, it is just the way alcohol is taxed. Even a 6-pack of Corona will set you back $20.00AU!

Other mentionables:...

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kalexias says "LUSH Hybrid Solid Shampoo really grew on me. Hooray for LUSH!" about LUSH Hybrid Solid Shampoo

kalexias — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:40:39 GMT

The LUSH Hybrid Solid Shampoo Bar is just that - a solid bar of shampoo. Imagine that!? It is extremely easy to use and smells so, so delicious!

To be honest, the first time I used it I did not like it at all and felt like it was a waste of money. I thought it left my hair too tangley to ever consider reusing it. After my first experience I changed how I used the product and now I really like it -in fact it is one of my favorite Lush goodies now.

I always make sure to brush any tangles out of my long and thick hair before showering if I plan to use Hybrid. Once I am using it I wet my hair and the bar and gently rub the bar from the top of my head down my hair. I don't pile my hair up on my head and scrub. Instead I gently massage my scalp and work the shampoo through my hair like I would conditioner and before rinsing it out I use a wide comb and get any tangles out. This works so much better and the results are amazingly good. My hair comes out shiny and smooth and I have...

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kalexias says "Delightful fragrance, but made my bathwater look like potty" about LUSH Honey Bee Bath Bomb

kalexias — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:48:36 GMT

I bought LUSH HONEY BEEbath bomb after reading some favorable online reviews. I was very, very hesitant to actually try it though. It took me about four weeks to muster enough courage to bathe with it after reading that it will make the bathwater look like potty and will leave a ring on the tub.

Well, well, well, my bathwater DID look like potty and when I got out of the tub there WAS a ring there, but despite the cons I will buy this bath bomb over and over again! The fragrance was amazing! Lush describes it as a honey and caramel scent but I thought it was more of a honey and floral fragrance. After looking at the ingredients I recognized the gardenia, bergamot and sweet orange notes.

My skin was very, very soft and so fragrant after this bath. The fragrance actually stayed on my skin until the next morning so all in all I was quite pleased with the product.

It only took a little while to get over the color of the water and the ring was not all that hard to wash off so...

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kalexias says "L'Oreal Bare Naturale covers well and lasts all day long!" about L'Oreal Bare Naturale Powdered Mineral Foundation SPF 19

kalexias — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:41:12 GMT

I purchased this product on my recent vacation for something new to try. I have a friend who uses it and swears by it. Normally I use BareMinerals so I was skeptical about the quality after noting how inexpensive the L'Oreal Bare Naturale was compared to BE.

I am actually very happy with this product. I tend to get red patches on my cheeks and chin and really didn't think this powder would cover them well. Normally I use the BE Bisque to cover my red spots before putting on the foundation powder. The L'Oreal did it all in one step -amazing! Now I can use the L'Oreal all on its own on days when I don't really want to do my face up. That is so much simpler than the two step process I used to do! Another amazing feat is that it lasts all day long!

Don't get me wrong I still love BareMinerals and will certainly continue to use it since it is so kind to my skin. I actually think it improves my complexion so we shall see if the L'Oreal does the same.

Now for the negatives: This...

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kalexias says "South Melbourne Market, local goodness in Melbourne, Australia" about South Melbourne Market

kalexias — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 02:51:53 GMT

The South Melbourne Market is a large covered market located about 2 kilometers from the CBD of Melbourne proper in the suburb of South Melbourne. The market is best known for its fresh food stalls.

Whatever you fancy to cook for dinner you should be able to find it here -believe me, I know as I go there at least twice a week! There are tons of stalls offering produce, cheese, deli meats, salads & dips, meats, poultry, fish and seafood, baked goods and loads of other yummies. Not only that, but there is a full-service health food shop, beer & wine stall, used books, greeting cards and general bric a brac. And you can find clothes, shoes, electronics, rugs, garden items, pet supplies and kitchenware too! If you get weary from all the shopping enjoy a latte or some super fresh sushi! There are lots of cafes and small restuarants throughout the market.

I cannot say enough good things about the South Melbourne Market. I have two negatives: one is that it is not open daily. ...

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kalexias says "Philosophy Hope In A Jar Moisturizer for Dry/Sensitive Skin" about Philosophy Hope In A Jar Moisturizer for Dry/Sensitive Skin

kalexias — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:15:07 GMT

I have been using the original Philosophy Hope In A Jar for over three years now and have noticed a dramatic change in the health of my skin. When I saw the dry skin formula advertised on drugstore.com I thought I'd give it a go for the colder months when my skin tends to get dried out.

The dry/sensitive skin formula just didn't do it for me. I found it to be the opposite of everything I like in a facial moisturizer. It went on thick, didn't absorb quickly and left my face very shiny and greasy. I also broke out shortly after switching to it. It is now a very expensive hand cream.

This product may work for some, but for me it was a real let down. I will continue to be loyal to the original formula and other products in the skin care line. Hope In A Jar For Dry/Sensitive Skin is the only Philosophy skin care product that I do not like.

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kalexias says "LUSH Waving Not Drowning Bath Bomb -bring on the zzzzz's " about LUSH Waving Not Drowning bath bomb

kalexias — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:49:53 GMT

I was attracted to Lush's Waving Not Drowning bath bomb after reading the description on their website. The main goal of the product is to get the user sleepy and ready for bed. In fact Lush calls this the "do not bathe then use heavy machinery" bath ballistic. How's that for suggestive advertising?!

The fragrance of the bomb is heavy on the lavender, tempered with fennel, cardamom and ylang ylang, which make for a heavenly and relaxing scent experience. As far as the moisturizing properties, I found it to be just right for normal skin. I was not greasy, nor was my skin dry and tight when I got out. And lastly, the color of the water was not significantly altered -it may have become the slightest tinge of lavender.

In my opinion, Lush achieved their goal and the bath bomb did induce sleepiness. I enjoyed the fragrance but did not find it overpowering.

My disappointments were that the fragrance did not last on my skin and the bathwater did not turn that pretty, dreamy lavender...

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kalexias says "Google -I'd never search for another." about Google

kalexias — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:05:17 GMT

I use Google everyday and really would not be happy with another online product.

Gmail, my favorite Google product, is the best web-based email program that I have ever used. I find the user options and navigation to be very intuitive. It is also useful to be able to star and sort emails, search for keywords within emails, flag and automatically forward whatever I need and to top it all off, not having to delete much is just perfect! 5GB of storage is plenty for me. As an added bonus, the people at Google keep adding innovative features that make Gmail even better! In case you didn't know, you no longer need an invitation to use Gmail; you can just sign up.

Other Google products are wonderful too. I use Picassa to upload, edit and store photos. Google documents, which is web-based, is helpful for documents I want to access from multiple computers. Google wallet makes shopping easy. And last but not least, searching with Google rewards me with the most comprehensive...

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kalexias says "Digestive Advantage Irritable Bowel Syndrome...relief from IBS!" about Digestive Advantage Irritable Bowel Syndrome Bowel Fitness Formula

kalexias — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:03:56 GMT

On my recent trip back to America this was one of the products I stocked up on to return to Australia with because IT WORKS!

About the product:

Digestive Advantage Irritable Bowel Syndrome Bowel Fitness Formula is classified as a medical food for the daily dietary management of IBS symptoms. It is actually a blend of proprietary probiotics that target the digestive system. The makers have also added an enzyme which helps to break down dairy, fruits, meats and carbs. The newest version comes in capsule form (which is a big improvement over previous formulations).

One capsule every day helps control the symptoms of IBS. I take one each morning when I wake up and very rarely have flare-ups like I did before taking this product. The package does warn that it may take 7-14 days for the product to take effect and that at first gas and bloating may occur. Honestly, I don't remember an adjustment period but it's been over a year since I started using it. There is also a warning that symptoms...

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kalexias says "Three, One, Two is not in MY top ten Australian restaurant list." about Three, One, Two Restaurant Melbourne, Australia

kalexias — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 03:01:04 GMT

Recently my husband and I along with a large group of our friends booked a table at Three, One, Two in Carlton, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. Three, One, Two is supposed to be one of the top ten restaurants in all of Australia and we were quite excited to be dining there.

Being fans of degustation menus, hubby and I were expecting food and drink way above par. Keep in mind, the restaurant itself touted their "degustation menu" on their very own website.

For those of you not familiar, degustation as described by Wikipedia: Degustation is a culinary term meaning "a careful, appreciative tasting of various foods" and focusing on the gustatory system, the senses, high culinary art and good company.

Anyway, back to our experience. The cost of the meal was $110 per person for seven courses and an additional $70 per person for paired wines with each course. OK, folks, this is expensive and but it is one of the top restaurants so we expected good things from Three, One, Two. ...

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