currently obsessed: think dirty.

The Think Dirty app has changed my life! Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but I do think it's greatly improved my life.

I've always known that there are bad chemicals in a lot of the products we use every day, and I've become more aware of it over the past couple of years, but it was always pretty easy to just... not think about it. 

Then I downloaded Think Dirty and the information was right in front of me. You can scan or search for a product and see its rating, its ingredients, and their effects. (All of these photos are screenshots from the app on my phone.) 

When I began adding products to my "bathroom shelf," my overall rating was a 9 or 10. Oof. It was eye-opening. I couldn't ignore it anymore. When I talked to friends about it, I compared it to what I used to say to my parents: "You know smoking is bad for you, so why do you keep doing it?"

So... the face powder I've used for years is rated a 10. Great...

"Carcinogenic in lab studies." Just what you want in something you put on your face every day. 

I love that Think Dirty makes this information so accessible and easy to understand. They have references for the info they provide, and for most products (like the one above), they suggest clean alternatives. 

Since downloading Think Dirty in February, I've been steadily replacing my skincare, cosmetic, and even cleaning products. It's become kind of like a game... how low can I get my rating?

Since I took this screenshot, my overall rating has dropped to a 3(!!!).

When you first add your products, it can feel disheartening; my rating is how high?! But once you start swapping "dirty" products for "clean" products and you see your rating go down, you feel so accomplished! It's addictive! 

(Sidenote: I've ordered most of my natural products from iHerb, and three of my new favourite brands are Acure, Schmidt's, and Attitude. Use code NVW180 to save $5 on your first order!)

Do you use natural products? What are your favourites?

(This is not a sponsored post; I just like sharing the things that I'm using and loving, or rather, currently obsessed with. However, iHerb links are referral, and if you make a purchase through them, I may receive reward credits to be used on my own purchases.)

currently obsessed: david's tea advent calendar.

This isn't the first time I've been obsessed with a product from David's Tea, and I'm sure it won't be the last.

My Christmas dream come true.

I have wanted one of these advent calendars for the past two years, but 1) I live in China and 2) Do you know how fast they sell out? Real fast, that's how fast. (I don't actually know how fast they sell out, but I think I remember trying to order one online last year so someone could ship it to me here and when I tried, they were sold out. Boo.)

But this year I got one! Thanks to a very kind person—hi, Grace!—who had a quick trip to Canada and asked if I wanted anything from David's Tea because pretty much everyone I work with knows I'm obsessed.

I started my countdown on November 19th because T and I are celebrating Christmas early. (We'll be in Bali for the actual holiday.) You guys, this is a beautiful advent calendar. Well worth the $40 price tag. The tea is in these little gold containers (that I totally plan on reusing!) and there's enough for 2 servings (technically more, because I brew the same tea twice).

Glitter and Gold—isn't it beautiful? It's delicious, too!

I don't know if they're still available, but you should check! And if not, definitely get one next year!

(This is not a sponsored post. I just like sharing the things that I'm using and loving, or rather, currently obsessed with.) 

currently obsessed: lékué lemon press.

I have been using this Lékué Lemon Press for two months now and I LOVE it. It always amazes me how something so simple can make such a big difference in my everyday life. 

I ordered it on a whim a few days before coming back to China (hooray for Amazon Prime trials!) and felt kind of guilty for spending $18 on a random kitchen gadget. 

But you guys, it's worth every penny! Do you know how much water I've been drinking now that I can easily squeeze lemon into it?! And how easy it is to make honey lemon tea? And how fancy and adult-like I feel as I squeeze lemon juice onto the green beans I've just roasted? I have arrived. 

I know I might sound silly, but it's just so easy, efficient, and practical. I really am obsessed. 

(Funny story: When I opened the package, I was surprised to find two presses. Two? Why are there two?! I turned to Tony, We can give one to Melissa! She'll love it! It wasn't until later when I cut a lemon in half that I realized, Ohhhh... And then I actually got upset that I wouldn't be able to give one of them away. Tony had to remind me, Melissa doesn't even know we have this or that you thought you could give her one.)

China friends, you can order one on Taobao. Canada friends, Amazon. And while you're at it, might as well buy yourself a Tangle Teezer.

(This is not a sponsored post. I just like sharing the things that I'm using and loving, or rather, currently obsessed with.) 

currently obsessed: tangle teezer.

I first saw the Tangle Teezer on a couple of other blogs, but it wasn't until I spotted one at my friend's house this summer that I knew I had to try it. (What? You don't check out your friends' beauty products when you're using their bathroom?)

It's a bit expensive at $15.50, but after using it for almost two months now, I think it's worth it.

My hair gets so tangled, especially after I shower. When T would see me brushing my hair, he would actually wince, "Doesn't that hurt?"

"Um, yeah, a bit."

Not any more. Yay, Tangle Teezer!

Update: I had a couple people ask me where to find this in China, so I asked Tony to look and he found this one (and others) on TMall.

(This is not a sponsored post. I just like sharing the things that I'm using and loving, or rather, currently obsessed with.) 

currently obsessed: caramel corn tea.

Remember that time I emailed David's Tea to ask about their Caramel Corn tea? Remember that although I was super impressed with their customer service, I was sad that they didn't have Caramel Corn tea anymore because it was a special edition for summer? 

Well, it's back (for a limited time)! And I ordered 500g of it! So yah, I think it's fair to call me obsessed ;) 

And since I have so much, I thought I'd do a giveaway! I'll mail 50g of Caramel Corn tea anywhere in the world. To enter, leave a comment telling me what you would like to see more of on this blog. If you can't think of anything, just leave your name and you'll still be entered. Giveaway will close Sunday night and I will announce a winner on Monday.*

(This is not in any way sponsored by David's Tea. I just really like their tea and ordered a lot.)

*Make sure you leave your email address so I can get your mailing address. I'll need a response by Tuesday morning so I can get it in the mail before heading back to Beijing. 

Update: The winner (as determined by random.org) is Kate Prix! Hooray! I'll be in touch and hopefully have your tea mailed out tomorrow!

currently obsessed: karma.

My obsession with Lush's Karma scent began with the bubble bar. I loved it. I love their bubble bars in general—so many bubbles and leaves my skin soft!—but the Karma scent, love.

I ordered the Karma solid perfume on a whim. I had tried the Sun solid perfume and didn't love it, but reviews for Karma were better. (I liked the Sun scent, it just didn't last very long—not even through the morning.)

Luckily, the Karma scent lasted longer than the Sun did. I liked the solid perfume so much, I decided to try the spray version. I bought the small bottle first, and then ended up ordering the bigger bottle. I still find that I sometimes need to reapply it halfway through the day, though. I apply the spray in the morning and maybe use the solid in the afternoon (I keep it in my desk at work). 

Since I began wearing it, I've received a lot of compliments! 

Two more things: 1) While "regular" perfumes give me a headache, Lush perfumes don't bother me! 2) I wouldn't consider myself a patchouli fan, but still love this scent! In fact, I like the scent so much, I've also been using the Karma Kream body lotion and even ordered the solid shampoo bar.

Yup, it's safe to say I'm obsessed.

(This is not a sponsored post. I just want to share the things that I'm using and loving, or rather, currently obsessed with.) 

currently obsessed: lush.

My obsession started with two different friends giving me two different Lush products to try: a Space Girl Bath Bomb and Let the Good Times Roll face cleanser. They smelled heavenly and made my skin feel better, so I knew I needed more. 

Unfortunately, there's no Lush in China.* And I wasn't going back to Canada anytime soon. But! Good news for all my fellow China residents: Lush is in Hong Kong and they ship to mainland! (Depending on how much you order, you can get free shipping!)

So, a couple friends and I placed an order and waited (not so) patiently. Here's what I ordered: 

Let the Good Times Roll: I have really bad combination skin and no matter what I've tried, my skin usually feels disgusting by the end of the day. Within two days of using this, I could feel a difference. I didn't have to use blotting papers to remove oil midday and my skin wasn't flaking off either. Best of all, it smells amazing. Seriously: The first thing Tony said when he smelled it: "Can I eat it?! It smells like cookies!" And then I explained that it was all natural and he said, "So I can eat it?!" I've been using this for a few weeks now and am still super happy.

Vanishing Cream: I bought this moisturizer because their website said it was good for oily or combination skin. It goes on nicely and doesn't leave me feeling oily, plus it has a fresh scent that isn't overpowering—love that. (After a couple weeks of using it, I found that some areas of my face were still kind of dry, so I've started using it in the mornings, and Imperialis (below) at night.)

Tea Tree Water: I was a little hesitant to try this because toners have dried my skin out too much in the past, but people seem to rave about the healing properties of tea tree oil and one of my friends raved about how nice Lush's toners are, so I decided to try a small bottle. And I love it! I use it at random times, whenever my face is feeling icky (from Beijing pollution or just the daily grind). The scent is fresh without being overpowering.  

Happy Hippy: I ordered this shower gel on a whim because I wanted to try something new (I've been using the same shower gel every day for a year) and I thought the grapefruit scent would help wake me up in the mornings. So far I like it and it does smell good, but the scent isn't as strong as I'd like it to be. (I plan on ordering the Dirty Springwash shower gel for Tony and then trying it for myself, too.)

Atomic Toothy Tabs: These were another impulse buy, mostly because I was curious; I've never used anything but toothpaste to brush my teeth. Tony and I were both excited to try these as soon as we got them and we were both pleased! They are easy to use and "foam up" just like toothpaste. Two things I love about them: My mouth feels clean without feeling like a sanitized factory (seriously, that's what I think every time I use one) and I don't pucker up when I eat or drink something after brushing my teeth. I'll admit, I thought they looked kinda like the pellets I used to feed my rabbit and it felt weird to chew it before brushing, but I'm hooked now. I want to try the Dirty Toothy Tabs next.

Bath Bombs: I bought 7 bath bombs and can't wait to order more. They smell so good and leave my skin feeling soft but not oily. I already know they'll be a godsend during Beijing's dry winter. So far I've tried 3: Space Girl, Blackberry (pictured), and Fizzbanger. The Fizzbanger is my favourite so far, only because it smelled amazing.

Other products I've used:

Imperialis: This is the face moisturizer I mentioned above. I've been using it at night and love how soft it leaves my skin, without making it feel oily. 

Dream Cream: I received a sample of this and might end up ordering more. I've been using it on my hands and really like the natural, soothing scent. Also, it moisturizes without making my hands feel greasy. Hooray for being able to hold things! A little bit seems to go a long way. 

Mint Julips Lip Scrub: I've tried other lip scrubs and they've always left my lips feeling a little... icky. Not this one! My lips felt soft and healthy. Bonus: The lip scrubs are edible!

P.S. The links throughout the post are to Lush HK; if you live somewhere else, here you go!

P.P.S. A way to stress less.

(I promise that this is not a sponsored post and I bought everything with my own money. I just decided I want to share the things that I'm using and loving, or rather, currently obsessed with.) 

*I've heard it's because China won't allow companies that do not test on animals.