The following blog post may contain affiliate links (meaning I will get a small commission if you buy through my link). You won’t pay any more if you use this link and this will help me to keep the rest of my content free! Read the full Disclosure here.
I’m not a big spender. I try to be frugal (even when buying gifts) and deliberate about the things I buy and use. I wanted to share some things that I am actually using and love so that you can read an honest review on a product and maybe find new things that you’ll like too! I’ll also share where to find all of the items so it’ll be easy to buy and try them out for yourself.
Also, remember I said that I try to be frugal? Well, these items are all budget friendly, heck, one is even free! Let me share the 10 things that I am currently using and loving!
I’ll start with health and beauty products I’m currently using.
Shampoo Bar from Mule Hell Trading Company
About five months ago, I decided to try out shampoo bars. A girl that I have followed on Instagram for a long time uses them and has had good results. So, I figured I would give them a try. I’ve written a blog post all about my experience using shampoo bars and my honest review.
Since shampoo bars have made it to this list, you’ve probably guessed that I have ended up liking them and I still use them! By the way, the ones I use are all natural and are from Mule Hell Trading Company. They are a small business that is local to me but they have an online shop!
Technically, the “bars” I use from Mule Hell Trading Company aren’t “shampoo bars”. They are actually just soap bars but I use them on my hair and have had good results. However, the owner just released actual shampoo bars (and conditioner bars) in her shop and I am trying them out now. I’ll have an update soon!
Exfoliating Bag Soap Saver
When I decided to start using shampoo bars on my hair, I figured I would just reduce the number of products and amount of plastic I was using and use one bar for my hair and body. As I mentioned when talking about shampoo bars, the ones I use are actually just soap bars so I figured it would be fine to use the bar on my hair and body. I needed a way to protect and save the bar though. It’s not ideal to just leave it in the shower where it stays wet.
I went online and searched for a soap dish to lay the bar on to drain and dry. I found this soap dish and an exfoliating bag came with it! The dish is made of natural pine wood and the bag is made of natural sisal. I bought the set right away and have been using both the soap dish and exfoliating bag ever since. That was about three months ago!
Conditioner from Mule Hell Trading Company
For months, the only product I was using on my hair was the shampoo bar from Mule Hell Trading Company and a vinegar rinse. (I explain more about the vinegar rinse in this blog post.) Occasionally, I would use some of the conditioner I still have, if my hair felt dry. I’m trying to stray away from chemical-filled products though, so I decided to try Mule Hell Trading Company’s liquid conditioner. I actually received it for Christmas and just recently tried it out.
Y’all, I instantly felt a difference in my hair! My hair falls around the middle of my back so I have a lot of hair to wash. However, I only used a small amount of the conditioner and I’m glad I did because not much is needed! I’ve definitely found a new hair product to use. Plus, it’s made from natural ingredients just like the shampoo bars.
*Update: I just tried Mule Hell Trading Company’s brand-new conditioner bars and I’m obsessed!! I love them even more than their liquid conditioner.
I’m not sure how much the next product fits into the health and beauty category, since I don’t know much about them, but I figured I would just include them anyways, since so many people claim it has health benefits and I’m currently using it.
Essentials Oils and Diffuser
Essential oils are all the rage right now so naturally, I was curious about them. Well, for Christmas I received a diffuser from the brand, Mahli. I couldn’t find the exact one online but here’s some top-rated diffusers to check out.
Mine came with a small bottle of lavender essential oil so I tried it out first. Then I purchased this pack of essentials oils from Walmart, since they claim to be 100% pure, and have enjoyed their scents. I’m currently using them in my diffuser. I also purchased this pack of essential oils for my mom, since she already had a diffuser, and she likes them as well.
Do the essential oils actually help in any way? I’m not sure, honestly. I mainly use them to give off a fresh scent inside and I use the lavender at night for sleep. I’m not sure if it actually helps me sleep, but I figured it was worth a try.
I recently found out though, that essential oils can be very harmful to dogs and especially cats. I researched this a little further and found some mixed information, so just to be on the safe side, I am trying to limit my use of essential oils around my pets.
Are you ready for the absolutely FREE program I love and am currently using? Here it is:
Yoga with Adriene
If you have access to the internet, then you can easily find a workout to do. I’ve been practicing yoga with Adriene Mishler on YouTube for years. That doesn’t mean that I’m great at yoga or that I even practice it regularly, though. However, when I feel the need to practice yoga or get back into a workout routine, I turn to Yoga with Adriene.
All of her videos are FREE and for all levels. She’s been teaching yoga online for years so there are tons of videos to choose from. All you have to do is pick a video and push play.
This next item isn’t necessarily beauty related but they are beautiful!
Earrings from Evergreen Stamping
Not long ago, a friend shared a giveaway on Instagram. I enjoy entering a giveaway now and then so I checked out the shop that was hosting it. The shop is called, Evergreen Stamping, which is owned by a lovely lady named Sarah, and they are located in Michigan. The shop consisted of beautiful, handmade jewelry! I decided to start following Evergreen Stamping on Instagram and shortly after, bought a personalized bracelet and dog tags from her.
Then Evergreen Stamping shared a new product: sparkle stud earrings! The earrings came in a variety of colors and I just had to get my hands on a pair. I quickly ordered two pair, since there was a deal on buying two. After just a few days, my gorgeous, sparkle stud earrings arrived in the mail. I immediately tried on my new earrings and fell in love.
Now they are my go-to earrings for everyday wear or really any occasion.
Oh, aaaaand… use the coupon code: BRIANA at checkout when you buy two pairs of sparkle stud earrings and get a pair for FREE!
These last few products I’m currently using and loving are mainly accessories for devices like my cell phone and laptop.
Cell Phone Ring Stand
While looking around in the store, Five Below, I found a little device that sticks to your phone to help hold onto it. It’s sort of like a PopSocket, except this one was a ring that you can actually put your finger through. I bought it and really found it useful because I no longer worried about dropping my cell phone. After months and months of using the ring holder, it broke.
I went right to Amazon and searched for a new cell phone ring holder. They have basically the exact same thing that I had purchased at Five Below except Amazon actually had a better deal and it was called a ring “stand”. When I saw a pack of four ring holders for a really good deal, I decided to order them and try them out.
When my Amazon order arrived, I took one of the cell phone ring stands out of the package to inspect it further. I immediately noticed a difference. The ring on both the Amazon one and the one from Five Below turns 360 degrees, however the one ring from Amazon was a lot harder to turn. I realized that this was so that the ring could also act as a stand, hence the name of the product online.
Admittedly, it was hard, at first, to get used to the new ring and how stiff it was. However, I quickly grew to like that it could be used as both a ring holder to actually hold onto my phone better and a stand for my phone, if needed.
Cell Phone Tripod
When you’re in need of photos and no one is around, it’s hard sometimes to get a good shot of yourself without it always having to look like a typical selfie picture. That was the problem I kept running into so I went online and began my search for a cell phone tripod. I ended up finding lots of options on Amazon. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money though. Remember, I try to be frugal.
I ended up going with this cell phone tripod. It is sort of an all-in-one device. The tripod not only can be adjusted to various heights, it can also be used as a selfie stick. Plus, it came with a wireless remote so that eliminated the need to set a timer on your cell phone and then run to your spot and quickly set up a shot.
I’ve had the cell phone tripod for about three months now and while I haven’t used it a lot, it has been useful for a few family shots during the holidays. My family and I were all able to prepare for the picture and I was able to easily set up the tripod and then use the wireless remote to snap the photos. I definitely recommend a cell phone tripod like this if you mainly use your cell phone to take pictures.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Recently, I remembered seeing a girl I followed on Instagram share a pair of glasses that she had purchased. She has shared about them probably years ago at this point but I remembered them because I was noticing that my eyes were blurry after spending time staring at my computer screen. These glasses are called, blue light blocking glasses.
Blue light blocking glasses apparently protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation and block UV400. Basically, it helps to protect your eyes from becoming blurry and from having headaches after staring at a screen for a period of time. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give them a try since I’m usually on my phone or laptop and I notice how that affects my eyes.
After looking at reviews and doing a bit of research, I decided on these blue light blocking glasses. Now, these are not very expensive ones because I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on something that I was unsure would work. There are many options to choose from though, if you want a pair of glasses of higher quality.
The glasses do come with a blue light test to ensure that the do, in fact work. So that was interesting to see for myself.
I’ve had the glasses for just over a month now.
Although the quality of the materials used to make the glasses isn’t the best, I feel like they do a pretty good job of blocking the blue light from screens. I use the glasses when I know I’ll be on my computer for a while and I’m finding that my eyes are as blurry now.
One drawback to the glasses is that, because the lens are not made with actual glass, they are a bit hard to keep clean. The lens seem to be made of a thin, plastic material. They are very clear but I find that I have to clean them often. Overall, I’m happy that I decided to try them out and am still currently using them to protect my eyes.
Last but not least, I wanted to include a productivity item that I’ve had for a few years but have just recently been using it for productivity.
Traveler’s Notebook
A travelers’ notebook is basically a cover, sometimes made of leather, plastic, cloth, or another durable material. The inside consists of elastic bands that allow notebooks to be placed securely inside the cover. I’ve actually written a blog post all about how a traveler’s notebook works and how to use one.
The one I’m currently using is from The Leather Quill Shoppe. I’ve been a fan of their products for years now and I love the quality of their products.
Inside of my traveler’s notebook, I have a small notebook for notes, one for blogging, and then a monthly and weekly planner. The whole system that I have set up inside my traveler’s notebook has been great for keeping up with tasks, events, to-do lists, blogging ideas, and more.
Alright, there you have it! That is my list and review of some of my current 10 favorite things.
To recap, here’s a quick list:
- Shampoo bar
- Exfoliating Bag Soap Saver
- Conditioner from Mule Hell Trading Co.
- Essential oils and diffuser
- Yoga with Adriene
- Earrings from Evergreen Stamping
- Cell Phone Ring Stand
- Cell Phone Tripod
- Blue Light Blocking Glasses
- Traveler’s Notebook
These 10 things truly are products/programs/devices that I am currently using, most on a daily basis. I wanted to share them with you in case there may be one (or several) that you may find helpful, fun, or just something new to try out.
I’d love to know which thing you want to try out the most! Let me know in the comment section below.
Did you enjoy this blog post? If so, consider subscribing to my email list so you can stay up to date on the latest from brianadayle.com and receive exclusive freebies delivered right to your inbox! Plus, get the desktop wallpaper shown below for FREE when you subscribe today!
