REVIEW: Venus Snap Razor

Recently I was sent a Venus Snap Razor* to test out in a VoxBox from Influenster. Let me tell you, I have a lot of thoughts!

The Gillette Venus Snap product page states: 

Our mini razor, experience instant smoothness on-the-go with the Snap with Embrace Razor. With five curve-hugging blades and a portable compact, you'll be ready for anything, anytime, anywhere.

Mini handle that's easy to grip and convenient to store

Embrace's 5 blades to get virtually every hair

Water activated Ribbon of Moisture for a smooth glide

Fits any cartridge

Now, I'm definitely that person who refuses to take a razor on short weekend trip because it's too fussy. I hate that the blades usually scratch my travel blag and always feel a little anxious reaching in lest I get cut. However, this has made it so easy to travel with a proper razor. It comes with a compact that actually feels like I can't throw it away! So I keep the travel razor in there. I also think this is great for dorms and shared showers, as it doesn't take up much space. I didn't find that the handle was hard to use, but I wouldn't use it for everyday shaving as I prefer the grip of a regular razor. I do have to say that Venus is the brand I usually buy, I like the blades that have the Olay-infused moisture strips and am so happy that this product fits any Venus cartridge. Ultimately, I think this product will change the way that we travel, it's just so easy, it's a no-brainer!

The Venus Snap Razor retails on Amazon for $8.99. Also, check out Influenster if you want to be a part of the community!

* product sent for review, no affiliate links, opinions of the author are her own and not influenced by the receipt of this product

Be Kind

I frequent my university cafeteria more than I would like to admit. As an international student living on campus with twelve other international students in a cramped kitchen, it is often my escape to go sit for an hour with a whopping portion of comfort food and my iPad, catching up on the news. I usually see the same cafeteria worker and we always have a lively exchange, though half the time I can't hear him because he speaks softly and they play loud music to appeal to young students. He often makes fun of my food choices, especially if I choose a green smoothie to go with my meal. I always ask him how he's doing and how his day has been. 

The other day, I had that horrible "oh no" moment where I was out of cash, but assumed I had my bank card. Well. I didn't. It had been stuffed in a handbag compartment, so no worries there, but I literally had nothing to pay for the food sitting on my tray. I had American cards on me, which would have helped in any other restaurant, but the campus system can't register them. Instead of sending me back out the door empty handed, he just gave me the food and told me to come back the next day. I was shocked. I was so thankful, he spoke even lower and told me to keep it between us, and to only talk to him the next day to pay it back. 

I wanted to cry from his kindness. He didn't have to give me free food, but he did, knowing that I would come back the next day. Well I came back the next day, purchased a full meal, and when I went to pay for the meal I owed, he said, "No, no bother. You came back, we got business on our slow night, s'no worries. Can't let young students starve." Again, I was shocked. Not only did he let me off the hook, but I got a free dinner! I'm definitely not a poor student, but it is amazing that this man would think of the stomach of the student before the bank account of the university. 

I have always tried to live my life with kindness as my guiding mantra. Even though I do not always rise up to the challenge, I find it to be one of the most beautiful aspects of humanity. I think that everyone deserves kindness. Random acts of kindness like the one from my dear elderly cafeteria friend remind me that there are good people out there. It inspires me to do more, to give the benefit of the doubt, to give second chances, and ultimately to be kind.

Have you experienced a random act of kindness? I'd love to hear about it in the comments. 

xoxo,

Kels

Five Tips For Making Your Flowers Last Longer

Just received some flowers for Valentine's day? Got yourself some flowers for Galentine's day (shout-out Parks and Rec fans)? Somehow ended up with flowers? Keep your flowers around for longer with my five tips for making those babies bloom for days. 

shoutout to my boyfriend for managing to send me flowers transatlantically

Tip #1: Cut Them Stems
The minute you are able to, cut about an inch to an inch and a half off of the ends of each stem, making sure to cut at an angle. This gives the flower more surface area to drink up water and I'm sure has other scientific benefits. Regardless, I've been told this by many florists and I swear by it. 

Tip #2: Instructions Are Important
PLEASE don't be that person who throws away instructions. Take that time out after you've read the attached card to read the little instruction booklet. Chances are, your flowers shouldn't be exposed to direct sunlight, kept too hot, and may need their water changed more often than usual. Keep these instructions in mind for the next week or so that your flowers hang around. 

Tip #3: Flower Food
Don't throw away the flower food! Florists put that nutrient-rich mixture in there for a reason. After you've cut your stems, put the flower food in your vase, fill the vase with water, and pop in those pretties. 

Tip #4: Change Change Change
After three days you are going to want to change the water. See instructions or Google the flower type to see if you need to change it more regularly. Obviously if the water is becoming murky or green you need to change it pretty quickly to avoid bacteria killing your flowers. As you change your flowers, if you notice a dead one or some that have wilted, just go ahead and remove them. Each time you change the water in your vase, or change vases, cut a little bit off the ends of your stems to keep them fresh.

Tip #5: Anything Is A Vase
As your bouquet becomes smaller the more often you change the water and weed out the wilted ones (try saying that ten times fast!), feel free to experiment with your vases. I received a lovely bouquet from my boyfriend and at first had them in a typical vase. However, as I had to throw out filler bits and wilted flowers, I found that the vase allowed my smaller bouquet too much room to spread. What do you do? Use a pilsner glass of course! Seriously, these make great vases for small bouquets. Each time you change the water, get rid of wilted flowers, and cut the stems on the good ones, you're probably going to need a smaller and shorter vase. Feel free to play with these shapes and sizes. Use a mason jar, a large bowl with the flowers fanned out, you could even keep a saucer with the last flower or two by your bedside to savour those last blooms. 

I hope you find these tips helpful. I'm no flower expert, but I have handled a lot of bouquets in my life and these tips have really helped me enjoy flowers longer. Let me know what you do to keep flowers fresh in the comments below! What's your favorite flower? Mine are tulips :)

xoxo, Kels