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I Chose This Instead of the YETI Camino — Here’s Why (Honest RUX Bag Review)

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If you’ve been anywhere on TikTok or Instagram lately, then you’ve probably seen the YETI Camino Carryall everywhere.  It’s trending. It’s hyped. Everybody seems to have one.  And I almost bought it.  But I didn’t.

But I didn’t.

Instead, I picked up the RUX 30L Waterproof Tote – and after using it, I can honestly say… it fits my lifestyle way better.  So if you’re trying to decide between the two, let me break it down for you – real talk, no fluff.

Why Bags Are My Thing (And Why This Matters)

If you’ve been following me for a while, then you already know…

“I’ve been doing what’s in my bag videos for almost 20 years.”

As a mom, a sports mom especially, I don’t carry light.

We’re talking:

  • snacks
  • towels
  • wipes
  • drinks
  • random “just in case” items

I need a bag that can handle real life – not just look cute on camera.

Meet the RUX 30L Waterproof Tote

This bag is built different.

The RUX 30L Waterproof Tote is:

  • Fully waterproof (not “kinda”… actually waterproof)
  • Made with durable TPU  -coated nylon
  • Structured enough to stand on its own
  • Designed as part of a modular gear system

But the real game changer?

👉 The roll-top closure

The Biggest Reason I Didn’t Buy the YETI Camino

Let me be real with you:

“I have nothing against the YETI Camino… it just does not serve the purpose that I need.”

The biggest issue for me?

It doesn’t close.

And that’s a dealbreaker.

“I like that compact, keeping it out of the way… not worried about things falling out.”

As someone who is constantly on the go, I don’t want:

  • my stuff exposed
  • things falling out
  • people looking into my bag

The RUX gives me privacy + security – and that matters.

RUX vs YETI Camino (Real Comparison)

Here’s the honest breakdown:

✔️ Where RUX Wins (For Me)

  • Fully waterproof (not just water  -resistant)
  • Roll-top closure = nothing falls out
  • Modular system (lash points = customizable)
  • Can convert into a backpack 👀 (of course, you will need to add your own straps to make this possible)

✔️ Where YETI Camino Wins

  • Rigid structure
  • Built – in bottle pockets
  • Slightly larger capacity

But here’s the thing…

“The Camino doesn’t fit the needs that I need it for.”

And that’s what it comes down to.

Do You Even Need Bottle Pockets?

This is something a lot of people hype up.  But for me?

“I’ve never really used those pockets… it’s easier to just throw everything inside.”

Between my Brumate and other bottles that don’t leak, I don’t need dedicated space for them.  So that “feature” wasn’t actually a selling point for me.

Real Life Use: Why This Bag Works

This isn’t just a “cute tote.”

This is a:

  • beach bag
  • sports bag
  • adventure bag
  • everyday carry

“This is the perfect everyday beach bag… biking bag, off  -road bag – all the things.”

And because of the lash points?  You can literally:

  • strap it to a bike
  • attach it to gear
  • customize it however you want

That modular aspect is 🔥

Let’s Talk Price (Because It Matters)

Yes – the RUX is more expensive than the YETI Camino.

But…

“In my opinion, absolutely worth it.”

Why?

Because I’m paying for:

  • durability
  • waterproof protection
  • functionality that fits MY life

Not just hype.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Get?

Here’s the truth:

If you want:

  • an open tote
  • easy grab – and – go
  • trendy aesthetic

👉 The YETI Camino Carryall might be your vibe.

But if you’re like me and need:

  • structure + closure
  • waterproof protection
  • versatility

The RUX 30L Waterproof Tote is the better choice.

Let’s Talk

Have you tried either bag?

Are you team YETI Camino or team RUX?

Or are you like me… and need your bag to actually function in real life?

Drop a comment and let me know 👇

Watch the Full Review

Check out my full video review here where I break everything down and show how I actually use the bag:

👉

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video. Some products were sent for review consideration while others were purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links can and may be linked throughout this post. Clicking on these links will give me a small cut of your purchase – but please be rest assured that it will not cost you anything out of pocket other than the actual cost of the products you are buying.

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Think Pink This October and Every Day of the Year

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think pink, breast cancer awareness, breast cancer, travalo, wink, amalie, hair la vie, baby foot, breast cancer awareness campaigns, review, feature, beauty, makeup,

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As we near the end of October 2016, I figured I would share with you a few products from brands that support the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign.  While Breast Cancer Awareness is widely publicized each year in the month of October, the fact is – this cancer and others do not discriminate and attack all times of the year so it’s important that we do our best to be aware of what is out there and support the cause in the best way possible.  “Think Pink” has been a way of supporting those we love and it can be done every day of the year, not just in October.  I have been touched by cancer many times in my life, after losing my uncle Allen (my dad’s brother) to Leukemia when I was just a baby, I remember how it has affected my family and Lung Cancer, ALS and Breast Cancer have all been contributions to loss in my family over the years.  It is something I whole-heartily support and awareness is important for everyone.  Today I’ll be sharing with you a few products and brands that support the Breast Cancer Awareness cause and campaign so that the next time you’re shopping, you can “think pink” too.

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Travalo is one of my favorite girly beauty items.  It’s not your traditional makeup item, but I love scents and I love to smell good – so Travalo allows me to take my fragrance on the go with me.  This October, Travalo – the leader in travel fragrance options, has partnered with Bright Pink.  Bright Pink is on a mission to save women’s lives from breast and ovarian cancer by empowering them to live proactively at a young age.  Bright Pink is the only national non-profit organization focused on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women.

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In the month of October, 25% off all sales of the Travalo Excel, Class HD and Milano pink models will be donated to Bright Pink.  Consumers will be supporting Bright Pink’s goal to reach 52 million young women in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 45, while continuing to have the ability to refill fragrances directly from a standard bottle through the patented and unrivaled Genie-S pump fill system from Travalo.

Purchase Travalo in the US here: http://us.travalo.com/

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Another product I love and have raved about here on the blog over the last couple of months is WINK by Amalie.  #PinkWINK is a campaign I discussed here, and is part of their BOGO for the Cure Campaign.  For every bottle of WINK that is sold during the month of October, Amalie will donate one bottle to a cancer survivor to help them regrow their lashes and brows that are lost through chemotherapy.  This is one of my favorite campaigns for Breast Cancer Awareness because often times we don’t think about the challenges a survivor of breast cancer (or any cancer for that matter) will endure.  WINK is also one of my favorite beauty products as I have noticed huge results from using this product over the last 3-4 months.

Purchase WINK in Pink here: https://www.amaliebeauty.com/products/wink

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This October, the all natural hair care brand Hair La Vie and all natural foot care brand Baby Foot will also be joining the fight.  Each company will be donating 20% of their October sales to help the fight against cancer.

Hair La Vie is one of my all time favorite hair supplements and I’m proud to share with you their campaign for this year.  Through their innovative, results-oriented line of nourishing hair supplements and natural hair products, Hair La Vie is in the business of making women not only feel good about their hair, but about themselves.  Hair La Vie is also a brand that strives to help causes that they hold dear to their heart and they make it a top priority for them – especially women’s health issues.  For the month of October, Hair Lav Vie will be donating 20% of their sales profits to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

HAIR LA VIE designs natural hair care products to help you grow longer, fuller hair faster than ever before. Hair La Vie has been on the market for a little over two years and has been incredibly well-received by thousands of women around the country. To learn more about Hair La Viesuccess stories, please click here.

Hair La Vie Revitalizing Hair Blend Vitamins $39 per bottle of 30 capsules
Hair La Vie Revitalize Shampoo & Restore Conditioner $49 per set, 8 oz. each bottle
Hair La Vie Moroccan Repair Serum $30, 2 fl. oz.
Hair La Vie “Revive” Deep Hydration Masque Price: $35, 8 fl. oz.

Available at HairLaVie.com

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Baby Foot, a new product that I will be reviewing for all of you here in the coming weeks, is an all natural foot exfoliant containing 17 natural extracts that help get your feet back to looking and feeling like baby feet.  This October, 20% of Baby Foot’s proceeds from their limited edition pink box will be donated to the American Cancer Society.  Baby Foot Exfoliant is working hard this month to promote breast cancer awareness with their limited edition Pink Box.

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Baby Foot, the revolutionary, all-natural, Japanese foot exfoliant that makes your feet as smooth and soft as a baby’s foot, contains a unique formula that allows your feet to exfoliate naturally, leaving them highly moisturized; $25 at BabyFoot.com.

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While October is coming to an end in a few short days,  you still have some time to check out some of these sites and support the cause.  I am a believer that support for any type of charity or campaign should happen all year long and that’s why my family and I give back to these causes several times through out the year, but I think it’s awesome that companies do this too.  I have been easily discouraged over the years by other companies that have exploited the cause of these campaigns, but I’m thankful that there are some great ones out there for positive benefit of those that need it.  I have included items that I think would help make any woman (or man) feel wonderful and positive no matter their struggle.  Whether it be to help with strengthening and regrowing their hair or lashes/brows, pampering themselves after long hours of chemo and recovery, or bringing a little swagger with a signature scent… I think these brands offer great products with a great cause.   Help support the cause and consider these items when you are online shopping.

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  The products discussed in this post were sent for feature consideration.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased.  Affiliate links may be posted through out.

 

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Honey’s Favorite Eye Brow Products – Beauty Blogger Collaboration

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It’s not very often that we chit chat brows here on the blog, probably because mine are pretty low maintenance for the most part so I don’t really pay too much attention to them.  However, today I join the Beauty Blogger Collaboration in sharing a little brow love.  I’m pretty blessed in that my brows are pretty full and usually I will just set them into place if I need to but otherwise, unless they need a little drama, they are simple as pie.  But, I figured I would share some of my favorite eye brow products with you and why I enjoy them so much.

Favorite eye brow products

Brows are really important as they frame the face and bring a look together.  My natural brows are fairly full so most times I will use a spoolie to comb them into place and if I feel the need, a little brow gel to hold their shape for the day.   Brow gels are probably the most essential in my arsenal, though I do have a few others that I enjoy.  I have tried many brow products over the years, but since I have sensitive skin – there are some that just do not work well for me or dry my brows out terribly.  I find that these products haven’t caused any of these issues so I continue to use them.

favorite brow products

First let’s talk brow gels.  This is my go-to and I will use it daily if I feel like my natural brows are unruly and out of control.  These two brow gels are clear and work well.  The NYX Control Freak has been a go-to for me over the last year (since it’s release) and I have a full review of this product which you can read up on here.  The Milani Brow Shaping Clear Gel is a favorite because of it’s small brush.  Both products offer nice control and hold without a crispy feeling.  They look natural and are easy to apply.  Out of all the brow products I own, I will pull for these the most for every day use and to set my brows in place when I have shaded them in.

favorite eye brow products

The next products on my list are brow tints or colored brow products.  These are easy just like the brow gels mentioned previously but they have a tint to them that will allow for shading in my brows.  These are especially perfect for those days during the summer when I tend to go lighter in my brows to match my hair that gets lightened quickly and easily from the sun.  These products will fill in any gaps and give my brows a lighter tone.

no makeup selfie
natural brows

  • I have been using the Per-fekt Brow Perfection Gel now for years and have repurchased this product many times.  In the shade caramel, this mascara like wand is perfect for shading in my brows and giving my brows a brighter and lighter appearance.  It lasts all day and keeps my brows in place for hours without budging.
  • Benefit’s Gimme Brow was added to my brow game last year and I’m not gonna lie… for the amount of product you get in a small little tube, it is pretty costly.  But, honestly – I have repurchased twice so I must like it.  The tiny little brush is perfect for filling in your brows and adding more volume.  The cream-like gel has tiny little fibers that fill in the brows to provide a natural brow look that is full and set in place.  I don’t use this product as much as the other tints because the shade is just a tad bit too ashy for me, but it works well during the winter months which is when I tend to pull for it most.
  • LASHEMS Colour Strokes Brow Tint and Lift in Brunette is one of my favorites and has a caramel toned shade that fills in my brows easily and sets those babies in place that they will not budge for hours.  I love to use this product especially in the summer to lighten my brows a tad but also keep them in place while I’m playing in the sun.  You can read my full review and see before and after photos on the LASHEM Colour Strokes Brow Tint here.

favorite brow products

Cailyn’s Gelux Eyebrow in Cocoa is a thick tinted wax that works perfectly to keep my brows in place but also for filling my brows in.  It has a thick consistency but it is also quite firm, not as creamy as you would expect.  Due to it’s firm wax texture, it makes shading in your brows really easy and provides a really nice texture so that it looks natural when applied.  Shaping my brows is easy with the built in brush and this product is great for travel.  This is not my “all the time” brow product – but when I really want a sculpted look, this works well and is a favorite.  This is much thicker than Anastasia Dip Brow but this is what I opted to use after Dip Brow caused my brows to dry out and flake.  It’s been a great alternative for me without the sensitivity issues and I love that Cailyn’s Gelux Eyebrow comes in 8 different shades, making it easy for me to lighten my brows up should I find the need.  I also love that this is waterproof… so I find it my go-to for days I want my brows in place but I know I’ll be sweaty or near the ocean or water play and it will last many hours on the brows.

favorite eye brow products

New on my favorites list are a few products from Paula Dorf and Jordana.  Paula Dorf’s 2+1 for Brows in Brunette is a great product to use when you want to shape and shade in your brows and then set with a built in wax.  Definitely a good product for travel.  I do love to use it when going out and I want a fuller brow shape.  If you are looking for longevity however, this product may not be good for a long day and is not waterproof.  But it is great for filling in the brows and the two shades available in the pot are perfect for days I want to go darker or lighter.  You can find three different shade selections for this brow set so you should easily be able to find the brow shade that matches best for you.

The next product is the Jordana FabuBrow Eyebrow Pencil.  This is just a simple drugstore pencil with a little brush at the end.  This pencil comes in 6 shades and I find that I can switch between a few of them depending on my “brow color mood”.  It’s easy to apply – just use as you would a regular brow pencil.  The color is long lasting but not waterproof and you can choose to set with a brow gel if you like.  I find I use this often because it is easy, affordable and it works.

favorite brow products

Last on my brow game list are some overall products from one brand I enjoy.  Billion Dollar Brows is a line I was introduced to early last year and I find that I really enjoy their products.  The Billion Dollar Brows Best Sellers Kit is probably the best value for this line and includes everything you need to create some awesome brows.  Check out my post on this kit here.  I love that when applying these brow products they make my eyebrows look full but natural.  I don’t use it often, but I do love to use it when I have a full face of makeup (eye shadow, etc.) because it really frames my face nicely.

So that is my round up of favorite brow products.  I’m sure there are so much more out there.  At one time, the Wet n Wild Eye Brow Kit was my absolute favorite and if it was still easy for me to get my hands on – I would probably still be using it.  Like anything else beauty, what works for some – may not work for others.  It’s funny because a cult favorite in the beauty community actually did not work for me while others are considered my holy grail products.  That’s the great thing about beauty – everyone and everything is all about individual preference. 🙂  For example… I like a little color in my brows from time to time… so it’s okay to have fun with makeup!

colored brows
Dramatic brows – Paula Dorf 2+1 Brows used to fill in the brows and then colored with a burgundy shadow for drama.

Make sure to head on over to the lovely ladies of the Beauty Blogger Collaboration (links below) and see what they had to say about brows.  I hope you enjoyed this post and maybe learned about some products you haven’t heard of before.  What are your favorite eye brow products?  Do you have any on my list that you love or have tried?

xo

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  Some of the products mentioned in this post were sent to me for review purposes.  I was not paid or monetarily compensated to provided a post on those products and my opinions are 100% honest and unbiased.

 

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Last Minute Gift Giving Ideas… Easy to Download Kindle Books

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I’m not normally a late shopper when it comes to the Holiday months and try to get all my Christmas shopping done in a timely manner to beat the crowds and the mail man.  But, I know that life happens sometimes and it can be a difficult thing to get your shopping done in time to make the Christmas rush.  While we are less than a week away from Santa stopping by our houses, I wanted to share with you a few quick buys for those on your shopping list.  While presents to open under the tree or gift cards and money are great, let’s not forget the people in our lives that love to read.  What’s so awesome is that the Kindle books offers so many gift giving ideas… simply at the click of a button.  The receiver can easily download their selection and enjoy their read on the go or at the comforts of their own homes.  Here are a few books that I have added to my reading list for myself and my husband as well as my boys.

Clean Food Diet

What better way to start the new year with some clean eating.  This book includes 50+ natural recipes for healthy living.  Now, don’t get me wrong… I’m not turning Vegan on you… I love my animal friends but giving up my carnivore ways are just impossible, but at least I can incorporate some of these healthy recipes into my diet. The Clean Food Diet by Jonathan Vine offers a variety of recipes for your heart’s desire.

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Terry Treetop and the Lost Egg is the perfect adventure and educational book for your child(ren) between the ages of 2 and 6.  This book is about a little boy with red hair and freckles who loves to climb trees.  He goes on a little adventure and takes your children along with him.  Filled with photos and stories, this is the perfect book for your preschooler and includes rhyming text as well.

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Have you heard of Ally Nathaniel?  Ally is a children’s author who has published 10 books via Amazon (ebooks).  Her books include a wide range of subjects for Toddlers and Preschoolers as well as elementary school children.  Some of her books talk about Self-esteem and self empowerment as well which makes it great reading for your littles.  The selection she has is great and I highly recommend checking out what she has available.

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If you have been a reader of my blog for a while now, you know that my husband experiences severe back pain after an injury.  To try to help with the pain so that he doesn’t have to have surgery on his spine, we are always looking for alternative solutions and the Low Back Pain Program by Sherwin Nicholson offers some techniques that can be used to help relieve pain.  In this book you can learn how to self treat chronic lower back pain easily and safely.  This guide is designed to carefully teach you the correct methods to move, train and strengthen your body to properly relieve your back pain.  While I suggest that you first discuss with your physician before any treatment, I definitely think giving this a look see will be beneficial – especially at its price point.

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The Paleo Kid is one of my absolute favorite ebooks, offering 26 easy recipes that I can incorporate into my families diet and making the transition easy peezy for the children. This book includes Gluten Free recipes which make it great for those that are on a Gluten Free diet and the recipes are easy to make.  Kid Tested Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snack meals that are not only great for your kids but the entire family.

The list on my kindle is ever growing but I wanted to share a few books that I have recently added to my reading list and a few that I have loved this past year.  While this list is small, I wanted to offer ebooks that I know would be great for families alike.  I will be sure to share more of these in the coming months but for now, if you are looking for some ideas for last minute Christmas / Holiday gifts, give these a try and see if they are something you’ll enjoy.  Happy Holidays!

Signature Honey

 

Some of the books discussed in this review were provided to me for free download for review and consideration via Tomoson.  While some of them may be free, my opinions are 100% honest and my own.

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