Wine About It Wednesday - December

Hey There!

If you thought last month was lax on the wine front, you ain't seen nothing yet. December was truly lax!

It's not that I didn't drink wine (we all know that!), it's that I mainly drank wine away from the house. It's the holiday season and I went out and about just a little bit. Yep, your girl is being a grownup and doin' a little something this year (more on that plan in my New Years Blog -- of course).

I went out with some folks from work and sipped on some Riesling from The Seeker Wine*. It's a German Riesling that I actually enjoyed. There have been many German Rieslings that I have tried and they were too tart and/or dry for my liking. This one sat nicely. It was nice to try it by the glass but now, I can't find it in my local stores! When I do find it, I'll add it to my Wine About It Wednesday again, just so you can see the full sized bottle. The other places that I went to didn't have good Rieslings so I didn't get a full glass and I didn't bother to pull the information on them.

The one of the two wines that were open at the house was my Paradise Peak Sweet Riesling. Last time I went to Total Wine & More, I picked up 2 bottles so I am just finishing up the last one. I've mentioned last month that it is one of my top five. If you are new (welcome, next time bring your own wine glass) Paradise Peak is a wine that you will probably always find in my house.

I also picked up Jam Jar Sweet Wine and really liked it! It's not a top ten status just yet, it might make it. I call it a comfortable wine. Jam Jar's website calls it a "charming, easy-drinking Moscato...[with] peach, apricot, lychee and orange blossom". I can pick-up the peach notes and I figure that's why it's such a refreshing wine. I enjoyed it and will probably buy it again.

And that's it. No, seriously, that's all the wine I have at my house. Not very helpful for you but easy on my budget. I do have some bottles picked out for January so you should have a proper tasting for the last Wednesday of the month. Come back for that. AND, we have a topic to think about for then...homework, if you will.

Wine fridge or no? Talk amongst yourselves and we will discuss later.

* theseekerwines.com/riesling is where I "borrowed" the picture from (I didn't do it with ANY disrespect I promise). I am still searching out places where I can purchase this wine from locally. Georgia is one of those states that doesn't take to kindly to shipping wines in so lots of companies don't ship here.

**Most of the time, the wine notes are gathered from the Total Wine & More website -- the website where this wino lady gets her drink on. I also attend classes and tastings there (shout out to my peeps!).

Empties!

Hey there!

Not only is it the end of the month, it's also the end of the year. No, I didn't save any trash all year to show you but I will link all of my monthly empties at the bottom, just in case you missed a month. Cause, I know you want to see if I finished that bar of soap and what I thought.

This month I finished three Avon Bubble Baths! Yes, three of them. Don't act so surprised! You aren't new here (and if you are hello! Pull up a chair. Grab a refreshing beverage). This month I used up a Fresh Orchard Apple was so light and crisp. There is something about an apple scent that makes me feel clean! Vanilla Cream is one of my go-to scents. Love it. Sugar and Walnut was weird. It reminded me of a vanilla and almond scent which almost always turns my stomach. Of the three, this one will not be repurchased. 

I also used up some shower gels. Bath and Body Works Napa Autumn Blackberry is to die for. I love this type of scent. It's so rich and decadent. I also finished a small container of The Body Shop's Early Harvest Raspberry shower gel. It also smells heavenly and delicious. Both of these lovelies will be repurchased whenever I see them.  

I finished an Herbal Essences body wash in Honey, I Smell Good. It did not smell good. It was blah and really not worth the trouble. I used it up so I could be done with it. 

I also finished a Body Fantasies Cotton Candy body lotion. This is the old packaging. That's how long I held on to this little gem. Now that I have replacements, I can slather this stuff on night and day. Who cares that I smell like a candy store?! 

I always have my Secret Deodorant and my Colgate toothpaste in the mix. They are forever staples. I tried a Secret Clinical Strength Gel and didn't like it. In general, I like deodorant sticks. I don't like wet deodorant at all. 

You see that mamma jamma sized tube of Aquaphor? Well, it's in the bin because it went bad. I have so many little tubes of Aquaphor all over the house and car and in ever purse, this large one by the bedside went all liquidy. It was time to toss it anyway. I began using Aquaphor when my daughter was born. They gave us a huge tub of it at the hospital. I've never been without it since. 

So... I finished an Equate Beauty bottle of nail polish remover and it was fine, alone. But, when I added some to my Studio 35 Beauty nail polish remover container (the kind that you stick your finger in, swish it around and your nail is free of polish), it didn't work. It's like the container only likes the remover that it came with. That's ok though. I have a new remover that I'm going to try in the new year. Stay tuned for that!

I gave up on my yukky tube of e.l.f. Wet Gloss Lash and Brow Clear Mascara. I actually have 2 backups (well, one now) because I love this stuff. I draw in my eyebrows and then brush this stuff on them to keep everything in place. I tend to touch my eyebrows a lot during the day (I have NO idea why) and this just helps keep the color where it should be.

I got a sample of the Clear Scalp and Hair Beauty Therapy Damage & Color Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. I always say the same thing about these little samples. There are nice but who can tell if they like a product from a onetime use. Actually, a one wash used. You don't even get a complete hair shampoo out of this if you lather twice. And, I don't have a lot of hair but one packet of conditioner ain't gonna cut it skippy. This was fine. Just fine.

And last but not least, I (along with the kiddo) finished a bottle of Mizani Spradiance High Gloss Serum. You know this is my holy grail hair heat protectant. I've tried a lot of brands and even though this is $20 a bottle, I NEED this stuff in my life. Oh! Wonderful news update. I found a beauty supply store that obviously doesn't know that this is the elixir of hair life. They are selling it for $14.99! I almost pinched my mother right there in the store!

Oh yes! I always try to include some none beauty related empties, you know, just to make things fun. This month I am throwing in Gla'de (Glade) comes out strong with their seasonal scents and their Red Apple Bakery plug ins are so delicious. I am a sucker for all things food. I know that everyone likes the Bath and Body Works plug ins but I prefer the Glade ones. They have a great room throw (sometimes I have to unplug them) and I can always find them pretty cheap. This 2 pack was discounted at $3.42 and I had a $1 coupon! That made them $1.21 for each plug in -- sweet!

That's it good people. That's the stuff I used up this month and what I thought of it. I hope you guys enjoy these posts. I enjoy making them. I began with a small basket in my bathroom and now I have a larger tub sized bucket in my closet.

So, while I'm changing up certain types of blog postings in 2015, empties isn't one of them. A mini review is right up everyone's alley!

Other empties...

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

Nail Polish Change - Wet n Wild's Taking The Red-Eye and Sephora by OPI's Be-Claus I Said So plus Sinful Colors Holiday Rebel

Hey There!

Yeah, 2 of these polishes are the same. They were so pretty (and lasted so long) I decided to keep them and just add my new Sinful Colors Holiday Rebel top coat.

You already know what I thought of the other colors but I'm here to tell you that Holiday Rebel just brought the perfect amount of green and red holiday sparkle that my phalanges needed (SAT/ACT word of the day - you learn here people!). I of course, waited until they chipped to take the picture BUT it's worth noting that it took 8 days for the Wet n Wild (Taking The Red Eye) to chip and the nail with the Sephora by OPI neva chipped! I mean, you can see the tip wear but it didn't chip. Cool beans.

I added Holiday Rebel to my pinkies and my middle fingers and showed them off to everyone that asked to see my nails and several people that didn't. They accented my party nail (Sephora by OPI's Be-Clause I Said So) so nicely. This is a color combo that I will be using often. I might try topping green polish with this next time. Won't that be fun?!

I have a definite idea about what's going on the nails for this last week of the year. It's going to be my FAVORITE polish of the year so you want to tune back in and find out what it was.

AND, I think that I might do a monthly nail polish round up next year instead of each week. I did each week as a way to force me to paint my nails every Saturday but I've gotten a tiny bit of a life (let's not get crazy) and some Saturday evenings, I'm not home (hey! settle down). And, there have been weeks that I have taken off a polish that I couldn't stand and didn't even wait for it to chip. I think we will just notate all of that at the end of the month.

So, come back next Monday for my favorite polish(s?) of the year and our last Nail Polish Change Monday.

It's A Haul Y'all! - Bath and Body Works

Hey there!!

Darn it Bath and Body Works! You keep having sales and I keep buying things! I didn't go cray-cray. I only bought a few things each time so just like yesterday, we are talking a teeny tiny haul.

My mom and I went to the mall today (she was getting some car work done so we waited at the mall until they were finished) and while we were there, we visited Bath and Body Works for probably the 3rd or 4th time since Thanksgiving. Like I said, I didn't get a bunch of stuff but I thought I'd show you nice people what I bought.

I have fallen in love with the B&BW foaming soaps. My recent soap purchases were the Black Cherry Merlot (what??! it's so good), Crisp Morning Air (if crisp morning air smells like Macintosh apples!!) and Sapphire Plum (just plain ahhhhh). I prefer the foaming soaps to the others because the others have little seed things in them. The little seed things get under your nails and they are hard to clean out of the sink. The foaming soaps just plan work better, in my opinion.

During the $8 candle sale, I was prepared to go all ham on the credit card but it turns out that there were only 2 scents that I wanted to add to my collection. I smelled a lot of candles but I had already decided I only wanted to get fragrances that were different than what I already had at home. I was surprised that after all that sniffing, I only found 2 things that rocked my world. I got the Peach Bellini because it smells so good and the container is so gorgeous. I almost bought 2 so that I could have matching containers after the candles were gone! I also picked up the Holiday scented candle. It smells like red hots (food, again, big surprise) and I can only imagine that my house smelling like red hots is a good thing.

And, believe it or not, I only purchased 1 shower gel. I bought Honeycrisp Apple & Buttered Rum Orchard (again with the food scents). It really does smell all apple orchard-like (not sure where the buttered rum comes in). I have several B&BW shower gels (plus other brands that I've been trying out) and I really want to use some of them up before bringing more scents into the house. Apparently February, March and April of this past year saw so many shower gel hauls that I need to wash up a little more before I add to that collection.

I told you that you'd be proud of me! All my B&BW on sale and not too much. I really am trying to be smarter in my purchases this year. And, there is only so much money to go around and I'd like to make sure I can spend it where I'd like.

Did you check out the semi-annual clearance or are you going to wait for the next sale (in, like, a few weeks)? Do you already have a ridiculous amount of Bath and Body Works products in your house or do you need to get just a little bit more?

It's A Haul Y'all! - Teeny Tiny Nail Polish Haul

Hey there!!

This is just a teeny tiny haul this time. I went to Target and Walgreens and they had nail polish on sale. I, of course, don't need any new polish but these colors were really too cute to pass up.

Walgreens had some holiday Sinful Colors polishes on sale. I picked up these really pretty, sparkle toppers in Gilded and Holiday Rebel. I've already worn one of them and already have an opinion. You have to wait until Monday to see which one and if I liked it or not.

I also picked up 4 of the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri polishes in Plummet, Navy Fleet, Slick Slade and Expresso. Plummet is a nice, deep dark plum and Navy Fleet is a hunter green (not navy at all...hmmmm). Slick Slate is a muddy, gray brown, dirty cement color and Expresso is a gorgeous pinky mocha color. I love those colors. They are creamy warm colors, perfect for winter. I am soooo going to enjoy them.

So that was just a little quick polish haul. I can't wait to try out these new colors. I may have to change out every 4 days to get everything in!

Quickie Review - H2O Softening Mint Foot Rub

Hey There!

I take foot care seriously (when it's time to whip out the sandals). For years I used Aveda's foot care relief. I loved the peppermint smell and the way it healed my feet after just a few days. My only problem is that it has gotten sooooo expensive. 4.2 fl oz is $24. I really love this but man! That price is just too much for a foot cream. I was certain that I could find something that was equal for a better price. I was bound and determined to find a new foot cream.

Hold on to your seats girlies! I found one!! One of my YouTube lovelies talked about the H2O hand and nail scrub and how fantabulous it was for your hand and nails. So, I went to T.J. Maxx in search of it. I did find that hand and nail scrub but I also found the mint foot rub by H2O.

I didn't get excited right away because I've tried many foot creams this year and after a week or two, was just very disappointed. I didn't want to jump the gun and fall in love only to get heartbroken (or foot broken in this case) again.

I waited this time. I wore it for several weeks before trusting it. We've been dating for almost two months now AND I've purchased a backup one!

Yep, H2O's Targeted Care Softening Mint Foot Rub has reached favorite status. It's not holy grail yet (we've only been dating for two months!) but it's a constant companion. I don't have jacked up feet but because hate shoes and go barefoot a lot, I feel that I always need to moisturize my feet more than normal. This does the trick!

I do have to put it on and then not walk on the floor for about 5 - 10 minutes. But, that gives me an excuse to yell for the kiddo to do stuff for me. The wait does case problems because I always feel the need to wash my hands immediately. You don't want to rub your eye with this stuff on your hands. TRUST me. Learn from my mistakes people! Other than those 2 things, there aren't any downsides!

And, the best thing -- T.J. Maxx has this at $1.99 for 2 oz! That's an 80% savings! You gotta be crazy to pass this up! Full price at Kohl's is $4.00! I give this a 9 outta 10 minty stars. You will certainly be seeing this in some empties blogs.

What are you using? Do you love it? Are you going to marry it?

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things - Family

Hey There!

Merry Christmas! As you are reading this I am probably eating something very holidayish. It doesn't matter what time you are reading this, I'm still probably eating. Four of the Sisters (my mother has four sisters) are in town (3 plus my mommie) and cooking. I will, no doubt, have to waddle back home tonight.

I've mentioned several of my favorite things throughout this month and I saved the best for last. Family.

I'm not going to get all political about it and I know that not everyone feels the same way I do. All of my family lives within a 25 mile radius (except my daddy) and we see each other often and talk to each other daily. But, at the holidays we see each other A LOT and it reminds me that I really do have the greatest family on earth. I also get to spend time with friends that are just as close as family. That's important too. A hug from a good friend is just as good as a hug from a sister.

I won't dwell on it too long (hello, I'm eating here!) but I do want to stress, if you have friends or family close by, give them a hug while you can. If you don't have friends and family, you know what, go out somewhere and just be with people -- The mall, the restaurant, the library, the grocery store. Chat with the cashiers and the waitresses. Look back at all of my 'These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things' and pick one (or all) and do that thing.

The holidays can be rough for folks but you CAN make it better. You just have to choose to do so.

Now excuse me good people, there is a slice of chocolate cake with my name on it!

Does Your Car Smell Good?

Hey There!

I always try to add in some home stuff here and there and this is the perfect opportunity to throw in some CAR smell good.

I laugh at that because about a month ago I purchased a sugar cookie hanging thing from the Dollar Tree. I wanted to make my car smell like cookies the next morning. Ummmm, no. My car smelled just as blah as it had the day before. I know that you can get those generic car trees in pine scent but I have no desire for my car to smell like a forest. I have used those stick things that you put in the car vents but those last like 24 hours. True story, I got in my car one day and I had 5 sticks hanging from the vents. And...my car still smelled like regular car. Sighhh.

Well, the next day (after the sugar cookie non incident) I got to work and one of my co-workers was doing a fundraiser with Yankee Candle products. I looked through the catalog (because this person always purchased things when my kiddo would sell stuff for school) and my eyes rested on the Yankee Candle Car Jars. Score!

 I've never used Yankee Candle Car Jars before, but I can't imagine that Yankee Candle would put out a bogus car scent. I mean, there's not much room that you have to make smell good. It's not like a candle that has to have room throw for a full livingroom or something. It's a car!

I got 2 packets. Between the two packets I got Home Sweet Home, French Vanilla, Cinnamon & Sugar, Autumn Wreath, Macintosh and Spiced Pumpkin. Yeah, food scents -- what of it? Like I said, I haven't used them yet but the first one up will be Home Sweet Home (I'll be the judge of that!).

Have any of you used the Yankee Candle Car Jars? Are they any better than anything else? Is my car going to smell blah again or did I put my dollars to good use?

Nail Polish Change - Wet n Wild's Taking The Red-Eye and Sephora by OPI's Be-Claus I Said So

Hey There!

I am sooo sorry! I thought I had pushed the button on this post. Well, here you go, one day late. Sorry (and I was so excited about this).

If you thought I loved last week's nails, you ain't seen nuthin yet! This week I wore Wet n Wild's Taking The Red-Eye and Sephora by OPI's Be-Claus I Said So on my party nail. WOW! That red is a beautiful burgundy red that is smoky and sultry and just so sophisticated. I received soooo many complements on my nails. I've worn the WnW color before so I knew how fantastic is was but this just reaffirms it. The application was easy as pie, the formulation is great and the polish lasts so long. I'm in love.

The party nail was fun too. Do you see it? It looks like Dorothy's ruby red slipper high on glitter. I LOVE it! The glitter falls in just the right places. You know what I mean! Sometimes you have to strategically place glitter on your nails. But, with this color, every time you dip into the bottle, you get the perfect amount of glitter. This is going to be my favorite party look of the month, hands down.

Oh, and I gave up trying to shoot my nail pics the way everyone else does. My hands might have 3 good nails out of 5 so I'm going to take a picture showing off my best nails. Maybe next year I will make a light box or something. I dunno. Keep an eye out for that. 

Samples, Samples Everywhere

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It's been quite a while since I peeked in my sample bin. I had to look though because I ordered soooo much stuff the past 2 months, I have a ton of samples. I thought you'd lovely people might be interested in seeing what I have going on!

My least favorite sample in the world has to be the hair shampoo and conditioner samples. I mean, you can't really get a good read on if a shampoo and conditioner is any good from those small, .34 oz sample packs! So, I just use them and keep it moving. I did get a Matrix Oil Wonders in something (I think Sephora or Ulta) and I'm interested in trying that out though.

Everyone wanted me to smell good because everyone included fragrance samples. Sephora did a good job with their sample cards. I got Philosophy Amazing Grace, Chloé, Vicktor & Rolf Flower Bomb, Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream, Prada Candy Florale, Tory Burch, Dior J'Adore and Burberry My Burberry. The cards have the pricing right on them. Nice touch. I also chose an Elizabeth and James Nirvana for her, sample. I feel weird though because everyone mixes it with the white one. It smells good in the bottle. I'll let you know if I like it once I spray it.

I placed 3 separate orders with Sephora (don't you judge me!!) so I also got skin care samples. I got the Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum and Sephora Instant Moisturizer. I didn't request a lot of skin care samples because I pretty much like my current routine. But, it's nice to have travel sizes and some options.

I also got some skincare with my Kiehl's order. I got the Purifying Foaming Cleanser, Ultra Facial Cleanser, Clarify-Activating Toner and 2 containers of the Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter. Those two smell delightful.

When you order makeup, you get makeup samples. Urban Decay sent me a Flushed Trio card (I'm quite excited to try that) and Sephora sent me Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Bobbie Brown Skin Foundation and Per-fékt matte body perfection gel in tan. I also scored a Sarah McNamara Skin Transformer packet (there are too many words on it). I don't remember which company this came from.

All of the samples are nice and fun but I have trouble using them. I am a total "out of sight, out of mind" kinda girl. If I don't see my perfumes, I don't use them. If I don't see these samples, I won't use them either. So my plan is to keep these goodies right where I can see them. And, I plan on keeping you sweet folks in the know if they are good or not!

Wal-Mart Beauty Box - Winter 2014

Hey There!

I got my Wal-Mart Beauty box Friday before I left work. I forgot that I had even ordered it because it only comes once a quarter. The Wal-Mart box is $5 and I know it's worth twice that. I have to admit it's my favorite beauty box of all.

My box had 2 Pond's items - Pond's Original Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes ($4.67 for 30 count) and Pond's Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream ($8.97 for 7 oz). To be honest I have several face creams and there is one that I have fallen in love with (more on that below) so I may gift this item to someone in exchange for review (yep, I pimp out my folks).

I got a sample pack (and $1 coupon) of the Nivea Cocoa Butter Body Lotion ($4.97 for 16.9 fl oz). I'm not 100% sure that I've tried this before so I'm excited to try it now. I like the smell of cocoa butter and this one if the dry to very dry skin. In the winter I do have very dry skin so this is going to work out well.

To continue the dry skin theme, Wal-Mart included an Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Sheer Hydration ($5.97 for 12 fl oz). I like Aveeno. The kiddo and I have dry, sensitive skin so Aveeno is a staple in our house. I already know that I like this and because it's a nice, compact size, it's going in my purse.

I also received a tiny tube of Olay tone perfecting cream ($21.94 for 1.7oz). I went online and this is supposed to recapture healthy-looking, youthful luminosity. It sounds good but again, I already have fallen in love with something else, so this goes to a friend as well.

Now, we move to a sample of something that I love. L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Day Cream ($19.97 for 1.7oz) and Golden Serum ($19.97 for 1 oz).. My last Wal-mart box had the L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Deep-Acting Moisturizer in it. I used that sample for quite a while and decided I liked it enough to purchase the big jar. But, when I got to the store, I saw the gold jar and the fact that it's going to help my dry, fragile, dull and lackluster skin. I bought a small sample size ($6.99) to try. Now that I have this sample, I'll try the sample before cracking open the one I purchased. And, if all goes well, I might add the serum to my routine too. Very excited about this folks!!

My hair should be fantastically glorious this season because I got TWO hair sample packs! I got the L'Oreal Advanced Haircare Color Vibrancy Nourishing Shampoo ($3.97 for 12.6 fl oz), Conditioner ($3.97 for 12.6 fl oz), and Instant Shock Treatment ($5.97 for 6.8 oz). I'm excited about this trio because I really like L'Oreal hair care products.

I also get to try out the John Frieda Luxurious Volume Touchably Full Shampoo and Conditioner "for colour-treated hair" ($5.47 for 8.45 fl oz). My hair isn't color treated but normally color treated products are good for chemically processed hair as well.

Nice box huh? I'll get back to you with my thoughts and my friends thoughts soon!

Ulta.com Product Review

Hey there!!

Folks, we've been hauling so much stuff, I thought it was time to review some of that stuff. I try to use things at least 2 weeks before I give my opinion. These are items that I've had for about that time so I feel confident that my opinion is safe.

These are items that I picked up from Ulta.com. I knew that I was going to try out some new brushes because in my head (ain't that a scary place to be?!) I need more. So, I ordered two of the Eco Tools brushes-- the Tapered Blush Brush and the Custom Coverage Buffing Brush. I haven't used the buffing brush yet (see how much I needed it) but I have tried the blush brush and I love it! The width is nice, the taper is nice, it's just a great brush. I have used this every day, washed it several times and not one hair has shed. Oh, and it's super soft. Gotta love that.

I also picked up an Essence lip liner in Red Blush. This was a price filler. I need to spend $10 and this liner helped me do it. I'm glad I didn't expect much from this liner because I didn't get much. It doesn't last on the lips and once you put on your lipstick, it moves. I mean moves! I was not a fan. I am soooo glad that this was just a filler. I'd have been very disappointed if I were expecting more.

The reason I needed a filler was because I purchased the NYX Illuminator in Chaotic. I had heard really good things about this product and was very excited to get it. When you see this pretty peachy pink color, you honestly think it's going to warm your cheeks and add a glow. It doesn't do that. In fact, it doesn't do anything for me. No warmth, no glow, no nuthin! The only saving grace for the Illuminator and the lip liner was that I got them for right at $5 total (Cyber Monday sale). I will be able to pass the Illuminator to a friend (a paler friend) that might be able to get some color from this. We'll see.

So my Ulta purchases were 50/50. Considering I only paid $13 for everything, I'll take it. The makeup brushes are worth that.

This has taught me that Ulta.com is probably not a good place for me. I definitely need to go into that store and try before I buy.

It's A Haul Y'all! - e.l.f.

Hey there!!

No, I'm not ashamed. No, I don't care if you think I should be ashamed. I know it looks like a lot of stuff (and it is) but it was during the e.l.f. 50% off sale! I needed stuff and just generally wanted stuff.

I picked up 3 lip liners (Bitter, Bark and Spice) because most of my liners are light. I had several darker ones like these but lip liners go fast at my makeup table. These three all looked nice and look! They all have sharpeners!

I have to have my Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Gel. I've tried more expensive ones but this one just works! This is a backup one cause you know I'm about to toss one and open another.

I picked up 3 lipsticks in total - Rich Raspberry, Barley Bitten and Rosy-Go-Round. I have one from my last haul but the color wasn't exactly what I was looking for. One of these has to be a keeper. 

I also ordered a lip exfoliator but I may have waited too long. My lips have been crazy for about a week. They began peeling and then they were raw. I guess that's the way it's supposed to be. I'm ready for them to be healed!

I'm going to give this Complete Coverage Concealer in medium and Flawless Finish Foundation in Caramel a chance. They might be the right color. Or, I might have to pass them on. We'll see. 

I told you that I was going to purchase the blush palette in light. I have the one in dark already and it stays on my counter. I NEVER put it away. I figure this palette will be the same. 

The Baked Highlighters looked too pretty to pass up. I've been on a highlighter quest lately. Hopefully these will work well and not make me look like a glitter ball.

The bronzer is one that came highly recommended. I hope I don't have to disown that friend. Bad makeup recommendations will mess a friendship up! (Just kidding-not kidding). 

And I had to stock up on my brushes. The kabuki was free but I already love the powder and blush brush. If you are starting out or hell, just looking for good makeup brushes, you want to try out the e.l.f. studio line. 

Now that I have told you all about my e.l.f. goodies and I have taken pictures, I can start using my products. I'm excited. I'll let you know how it goes!!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things - Warm PJs

Hey There!

We've had some temperature dips into the 30's. I know that some folks are like, "So what? We get below 40 on a regular". Well, we don't in Atlanta and I hate it when it gets cold.

So besides cocoa, bubble baths and candles, what does a girl do? Well, I put on my warm, fuzzy pajamas and curl up with a good book, TV or (of course) YouTube videos! I love nice pajamas. My mom did that to me. She loves a good pair of pjs too. In the summer I have some really nice night gowns (some a bit risqué!) that are light weight and easy to wear at night. In the winter, I need the heavy stuff and boy do I make sure I have plenty to choose from.

My favorite pjs aren't sets. I like fuzzy or flannel pajama pants that I can mix and match with a t-shirt material top. Oddly, my bottom half gets colder than the top half. I like to get pajama pants from Target, Wal-Mart and K-Mart. Yep. Sometimes I even go to the men's section. I like my pj pants big and bulky and fun.

My lightweight tops are usually long sleeve t-shirts from Old Navy. I go a size or two up and catch the discounted ones. Sometimes they are so big that I have to wear a tank underneath. That's ok. I like for my loose t-shirts to have long sleeves that come almost to my finger tips. Hey! Hands get cold too.

I don't do slippers. I HATE having shoes or anything on my feet. If I'm wearing socks, Frosty the Snowman is actually at my house. Maybe 3 or 4 nights out of the year do I start out with socks. By midnight, I've kicked those suckers off.

And then what do I do when it's time to actually go to bed? Well, I normally trade the fuzzy bottoms for a pair of Cuddle Duds (or store like brand) long john pants and the t-shirt top for just the tank that's underneath. Then I snuggle beneath a sheet, a blanket, a comforter and then ANOTHER blanket (and that's why I have to sleep light!). I can't sleep in heavy clothes but I love to wear them around the house.

And if you come over to my place between December 24 and January 5, that is the treat that you are in for. I have several day's worth of pjs that I am soooo ready to break out.

What are you wearing to bed these days? You ready for some flannels?

Ipsy Bag - December - Preview

Hey there!

I dunno folks. I’m not sure how much of a review that you good people will be getting this month. I must say the contents of Ipsy bag fell flat for me this month.

My 5 items this month were a Beauty Without Cruelty A.H.A. 3% Facial Cleanser, NYX Cosmetics Butter Lip Balm, Pixi by Petra Fairy Dust, Swissco Electroplated Eyelash Curler and a tarte deluxe lights, camera, lashes 4-in-1 mascara. 

I’m going to be totally honest and tell you that 2 things right off the bat are going in holiday goodie bags. I won’t be able to give you a review on those things because it will be after the holidays. 1 of the items will be loved (and you probably know which thing that is) and the other 2, well….. I dunno.

The bag itself was a bit on the cheapy, cheapy side this time. I was hoping for a bit more with it being December and all. I REALLY have to think about this bag. Let me play with it and then I'll come back and tell you what I think.

And here it is- what is an Ipsy Bag?(<-- a link to the about Ipsy page only, however my personal link is below), Ipsy is a subscription service makeup bag and for $10 a month, you get a bag and 5 beauty items -- sometimes full size, most of the time sample sizes. Some of the companies that supply items are very well known and some are lesser known companies.