Thursday, June 26, 2014

7 Things: Favorite Lip Products:

I was going to limit this post to favorite lip colors, but really I’m not very different when it comes to my lip color.  I was looking through my lipsticks, and I noticed that I have pretty much all of the same color.  So, I picked the items that I use the most. 


1.       Covergirl #280 Rapture
It has more shimmer than what’s showing up. I usually throw this one on if I’m not really sure what I’ll be doing.
2.       Flower LS7 So Gladiola
I noticed that this one is really just the matte version of the one above.  So if I want less shimmer, I go to this one. 
3.       Revlon #063 Wild Watermelon 
This one is a lip butter, and it was my first red color.  I like to wear this one more in the fall or spring.  I like paring it with my mint sweater.
4.       Rimmel London Showoff #300 Out of this World 
When I want to go pink this is my go to.  I’m not a big fan of lip gloss but this one, and the one below, are my favorites ever. 
5.       Rimmel London Showoff #500 Luna
This is another one that I noticed is just like 1 and 2 but in lipgloss form.  It’s a solid color meaning that is has no shimmer but it is shinny like a lip gloss. 
6.       Maybelline Lip Liner Clear
I’ve talked about this one before, and I still love it.
7.       Burt’s Bees Revitalizing Blueberry & Dark Chocolate
Everyone need a chapstick, and this one smells amazing.  I didn’t know that it had dark chocolate in though, so if you’d rather it be chocolate, you’re out of luck. 

xx
 
 

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Recipe: Oreo Truffles:

So, just a short story, I’ve been having sleeping issues, so I asked my mom to get me a package of Oreos  while she was out, so she did so, but she wasn’t clear on why I was asking for Oreos, and she only got me a small sleeve.  This sleeve included only 13 cookies (why 13, I don’t know) and so I just looked at a different set of Oreos and saw that there were 24 in a pack, so I just used 12 cookies and half of the cream cheese.  Also, I forgot to take a before everything was opened pic, so the cookies are already a little smashed.  Soz.
The full recipe down below, should make 36 truffles. 

Ingredients:
1 package of Oreos
1 8oz package of Cream Cheese 
melting chocolate



Directions:
Set out seven cookies and crumble them using a Ziploc bag or a food processor (optional.)


Crush the remaining cookies.


Add in the cream cheese and blend with the back of a large spoon.


Place the cookies on a cookie sheet on wax paper.


Melt the chocolate according to the instructions provided. 
While melting the chocolate, chill the cookies.


Roll the balls in the chocolate, then place back onto the wax paper cookie sheet. 


Let the chocolate harden.  (I put them back into the freezer.)

Enjoy!
xx


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Garnier Fructis Marvelous Oil Deep Nourish Review:


Last month I noticed that Garnier Fructis was giving out free samples of their newish marvelous oil.  I have wanted to try an oil treatment for my hair for the longest time, and I was really excited that they were offering samples.  I put in my information, and then I started to wait.  It took around four weeks to get here, maybe a little less, and then I waited two weeks until I was ready to try it. 
They offer three different types, the one that I got, deep nourish, then they have one for color treated hair and then one that is for frizzy damaged hair.  If they’re still offering samples, then you’ll get the marvelous oil, you don’t get to choose, which is fine by me.

Let me tell you a little bit about my hair.  I have straight hair.  I can’t do much to it because it all just falls out.  Even teasing dirty hair, with dry shampoo and hair spray it tends to fall flat.  I also have a tendency to touch my hair/ scratch my head and my hair get super greasy really fast.  Even without a lot of touching it tends to get greasy.  I do sometimes deep cleanse my hair, just in case of product build up, but I don’t have a scheduled timing for that.  I just do it when I remember.
I also don’t get regular haircuts.  I’ll sometimes take scissors to the ends of my hair, but I probably only get my hair cut by someone twice a year.  So, as you probably can guess, my ends get a little dry and frizzy looking.  That’s why I have been wanting to try an oil treatment.  

The oil itself, at first, smelled a little bit like coconuts, but as I was putting it through my hair, the coconut smell went away, and a light sweet smell took its place.  I love the way it smells.  There are five ways that you can use this oil. Those ways were mentioned, but the full instructions were not included. I had to visit the website to see which way I could use it. (if it had to be dry or wet hair.) 

This is what the website told me:
Use in any of 5 ways:
1. Pre-Shampoo Treatment: apply to wet or dry hair before shampooing to prime hair for gentle cleaning.
2. Conditioner Booster: Add 1 or 2 drops to conditioner to improve detangling.
3. Blow-Dry Accelerator: Apply to damp hair to dry faster than a conditioning cream leave in.
4. Ends Finisher: Apply to damp or dry ends to smooth split ends and tame flyaways.
5. Overnight Leave-In: Work into wet or dry hair, leave in overnight to restore softness.

 I decided on the overnight repair on wet hair. 

I used the whole sample, but I think that was a little bit too much, because I can feel a little bit of residue.  Not while touching my hair, but on my hands after.  My ends are very soft, I can definitely feel a difference.  I don’t see a difference in the shininess, but I have naturally shinny hair.  I wouldn’t say that it’s lightweight. 
In the end, would I suggest this to a friend?  Yes.  Would I go out and buy a bottle?  Yes.  I plan on it.  I like the way my hair feels.  It’s super soft and I like the smell.  I don’t know if the others have different smells to them, I might go to the store and see soon. 

If you have tried Garnier Fructis Marvelous oil, did you like it?  Let me know.
xx 



Thursday, June 19, 2014

7 Things: Favorite Physical CDs


I have a lot of music that I love, and I have a lot of CDs on my iPod but I don’t have the physical copies of all of my favorites.   I love having the physical CD because it means that I can take it to more places.  Not all cars have the ability to take iPods and I just can’t stand the radio.  They play all of the same songs and all that other horrible mess.   I guess you could say I’m still stuck in the times of making mixed CDs rather than getting an adapter put into my car. 

1.       Ed Sheeran +
2.       Avenged Sevenfold Nightmare
3.       Demi Lovato Unbroken
4.       Rise Against  Appeal to Reason
5.       Demi Lovato
6.       Conor Maynard Contrast
7.       Blink-182 Greatest Hits

Anyways, these are my favorite physical copies.  They all have great meaning to me from some point in my life.  And I will cherish them forever.
xx


Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Mixed Drink: Nuts and Berries:


This cocktail is so yummy!  I found it to be a little bit strong, but you can leave out the vodka if you want a sweeter taste.   It’s also a very simple drink.  All you need to do is add it to a shaker.  Also, if you have them, you can garnish the drink with raspberries to make it look more presentable. 
To make two, double the ingredients below!

Ingredients:
1 oz Hazelnut Liqueur 
1 oz Raspberry Liqueur 
1 oz Vodka 
1 oz Half and Half



Directions:

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake.  Pour into a martini glass and serve.  


Enjoy!
xx 

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Empties #3:


Today I have my 3rd empties post.  I love these posts!  I don’t really know why but I can’t  get enough of them!   These are all smell good products this week.  Lots of soap.  Haha.


Dove Go Fresh Bodywash Blue Fig & Orange Blossom Scent:
Dove is my go-to brand when it comes to bodywash.  I tend to switch it up between this scent and the plum and sakura blossom.  I have no idea what a blue fig or an orange blossom are supposed to smell like, but I can tell you that this body wash so refreshing.  There is a light floral scent with like a creamy smell to it. As for being super moisturizing, it is.  I’ve never had another body wash be so moisturizing.   I love it and I suggest you got to your local store and give this one a try.  


The Bodyshop Shower Gel Atlas Mountain Rose Scent:
My last empties post had the other two shower gels that I got with this one.  And I do love them.  I find The Body Shop to be a little bit pricy vs going to a drugstore, and that is why I haven’t repurchased anything by them.  They are definitely a brand that I would visit around Christmas time or my birthday for a splurge, but as for every time I run out of soap, I can’t do that right now. 


Puffs Fresh Faces Wipes Light Lavender Scent:
This was my first box of these little face wipes, and I liked them to a point.  What it says on the back of the box is that they remove make-up and they can help you freshen up after a workout or if you have a runny nose.  They are primarily saline, aloe and vitamin E.
  The smell is a little off putting. I didn’t ever get lavender when I smelled them.  These are amazing for taking off my mascara and only my mascara.  I’ve struggled with other make-up wipes and these do the trick, but not so much for my other make-up which I found odd.   They are a nice thing to have in my bag after I’ve gone shopping and I just feel like my hands are covered in dirt and if it’s a hot day, I use them to freshen up my face a bit.
The only problem I have with the packaging is the lid.  It snaps in place fine, and opens fine, but about the third or fourth time I opened them, I noticed that they were dryer than before and that is when I discovered that the lid had slightly separated from the box, leaving air space. 
I got the other scent about two weeks ago and I like that one much better.  I’ll let you know if the lid of this box breaks off too. 


Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser:
I love this face wash.  I really do.  It works just as it says it does.  I’ve also never had any problem with my face becoming red because of the exfoliating beads.  It also works really well with my problem areas.  When I use it consistently, I don’t have any problem areas. 


Sunflowers by Elizabeth Arden Perfume:
This has been one of my favorite perfumes since I was about 13 or 14.  An old friend of my used it and I loved it, so I started wearing it.   It might be a little strong for some, but I’ve never had complaints of it being too strong from the people around me.  (I have one perfume like that.)   I love it.  It’s definitely a go to for me. 


There you have it, all of the empties that I have collected recently.  Let me know if you’ve used any! 
Xx


Thursday, June 12, 2014

7 Things: Favorite Books:

These are my favorite books.  The ones that made me cry, made me think, and just made me happy.  
A few of these books I have written about before, so you might have already read how I feel about these books.  But I love these books, and I can't get over them.
 When I was younger, the books that I read  were the forced books that were assigned for class, and I never really liked them, so I never really liked reading.  That is until  I was about 17 and I haven't stopped reading since. 

I got Gone with the Wind, The Last Victim, and Dear John at a second hand shop.  That is why they're so beaten up.  I don't know what happened to Lucas.  


Gone With the Wind
I fell in love with the movie a really long time ago.  I think I've been watching it since I was six or seven.   I bought the book two years ago, I think, and I instantly started reading it.  It amazes people that I have read this book.  (Great company I keep right?)  I'm actually planning on re-reading this book over the summer.  I also have been planning two different tattoos from this book. 

The Last Victim
I saw this movie called "Dear Mr. Gacy" On T.V. about two or three years ago and at the end I found out that there was a book that went along with it.  I read this book in about two days.  It a very dark and emotional book.  But it's not bawl my eyes out emotional, it's play with your mind emotional.  Jason, the narrator, tries to get into a few different serial killers minds, mainly John Wayne Gacy, and really Gacy gets into his mind.  (If you know anything about Gacy then you'll know how twisted he is.)  It's a great read if you're interested in Serial Killers. 

The Outsiders
I read this book when I was 14 and then I re-read it when I was 20.  I love this book.  This is one of those I've read the book and seen the movie, and I think that the movie did the book justice.  I've never read then instantly watched, but I think that the movie was done really well.  This also is another book where I want a tattoo from.  But not "Stay Gold" because too many people have that.  I would want one that people would have to ask about, not just know.  


Lucas 
This book intrigued me a lot.  I got it when I was 12, and didn't touch it until  I was 19.  I liked it because it kind of put me into the mind of a teenager in the UK. I had never read a book that was written by someone from the UK until then, and I felt like it was a little different than an american teenager.  (Maybe I just have a complex. I don't know.)  Anyways, I thought about this book for a while after I finished it, and I really want to re-read it just because.  

The Bell Jar
I have written about this book before.  I'm pretty sure this was the first book I've read this year. (I'm actually in a book funk atm.)  When I read it, I fell in love.  I've always known about Sylvia Plath, and I've read a few of her poems for an English class, but I never thought that I would really like something by her.  Poems really aren't my cup of tea, but I decided to give The Bell Jar a try after I took the English class.  I'm glad that I did.  If you have never read this book, I really do suggest it.  


Dear John
I've thought about doing a whole separate post on all of the Nicolas Sparks books I own but for now, I have picked my favorite.  I am a sucker for a book that makes me cry.  Anything that will tear my heart out I will read.  This book did it for me.  I saw the movie first, then read the book very quickly, and then re-watched the movie, and let me tell you the movie is awful compared to the book.  I now hate the movie because of reading the book.  

White Lines 
This book makes me smile, makes me laugh, makes me angry, and makes me cry.  I love this book. I think I got this book around the age of 16 or 17 but didn't read it until I was 18 or 19.   There is a second one, but that one is not as good as this one.  If you have no interest in drugs then this book is not for you.  I definitely cried during this book.  I loved it.  

xx 

Other Book Posts: 

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Recipe: Baci Di Dama Cookies:


About two months ago now, I went to Wegmans and spotted little green cookies that looked so delicious I had to buy them.  When I tasted them, I liked them so much, I decided to look up what kind of cookies they were and how to make them.  I then wrote down the how to and now  I have finally made them. 
I did go against the rules a little bit because I used chopped hazelnuts from a package instead of getting hazelnuts that I had to prepare myself and  I used chocolate chips instead of chopped up chocolate squares because I already had some in the house. 
Ingredients:
1 ¼ cup Toasted Hazelnuts 
1 cup Rice Flour 
3 ½ oz Unsalted Butter, Room Temperature 
½ cup Sugar
2 oz Bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate 
A Pinch of Salt


Directions:

Pulse hazelnuts until very fine then transfer them into a bowl. 


Add the Rice Flour.


Cut the butter up into pieces then add it to the mix along with the sugar and salt. 


Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until it stay together and is smooth. 


Divide the dough into three equal parts. 


Roll them out until they’re 2cm.  (I kind of just guessed at this part...I'm not very good at measurements.) 


Chill the dough until they’re firm.  I put them in the freezer and they were firm 15 minutes later. 
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
Take the chilled logs out one by one and cut equal sized pieces and roll them into marble sized balls.


Bake them for 10 to 14 minutes or until they are a light gold brown color.


Match up the cookie sizes as much as possible.


While they’re cooling take the 2 oz of chocolate and put it over simmering heat.  


When it’s fully melted take a small about and spread it onto the cookies. 



Now enjoy them!
xx 


Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Garnier Ultra Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Night Cream Review:

This cream costs exactly $14.47 at walmart
I got this face cream a week ago, and it says on the box that you’ll see results in five days.   I’ve been using it for seven, and I don’t see any results, but I can feel them.   By which I mean that my skin is softer and feels smoother than it did five days ago.  This was also the only cream that I was putting on my face, except for a one time use of Estee Lauder Advanced Time Zone.   The reasoning behind that was because I didn’t want any interference in my testing. 
The cream itself is heavy, which is to be expected since it is a night cream.  For me it was a little bit hard to get it to fully absorb into my skin.   I tried different amounts from what I normally put to a whole lot less and I still had a little trouble.  When I woke up the next day, I could still slightly feel it on my t-zone. 
My biggest problem with this cream is its smell.  Garnier usually has a typical fruitish smell to all of their products but this one is more like heavy hot plastic.  It’s not something that I can see myself getting used to; unless it after the jar is empty I see a vast improvement in my skin. 
As for the packaging, the jar is glass and the top is plastic.  It’s seems like a very durable jar, I don’t see myself breaking it, or it breaking if I were to take it on a journey with me.  It surprised me that it’s as heavy as it is, but that just makes me feel like it’s even more durable. 
When I use it all up, I’ll give an update on how much it worked for me, currently I would suggest it to a friend who was looking for a new night cream to try that is in the affordable drugstore range. 

xx



Thursday, June 5, 2014

7 Things: Favorite T.V. Shows


I have more than 7 favorite T.V. shows, and I might actually have a part two coming up.  These are just my can't miss loves.


Pretty Little Liars:
I've been watching this show from the very beginning and I still love it!  PLL is about four friends who lost one of their best friends.  Ali was the leader of the group, and her death tore the girls apart.  That is until they all started to receive anonymous texts from someone.   This person has been making heir life hell for a few years now, and we're finally getting down to who has been destroying everything  these girls love.  
There is zoo much more but I don't want to ruin anything if you haven't watched it. 

Teen Wolf: 
Teen Wolf is another show that I hav been with since the start!  I love this show and all of the actors in it.  (hotties!!). 
Teen Wolf is about a group of friends who are trying to protect their town. There are werewolves, hunters, healers, and so much more.  Every season has a differeent mythological aspect to it.  I'm so excited for the new season and finding out whee theyre taking them 

Switched at Birth: 
Again, been there since the beginning.  I love that this show has ASL in it and the writers are bringing an insight into the deaf community.  
This show is about how Bay and Daphne were switched at birth  and they were brought together and forced to live with each other so bob families could get to know each other.  
There is a lot of teenage drama in this show, but I love it. 

Awkward: 
I love, love, love, this show even though it is getting to be a little bit ridiculous. 
Jenna's life is full of awkward moments and she doesn't really know how to take them.  She has Ben in love with the same guy ever since they hooked up at  summer camp and when they finally became official, he still wanted to keep her a secret.  That of course blew up, whe didn't communicate well, and now they're awkward friends.  
It's a funny show, but like any scripted MTV show it requires a special taste. 

The Vampire Diaries:
This show, kills me. I can't get enough of this show. I started this show on Netflix and I covered four seasons in a really short time. I fell in love, and the season five finale killed me. 
TVD is about Elena who has a hard life. Her parents died when she was 16 and Shortly after she met Stefan. The started a romance, she finds out he's a vampire, and her world changes. Lots happens, like an evil dopoalganger, and now Elena is also a vampire, her brother a vampire hunter (non practicing of course) and many of here friends are either dead, or also a vampire.  
It's a great show, love!! 

The Originals: 
This show is a spin-off of TVD. This one follows around Klaus and Elijah who are the original vampires. Klaus is a hard headed ass who can't change his ways.  When he tries to be good someone comes out and screws him over. Elijah on the other hand is as loyal to his brother as he can get.  No matter what Klaus does, Elijah helps him out of the problem.

Roseanne: 
This Is my all time favorite show ever!  If the re-runs are on, 99% of the time I'm watching it. 
Roseanne is about a family who is living from paycheck to paycheck and trying to be the best family they can. This family is full of love, and in the end they are always there for each other.
I also think I get most of my sarcasm from Roseanne.  I just love her humor!

Do you watch any of these shows?  Let me know!
xx


Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Mixed Drink: Ginger Lemon Summer Day:


A long time ago, my mom bought Lemoncello thinking it would be a nice drink, but when she got it, it was like drinking lemon pledge.   I’ve looked all over the internet trying to find a simple recipe that used it, and I just wasn’t really feeling the recipes.  So, I took it into my own hands to create my very own.  I didn’t really know what to call it, so I pulled from every which way.  Ginger, from the ginger ale, Lemon from the lemoncello, and summer day from the day I decided to make it. 

Ingredients:
1 oz Vodka 
2 oz Lemoncello
10 oz Ginger Ale 
1 tbsp Confectioner Sugar 
A splash of Grenadine.


Directions:
Add the vodka, lemoncello, and confectioner sugar to a glass full of ice.  Stir together until the sugar is dissolved.   (You can use a shaker if you please.)  Then top it off with the ginger ale.  Add a splash of grenadine and there you have it, Ginger Lemon Summer Day.  

Without Grenadine
With Grenadine
The grenadine is optional, but I feel it adds a sweeter push, and I didn’t use a full table spoon of confectioner sugar. 
Also, lemoncello is very,VERY, lemony.  I have also made this drink with just one oz of lemoncello, and it’s still delicious. 

Enjoy! 

If you make this tell me!  I’d like to know if it’s not just me who likes it. 

xx

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Shopping Haul!


Over the weekend I went shopping like always and I found a few cute items, I don’t have all of them in this post, but I have a new post coming up with the rest of my finding soon. 
I also bought two new things, and one thing in a different scent.  (Great explanation Ann…) 


First things first, the earrings!  I found these at target.  When I saw them I fell in love!   I spotted the cat ones first, and then I saw the bow ones and I just couldn’t choose between the two, so I bought both.  They cost $7.99 each, and I’m so excited to pair them with outfits.


I bought this deodorant on a whim.  I needed a new one, and I picked this one out because it said it was rose scented.  When I smell it, and wear it, rose is not what I get.  It’s very sweet, but not floral.  It also says that it lasts 48 hours, but it doesn’t.  This one also has an odd build up.  I don’t really know how to describe it, but it’s kind of like it balls up when it’s been on for a while.  My favorite one doesn’t say how long it last, but it does have some pretty strong hold.  I don’t think I’ll repurchase this one.  I’m not exactly sure on how much it costs, but it couldn’t be more than $3. 


This is my second box of these little wipes.  (Empties post coming soon.)  I like the wipes.  This scent is in fresh scent, and it smells a little citrus like.  I didn’t like the other scent, and I’ll go more into about this product soon.  I think I paid about $5 for them. 


I’ve been looking for a night face cream for a while now.  I’m a little weary of garnier products after disliking their BB cream so much, but I decided to give it a go because my sister told me that it’s a nice cream.  I also chose this one because it has retinal in it.  It says that you’ll see results in five days,  and when I do start seeing results I’ll be sure to tell you.   The only thing I currently don’t like about it is its smell.  It kind of smells like warm plastic.  Not nice.   This one was my priciest I paid exactly $14.47 for it.  That one I remember, because I was having a conversation in the face aisle with my sister about the outrageous prices.  (Yes, I know, they’re cheaper than what many buy. ) 


Anyways, have you ever tried any of the above products?  Let me know! 
Xx