Crocheting Project: Granny Square Solid Squares Scarf Updated

Hello Everyone!

 

Disclaimer:

 My apologies for the missing pictures. My pictures were accidentally deleted off my blog. Please Refer to my Instagram account miss_pilar to view the pictures (or some of the pictures) that were deleted.  

 

 

 

Today I have an updated crochet post. Back in August 2013 I crocheted this granny solid color scarf, but I was never really satisfied with it. I put it away until I was going through some of my crochet accessories and came across this scarf. I just added a white border and re-fringed this granny scarf. Since it's been so cold and rainy I thought it would be a perfect time to work on this scarf. I really love how this scarf turned out. Now it feels complete! 

 

Left: Before Photo August 2013

Right: Updated February 2015

If you want to see the materials from my original scarf click here click here

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Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 Review

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Disclaimer:

 My apologies for the missing pictures. My pictures were accidentally deleted off my blog. Please Refer to my Instagram account miss_pilar to view the pictures (or some of the pictures) that were deleted.  

 

As most beauty bloggers know, the Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 Palette has been out for a few months. So today I bring you my thoughts about this palette. To read my Naked Basics Review click here

Appearance

 

 

 

- Hard rubberized case that snaps together

- Large mirror

- Small sized palette with six full sized shadows

 

- Great for travel or makeup bag

- No brush included

 

Swatches left to right:

Skimp, Stark, Frisk, Cover, Primal, and Undone

FOTD using UD Naked Basics 2 Palette

 

 

I used the top picture from the last post

My Thoughts 

Honestly I'm so glad I changed my mind about purchasing this palette because I really like the colors. I reach for this palette more than I use my Naked Basics Palette. I had my reservations about buying this palette because I was saying to myself "It looks so similar to the first Naked Basics." Now that I own both, I see they're different. Even though the first edition is great, I find that this one seems more natural which I really like. The colors blend really well and fallout is moderate. I like to keep this palette in my makeup bag especially if I've created a natural makeup look for the day. I don't think it's necessary to have both, unless you're like me and really love Urban Decay Eyeshadows. If I had to choose one it would be the Naked Basics 2.

Do you own the Naked Basics and/or Naked Basics 2 Palette(s)? 

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It Cosmetics CC+Liquid Lip Serum Review

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Disclaimer:

 My apologies for the missing pictures. My pictures were accidentally deleted off my blog. Please Refer to my Instagram account miss_pilar to view the pictures (or some of the pictures) that were deleted.  

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me by It Cosmetics for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own.

Today I have a review for you on these CC+Liquid Lip Serums from It Cosmetics. I've heard good things about this brand and I've wanted to their products, so when their company reached out to me to write a review I was pretty excited! 


About Their Products:

WHAT IS IT?

Innovative Technology is IT. Developed with leading plastic surgeons, IT Cosmetics creates clinically proven, innovative problem-solving makeup and skin care products that harness cutting edge, anti-aging technologies and high performance, skin-loving ingredients to provide you with serious beauty solutions that help you look and feel your most beautiful!

Clinically Proven Skin Loving Problem Solutions

- Developed with world renowned plastic surgeons and dermatologists

- Never tested on animals, every IT Cosmetics product we develop is 100% cruelty-free

- Infused with good-for-you, skin-loving, high performance ingredients for your most beautiful skin

- Only natural, physical and chemical-free sunscreens are used in IT Cosmetics products to suit even your most sensitive skin

- Real women getting real results and spreading the word is how IT Cosmetics has been built. IT girls, IT moms, IT survivors. IT's all about you!

Claims:

Why You Will Love IT

Developed with leading plastic surgeons, our brand new CC+ Lip Serum is a color-correcting liquid crème gloss takes Your Lips But Better to a whole new level of gorgeous lip color and hydration. Packed with good for you, Anti-Aging ingredients, it leaves your lips feeling hydrated while maintaining their color correcting color.

The CC+ Lip Serum is clinically proven to color correct and provide intense hydration to your lips for the true look and feel of Your Lips But Better.

Packed with good for you Anti-Aging ingredients such as clinically proven Collagen, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, plus 9 essential butters and oils, the CC+™ Lip serum provides for the ultimate lip treatment.

Key Benefits:Lip Serum + Color Correcting CC+ all in one!

Clinically proven color correcting Ultra-hydrating, Anti-Aging lip treatment


Packaging

 

Front of Package

 

Back of Package 

 

CC + Liquid Lip Serums in Love and Live

 

CC + Liquid Lip Serum in Love

 

 

 

Love is a brownish pink color

 

Me wearing Love

CC + Liquid Lip Serum in Live

 

 

 

Live is a medium pink color

 

Me wearing Live

My Thoughts

I absolutely love both lip serums!  I also love the shiny silver package these lip serums come in, it's so pretty! The lip serums comes in a nice tube as well. The wand inside the tube is also nice and easy to use. They're both really pigmented and average lasting. I've worn each lip serum for about 4 hours. However, when I ate or drank something I did have to reapply. I'm still pleased with the results of how long they last. I also like how these lip serums glide on my lips and they're also non sticky. I don't know about you, but I know that I hate sticky feeling lip products. After wearing the lip serum throughout the day, my lips felt hydrated and even rejuvenated. Another factor I also like how these lip serums are true to color. This is truly a what you swatch, is what you get (or at the least the ones I have). The lip serums have a very light smell I want to say vanilla, but it's very faint. If you're a person who doesn't like heavily scented lip products, you may want to try these. To me the smell is almost undetected. These lip serums are $24.00 each. I feel they're worth the money because you can wear them alone or on top of lipstick, and I don't have to constantly reapply. I plan on buying a few of these CC + Liquid Lip Serums in the near future.


Shipping and more information about It Cosmetics

- Ground Shipping is $5.95) Free for orders over $25: Order by 10am Eastern Standard Time for your order to arrive 2-7 business days from date of purchase. (To see other shipping options and prices, please refer to the It Cosmetics website)

- Currently It Cosmetics doesn't ship to Canada, but are sold in Canada on the shopping channel.

- It Cosmetics also doesn't ship Internationally at this time.

- For more information about It Cosmetics and It Cosmetics products, checkout their website at www.itcosmetics.com



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The Liebster Award

Hello Everyone! 

 

I've been nominated for another lovely Liebster Award :) (my 8th award) by fellow blogger Jackie @tifi11.blogspot.com
Make sure you check out her awesome blog!

Here are the rules.


1- Thank and link the person who nominated you.
2- Answer the question given by the nominator.
3 -Nominate 11 small blog or (under 200)
or who you think deserve this award.
4- Create 11 new question for the nominees to answer.
5- Notify nominee by via social  media or blog.



Jackie's Questions:

1- What do you prefer to blog about?

I like to blog about a variety of things, but my favorites are inspirational and beauty posts.

2- If you had to choose which one you prefer to wear skirt or dresses?

Dresses

3- Do you consider yourself wild or boring?

I'm not wild, but I'm not boring either lol

4- You just won extremely amount of money what will be the first thing you do?

Give part of the money to a church. Tithing is important to me. 

5-Movies or reading?

Movies

6- Are you vegetarian or meat lover and why?

I eat meat, but I'm trying to cut back though 

7- Did you ever met a famous person?

Nope

8-Who means the world to you?

My mom. I love her so much! 

9-Do you write letters or type?

Usually type letters 

10- You could only pick one Cell or Laptop which one you will need the most?

Cell phone since I'm always using on it

11-Do you consider any of the bloggers you visit your friend?

Yes


My Questions for the Nominees:

1. Are you ready for Winter to be over?

2. Favorite YouTube Beauty Guru?

3. What is your dream job?

4. Favorite comfort food?

5. Who inspires you the most? 

6. Have you ever traveled internationally? 

7. Dream vacation?

8. Do you believe the glass is half empty or half full?

9. Favorite actor/actress?

10. What type of blogs do you enjoy?

11. Do you have any secret talents? 


I tag anyone who wants to participate and thanks Jackie for nominating me!


Thanks for stopping by my blog! 

Depression Awareness: My Story

Hello Everyone!

 

Today I have a personal post about my experiences with depression. I figured the best way to discuss depression awareness is to start with my own story.

August 2009 My Clinical Depression diagnosis 

Before I started my senior year in college, I went to the doctor for a checkup it was there that I went to her that I was feeling down lately. After having a conversation with her and describing my symptoms, she diagnosed me with Clinical Depression. Honestly already had an idea that for I was suffering from depression, especially after taking all those psychology class to obtain my B.A. in Psychology.

Dealing with Depression 

Now let's fast forward to the present. I still struggle with depression, but that doesn't mean it controls of my life. I have days that are great and then I have days that aren't so great. When I'm having a bad day, I try to remain positive. That's so important. Over the years, I've come to realize that my depression is usually based on situations that are caused by highly stressful events. 

I think one of the misconceptions of depression is people are constantly unhappy which is not true. There is hope for people that struggle with depression. Finding a treatment that works for you will help you on your journey to feel better (antidepressants, therapy etc). I know that I find therapy and medication has helped me in the past. Talking about how I feel helps me feel better and besides it's not healthy to bottle up your feelings. I also found medication helped me feel better and combat against my symptoms from depression. Having depression is challenging sometimes, but it doesn't have to control your life. There is hope and help to feel better.

Stay tuned for more upcoming posts related to depression awareness and my own personal experiences.

Side Note: I know that depression is a sensitive topic, so if anyone doesn't feel comfortable leaving a comment in the comment section below, feel free to send me an email beautyandmorebypilar@gmail.com 

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Valentine's Day Haul

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone! 

 

Disclaimer:

 My apologies for the missing pictures. My pictures were accidentally deleted off my blog. Please Refer to my Instagram account miss_pilar to view the pictures (or some of the pictures) that were deleted.  

 

 

 

I hope everyone is enjoying Valentine's Day :) To celebrate Valentine's Day, Of course I had to treat myself to a Victoria's Secret and MAC haul.  

Viva Glam Miley (Amplified)

 

I promised myself I wouldn't purchase anymore pink lipstick, but sadly I was lying to myself lol

 

Such a gorgeous pink shade! 

PINK Tote Bag

 

I purchased this with my rewards card and I only paid  $7.77 A very good deal! I have the undies and bras in the bag lol

Fashion Show Large Cosmetic Bag

 

This was such steal for this cosmetic bag! It was on clearance for $7.99

VS Stripe Travel Tote Roll

 

This was another clearance item for 10.99. I love this cosmetic roll case!

 

Inside the travel roll

 

The roll can detach from the case

 

Travel roll

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Inspirational Post: What Makes Me Smile

Hello Everyone!

Disclaimer:

 My apologies for the missing pictures. My pictures were accidentally deleted off my blog. Please Refer to my Instagram account miss_pilar to view the pictures (or some of the pictures) that were deleted.  

To keep the ball rolling on good vibes, Today I have an inspirational post/list of all the things that make me smile. I consider this post inspirational because it's filled with positive vibes. 

1. Paying it forward 

2. Reading and hearing stories of other people paying it forward

3. Telling people that are close to me how much they mean to me

4. Watching the sunrise or sunset

5. Cooking and baking (homemade food I make myself)

6. Writing 

7. Spending the day engaging in activities I enjoy.

8. Successfully learning how to do something new. (crocheting is one of favorite skills so far)

9. Getting a good night's sleep

10. Accomplishing my goals 

11. Hearing good news 


What makes you smile?


Side Note: I will post my first depression awareness post next week.


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29 Things I've learned So Far

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Ever since I turned 29 in December, I've been thinking a lot about the things I've learned (and still learning) along the way. For today's inspirational post, here is a list I composed.

1. Prayer, Church, and reading the Bible can help through life's journey  (I'm not pushing my religious beliefs (Baptist) on anyone, just my opinion)

2. Things happen when they're supposed to.

3. You have to be patient. 

4. You'll see who's really there for you when it truly counts.

5. My mom is usually right. 

6. The tough things in life only make you stronger. 

7. No matter how much I deny it, sleep is very essential.

8. You'll ruin your 20's by constantly worrying about what you should be doing.

9. Your priorites change from your early twenties as you approach your late 20's.

10. Spoil yourself a little. You deserve it! 

11. Never settle for less than you deserve. This means anything in life.

12. If you're fortunate you'll have a few close people in your inner circle who are always there for you.

13. Never take things for granted.

14. Piggybacking off #13 don't let anyone take you for granted.

15. Use your voice and be heard!

16. Sometimes life can be the best teacher.

17. Cherish the people you love and let them know they're loved.

18. Take time out for yourself.

19. When you know better, you do better.

20. Life will have challenges, but life is also beautiful.

21. Let go of negativity...hence anger, bitterness, and frustration etc.

22. Learn to budget, you'll thank yourself later.

23. Some situations aren't worth a reaction.

24. Accept there are going to be things you can't change.

25. Engage in activities you enjoy and try to do them often. 

26. Don't take yourself and things in life so seriously all the time.

27. Don't compare yourself to others. 

28.  Some things in life aren't meant to be, but for every loss there is something better waiting for you.

29. Always know your worth.

Friday Night Fun Post

Hello Everyone!

 

I thought I would do a quick little fun post inspired from my Instagram account. Tonight I had breakfast for dinner. You ever just like to have breakfast food for dinner? I know I do lol. What are did you have for dinner? or what are you having for dinner?


Another thing on my Instagram account was the picture I posted below which was taken last Summer. You may remember this from my Mermaid FOTD post. I was tagged for the #20beautifulwomen tag and this is the picture I selected to post. I just really like it and I look so happy on this picture.

 

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Bath and Body Works Candle Review: Winter 2015

Hello Everyone! 

 

I realized that I never review any candles. I used to collect candles, but for some reason I stopped until lately when I found my love for candles again.


Bath and Body Works 


Merry Cookie

This is my favorite candle! Honestly I feel happy when burn this candle because it smells so good! On cold sniff the candle smells very strong, a powerful scent of vanilla butter cookies. When lit the throw smells amazing! The scent fills the room quickly and it smells like I'm baking a cake or cookies. 

Frosted  Cranberry 

 

My second favorite candle! On cold sniff, I primarily smell a sugary cranberry peach scent. When lit the throw is pretty strong, and I can smell more of the sugary peach scent. This candle also fills the room quickly. 


Vanilla Bean Noel

 

I get so frustrated with this candle sometimes! On cold sniff, the candle has a wonderful cocoa, vanilla, and caramel scent. The candles almost reminds me of Palmer's Cocoa Butter lol. When lit, the throw is weak. I think this candle is best used in a smaller room because I can smell the throw better. I also noticed that when burns about midway, I smell the throw better. If you burn this candle In a larger room, you probably may want to burn more than one of these candles. This candle has so much potential to be great if the throw was stronger.


Cinnamon Frosting 

 

I thought this candle would smell sweeter than it does, but it has a nice scent. On cold sniff and while lit, this candle reminds me of Quaker Apple and Cinnamon Oatmeal. The throw is really strong, and I like to burn this candle in the kitchen on bitter cold days.



Here's a bonus candle review: Yankee Candle 

Christmas Cookie

 

This candle reminds me of Bath and Body Works Merry Cookie except the candle has a light buttery vanilla scent. When lit the throw is ok, but it isn't all that strong. I don't like the wick on this particular candle because it doesn't seem to burn all that well. 



What are your favorite scented candles? 


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My Current Winter Skincare Products

Hello Everyone!

 

 

Disclaimer:

 My apologies for the missing pictures. My pictures were accidentally deleted off my blog. Please Refer to my Instagram account miss_pilar to view the pictures (or some of the pictures) that were deleted.  

 

 

 

During the Winter, I like to take extra care of my skin. For those of you who read my blog regularly, known that skin care is very important to me. Here are some of my current skin care items that I'm using.

I typically use body butter during the Winter since they're thick in texture and hydrate my skin well.

- Love Spell

 

A fruity (peach), sweet, and slightly floral jasmine scent

- Mango Temptation

 

A warm fruity mango and slightly floral scent

- Such a flirt

 

a floral white orchid and fruity starfruit sent to me this smells more floral

- Pink Sun Kissed luminous body butter

 

My  new favorite scent right now lol. This body butter has a coconut and slight vanilla scent the body mist smells amazing too.

Side note: this body butter has gold shimmer. I was unaware of this until I played it on my skin. I guess I really don't mind the shimmer.

- Sweet & Flirty Luminous Body Butter 

 

This body butter smells like a pink grapefruit with hints of sugar. I smell more of the grapefruit, but this body butter does have a sweet scent to it. Just like Sun Kissed, this body butter has a gold shimmer.

The Next products aren't body butter, but they work well for my skin 

- Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

 

I know I've ran this cream in the ground in past posts lol, but it's very good to use during this time of year. This moisturizer has no smell.

- Aveeno Positively Nourishing Comforting Whipped Soufflé

 

A coconut scent that's not too overpowering with hints of cocoa. I love this scent and I use it all during the year.

- Palmer's Cocoa Butter with Vitamin E

 

A thick moisturizer that smells just like cocoa. I also use this all year. The cocoa butter works well with decreasing blemishes and stretch marks.

Exfoliating is also an important part of my skin routine. I try to exfoliate my skin at least twice a week in the shower to maintain healthy skin and eliminate dead skin cells.

- Oh What Fun 2-in-1 Wash & Scrub

 

This is a limited edition body wash and scrub that  was sold at Victoria's Secret during the holidays. It smells like a sweet apple with lilac. This wash definitely has a holiday/Winter scent.

- Hot Crush 2-in-1 Wash & Scrub

 

A floral (Jasmine) and sugary scent. Honestly it doesn't smell anything like warm caramel to me lol. I just smell the sugar.

Last, but not least don't forget the loofah! 



What are some of your skin care products for Winter? 

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Valentine's Day Inspired Makeup Looks 2015

Hello Everyone!

 

Disclaimer:

 My apologies for the missing pictures. My pictures were accidentally deleted off my blog. Please Refer to my Instagram account miss_pilar to view the pictures (or some of the pictures) that were deleted.  

 

 

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so today I bring you a few Valentine's Day inspired makeup looks that I created. 

1. Sweetheart

 

 

 

Products Used:

 

* Eyes *

- NYX Eyeshadow Base (white)

- Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

 

  1. Nooner: Transition color
  2. Limit: In crease 
  3. Dust: In tear duct and all over the 
      lid, Blend Dust slightly into Limit

- Covergirl Bombshell Volume By  
  Lashblast Mascara

* Face *

- Cetaphil DermaControl Oil  
  Moisturizer (for preparation)

- Fashion Fair Oil Controlled Pressed 
  Powder (Fawn)

- Fashion Fair Fast Finish Foundation
  Stick (Butterscotch/Caramel)

* Lips *

- MAC Prep+Prime

- MAC Ruby Woo (Retro Matte)

- MAC Ruby Woo Lipglass

- MAC Ruby Woo Lip Pencil



2. I Heart Neutral

 

 

Products Used:

 

-MAC Paint Pot (Soft Ochre) for  
eyeshadow base

- Lorac Pro Palette

 

  1. Taupe: Transiton color 
  2. Mauve: In crease
  3. Lt. Pink: All over lid
  4. Sable: Outer V, blend into Lt.Pink  
      and Mauve on top of the lid

- Covergirl Bombshell Volume by  
  Lashblast Mascara

- Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (for 
  brows)


* Face *

- Cetaphil DermaControl Oil  
  Moisturizer (for preparation)

- Fashion Fair Oil Controlled Pressed 
  Powder (Fawn)

- Fashion Fair Fast Finish Foundation
  Stick (Butterscotch/Caramel)

* Lips *

- MAC Creme Cup (Creamsheen)

- NYX Lip Pencil Nude Truffle



3. Pink Kisses

 

 

Products Used:

 

- MAC Paint Pot (Soft Ochre) for 
  eyeshadow  base

- Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette:

  1. Nooner: Transition color

  2. Blackheart: All over the lid, blend on top of
      Nooner

- Covergirl Bombshell Volume by  
  Lashblast Mascara

- Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (for 
  brows)


* Face *

- Cetaphil DermaControl Oil  
  Moisturizer (for preparation)

- VS Baked Mineral Bronzing Powder  
  (Goddess) 

- Fashion Fair Fast Finish Foundation
  Stick (Butterscotch/Caramel)


* Lips *

- NYX Butter Lipstick Sweet Tart

- NYX Lip Pencil Edge Pink



4. Love, Pink

 

 

 

Products Used:

 

* Eyes *

- MAC Paint Pot (Soft Ochre) for 
  eyeshadow base

- Urban Decay Naked Palette:

 

 1. Nooner: Transition color
 2. Blackheart: All over the lid, blend
     on top of Nooner

- Covergirl Bombshell Volume by  
  Lashblast Mascara

- Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (for 
  brows)


* Face *

- Cetaphil DermaControl Oil  
  Moisturizer (for preparation)

- Fashion Fair Oil Controlled Pressed 
  Powder (Fawn)

- Fashion Fair Fast Finish Foundation
  Stick (Butterscotch/Caramel)

* Lips *

- MAC Pink Nouveau (Satin)

- NYX Butter Gloss Apple Strudel 

- NYX Lip Pencil Pinky



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