Birthday Glam 2017

Hello Everyone!

I hope that everyone celebrates had wonderful Christmas! I celebrated my 32nd Birthday on Christmas and today I wanted to share a glam look I created over my birthday weekend. THIS IS NOT THE LOOK I WORE ON MY ACTUAL BIRTHDAY. I'll have a full post next week about my birthday/Christmas. So stay tuned :)

Birthday Glam Makeup Products

Today I wanted to focus on this makeup look that is great to wear for a birthday or even celebrating the new year. Side Note: I made the bling headband to go along with my look.

Urban Decay Naked Palette: For the transition shade I used Naked. On the lid I'm wearing Buck. I went back into the crease and the Outer V with Creep to give a light smokey eye. 

To finish my eye makeup I used Creep on the lower lash line and a Maybelline Eyeshadow

I used Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser to prime my face. I went with Fashion Fair Foundation Stick (not shown) in Tawny, and Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in Caramel. I finished my face makeup with Fashion Fair Powder in Amber, and I used Milani Blush in Delizioso Pink to add a pop of pink

To continue using a pop of pink, I'm wearing MAC's Pink Nouveau and Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in Love Berry. 

FAN MOMENT! Covergirl liked another one of my pictures!!! :)

I want wish everyone a Happy New Year! I'll be back next week! :)


December 2017 Posts

Christmas Tree Decorations 2017

Grooming Products by Clio

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Yankee Candle

Candy Cane Lane

Christmas Cookies

Reflections 2017/Almost 32 Years Old 

Bakery Scented Candles ft. Yankee Candles

Simple Holiday Makeup

Derma E Hydrating Cleanser and Hydrating Night Cream

Hot Cocoa by the Christmas Tree

Christmas Related Posts

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Bath and Body Works and White Barn

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Projects with Pilar: Christmas Decor DIY's

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Hot Cocoa by the Christmas Tree

Hello Everyone!

Christmas/my Birthday is almost here! I probably won't be posting again next week, but I wanted to share a few more of my christmas memories :) I've really enjoyed sharing my holiday memories and traditions on my blog this holiday season.

Instant Hot Cocoa :) If you would like the recipe to my homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe CLICK HERE

Picture taken on National Hot Cocoa Day 

December 13, 2017

Hot Cocoa is my favorite hot drink during the colder months especially during the holidays.  I love having a cup of hot cocoa while looking at the Christmas tree. It's so peaceful. In speaking of lights, I used to love riding around town when I was a child to look at the Christmas lights in neighborhoods. I still love doing that :)

Another picture from National Hot Cocoa Day

My love for hot cocoa started when I was a little girl, During the holidays hot cocoa was always a staple in my house. I used to love when my mom would make me a cup of hot cocoa especially when she made it homemade with extra marshamallows!

As I sip my hot cocoa and look at the Christmas tree, I reflect on past Christmases. I think of some of my favorite holiday traditions over the years and I look forward to share those traditions with my own family someday.

I look at some the gifts under the tree and I feel one of the greatest gifts of all is to share with others. I said it once and I'll say it again, sharing is caring. I thank God for everything.

A few early birthday candles :)

As I prepare to share upcoming my birthday/Christmas with loved ones and friends, I want to take a moment to wish everyone that celebrates the holiday Merry Christmas and those who don't celebrate, have a happy holiday season :)
I will be posting again on December 26th or December 27th, but I plan on reading, responding, and commenting on blogs.

Pilar in the Pantry: Homemade Hot Chocolate


December 2017 Posts

Christmas Tree Decorations 2017

Grooming Products by Clio

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Yankee Candle

Candy Cane Lane

Christmas Cookies

Reflections 2017/Almost 32 Years Old 

Bakery Scented Candles ft. Yankee Candles

Simple Holiday Makeup

Derma E Hydrating Cleanser and Hydrating Night Cream

Christmas Related Posts

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Bath and Body Works and White Barn

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Projects with Pilar: Christmas Decor DIY's

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Derma E Hydrating Cleanser and Hydrating Night Cream

Hello Everyone!

* Disclaimer: This post contains PR Samples provided by Derma E for review purposes. I would like to thank Derma E for sending these products. All opinions are 100% my own.

Since the weather has been pretty cold lately, I'm all about keeping my skin hydrated. So when I received these facial hydrating products from Derma E last month, these products couldn't have come at a better time. Are these products providing hydration for my skin during the holidays lol? Well before I answer that, here's more information about each of the products.


* Product information is courtesy of Dermae.com

Derma E Hydrating Cleanser 

(Previously known as Hyaluronic Hydrating Cleanser)

Description

Deeply moisturize skin while washing away dirt, oil and impurities. This ultra-hydrating facial cleanser is infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Chamomile, Lemon Grass and Papaya plus antioxidant Vitamins A and E to gently cleanse and condition skin for a soft, smooth, dewy feel with no drying, aging after-effects. 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten free, GMO-free.

Please note that DERMA E is in a packaging transition. There is a chance your products will arrive in the older package instead of new, please know that we assure you it is the same great formula with effective results.

My Thoughts

Derma E has yet to fail me on their cleansers. This cleanser works so well on my face and neck, and it smells pretty good too! At first I thought this was more of a gel cleanser since the texture is thick, but once applied the cleanser is applied to my face and neck it feels lightweight. One pump goes a long way when using this cleanser.  If I'm wearing makeup: After I remove my makeup, I use two pumps to thoroughly cleanse my face and neck.

I love that my skin feels hydrated after using this cleanser since some cleasners leave my skin feel dry after usage. One of the best feelings in my opinion about skincare is to have hydtated skin. I noticed a few weeks ago that I had a dry patch on my face, but since I started using this cleanser the dry patch has cleared.

Derma E Hydrating Night Cream

Description

Thoroughly moisturize and plump skin to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles with this ultra-hydrating night cream. This extra-rich, deeply penetrating formula delivers the unmatched hydrating properties of nature's moisture magnet, Hyaluronic Acid (HA). A single molecule of HA can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, binding moisture to help plump, soften, smooth, tone and rehydrate skin. Enriched with anti-aging antioxidants, Vitamins C and E, and soothing Aloe, this formula helps defend skin from free radicals and the effects of the environment. Ideal for dry, dehydrated skin that needs richer moisture throughout the night, this cream delivers maximum hydration while helping diminish the signs of aging for softer, smoother, younger-looking skin. 100% vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten free, GMO-free.

Please note that DERMA E is in a packaging transition. There is a chance your products will arrive in the older package instead of new, please know that we assure you it is the same great formula with effective results.

My Thoughts

If your anything like me, you probably use a cream on your face and neck after your cleanse your face. This night cream has been my holy grail for the past few weeks. I'm not too crazy about the scent. This night cream has a strong scent. I can't put my finger on what I'm actually smelling, but it's not that bad just strong.

As with the cleanser, a little product goes a long way. I can use this product at 7 pm and by 7 am by my face still feels hydrated. That's pretty impressive! I feel if you're going to spend money on a product it needs to work well for you.

More Derma E Reviews

Derma E Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water and Nourishing Rose Cleansing Oil

Derma E Skincare Products First Impressions

Derma E Essentials Radiance Toner and Illuminating Rosehip & Cranberry Face Oil


December 2017 Posts

Christmas Tree Decorations 2017

Grooming Products by Clio

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Yankee Candle

Candy Cane Lane

Christmas Cookies

Reflections 2017/Almost 32 Years Old 

Bakery Scented Candles ft. Yankee Candles

Simple Holiday Makeup

Christmas Related Posts

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Bath and Body Works and White Barn

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Projects with Pilar: Christmas Decor DIY's

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Simple Holiday Makeup

Hello Everyone!

Every year I do a couple of makeup looks for the holidays, but I realized I never do anything simple. I like to wear more natural based makeup looks, so this year I'm keeping my makeup simple for the holidays. The green Cowl Neck Scarf I'm wearing in the picture is a scarf I crocheted a few years ago :)

Simple Holiday Makeup Products

For the transition shade I used Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Cornelius. On the lid I'm wearing Edgy Emerald by Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo. On top of Edgy Emerald, I'm wearing a green shade from my BH Cosmetics 28 Color Smokey Palette. To finish my eye makeup I used a Butter London Eyeshadow.

I used Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser to prime my face. I went with Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation+ Concealer in Tan (10).  Lastly, I used BH Cosmetics Duo Blush. This is one of my favorites blushes.

Since this is a soft makeup, I decided to use Milani Matte Naked lipstick.

December 2017 Posts

Christmas Tree Decorations 2017

Grooming Products by Clio

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Yankee Candle

Candy Cane Lane

Christmas Cookies

Reflections 2017/Almost 32 Years Old 

Bakery Scented Candles ft. Yankee Candles

Christmas Related Posts

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Bath and Body Works and White Barn

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Projects with Pilar: Christmas Decor DIY's

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Bakery Scented Candles ft. Yankee Candles

Hello Everyone!

* Disclaimer: This post contains PR Samples from Yankee Candle for review purposes. I want to thank Yankee Candle for sending these products. All opinions are 100% my own.

It's no secret that I love candles. One might say I have a slight candle addition lol. Well today I wanted to share a few candles that I received from Yankee Candle.

All product information is courtesy of http://yankeecandle.com

About the Large 2 Wick 22 oz. Tumbler Candles

You can't go wrong with Large Tumbler Candles for creating a centerpiece or decorating a mantle. Tumblers tend to play well with others, which make them perfect for mixing with multiple candles. Sleek 22-oz. design is topped off with a brushed metal lid that helps it join the ranks of "updated chic." And there are 2 wicks to double the fragrance to love. (75-110 hours burn time)

Christmas Cookie 

About This Fragrance

Buttery rich, vanilla scented, holiday sugar cookies.

Fragrance Notes:
Top: Creamy Vanilla Bean
Mid: Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Sugar
Base: Vanilla, Butter, Baked Notes

Top note is the initial impression of the fragrance, middle note is the main body of the scent and base is its final impression.

My Thoughts

This is one of my favorite holiday candles by Yankee Candle. I've reviewed this candle a few years ago when I first started buying Yankee Candles. My feelings are still the same lol.  This candle smells like sugary goodness. This candle has a fairly light to moderate scent, but the two wick candle gives more of a throw. I love that my apartment smells like cookies!

Vanilla Cupcake 

About This Fragrance

Fresh churned butter creamed with confectioner's sugar and vanilla bean.

Fragrance Notes: Top: Butter, Coconut CreamMid: Rum, Caramel, Vanilla Cake Base: Raw Sugar, Malt 

Top note is the initial impression of the fragrance, middle note is the main body of the scent and base is its final impression.

My Thoughts

This is my all time favorite candle. If you love the scent of vanilla cupcakes you'll likely love this candle. The vanilla icing and cake batter scent really makes me want a cupcake! This is a great candle to give for a birthday gift or gift in general.

Did you know you can personalize your Yankee Candle ?
For more info Click Here 
To personalize your candle, CLICK HERE 

I've had this candle a few times over the years and it still smells amazing ! This a candle that I smell throughout the apartment. I find that I like the 2 wick candles better because I don't have tunneling issues as the candles burn.

Buttercream

About This Fragrance 

Fresh churned butter creamed with confectioner's sugar and vanilla bean.

Fragrance Notes:

Top: Butter, Coconut Cream
Mid: Rum, Caramel, Vanilla Cake
Base: Raw Sugar, Malt

Top note is the initial impression of the fragrance, middle note is the main body of the scent and base is its final impression.

My Thoughts

First thing that comes to mind is very strong! Don't get me wrong I love a strong candle, but this one is a little too overpowering. I started smelling this candle within my whole apartment within 10 minutes of burning the wicks. I know this candle is Buttercream, but I smell more of a buttery coconut scent. This candle smells good, but I only smell coconut cream. I wish the throw provided more of the other contents such as vanilla cake and raw sugar.


What are some of your favorite bakery scented Yankee Candles?


December 2017 Post

Christmas Tree Decorations 2017

Grooming Products by Clio

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Yankee Candle

Candy Cane Lane

Christmas Cookies

Reflections 2017/Almost 32 Years Old


Christmas Related Posts

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Bath and Body Works and White Barn

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Projects with Pilar: Christmas Decor DIY's

Christmas Tree Decorations 2017


Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Reflections 2017/Almost 32 Years Old

Hello Everyone!

The year isn't over, but today I wanted to write my reflections post. My birthday is on Christmas Day, and I wanted to write about that as well.

Reflections 2017 

What can I say about 2017....

It has been a good year. When I think of my trainwreck of a year last year, it doesn't even compare. I feel blessed, very blessed.


Pray more and worry less

I always put God first in my life, and with each passing year I like to think that I'm becoming closer to God. I've always had a relationship with God, even when I don't always understand God's plan. Having anxiety and depression can be very difficult, but I find solice in prayer and reading the Bible.  I'm learning to let things go beyond my control. It's a process for me not to worry all the time, but I'll get there. I can only speak myself, but I've try to live by 3 P's in life...Praying, Planning, and Prioritizing.


Change is good and sometimes neccessary 

You may remember that I mentioned in May that I moved again. I was living in a house where the landlord was just impossible to deal with and negligent of his property. Long story short, it was time to go. I'm at a place in my life if something doesn't make me happy or disrupts my peace, I'm learning to let it go.

Life Updates (May 2017)

Forgiving others to set myself free

I can admit that I struggle with forgiveness. I think the hardest part of forgiveness, or at least for me is forgiving people that never actually apologize. In your mind you know that you need to forgive someone in order to move on, but how do you tell your heart to forgive? That's a tough question to answer. I realized I have to let go of what and/or whos hurting me to find peace and happiness.


It's ok to take care of myself first...I matter too

I think when you care so much about others or things around you, it's easy to forget about yourself. It's ok to put myself and my needs first sometimes. I matter too. Since I have struggles with depression and anxiety I realized that I have to take of myself and my well being.


Blogging makes me happy

I celebrated 4 years of blogging this year! (July 27th). That's an accomplishment I'm proud of.  I set out to do something and I've stuck with it. I may share sponsored posts, and receive products for review, but I truly enjoy blogging.

Blogiversary Cupcake :)

I love that the bloggging community gives me an outlet to share my thoughts and share common interests with other bloggers! I think back on last year when I stopped blogging for over 2 months. I really missed it!

Happy 4th Blogiversary to my Blog!

Almost 32 Years Old

Still no kids or a husband lol. I'm not focused on those things right now. Sure I want to be a mom and a wife someday, but right now is just not the time. One thing about surviving domestic violence, you learn to find and love yourself again. For the time being I'm happy being single and learning to enjoy life again.

Surviving Domestic Violence 

I'm still not where I want to be regarding a career.  So many people feel they went to college to obtain a degree they're not even using. I feel like that too sometimes, but I remember that hard work does pay off. I'm uncertain where my B.A in Psychology will take me, but I'm sure I will use my degree in some way.

At one point I used to feel a certain type of way of turning another age. Birthdays used to be a reminder that I haven't accomplished some of my goals. I stopped looking at birthdays like that a long time ago. It can be discouraging to not meet deadlines I set for myself, but that makes more ambitious to strive for my goals.

I don't know what my next year of life has in store for me, but I'm looking forward to celebrating another year of life and embracing a new year.



December 2017 Posts

Christmas Tree Decorations 2017

Grooming Products by Clio

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Yankee Candle

Candy Cane Lane

Christmas Cookies


Christmas Related Posts

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Bath and Body Works and White Barn

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Projects with Pilar: Christmas Decor DIY's



Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Christmas Cookies

Hello Everyone!

You may have noticed that I've been sharing memories from my childhood in some of my recent Christmas posts. Today I bring you a Christmas memory about holiday baking. When I was growing up I remember my mom baking treats to give people at Christmas, she still does that. I love to bake around the holidays as well.

This year I wanted to keep it simple and make Christmas cookies as gifts in these cute little tins. I'm so glad my mom instilled values of sharing with others. I was taught it is better to give than receive. Sometimes a small gesture of kindness can brighten someones day.

Such festive Christmas tins! 

I really wanted to make homemade sugar cookies, but time wouldn't allow that this holiday season, so I went with the next best thing...break and bake cookies lol

Cute pot holders from Dollar Tree 

Can't forget about the oven mitt

Can you tell the Christmas spirit around here? lol 

Time for baking! I actually picked up four packs of cookies to make sure I'll have enough. I probably won't bake all of these tonight. I was so happy that I finally found some green sugar!

Ready to go in the oven!

First batch of Christmas Cookies :)

All packaged and ready to give as gifts!

A few cookies for the house :)

Happy Baking and Happy Holidays!


December 2017 Posts

Christmas Tree Decorations 2017

Grooming Products by Clio

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Yankee Candle

Candy Cane Lane


Christmas Related Posts

Come Along with Me: Christmas at Bath and Body Works and White Barn

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Projects with Pilar: Christmas Decor DIY's

Christmas Tree Decorations 2017


Thanks for stopping by my blog!