New Year's Eve Inspired Makeup

Hello Everyone!

Can you believe there's only a few days left in 2018?! Today I wanted to share a NYE inspired makeup look. I doubt if I'll be going out, since I still have a cold. I'll probably stay home and watch the ball drop. Even though this cold has taken a lot of my energy, I did manage to create this makeup look. I created a simple Silver Smokey eye with a vampy lipstick.

To create this eye makeup look, I used Urban Decay Naked 2, which is one of my favorite Naked Palettes.

For the few times I did my makeup this month, I've been wearing red lips. For today's look I went for  vampy reddish brown lipstick by wearing Colourpop's Smitten lipstick.

I really love using Urban Decay's Setting Sprays. I thought it was so kind of Urban Decay to send over some setting sprays! Thank You! Of course I used this setting spray to set my makeup! If you're looking for a great quality setting spray, I highly suggest using one of Urban Decay's Setting Sprays to keep your makeup looking fresh and in tact.

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I hope your new year is filled with prosperity, joy, and happiness!  This my last post for 2018. I will be commenting and reading on posts, and I will resume posting on January 2nd! See you all next year!





December 2018 Posts

Reflections 2018/Almost 33 YearsOld

Bath & Body Works Candle Day 2018

Christmas Tree Decorations 2018

Decorate with Me: Christmas Edition 2018

Pilar in the Pantry: Homemade Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake

Christmas Party Makeup

Season's Greetings

Christmas Gift Wrapping

How do I Celebrate My Birthday on Christmas?

Downtown Christmas Lights

Goose Creek Candle: Butter Cookie

Goose Creek Candle: Butter Cookie

Hello Everyone!

* Disclaimer: This post contains PR Sample provided by Goose Creek Candle. I would like to thank Goose Creek Candle for sending this product for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own. Product information provided by Goose Creek Candle

For those that celebrate, I hope you had a Merry Christmas and thank you for the birthday wishes yesterday! I appreciate it. Post coming soon! If you read my blog regularly, you know that I love candles! Today I will be reviewing Butter Cookie Large Jar Candle from Goose Creek Candle. They were kind enough to provide this candle for me to review!

About Goose Creek Candle

Image courtesy of Goose Creek Candle 

SAFETY  Unlike our competitors, we guarantee that our candles are not made with harmful or banned chemicals. Our candle fragrances are IFRA approved and safe for your home. We also use lead-free, 100% cotton wicks.

USA MADE  Our candles are proudly made in the USA by people you can trust with ingredients you can trust! You can feel safe using our products. Our products are produced in safe, comfortable work enviroments.

FRAGRANCE  We design and create our fragrances and we know what goes into our formulas. Fragrance strength is our biggest selling point. We promise you will smell a potent, pleasant aroma when burning our candles.

OUR PRICE  The best part yet! Our candles are nearly half the cost of our competition. Cleaner burning, longer lasting & more fragrant. It couldn't get any better!

Super Clean, Super Fragrant!  Our proprietary. duo-wick system ensures a clean and even burn every time. Each candle is designed with a different wick to best melt the wax and create the best fragrance performance.

Butter Cookie Large Jar Candle

Prominent scent notes:
Top :Warm Vanilla
Mid :Melted Butter, Sugar Crystals
Base :Golden Baked Cookie 

About the product:
BurnTime :120-150 hours
Wax Info :Premium Paraffin
Dimensions :4 D X 6.6" H"
Style :Butter Cookie Candle
Size :24 oz (680g)
Wicks :2 wicks - 100% lead free
Produced :Made in the USA
Formula :Highly Scented, Clean Burn

Image courtesy of Goose Creek Candle 

My Thoughts

This candle sure packs a punch, a strong punch. That's the best way I know how to describe the scent! I smell all the notes in this candle, vanilla, butter, sugar, and baked cookie. There's no artificial scent here. If you walked in my home, you would think I just took fresh baked cookies out of the oven. This candle is great for anytime of year, but it would be perfect for the holidays. I would've love to burn Butter Cookie during Christmas, but the USPS mail carrier didnt deliver it on the scheduled date.

I'm not a fan of this candle on a cold sniff because it's so strong. Candles can be so deceiving on a cold sniff and can smell different while burning. This is the case with Butter Cookie. On a cold sniff this candle gave me a slight headache, but once I started burning the candle, the throw started balancing with each of the fragrances. The throw is moderate to strong, and I could smell the scent all throughout the apartment. I love that there's no soot as this candle burned. I love candles, but soot concerns me because of the possiblr toxins. I was happy that this candle didn't leave any soot and I had this candle burning for about 3 1/2 hours, very impressive.  Overall I really like this candle and I can't wait to try more candles from Goose Creek Candle.

Have you tried any candles from Goose Creek Candle? For more information, visit goosecreekcandle.com

Downtown Christmas Lights 2018

Hello Everyone!

Christmas/My Birthday is almost here! Can you believe it's already December 23rd? Last year I didn't get a chance to create content for a Christmas lights post, but this year I wanted to focus on the Christmas lights downtown. Downtown stays busy during the holidays so I had to take some of the pictures over the course of two days when it was less crowded hence why you're seeing night and early morning photos.

One of the shops downtown 

South Carolina State House

I'm not trying to be negative, and no disrespect to the decorators, but I don't really like the State tree this year. Up close the tree looks like ornaments and lights were just thrown together. At least it looks better at night from a distance lol.

I wish I could've took this photo at night along with some of my other pictures because the lights look so beautiful on the tree.

I thought this tree looked unique

Red light bell

The trees downtown are decorated so pretty with lights

By far this is my favorite picture of lights. I'm so glad I had a chance to capture this image at night!

Seriously how gorgeous is this light ornament?!

I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season, and those that celebrate a Merry Christmas! I will probably take a few days off to enjoy on my birthday on Christmas, but I will try to get one more post up before the new year! Also don't forget to checkout my previous post, How do I Celebrate My Birthday on Christmas?

December 2018 Posts

Reflections 2018/Almost 33 Years Old

Bath & Body Works Candle Day 2018

Christmas Tree Decorations 2018

Decorate with Me: Christmas Edition 2018

Pilar in the Pantry: Homemade Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake

Christmas Party Makeup

Christmas Gift Wrapping

Season's Greetings

How do I Celebrate My Birthday on Christmas?

How Do I Celebrate My Birthday on Christmas?

Hello Everyone!

 My Birthday/Christmas 2017

For all my late December babies, and even early January babies know that since our birthdays are so close to Christmas that celebrating can be a little complex.

My birthday is on Christmas Day, and I've received so many questions over the years about how I celebrate the day. Do you feel like Christmas overshadows your birthday?... How do you celebrate?... Do you get separate gifts etc? The questions have been endless lol. Or my favorite how cool is it your mom was expecting a Christmas baby?! Funny thing is I wasn't even supposed to be born on Christmas or in 1985. I was supposed to be born on my mom's birthday. Our birthdays are literally 2 weeks to the date apart! I guess you can say I decided to come into the world a little earlier.

A few Birthday and Christmas goodies to start off my birthday weekend for 2018! 

All my life on Christmas morning, my mom and those closest to me tell me happy birthday first, then Merry Christmas. That has always made me feel special. I celebrate my birthday just like anyone else with a few differences. Since Christmas is a major holiday not many places are open. Birthday lunches/dinners have to come before or after my birthday. Sometimes I want traditional Christmas colors for my birthday and then I want the color pink. I get Christmas presents, and I receive birthday gifts. The two are always separated. Think of it this way... if your birthday is in August, would you want to wait until Christmas to celebrate it? Same applies for late December, early January babies we have birthdays that should be seperated from Christmas.

My Birthday Cake from Last Year 2017

If we're speaking in a religious aspect, I think it's pretty amazing to share a birthday with Jesus Christ. If you believe in God, you know that Jesus is the reason for the season. As always I'm not pushing my religious beliefs on anyone.

If you know anyone with a late Decemeber birthday or early January birthday, remember to wish the person a happy first and don't overlook their birthday. All birthdays are special no matter what day you were born.


To all my late December and early January babies, Happy Birthday, and Merry Christmas!!


December 2018 Posts

Reflections 2018/Almost 33 Years Old

Bath & Body Works Candle Day 2018

Christmas Tree Decorations 2018

Decorate with Me: Christmas Edition 2018

Pilar in the Pantry: Homemade Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake

Christmas Party Makeup   

Christmas Gift Wrapping

Hello Everyone!

I can't believe were only 6 days away until Christmas! Thank you for the emails asking how I'm feeling! I truly appreciate it! I still have a sinus cold. I feel pretty miserable lol, but I'm trying to feel better before my birthday.

It really feels like Christmas weather here! That's kind of unusual for South Carolina since we can have unseasonably warmer weather at times. Lately it's been pretty cold!

Since I've been sick the past few days I've limited on things I can do except rest. However I went out to get some more gift wrapping items today to wrap some presents. I'll probably call it an early night.

Here are the some of the presents I've wrapped so far. I wish I was one of those people who enjoyed gift wrapping. Last year I skipped wrapping gifts and put everything in gift bags!


Have you finished your Christmas shopping?


December 2018 Posts

Reflections 2018/Almost 33 Years Old

Bath & Body Works Candle Day 2018

Christmas Tree Decorations 2018

Decorate with Me: Christmas Edition 2018

Pilar in the Pantry: Homemade Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake 
 
Christmas Party Makeup 

Season's Greetings

Hello Everyone!

This is the Christmas card I'm using this year. 

I love sending cards during the holidays. I remember when I was a little girl my mama and I always had a Christmas card list. We would write in Christmas cards and mail them or hand the cards in person to others. This is still a tradition that we do every holiday season.

This is another card that came in a set. This card is good to use during the holidays and special occasions.

 As much as I love receiving Christmas/Birthday cards, I love sending them. You never know a Christmas card may brighten someone's day. A small kind gesture can really make all the difference.

I typically use this card to include in my hand crafted items for customers, but I also use them for other occasions that show my gratitude.

In addition to sending Christmas cards, I also like to bake Christmas goodies and place the baked items in Christmas themed tins. I'm unsure if I'll be baking any Christmas treats this year since I'm currently trying get rid of this pesky cold!

I usually send out cards the first week of December since the post office is busy this time of year. It's not a good idea to wait until the last minute to mail your cards if you want them to be delivered in a timely manner.

 Whether it's Christmas cards or Chrsitmas baking etc. It's always better to give rather than to receive.
Do you send Christmas Cards in the mail?


December 2018 Posts

Reflections 2018/Almost 33 Years Old

Bath & Body Works Candle Day 2018

Christmas Tree Decorations 2018

Decorate with Me: Christmas Edition 2018

Pilar in the Pantry: Homemade Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake   

Christmas Party Makeup

Christmas Party Makeup

Hello Everyone!

So I'm finally posting a makeup look for December! I went to a Christmas party and I wanted to share my makeup look, and quick review of the Morphe Fall into Frost Palette.

I love wearing a red lip during the holidays. I think red lips always look so classy and festive. For this look I'm using Milani's Devotion and a deep red lip liner by Tigi Cosmetics 

I really wanted to focus more on blush for this look. I used a reddish brown blush to give my cheeks a pop of color.

I went with another classic color got Christmas, gold. I used a brown shade for my transitional shade and I added gold all on the lid. I used black lightly for the outer v, and the crease. I didn't want to turn this into a gold Smokey so I used a light had with the black eyeshadow.  I added a layer of metallic gold eyeliner In the crease. To finish this look, I added mascara and black eyeliner to the waterline .

I recently purchased Morphe's Fall into Frost Palette to primarily create my eye makeup. Quick review... I'm so glad that I added this to my eyeshadow collection. The colors are so pigmented, bendable, and long lasting. This is a great palette to use during the Fall and Winter, but the shimmer shadows also can be used during throughout the year. The bottom row has so many beauty transitional shades. I'm fairly new to using Morphe products, but so far I'm loving this eyeshadow palette!

December 2018 Posts

Reflections 2018/Almost 33 Years Old 

Bath & Body Works Candle Day 2018

Christmas Tree Decorations 2018

Decorate with Me: Christmas Edition 2018  

Pilar in the Pantry: Homemade Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake 

Pilar in the Pantry: Homemade Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake

Hello Everyone!

I think most of us can agree the holiday season is a very busy time of year. Between family, work, and general daily life activities that can leave limited time to cook. Today I wanted to share a simple meal that is quick, easy, and inexpensive. As much as I love Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake, this is my first time actually making this dish. I figured why go to Olive Garden, or Pizza Hut etc. when I can make this dish at home?

Ingredients

* You can use various brands of ingredients, these are just the brands that I used in this recipe.   

- Ragu Cheese Creations Classic Alfredo

- Muller's Penne Noodles 16 oz Box

- Green Giant Steamed Broccoli Florets 

- Tyson Boneless Skinless Chicken Trimmed and Ready Chicken Breasts (3 come to a pack)

- Great Value Low Moisture Part Skin Shredded Mozzarella 8oz

- Kraft Shredded Parmesan Cheese (optional)

- McCormick Parsley Flakes (optional)

Directions

Boil lightly salted noodles according to package. I used the whole 16 ounce box. As the noodles boiled, I cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into shredded chunks.  I baked the chicken in the oven. As for my broccoli florets, I steamed them in a closed  pot on the stove,  and then sauteed the broccoli florets in a little butter. Make sure your broccoli is tender!

Add noodles, broccoli, cooked chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix all ingredients together. Not shown, but I also added a little parmesan cheese. Depending on your preference, you may also want to add more Alfredo sauce to the mixture.

Lightly spray your baking dish and add mixture into the baking dish

Add a layer of shredded mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes on 350° and let cool

The finished product

I personally like to add parsley flakes to some of meals. I think it looks nice. I didn't follow a recipe, I added what typically goes into Chicken Alfredo and went from there.This meal was a hit! I received many positive reviews about this dish! Like I mentioned earlier, this was my first time making Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake, but it won't be the last!

  

December 2018 Posts

Reflections 2018/Almost 33 Years Old

Bath & Body Works Candle Day 2018

Christmas Tree Decorations 2018

Decorate with Me! Christmas Edition 2018

Decorate with Me! Christmas Edition 2018

Hello Everyone!

Today's post is a mixture of my Christmas DIY projects and regular Christmas Decor. If you missed my Christmas Tree Decoractions 2018 post, you can view that HERE. I really love Christmas not because it's my birthday, it's just a beautiful festive time of year. If you believe in Jesus Christ, it's also a time to remember the reason for the season.

DIY Mirrored Glitter Tray and DIY Glitter Frame

I would be lying if I said I found all my glitter projects fun lol. Don't get me wrong adding glitter makes for beautiful projects, but it gets everywhere! I love the finished look for the tray. I plan on using this tray throughout the Winter in addition to Christmas decor. I also decorated the frame of the wall decor with glitter.

The living room is coming along nicely. I'm still in the process of seasonal decorating. I'm unsure if I'm going to add more pillows. I've been looking for silver snowflake pillows, but I haven't had much luck finding them.

DIY Mirrored Christmas Present Boxes and Counter Decor

Those jingle bells ornaments are diy projects. I removed the string and added a gem to the ribbon on top.

I love my mirrored Christmas Present Boxes! I had so much making these and they go well with my Christmas Decor.

 I wanted to incorporate more teal to my silver decor on the counter, so I added this snowflake that contains hints of teal. I added the little teal gem in the center.

DIY Ornament Magnets

These were originally ornaments, but you know how I love diy projects! I added gems to center of each ornament magnet and I added a magnet on the back each of the white snowflakes 

Mirrored Wall Decor and Snowflake Candle Holder

How pretty is this mirrored wall decor? The candle holder is a gift from my mama last year. I love using this candle holder. It's so pretty!

Wall Decor with Pearl and Silver Candle Holders

Positive vibes with believe. This decor is under the tv in the living room.

Candle Holders with Lights

I put this on the side of the of the tv. I actually have two of these candle holders and I placed lights inside.

Sparkle Letter Decor

At this point of the point you probably aren't surprised I made another glitter diy project. I'm not sure of how this incorporates with Christmas, but I'll probably use it in my room for shelf decor.

Happy Holidays!

December 2018 Posts

Reflections 2018/Almost 33 Years Old

Bath & Body Works Candle Day 2018

Christmas Tree Decorations 2018