Silver, Clear, and White

 Hello Everyone!

Here's a little secret... I've had up my Christmas Tree up since the 1st week of November. Typically the tree goes up after Thanksgiving, but this year I started decorating early. 

You probably noticed that I changed the theme of the tree to silver, clear, and white. I was talking it over with my mom and we both decided it was time for a change. 

I love the way the tree looks once I finished decorating. I've ways thought a metals themed tree had a beautiful romantic classic look. Though my tree isn't fully metals, it has that romantic classic look as well. 

This year I added, metal snowflakes, Eiffle Towers and a few carriages to the tree.

Since I live in South Carolina it rarely snows here, so snowflakes remind me of the colder months even if the temperature can be 75 in December here. The weather fluctuates so much here sometimes. 

I was tired from being up most of Thanksgiving, so I slept most of Friday. I was flipping through the guide and I saw that How the Grinch Stole Christmas! was on. I had to watch it since it's one of my favorite Christmas specials. 

If you've seen my latest holiday gift guides then you probably noticed the decor on the glass table. Here it is again in more detail. My version of a little Christmas Village.

Holiday Gift Guide: Part 2

 Hello Everyone!

*Disclaimer: This posts contains a few PR Samples 

Today I bring you part 2 of my Holiday Gift Guide. For this guide, I'm focusing more on self care items that would make great gifts.

*Dr. Zenovia Skincare

If you or someone you know has hormonal acne prone skin, I highly recommend trying Dr.. Zenovia  Hormonal Skincare Products. I've been using these products for a few months and I've noticed less breakouts on my face. 

*Drunk Elephant Skincare

Drunk Elephant is another one of my favorite skincare brands. Their products feel so nice on my skin and keeps my skin healthy.

Spa Sciences Devices

Skincare devices have become so popular in recent years. Spa Sceinces has affordable skincare devices that help complete your skincare routine. 

*Zoya Naked Manicure Glossy Seal

Tis the season to take care of your nails. This Naked Manicure Glossy Seal will be a beautiful finishing touch to your Manicure. See Zoya Gelie-Cure Post these products also make great Christmas gifts!

*Zoya Transitional Naturel ⁴ Collection

Look at what will be available on December 7th! Zoya is releasing their new Transitional: Naturel 4 Collection. I love that Zoya has mauve hued polishes in this collection. All the shades are so pretty! 

Koolaburra by UGG Bella Thow

I usually like to make my own blankets, but I saw this beauty on sale at Kohl's. This Koolaburra by UGG throw blanket is so soft. This blanket is perfect to have during the cold Winter months while laying on the couch or taking a nap.

Derma E Natural Hair Care Products

Don't forget that good self care includes healthy hair. Derma E  has been my go to hair care products for the past few months.. This is my 4th set of these products. 

*GSQ By GLAMSQUAD 

The holiday season can be hectic, so getting rest and sleep is important. What better way to get a good night's rest than to have these sleep accessories from GSQ By Glamsquad exclusively at CVS

Starbucks 2020 Holiday Collection

For all my Starbucks Lovers, Starbucks released their 2020 Holiday Collection earlier this month. Even if you don't like Starbucks, the tumbler would make a great gift. (I'm using this tumbler for water). I don't think these items are sold online, but you can find them at Starbucks and Starbucks inside of Target.

Bath & Body Works Candles

During the holidays and colder months, I find burning cozy scented candles (and candles in general) peaceful. 

Here are more links to items that would make great holiday gifts.

Holiday Gift Guide Ideas Pt. 1

Zoya Intriguing Collection: Holiday 2020

Derma E Holiday Exclusive Sets

CVS Beauty Don’t Stop Event

Holiday Gift Guide: Part 1

 Hello Everyone!

*Disclaimer: This post contains a few PR Samples

The holidays are practically here, so today I wanted to share my first of two gift guides that I composed. These items will make great gifts for others or great gifts for yourself. 

*Pixi by Petra: Skintreats Tonics

Pixi Tonics are some of my favorite skincare products. These products stay in my skincare routine. These tonics are very popular in the skincare community. 

*Pixi By Petra: Naturelle Lip

If your looking for good quality affordable lipsticks, you should give these Naturelle Lip Lipsticks as a gift. These lipsticks are moisturizing and give your lips a plump look. There are 6 beautiful shades in this collection.

Urban Decay Stoned Vibes Palette 

The Stoned Vibes Palette from Urban Decay is the perfect holiday eyeshadow palette. The jeweled toned shades are so festive for this time of year.

I think that anyone that loves to create holiday makeup would love this palette.

Urban Decay Ultraviolet Palette 

Urban Decay also released Naked Ultraviolet Palette this year. I think this is one of UD more unique Naked Palettes with all the purple tones. 

These eyeshadows paired with a wet brush, create stunning eyeshadow looks.

*Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Powder

It's beginning to look a lot like an Urban Decay Christmas lol.  I just received this setting powder a few weeks ago as a pr package, and so far I like it. I like that this setting powder is water proof, but if you're fair skinned or gifting this to someone fair skinned you may want to skip it. The label says its translucent, but there is a tint to the setting powder. It's more of a tan shade than translucent.

Outside of the tint not being translucent, this is a great setting powder, and look at that gorgeous packaging!

*China Glaze Holiday Collection: Welcome to Jollywood

China Glaze recently released their gorgeous Holiday Collection, Welcome to Jollywood. If you or someone your buying a gift this year love all things that sparkle and Christmas colors this is definitely a collection you should check out. I'm noticing that a lot of people are going back to traditional red this year, and red is a beautiful color in general. I like that this collection can be worn during the holidays and throughout the entire Winter.

Here are more links to items that would make great holiday gifts.

Derma E Holiday Exclusive Sets

CVS Beauty Don’t Stop Event

Getting Started with Thanksgiving Prep

 Hello Everyone!

I don't know about you, but when I think about Thanksgiving in addition to being thankful, I think about the prep work I have to do, planning the Thanksgiving Menu, grocery shopping, etc.

This year I'm trying to get all of my groceries for Thanksgiving this week since the pandemic began food has been out of stock at most of the local stores. Some weeks are better than others. I've gone to at least 3 different grocery stores to get the things I needed. 

I'm noticing that people are starting to panic buy toilet paper again. I don't think they're limiting items in my area, but I did pick up 2 packs of toilet paper that were on sale and a pack of paper towels. 

I plan on making the apple filling for the apple pie this week and freezing the pie until next week. I think this is the first time I've made an apple pie for Thanksgiving. 

We usually have a small Thanksgiving dinner or we give out plates to friends, but this year since Covid is still on the rise, It will probably just be a quiet Thanksgiving consisting of my mom and I. If you're gathering with family and friends this holiday season, please be safe.

For the first time, I put the Christmas Tree up before Thanksgiving. I started decorating sometime last week. I'll have a post about the Christmas decor soon!

Thankful Thoughts for Turning 35

 Hello Everyone!

Today I wanted to share my annual thankful post. Not only am I sharing my thankful post I'm also going to be sharing my thought about my upcoming 35th birthday next month. This is probably going to be a long post.

The new normal?!

I know this has been a trying year for a lot of people. The pandemic happened and the world seemed to be shaken to it's core. For anyone going through any kind of hardship please know that it  does get better. You may remember last year I was going through several different obstacles and my mental health was a total blur. Despite how bad I felt mentally, I continued to talk to God and prayed. I continued to take my medication for depression and anxiety.  I also held on to the believe that things get better. I made a promise to myself last December that no matter what happened this year I won't be in the same place mentally, emotionally, or physically next year. I'm proud of myself that I kept that promise. 

I'm always thankful no matter what I'm going through in life good or bad. I believe that even though we may not always understand some of the things that happen in life it must be for a purpose. I have so much I'm thankful for this year.  I moved to a new city (I'm still in South Carolina). Honestly I think the change of scenery was for the better. I feel more at peace. All the events that are going on in the world, I'm thankful for having basic life necessities. I celebrated my 7th Blogiversary in July. I still can't believe I've been blogging for 7 years. I'm still not quite where I want to be with my social media, but it's one of my goals I work on consistently. Over the past 7 years I feel that I've grown so much with creating my original content. I'm also grateful for the companies that have worked with me over the years. 

As a smaller influencer that's growing my brand and audience, it means a lot to me that companies see my hard work ethic and potential. I'm still working on my career as a Freelance MUA. My work schedule has been a little crazy due to the pandemic, but I'm still focused on my career goals as a freelance mua nonetheless. 

2020 isn't over yet, but so far my year hasn't been all that bad. This was truly my year for growth, healing, and focus. I'm trying to keep myself safe and healthy during this covid pandemic. 

I remember back in 2015, I was freaking out before I turned 30. I look back and think how much I've grown since then. I'll be 35 this Christmas and I embrace turning older. I still want to get married one day and have children. I don't rush having a husband or kids, when the time is right, the time will be right. I'm so glad that more women are normalizing having kids in their 30's and even in their 40's. You have to live your life and do what's best for you. I'm wiser and I don't look at some things the way I did 5 years ago. Sure I've setbacks along the way, but all the things I've gone through good and bad have made me who I am today. 

I always mention in my inspirational based posts that my religious belief are my own, but as we near the holiday season and the end of the year I pray for the world. I pray for those who seek peace and happiness. I pray you have a wonderful ending to this year, and look forward to a bight and prosperous future.  

Derma E Holiday Exclusive Sets

 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. Product information, courtesy of dermae.com

It's no secret that Derma E is one of my favorite skincare brands. Their products work amazingly well for my skin and their products are affordable.  Since the holidays are approaching I wanted to share information for their holiday sets. These sets would make great Christmas gifts for someone or yourself 🙂

Purify & Go

Deeply detox and purify skin on the go with this dermatologist-recommended kit! This purifying set works to deeply cleanse and protect skin from environmental and digital stressors.

Brighten & Go 

Give skin a bright and vibrant boost! Dull, lackluster skin gets brightened with this clinically proven, dermatologist-recommended travel kit. 

Hydration on the Go

This moisture-boosting trio is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid to draw moisture to dry, thirsty skin for healthy hydration.

Brightening & Hydrating Trio

Exfoliate, brighten and hydrate skin on the go with this dermatologist recommended, highly effective trio.

Deluxe Vitamin C Concentrated Serum

Give skin a brightening boost! This intensely moisturizing formula boosts hydration as antioxidants guard against harmful UV rays and other environmental stresses.

Deluxe Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

This deeply moisturizing, sulfate-free cleanser washes away dirt, oil and impurities with no drying, aging after-effects. Contains Hyaluronic Acid.

I mentioned at the beginning of my post that I love Derma E products. I've done many reviews here on my blog, and Instagram about Derma E products. These gift sets are great for travel (please be safe if you're traveling this holiday season), and if you're new to the brand these sets are a great way to try out some of their products.

You can check out these products on derma.com and Ulta.