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Monday, December 2, 2013

What I'm Currently Burning .....Yankee Candle Season of Peace

Yankee Candle Season of Peace 
Winter Collection 2013



Yankee Candle's About this Fragrance

"Leave the pell mell rush of the holidays behind and take a moment to reflect on the silently peaceful solitude of winter's snowfall, capture in this cool, enchanting white musk blend.  Before or after the guests arrive, this is the perfect way to still the noise and revel in what matters most to you."


My review

As for the outside appearance, the jar and label of this candle were done tastefully. The picture really does capture the sent. And just how would I describe this scent?

Pure White Musk


That's all I smell. I know that Yankee Candle calls it a "white musk blend" but not sure what other notes are included with the fragrance. All I truly get from this is a white musk and that is all.

 Also the throw of this candle is a very weak, hardly noticeable  On a scale from 1 to 5, I'd give it a 2. Very light, which sometimes I  prefer. Depends on my mood. 

While I do think I'll be burning this throughout the winter, I think it's too pricey considering the weak throw. 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Farewell Old Makeup Bag....What's in My New Makeup Bag?




My Clinique makeup bag has served me well for many years, through... a few road-trips...parties..nights at friends and families homes....Sadly, I need to move on. My once cute floral Clinique makeup bag is now nasty, stained and gross. 

I have since moved on to this blue cosmetic bad I found at Sally's Beauty Supply store on the clearance rack. I love the blue tweed and so happy to have a makeup bag with pockets! Those will come in handy!

All the goodies in my makeup bag, are products I like to use on a regular basis for my daily face routine. 

What's in My Makeup Bag

SkinCare
Boots No7 Reviving Revitalisant Eye Gel

Face
MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW13
MAC Studio Fix Powder NW15
Mac Pro Long wear Concealer NW15
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Brightening Eye Perfector
Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer 125 Fair
MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer NW15

Cheeks
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder
Lancome Blush Subtil Sheer in Sheer Amourose

Lips
C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve
MAC Slimshine in Pleasing
Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm in Mystical

Parfume
Chic Fragrance Spray Pen  





(Old Makeup Bag)
In very bad shape...



Tuesday, November 5, 2013

October 2013 Empties


Ok..So I haven't done an empties post in quite awhile...actually, 3 months to be exact. So I have many empties I want to share with you all. There are so many to share, that I'm just gonna go ahead and get started...enjoy! =)

1.) Herbal Essences Honey, I'm Strong
I did like this. Made my bleach hair feel moisturized and silky. I also really loved the scent. Only gripe is the bottle, I felt like I couldn't get the last bit out. I hate wasting product. 
  
2.) Everyday Coconut Cleansing Face Wash
Been through a couple bottles of this stuff. It's great. Something I will repurchase over and over again.
  
3.) Nivea Extended Moisture Daily Lotion
Did not like this stuff. Every time I put this lotion on my legs and put on my pants, all the lent from my pants would end up on my legs. I would end up every night, covered in lent and it was a pain to scrub it off.
  
4.) Mystic Divine Nourishing Masque
Cute tub and fair price but nothing special. Won't repurchase again.

5.) Ion Moisture Solution Extreme Moisture Creme
Didn't like this stuff. I don't have much luck with Ion products, even though many people rave about the brand. Couldn't tell a difference in my hair after using this product.
  
6.) Shiny Silver Color Enhancing Conditioner
Wanted to use this for taking the golden tones out of my hair. Didn't find that it worked or moisturized my hair enough. Will not purchase again.

7.) Crystal Essence Lavender and White Tea Mineral Deodorant
Wanted to try a natural chemical free deodorant, sadly this didn't work for me. I don't like to be stinky, so I won't be buying this product again. Also, the roller ball kept getting stuck and I'm no longer able to finish the bottle. 

8.) Dove Nourishing Care Conditioner
I really like this stuff. Works great for my hair. I have also picked up a few other Dove hair products and they are fantastic! 

9.) Frutique Firming Creme in Harvest Grape
Broke me out. Too strong of a fragrance. Will not repurchase. 

10.) Bath and Body Works Gentle Foaming Hand Soap in Fresh Picked Pear
Really enjoy the foam hand soaps from Bath and Body Works. I find them to be more moisturizing than a lot other hand soaps. It's always fun to try different fragrances. Also, I make sure to stock up during a good sale.

11.) Frutique Papaya Enzyme Exfoliating Gel
Mehh.."ok" stuff. Just didn't feel like it did anything beneficial to my skin
  
12.) Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo
This is a great, dry shampoo.  It also doesn't leave that horrid white cast on your hair. Love the smell.

 13.TRESemme Healthy Volume Conditioner
Great stuff! One of my all-time favorite conditioners with a cheap price. My only gripe is the scent, a horrible smells like chemicals. yuck!

14.)Pantene Restore Beautiful Legth Conditioner
I though this would be great, since I'm currently growing out my hair but nope. This stuff was horrible. I think this stuff was making my hair break off! 

15.) MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NW13
Love this stuff! NW13 is a perfect match! 

16.) MAC Studio Fix Powder in NW20
Love this stuff also! I go a shade darker in the powder, so my face doesn't look so ghostly. 

17.)Revlon Colorstay Under Eye Concealer 
 I saw a girl use this and thought it looked great, so I bought it. I just didn't think it did the job for me. I thought it was "OK" but I'm currently using products that not only cover dark circles but really bright up the under eye area.

18.) Clean and Clear Advantage Mark Treatment
Too much alcohol and it didn't really help with my breakout.

19.) Clean and Clear Advantage Popped Pimple Relief Drying Paste
Basically a clay face mask in a 8 dollar tiny bottle, It dried up inside before I could even use up all the product. Nope, I won't buy again.


20.) Clearasil Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream
I like this, I do think it helps with my acne. I do prefer their tinted acne treatment. 

21.) Lush Big Shampoo (Sample Size)
Loved this stuff. Great fragrance and left my scalp feeling amazing. Pretty pricey stuff though.  Will pick up the full size, when I can afford to splurge. =)




Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Snowflakes in August?

Pained my nails with Revlon's Colorstay Nail Polish in French Roast. Plus, I drew a little snowflake on my ring finger! Revlon's French Roast is a dark cocoa brown with a hint of shimmer. I used So Easy's Stripe Rite to make the snowflake.

 Ohhh and I used Revlon's Colorstay Base Coat and I gotta say it seem promising. It dries super sticky, so I hope it make my nail polish last. My manicures are always chipping in less than a 24 hours, so I'll update this post and let you know how long this manicure lasts.

I bought Revlon's French Roast from my local drugstore. 

I bought the So Easy's Stripe Rite from my local Sally's Beauty Supply Store.

~

Update: August 17th - No chipping and only some tip wear. Really impressed with the Revlon Colorstay Base Coat and nail polish thus far!

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick for Cystic Acne




Burt's Bee's Herbal Blemish Stick has really helps to reduce the size of my cystic acne spots. From time to time I get these really deep cystic acne bumps and this helps to reduce the  pain and swelling overnight.

First, I cleanse my face and apply my moisturizer. Once my moisturizer sinks into my skin, I dab bit of this one imperfections. I don't like slathering this all over my face because it leave a sticky residue on the skin. This has a strong tree tea oil smell that is pretty strong but it goes away quickly, once applied.

The container comes in a little glass tube with a roller-ball. If you feel the roller-ball isn't sanitary and you don't want to glide it across your blemishes you can rub a bit on a clean finger and dab it onto your spots.

If you are struggling with spots and you want to try something new, give this a shot. It's 100% natural. It contains herbal oils that destroy acne causing bacteria, such as tree tea oil. I found my Burt's Bee's Herbal Blemish Stick at my local drugstore but it's also available on Burt's Bee's website.


Sunday, August 4, 2013

Earth Science Papaya-Glycolic Gentle Skin Peel

Earth Science Papaya-Glycolic Gentle Skin Peel is great product for refreshing your skin and banishing those impurities in your pores. I slather this on, leave it on for about 20 mins and then remove it with a warm wash clothing. It leaves my oily skin feeling clean and clear of any grease and oil. Great for D.I.Y. facial. This is works more like a mask and expect "mild" results.

Some people have been bothered by the herbal smell, based on other reviews I've read. I don't mind the herbal smell, I don't even notice the smell after it has been sitting on my face for a few minutes.

I found this for under $10 US dollars at my local Whole Foods. Vegan. No Animal Testing & Gluten-Free.


Saturday, August 3, 2013

Yoga: A 30 Day Challenge

I just finished Day of 5 of Do You Yoga's 30 day yoga challenge. I'm not big on exercise but I recommend these videos if you're a beginner at yoga. 

A new video for each day of the month, that really work your body. I'm starting to really enjoy yoga. I'm moving my body in ways, I never thought possible. Who knew such short exercises could make your body this sore. Plus it's free and you can do it all in the comfort of your own home.




Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Empties for July 2013


1.) Elizabeth Taylor Violet Eyes 
My favorite perfume from Elizabeth Taylor. Notes of peach, jasmine, rose, Virginia cedar, amber and peony. I would buy this again. I have seen it on clearance, so I think it might be getting discontinued soon but I can't confirm if it's true or not. It's a sweet smelling floral. I'm a big fan of jasmine and rose and the peach, peony and amber really balance it out.  Unlike Elizabeth Taylor's other fragrances this doesn't contain musk.

2.) Alaffia Neem & Shea Butter Skin Recovery Body Lotion in Savanna Morning 
Great moisturizer and has a creamy,thick, and rich texture, great for dry skin. I will by this again but not in Savanna Morning. It works great and I love the texture but the smell reminded me of dirt and leaves. It's very herbal smelling, too much for my taste. I am interested in trying their coffee scented body lotion.

3.) Suave Professionals Rosemary and Mint Conditioner 
This isn't a bad conditioner, I just don't think it's right for my hair type. It doesn't condition the bleached part of my hair well enough.  I do enjoy the smell.

4.) (Re)FRESH Dry Shampoo in Flower Power 
Works well but I don't like the smell. Smells like chemicals.

5.) L'oreal Hydrafresh Toner
I won't buy this again but it didn't make a differance in my skin. Also it contains too many chemicals I don't want on my skin. I find I don't really need a toner.

6.)  Everyday Coconut Cleansing Face Wash 
I like this a lot and I'm on my second bottle. It removes my makeup without stripping my skin. One bottle lasts me about 2 months.

Monday, July 29, 2013

I'm a fan of Tyler Knott Gregson

Who are you
that used to be I?
The bright eyes
staring in wonder.
Where did you wonder to,
you who shared this soul?
You, who knows the secrets
I haven't even dreamed.
Do you feel me
when I wonder,
will you whisper and keep
my eyes bright?
You who was me,
tiny me,
staring in wonder
at all things
bright and glowing.

~
Tyler Knott Gregson

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Nail Polish in Hidden Treasure

Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Nail Polish in Hidden Treasure is a shimmery silver/lavender colored nail polish. I really do like this color and but it is nothing like the "original" Hidden Treasure Nail Polish by Sally Hansen. If your looking for a dupe for the "original" Hidden Treasure, check out Essie's Shine of the Times.

I applied China Glaze's base coat, two coats of Hidden Treasure and finally my top coat, which is Pro FX Quick Dry.

I do like the formula but make sure you let the first coat dry for about 5 mins before applying a second coat. I made the mistake of not waiting on my right hand and it caused some balding.

I seem to have good luck with Sally Hansen's Salon Manicure Nail Polish and have quite a few.


Thursday, July 18, 2013

Best Friends Tag ft. Mix 'n'Make Down Under


My best friend in Australia messaged me this tag. We communicate mostly online because with her being in Australia and me in the US, it's kinda hard impossible to see each other in person. She messaged me about these questions and we both posted them on our blog. Please check out Brittany's blog, http://mixnmakedownunder.wordpress.com/.





1. How and when did you meet?

We met when she starting working at my current job - at the time, back in 2010. 

2. What's your favorite memory together?

Going up to see her family. They live in a small town and I can be shy when I first met people but I really liked it up there. Also, staying in her dad's house was pretty interesting, it was in the process of being built.

3. Describe each other in one word.

Caring. I think she's very thoughtful and cares about me, her friends and family.

4. What's your dream job?

I don't really have a dream job. I only aim to leave a lasting impression on people and hope to influence them in a positive way. A muse, lol.

5. What's your favorite makeup brand?

MAC Cosmetics

6. What is something that annoys you about the other person?

She likes a more structured environment. I'm late for everything. She can't understand how I am late for everything,  I don't understand why she'd want to be early. I aim for being exactly on time...but it really never works out. lol. I don't do well on early schedules. 

7. If you could go anywhere in the world together, where would it be and why?

A cruise. It would be so relaxing.

8. Favorite inside joke?

I don't think we have one.

9. Who takes longer to get ready in the morning?

I don't know. Sometimes it takes me forever sometimes I can be done in 10 mins. I think she's the same way.

10. Favorite season?

Autumn. Even though my name is Summer, I'd have to say summer is my least favorite season.

11. Favorite song?

Safe and Sound by Capital Cities. That's my favorite song at the moment. It always changes.

12. What is it like being best friends with someone who is obsessed with 
youtube. (except, I'm not totally sure either of us are OBSESSED)

Who doesn't like youtube? 

13. Heels or flats?

Heels. 

14. Pants or dresses?

Dresses. Put it on and go. No time wondering what shirt to wear or pants to pick.

15. Favorite animal?

Cats. I think it shows, I own 5. lol. I'm an animal person.

16. If your house was burning down, and your entire family was sure to be okay, what would you save and why?

My pets because I love them.

17. Comedy, horror, or chick-flick?

Comedy.

18. Blackberry or iPhone?

Iphone. I love it. 

19. Favorite movie?

Napoleon Dynamite. I have a lot of favorite movies but this one came to mind first.

20. What is something weird that you eat?

I don't think I eat anything weird. I do go through phases where I want to eat the same thing over and over again until I move onto something else.

21. Do you guys have anything matching?

We blog...is that matching?

22. What's your favorite TV show?

Downton Abby. Sad to see their next season is their final.


Revlon Moon Candy Nail Polish in Cosmic

Revlon released  a new nail polish collection called Moon Candy. I own the color, Cosmic. It's a 2 in 1 nail polish. One is your base color, while two has sparkling flakes that suppose to give your nail polish a "starry" 3D effect.

Cosmic's step one is a dark olive green, while the top coat is light green with multi colored glitter. Step one almost looks black in dark lighting. In the light, it looks a lot more olive.

First, I applied China Glaze's Strong Adhesion Base Coat. Next, I applied two layers of Cosmic's Step 1 before I applied two layers of Cosmic's Step 2. Then, finally, I applied my top coat, which is Pro FX's Quick Dry High Gloss Top coat.

The final results are shown as above. I do like the product, but I must say -- I'm not in love.

While there are some pros, such as - getting two nail polishes in one and the pretty cool effect I received...

In the end, I just found it too time consuming and I do not like the 2 in 1 bottle.  The bottle ended up rolling off my counter, so I was scrubbing nail polish off the carpet, despite my newly painted nails. So after applying 6 layers of nail polish, I had to scrub my carpet for the next half hour. Not fun. Also, the product looks really thick on my nails. If you look at the picture above you can see the thickness on my pinkie finger.

I'm not sure if I'll buy anymore Moon Candy products because I've found better luck   with the "original" Revlon Nail Enamel. But you never know, the other colors do look really pretty.

You can find these on Revlon's website. Also, look for them in your local drugstores.





Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Bloglovin'




If you're looking for an easy and simpler way to keep track of the blogs you're following, please check out Bloglovin. No matter what format or host you're favorite blogs are using, you can keep up with them all in one place. 

They even have a app so you check out your favorite blog updates on-the-go.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer


My favorite bronzer has to be Too Faced's Chocolate Soleil Bronzer. It's a warm matte bronzer with a yummy cocoa scent. I find the coverage to be to be buildable. Even though it looks very dark in the pan, it works fine with my fair skin (NW13). It doesn't look chalky and it's perfect for contouring.

It is a pricier product available at Sephora but well worth it. A little goes such a long way, with a light hand. I can see this bronzer lasting me a good 2-3 years.

It does not come with a brush but I use my ELF blush brush and it works just fine. The compact does come with a mirror.

 Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Outside with Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer.


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Favorite "Old Hollywood" Films

I love films from the first part of the 20th Century, Classical Hollywood Cinema. So many great films I still need to watch but I am going to list my Top 5 Favorite Old Hollywood Films. I'll try and keep it sweet and simple.


5. Gold Rush
Starring: Charlie Chaplin, Mack Swain & Tom Murry
This was the first silent film I ever watched. Saw this as kid late at night on TCM. Loved the film and found interest in Charlie Chaplin.

4. A Streetcar Named Desire
Starring: Marlon Brando, Vivian Leigh, Kim Hunter, Karl Malden
I haven't seen the play but I've watched the movie. It's amazing. Marlon Brando is pretty easy on the eyes. Drama set in New Orleans. 

3.Some Like it Hot
Starring: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon
One of my favorite Marilyn Monroe films. Very funny and something the whole family can watch together.

2.Dinner at Eight
Starring: Marie Dressler, John Barrymore, Wallace Beery, Jean Harlow, Lionel Barrymore, Lee Tracy, Edmund Lowe, and Billie Burk
Jean Harlow looks beautiful in this film and it's very funny, ton of one liners. Love Jean's roll as Kitty. I'm actually planning to watch this movie tonight!

1. Gone with the Wind
Starring: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland
Classic. Romance, history, and drama wrapped up in one. Vivien is amazing and I really loved her character. It's a long movie but I don't care, Watch it!

    Thursday, July 4, 2013

    Mad Girl's Love Song


    "I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead;
    I lift my lids and all is born again.
    (I think I made you up inside my head.)

    The stars go waltzing out in blue and red,
    And arbitrary blackness gallops in:
    I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.

    I dreamed that you bewitched me into bed
    And sung me moon-struck, kissed me quite insane.
    (I think I made you up inside my head.)

    God topples from the sky, hell's fires fade:
    Exit seraphim and Satan's men:
    I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.

    I fancied you'd return the way you said,
    But I grow old and I forget your name.
    (I think I made you up inside my head.)

    I should have loved a thunderbird instead;
    At least when spring comes they roar back again.
    I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.
    (I think I made you up inside my head.)"
    ~
    Sylivia Plath

    Wednesday, July 3, 2013

    Get To Know Me: The Beauty Blogger Tag

    Get to Know Me: 
    The Beauty Blogger Tag


    Googled different tags and found this one on BeautyBrodcast's webiste.

    1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
    I have the weird combination of having both, wavy and thin hair. It can also get really frizzy in humid weather. I've been trying to grow my hair out, so I haven't used my straightener for weeks. I do go through phases where I straighten my hair quite often.

    2. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?
    I go to a salon. I haven't colored my hair since last year and I've been trying to grow out my natural hair color. If I do decide to get color done in the future, I'll go to a salon. In the past, I've ruined my hair trying to do it at home.

    3. Do you wear the same style everyday, or do you change it?
    Pretty much the same style everyday. I wash my hair and let it air-dry. I've been keeping it simple because I am avoiding my styling tools. I don't want to apply heat to my hair while I'm growing it out.

    4. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?
    I do my own mani/pedi. I'm always worried about the cleanliness of a salon, I don't trust them.  I like the idea of using my own tools at home for my nails and not ones that have been used over and over again by different customers. It grosses me out, even if they are cleaned. 

    5. How often do you change your nail polish?
    I switch on and off from having them polished to polish free. I take my nail polish off, when it starts chipping. 

    6. Do you polish your toes in the winter or just the summer?
    All year round, I usually keep them painted. They're naked right now! YIKES! I just took off old polish and trimmed them, I've been lazy and haven't painted them yet.

    7. How long does it take for you to put on makeup?
    About 10 minutes. If I'm in a rush, I can easily do it in about 5 minutes. If I'm going out, I'd say 25 minutes.  I like to take my time and debate about what colors to choose and what products to use.

    8. What do you do first? Face or Eyes?
    Face first and then eyes. I always wear face makeup.  There are days when my eyes are irritated from allergies and I don't even bother with eye makeup.

    9. Do you collect makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?
    I buy what I want. I often buy things only when I run out of them, but there are times I buy things as a treat for myself. I enjoy trying products that new and different.

    10. How often do you wear false eyelashes?
    Never! I do want to try  a good quality pair in the future.

    11. Do you wear a full face of makeup everyday?
    I only wear makeup when I'm going to work or out of the house to meet up with people. If I'm running errands or just at home, I don't bother with makeup. 

    12. Do you wear makeup when you're home alone or with family?
    If I'm at home, no, never. If I go visit my grandparents or extended family out of town, then yes. 

    13. Will you leave the house without makeup?
    Yes, all the time. I don't normally wear makeup on days I'm not at work.

    14. How many high-end products do you have?
    I have way more drugstore products than I do high end. I do prefer high-end foundations, I'm using MAC's SFF currently.

    15. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decided when you're getting dress?
    HA! My outfit of the day is work clothes. Whatever work shirt I find clean in the morning, I put it on and grab a pair of pants. I put zero thought into it.

    16. How often do you change your handbag?
    Not often. I've had the same handbag forever. It's good quality and I love it. It's a black Dooney and Bourke cross body. I rather spend over a $100 on a nice purse and keep it for 5 years than have a cheap purse that falls apart in two years.

    17. What time do you wake-up and go to sleep?
    My sleeping schedule is a mess. I go to bed around 5:30 to 6:30am and wake up around 2pm. I'm a night owl. I work second shift, so I get home a little past 11 o'clock. Sometimes I'll go to the gym and don't even get home till past Midnight. So my work schedule really allows me to keep going with this strange sleep schedule. Also, I hate taking sleeping pills. I'm to the point if I take 3 they have no effect. I just try and avoid taking sleep medication.

    18. How often and when do you workout?
    I have a gym membership and I don't go as often as I would like. My goal would to be to go 3 to 5 times a week.

    19. Left-handed or right-handed?
    Right-handed

    20. How tall are you?
    5'3" 1/2

    21. Do you speak any foreign languages?
    I'm fluent in Spanglish, if you want to call that a language. lol. Spanish, not so much. I'm working on it though. I think I can pick it up again after a few colleges classes. I'd love to learn Russian.

    22. How many pets do you have?
    I have 5 cats. I love them all. =)

    23. How often are you on blogger?
    Everyday. I power my blog through blogger and I check my blog everyday.

    24. Do you read the comments posted on blogs?
    I use bloglovin.com  to fallow the blogs I read. I go from post to post on all the blogs i'm fallowing.  I do read the comments sometimes.

    25. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?
    No, if I like it enough, I'll remember. lol

    26. How did you come up with your blog name?
    Pieced off and assembled thoughts, ideas, projects, and experiences all pieced and put together in a blog. Pieced Fragments.

    27. What kind of camera do you use for your photographs? 
    My phone

    28. How often do you clean your house?
    I usually spend one day a week just cleaning. New sheets on the bed, laundry, bathroom scrubbed. All of it. That way I don't have to worry about it during the rest of the week.

    29.What's your favorite color?
    Purple.

    30. Do you swear?
    Sometimes.

    31. What are you doing with the rest of your day?
    Painting my nails, getting some food and watching some fireworks =) Enjoying my day off work.

    So....I like to read.


        Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved to read. I love reading biographies, fiction, history, children's books, young adults, humorous, poems..etc.  I enjoy all different types genres.

        Currently I am reading a book called The Cider House Rules by John Irving.  It's a fairly long book, but so far I'm enjoying it. I am a VERY slow reader, it will take me some time - to finish this book.


         This book is about an Orphan at St. Cloud named, Homer Wells.  He falls under the teachings of St. Cloud's director, Dr. Larch. 

        I know it brings up a "taboo" subject...abortion and that why some have refuse to pick it up but I find it to be a very thought-provoking book and I hope to read more of John Irving's writings in the future.

    ~

         Two other books on my to-read list I want to finish this year....Yes! I have an actual to-read list, it's on my Goodreads account.
       If you don't have a Goodreads account, I recommend you do so. It's a great tool for finding new books and authors. They even have an app to check out what your friends are currently reading and reviewing.

     Link to my profile:

    http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3917168-summer

         Anyways, as I was saying... there are two books I want to finish reading at the end of this year...

        First, is The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr., which was given to me to my friend that teaches at University level. I need this book because my grammar sucks. I can't write for shit.

         The other is ....Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. OK...this might be too high of a goal. It's pretty long book, 1168 pages, to be exact. I know this is a pretty popular books among supports of the libertarian ideology.  Maybe It seem it seems very out of character for me - to be interested in such a topic but I'm curious and I want to learn more.

         I've known about Ayn Rand and have wanted her read her book for quit some time now but I've been putting it off.  The 1168 pages is a turn off for me. I'll just have to keep in mind, no book is beneath or above me and go for it. So while I would like to start this book by this fall and be done in winter, I'd be content with being half way finished by the end of the year.


        I wouldn't shy away from different book recommendations on improving grammar and learn about Libertarianism and objectivism, so feel free to comment and let me know.

    Monday, July 1, 2013

    Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadows : Summer 2013 Collection

    YAYAYA! My first Maybelline Color Tattoo eyeshadows. These are all from Maybelline's Summer 2013 Collection.

    I kept eyeing Seashore Frost for a few days and after I found a dollar off coupon, I though to myself.. "Why not?". Well, I ended up liking Seashore Frost so well, I bought a few more.


    They're creamy and easy to apply. I just simply use my finger. I find I don't have any problems with the product creasing or fading, throughout the day.  Keep in mind, I do use a concealer and powder as my eyeshadow base.


    I think the colors are beautiful but they are more sheer than the Maybelline Color Tattoo eyeshadows in the Permanent line . So if you're not a fan of sheer and shimmery eyeshadows, you might not like this collection.


     These are Limited Edition for Summer 2013 and will be unavailable when sold out...as far as I know. You could always try ebay if you're unable to find the at your local market or drugstore.


    The colors I have are: Shady Shores, Icy Mint, Seashore Frost, Cool Crush and Lavish Lavender.








    Nothing Gold Can Stay

    Nature's first green is gold,
     Her hardest hue to hold.
     Her early leaf's a flower;
     But only so an hour. 
    Then leaf subsides to leaf. 
    So Eden sank to grief, 
    So dawn goes down to day.
     Nothing gold can stay.
    ~

    Poem By: Robert Frost 

    Sunday, June 30, 2013

    Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes


       It's not often I enjoy a product "so much", that I find myself buying it again, but these Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes are defiantly HG (Holy Grail) material. Believe me I've bought and tried many different brands of towelettes and nothing I've experienced in the past, beats these. 

         Pretty much, I think I'll be stick to these. I'm not looking to fix something that isn't broken, there is no need to find a replacement.  They don't dry out my skin, they remove my makeup and you can often find these on sale at local stores. I love finding facial products that are found at local markets and stores because they're easy to find when I run out and you don't have to worry about shipping time.

    The company Burt's Bees clam the product is not tested on animals and contains no parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals.

    If you are looking to buy these, I've found them at my local drugstore, Target and Walmart. Also check out http://www.burtsbees.com/ for more information.

    Friday, June 28, 2013

    Stationery Addict?


         Yes...the last thing I need is another journal but I thought it'd be really useful. I've decided I'm going to use this journal for writing down my ideas for future blog posts. It's a Parisian themed lavender journal I picked up at my local Walgreens drugstore for $9.99.

    Tuesday, June 25, 2013

    New Morning Skincare Routine


         

       First off, I'm going to say sorry about the picture quality...I'm currently working on it. =)

         Anyways, one day I browsing Whole Foods for a new face cleanser and the Everyday Coconut's Cleansing Face Wash caught my eye. A whole 12oz bottle of cleanser for $8.99 wasn't a bad price in my eyes, so then I picked up the bottle and read the the ingredients. I got really scared at first, because the main ingredient in this item is - free trade coconut oil!! yikes!!!

         If you don't know, I'll tell you -- I am an OILY skin girl. I have been battling cystic acne since I was a teenager and no matter what I seem to do, my face it is somehow becomes shiny in only a couple of hours. My skin as calmed down a lot since my teenage days but I still get blemish here and there. When I use something my face doesn't like, my face can become -- what I like to call...A MESS!

         Anyways, I Googled on my phone about Coconut oil (thanks goodness for Google) and saw that it's very beneficial for the skin and hair. So I thought to myself, why not? If I don't like it, I could always try and use it as a body wash instead..so I went ahead a bought it and let me tell you -- I am very happy I did! This cleanser is great with my skin, it gives me that clean feeling without over-drying my skin. I really like this stuff and best of all...No major breakouts. Yes, I do get a spot here and there but I have not had a full on major breakout since using this stuff.

         So, I decided to go out and get the Everyday Coconut's Coconut Water Face Toner along with Everyday Coconut's Daily Face Lotion with SPF 15. I ran out of old toner which I though was OK but my old toner had a lot of unnecessary chemicals and my normal face lotion was half the size with a larger price tag. So, I thought I would give this brand a shot, the ingredients seem a lot more natural and I feel like I'm getting a lot of product for my money. 

         This shall be my daily morning routine as of now...If anything changes in the future, I will update. 

         Also, I want to point out that this is certified free trade coconut oil and their website clams that 10% of Everyday Coconut's profit goes to support the Alaffia's community empowerment projects in West Africa. 

         To learn more and shop for Everyday Coconut items - please visit, http://www.everydaycoconut.com. I bought my Everyday Coconut items at my local Whole Foods.