What I'm Loving Wensday~

 Fire box has me wanting more things then I need. Seriously, I shouldn't want to buy Civet Coffee and Scorpion Vodka.

 New Kindle Fires

Ugh! I made the mistake of living in a box. I could have had this for Christmas but instead I asked for other things! I am saddened, maybe it's not to late to ask for Amazon giftcards and start stockpiling! I have the original Kindle fire and I'm over due for a upgrade!

 FFXIV

Need I say more? My blogging is lacking and you can blame the oncoming patch and events.

Baking

In the last week I managed to bake at least 12 dozen batches of cookies. I'm having a baking addition. Help.

 

Mason Jar Cookies

Thanks a lot of pintrest for having me so addicted to mason jars. I've filled over half a dozen, now I just need ribbons and pretty things to decorate with. I also now want to find red and green m&ms to make Christmas Cookies!

Call it a semi-hiatus

In the process of trying to get a new job so things have been hectic! Sorry FOR lack of content!

Lazy Blogger, whoops

Oh wow, I haven't posted since my last what I'm loving Wensday. Bad Blogstress, Bad. I'll be posting up a winter nail art photo/mini tutorial if my nails decide to STOP BREAKING. I blame the cold front.

Also things have been hectic with the kids and my husband starting school last Monday. ALSO, It's almost time for my bake-a-thon!

Every year I go holiday baking crazy, this year it's pretty extreme.

Top and left are chocolate chip cookie, center jar is chewy brown sugar cookies and right is sugar cookie. I managed to do six mason jars and the tupperware before running out of flour, go me!

Since I'm at work with a broken oven I couldn't actually start my bake-a-thon! So I did a lot of prep. Turns out you should really really REALLY check how much is in your cookie recipe before you try to put it in a mason jar. I tried to put my cookie recipe in a mason jar and as I was going down the list I forgot it had over three cups of flour, my jar was nearly full already. It was not going to work at all. So instead I put it in a 64oz holiday tupperware container and it fit with a little extra room to spare.
So I'll be using that one for cookie baking since it's already done.

I also have to bake one of my mason jars since I halfed it! I have to make sure it comes out correctly and also the original recipe calls for 3 eggs, I'm going to bake the halfed recipe with 2 eggs and see how it goes! I really need new measuring spoons and baking bowls for xmas. My measuring spoon numbers managed to rub off, that's what I get for shopping cheap I suppose!

I'll post photos of how the jars turn out after I add tags and ribbons and all the pretty things! Also I'm going to be doing mason jar pies, I'll be posting the recipe for that! I'd post the cookie recipe but it's a family secret and I would be murdered.

Anyways later this week expect pictures of my bake-a-thon, hopefully all goes well in my kitchen considering it's so tiny. My kitchen is a oven, sink, one block of counter space. That's it. I have a microwave cart acting as a island/extra counter space because the small piece of counter I do have has my coffee machine and coffee and tea tins etc. I wanted to buy a island but my apartment is too small for that thought. It's an open floor plan and my guest futon folds out into the kitchen area! I can't wait to move in July!

Also I'm thinking about doing a mason jar cookie mix giveaway but I am still somewhat unsure if anyone actually reads my blog...I guess we'll see!

Also for anyone who is nut-free, gluten-free, soy-free or vegan, I'm working on a peanut butter imitation cookie recipe. I hope it turns out well. Some products may be processed in the same factory as nut/tree nuts/etc but I'm going to try and find all products without that warning to avoid a cross contamination issue. I have the recipe list that I compiled from looking at many recipes but I just have to buy it and bake it before I share!

My what I'm loving Wednesday post will be posted later tonight.

What I'm loving Wenesday~

What I'm loving Wednesday~

Formula X Nail Polish

Seriously this stuff is AMAZING. My favorite was OPI but with the huge selection and the explosives and other neat effects this collection has won me over. Honestly lately instead of going with high end brands, I've been discovering good cheaper brands so unless it really stands out to me I won't buy it. Formula X has a lot of unique colors of the star of the collection for me so far are the xplosives because they look like pretty paint splatter glitter.

Nail Art

I've been really crazy about nail art lately. I recently got new nail art stamping sets so I think I have to blame that. Here are some fandom and nonfandom looks that I've been loving. Keep in mind these are all from a nail art inspiration folder I have so I don't have the sources. If I post your art let me know so I can give you the credit you deserve.

 Kitties!

 They drive me crazy sometimes but I love our two new kittens, Sarabi and Sarafina.

Fun Shaped Soaps: Fortune Cookie Soaps

I love these! They're so cute and they have real fortunes in them! They last for 50 hand washes before they crumble and can be used all broken up and crumbly still(according to the website). I haven't ordered from this company yet but I plan to soon! Fortune cookie soap.

SALES

Gotta love the holiday sales! Everyone is doings great sales right now. The only problem is going broke!

As an addition What I'm NOT Loving: Black Thusday, It's not even Black Friday anymore. It really makes me angry that Black Fridays start as early as 6pm Thursday! There goes my Thanksgiving. Needless to say I won't be doing doorbusters but I'll grab cheap leftovers.

Don't forget tomorrow is Thanksgiving and a lot of Black Friday sales are starting!!
On my list:
Best buy, Game stop and Sedona lace

And don't forget about Cyber Monday. Happy shopping everyone!

Sorry for all of the nail art pics but I haven't been able to write up any reviews lately! I'll be making some more videos and reviews hopefully after Thanksgiving! Thanks for the understanding.
Also I'll be gone Dec 24th to Jan 3rd. Thank you!

Nail Design

Fandom nails: Doctor who Daleks

Fandom nails: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Nail design

Fandom Nails: Dexter

 

Fandom Nails: Dexter  

Plates used: Bundle monster CYO Collection BM-405, BM-414, BM-415, BM-416

Nail Polish used: Any white black or red will work but I used Dark matter, White matter and Flashy by Formula X and a black nail art pen.

Remember to use a base coat. Paint your nails with a white polish until it's opaque. Stamp all your nails red with the blood splatter print from the BM-416 plate. Then french tip all your nails black with your nail art pen or however you'd prefer.

Thumb: I made a stitching pattern with my black nail art pen

Pointer: I used the finger print design from plate BM-414

Middle: A small handcuff from Plate BM-416

Ring: In black I stamped the large drips from plate BM-405

Pinky: Use the computer programming print of 1s and 0s from plate BM-415

Finish off with a top coat and don't forget to clean up your edges.(I rushed and mine doesn't look so neat, I did it as work D:) 

 

Fandom nails: Night vale

 

Fandom nails: Night vale

Plates used: Bundle monster CYO collection plates: BM-414, BM-421 and BM-401 

Polish used: LA Colors purple color craze mini(can be found at dollar stores, ten mini polishes for $5 dollars comes with toe seperators and a nail file too!) and a black polish(You can use any, I used Formula X Dark Matter)

Use a base coat followed by two coats of the purple polish.

I french tipped my pinky and pointer with black.My middle and pinky finger have the same tentacle design from plate BM-401 and then I used the bottom of the octopus from the same plate for my pointer finger. For my ring finger I used the sky/city line from BM-414 on my tip. My thumb has the caution tape design from plate BM-421.

Follow it with a top coat to seal in the design and for a nice shine!

Uh oh nail design

Holiday nail mishap. Trying to French tip green turned into a mess! Scrapping these!  But wanted to show to warn against this yellowing French tip. I used formula x, I could see this coming from a bad brand but not a good one. Also I redid the tips four times at least but it keeps happening!

Nail Design

Dollar Shave Club

I'm tired of paying a gajillion dollars on razors at the dollar store. Rarely do I get them for a cheap price when couponing. When I do I get a good deal and usually nab them for free but haven't had any luck lately so instead of buying super expensive razors I've decided to try dollar shave club. When the razor comes in I'll write a review how good it is compared to Gillette. I'm so excited to try these, hopefully they're as good as they say!

How the frick do these people even make money I swear stuff is so cheap with shipping included.

Try them here

Nail Design

Nail design

Crown Brushes!

So, I was looking around and came upon this sale on Hautelook. Anytime I hear about Crown brushes I hear that they are a must but when on Hautelook because they're on such a good discount. I got a set at 74% discount!

Check it out!

UPDATE:
These are so fricken soft omg

Formula X for Sephora!

Three days with no chips, without a top of base coat!

The Twenty Two by Formula X for Sephora

I am LOVING this nail polish set. It is amazingly perfect in every way. It goes on smooth and some colors only need one coat, I usually do two out of habit anyways.

I purchased the twenty two set. It contains metallics, pastels, neutrals, glitters and is a fantastic starter set. I absolutely love it and will be purchasing more once my wallet recovers. The most impressive are the explosives, they are unlike any confetti polish I've had before. The explosives almost look like paint splatter in some and more glittery in others and have many color combinations.

While this set does not contain a base or top coat you can use the one laying around your house. You don't need to use the whole system though it is recommended.

Check out the Twenty Two by Formula X for Sephora for $55.

Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser

Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser

This stuff REALLY suprised me! I'm glad I read the bottle before using it or else I would have been confused. This product is warming! It feels divine on the skin, I absolutely love it! I got this as my 100 point sample from sephora and even though it is on the pricy side, I plan on purchasing the full size.

Now lets hop right into the claims:

What it is formulated to do:
This Black Cleanser heats up on contact with skin to effectively open and de-clog pores. Its gel texture transforms into a gentle and effective lather to dissolve oil and makeup, rinsing away pore-clogging surface debris, impurities, and excess oil. It refines skin texture, brightens skin clarity, and minimizes the look of pores over time. 

 I find all of the claims on this product to be 100% true. It is also effective for my acne. I use this in the mornings and by night any zits I had we're nearly cleared. I have even tried acne treatments that didn't work as fast as this cleanser did.

This with weekly exfoliation has left my pores smaller then ever!

This cleanser has charcoal which draws out impurity's from the skin. It also has Glycolic acid to help smooth out the skin also it helps prevent acne by cleaning out your pores. The Artichoke leaf extract helps tighten pores. Last but not least this also contains Vitamin C which will help brighten the skin.

While this is a gel based formula it will not leave your skin oily like some will. I was honestly weary about this product after the use of the L'oreal Ideal Clean Gel Foaming Cleanser. One of my favorite things about this cleanser is it works into a wonderful lather. It gets very foamy and makes my face feel so clean and refreshed.

Since this cleanser does not contain fragrances it can be used even on sensitive skin. I would recommend this to all skin types. It is gentle enough to use twice a day though I only use mine in the mornings. Originally I was using Purity by Philosophy as my morning cleanser but I am actually liking this more so I'll probably use up my Philosophy before I buy a full bottle of this. I try to be sensible...

Boscia is a cruelty free brand and this product is formulated without Parabens, Sulfates and Phtalates.

My skin type: Normal/Combination skin, Semi-Oily in the t-zone, large pores+blackheads and light acne.

Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser is avaliable at Sephora for $28. 

Haute Look Fall Beauty Bag

 The Fall Beauty bag is now Available!



The ultimate HauteLook Fall Beauty Bag is here.
- 12-piece set
- For directions and ingredients, see "More Info"

Set includes:
Blow Pro Blow Out Serious Non-Stick Light Hold Hair Spray (1.5 oz., Made in USA)
- Soy proteins penetrate the hair, locking in moisture to fight humidity and set your blowout
- Silk proteins soften hair to leave a satin appearance and smooth away flyaways
- Light movable finish
- Free of parabens, sulfates and artificial fillers

China Glaze Mini Nail Polish (0.5 fl. oz., Made in USA)
- Color: Brownstone

Clarins Total Double Serum Age -Control Extra-
Firming Serum (0.2 fl. oz total, Made in France)
- Helps reinforce skin's youthful beauty
- Fine lines appear less noticeable, skin feels smoother, facial features appear visibly younger-looking

Clarins Body Firming Cream (0.28 oz., Made in France)
- Helps tighten and tone the surface layer of the skin
- "Lifts", refreshes and revitalizes skin's appearance
- Moisturizes and softens

Crown Brush Kabuki Brush (2.25", Imported)
- Perfect for mineral foundation or powder products
- Buffs the product onto the skin leaving a beautiful finish

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion (0.25 oz., Made in USA):
- Enables better absorption of skincare products
- An at home alternative to professional, clinical treatments
- Helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, acne marks, and skin discolorations

France Luxe Silver Headband:
(0.75" W x 18" opening circumference, )
- Firm holding with delicate look
- Soft elastic stretches to many sizes
- 20% discount card included for purchase at franceluxe.com

Fusion Beauty LashFusion XL (0.25 oz., Made in Italy):
- Color: Black
- Capisphere encapsulation technology thickens, strengthens, conditions each and every lash, even after washing

Laura Geller Waterproof Eye Spackle Hues (0.07 oz., Imported):
- Color: Mauve Majesty (a warm, pale mauve)
- Eyeshadow and advanced primer
- Clinically proven to make your regular eye makeup completely waterproof

NYX Glam Lipstick Aqua Luxe (0.16 oz., Imported)
- Color: Glory (Rose pink with silver reflects)
- Silky, smooth, and packed with concentrated sparkle

Betsey Johnson Too Too Pretty Eau de Parfum (0.06 fl. oz., Made in USA)
- Scent: Fruity and floral
- Notes: Fresh Waterlilies, Sparkling Cassis, Lemon Blossom, Osmanthus, Golden Gardenia, Pink Grapefruit Flower, Skin Musk, Whipped Vanilla, Blonde Woods

Bag included (9" W x 5.5" H x3.5" D)

Materials

Crown Brush Kabuki Brush: natural goat bristles
Bag: PU
 

 Avaliable for $20 on Haute Look!

Don't have a Haute Look? Sign up here!

When you grab your Beauty bag be sure to check out the other deals available. They have LA Fresh wipes as high as 60% off!

Vanilla Bean Noel

It's that time of year again, yes! Time for egg nog, time for pumpkin spice lattes! It's the holidays!

I know I'm ready to hit up Bath and Body works once I see egg nog in store. I didn't think it'd be this early but it is.

Every year B&B has their holiday scents and one of the only constant ones is Vanilla Bean Noel and THANK GOD FOR THAT.

This scent is a must have in my home. I just purchased 3 body sprays, 2 shower gels and 4 foaming hand soaps as well as some other things. Since I had a big order I also got coupons and I'm so excited to go in store and grab some more. Hopefully they have another good deal soon because I always need enough of this to last me the year or I get really upset. I ran out of my foaming hand soap a few weeks ago and was really upset but thankfully it's the right time of year to stock up again!

Every year they change their packaging and I must say, this year isn't too great. Most of the designs have a wintered up kid on them.

I really preferred last years deer design.

EXCEPT I think this years body spray is my favorite of all:

It has a really cute glittery and snow design on the bottom, I just love it!

Never buy these at full price you can always find a deal or coupon for B&B. I bought mine at B3G3F(Buy three get three free) and my soaps I got 7 for 20($2.85 a piece, I actually did try other scents but probably should have gotten another 7 in Vanilla Bean Noel)

I need to snag some wallflowers, candles, travel sizes etc.

Unfortunately right now it's buy 3 get 2 free(Signature scents, soaps are 6 for 20), I'll wait another week or two and see how the deals go. Can't wait too long or else they sell out!

Experience my favorite scent in the world!

Morning Skincare Routine

 Morning Skincare Routine

So after a lot of testing I've fallen into a new skincare routine! My pores are smaller than ever my dark spots are fading and my acne is under control. These are products that work for me but may not work for you! I also do have a different nightly routine and rotating skincare as well.(Masks and other items I use a few times a week.)

My skin background:
Normal to combination skin depending on the season. The only reason I can say combination skin is due to my oiliness in my T-zone, my skin is never dry.

I have had products make my skin dry or over oily and after a lot of testing I have a solid skincare routine.(For now, I often change my moisturizers and serum depending on my issue at the time)

This is my daily morning routine;

The first thing I do in the morning is put cold water on my face because it wakes me up! Unfortunately this constructs pores, my water is very hot so I let it steam up and warm up my face a little before I do my cleanser. But in the end it doesn't matter too much because I always cleanse before bed and not too much dirt gets in my skin overnight so sometimes I even skip the steam if I don't have the time.(I have two boys 2 and under, I often don't have the time)

Every morning I use my Purity cleanser by Philosophy, this leaves my face feeling nice soft and clean. In the morning I just use a dime sized amount and rub it in with my fingers. Because it is morning and I don't need as intense of a clean I keep my scrubbing/exfoliating/brush for night time. This cleanser never leaves me feeling like I need a Moisturizer and even though it claims it will tone I like to use a toner afterwards because I have terrible enlarged pores and blackheads.

This cleanser is available at many places but I got lucky and got mine for $10 for 12oz at Sephora. Unfortunately that deal is hard to find/expired. Amazon and QVC are always have good bargams

After I dry my face off with a cotton pad I follow up with my toner. I use this toner(The Neutrogena pore refining toner) because one of my main issues is my pore size and I like to keep my blackheads at bay!
Also unlike most toners this does not make my skin dry. Which has a been a huge reason why I toners out of my routine for awhile. I believe I picked this up as a recommendation from a MakeUpByTiffanyD video.

 I got mine in store at Target for $6.49 but it is a drug store item and can be found at many retailers such as Walgreens, CVS and Wal-Mart!

After my toner I like to use a serum/oil/treatment, currently I am using the Vitamin C brightening serum by Peter Thomas Roth. Unfortunately at $85 pop, this is not my permanent serum. I got a nice sized sample with a PTR kit I purchased and it will likely last me the month but after that I am changing my serum.
This product instantly brightens the skin without making your skin oil as some serums can do.
Currently I am using this because my skin has no other issues. I do not need a acne treatment/serum or anything more for pores or redness so this is good for normal skin just looking for a pick me up.

The PTR Vitamin C Serum is Avaliable at Sephora for $85

Always be sure your last product dries fully before putting another one on. Make sure your toner is dry before serum and serum before moisturizer etc! Don't be impatient, let it soak into the skin!

I live in Florida, so with my moisturizer I like to have a high SPF to protect my face. My daily Moistener is different depending on where I am, I use one by clean and clear when I am in Indiana with family since I don't need the higher SPF.
This moisturizer by PTR is my favorite because it gives me adequate moister without any oiliness or film feeling like many others have given me.

The PTR max sheer defense moisturizer with SPF 30 is available at Sephora for $42

If you don't live in a super sunny area you could use a lower SPF, usually they are better in price, more widely available and cheaper!The one I use when I am in Indiana is the Clean And Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer.

Can you guess I got mine at Target?

It never hurts to use a higher SPF but since my PTR one is on the pricy side I like to conserve when I can. But it does last a long time, it only takes one or two pumps for the whole face.


After this I put on my primer and start putting on the war paint!

Soon I will be posting my Night Time Routine and my Once a week products.

Sub boxes for mom and baby!

 

So I recently suscribed to Citrus lane because I got a ten dollar off code so I said, Why not? My son is always exvited to see what I get in the mail and helps me open my boxes so I thought this was perfect! It's a monthly subscription box for kids, catered to their age!

It starts at $25 dollars(Goes down to $21 with 6month paid plan), with the $10 off, only $15 to try!

Get $10 off now!

 

Now Bluum and Citrus lane seem about the same to me but Bluum also includes goodies for mommy! If you search around the net you can almost always find a 50% off code or at least some sort of discount for new users!

Bluum is $24.95 monthly(Cheaper with paid plans, as always), but you can normally find discounts for your first time. Always check Jen for codes! Currently code PAMPERS will give you 50% off.

Bluum for mommy and baby!

I'll be having a battle of the boxes as soon as they come in! But heres the problem: My boxes shouldn't start until November but Citrus lane delightfully informed me that my box will arrive early, around the 26th! So they already get some brownie points!

Keeping both of them totals over 55 dollars a month! So I won't be doing that...My ipsy, Birchbox and Beauty Box five put together cost less! I wish kids boxes were cheaper, I'd like to get one for the little one but I feel like he's too little to fully enjoy it.

So, I got a letter.

Due to my terrible reaction to the L'oreal Gel Cleaner the company has offered to pay for my medical bills. Still seeing if I can find the time to make it to the dermatologist and somewhat worried to go if they make an excuse not to pay for some reason.

Anywho to the point, most large companys listen. Some will even send you coupons, samples, gifts, etc. I once told the lovely people at Cheeto how much my son loves their product and they sent him a  box filled with two bags, stuffed toys, stickers, bracelets and everything you can think of! A lot of people think they're wasting their time with complaints and praises and while sometimes that is true, it isn't all the time!

Baby blues

My lil Jude bug is in the hospital so my updates will be slow. Sorry my Ipsy review won't be up tonight. :(

 

Update: Lil' guy has a lung infection, he's home now with new meds. Poor thing hit a 103 fever in the hospital.  

Short hair blues.

I am missing my hair so much!! I'm starting on vitamins and the inversion method this week.

And totally going to get my wax on,my brows are beastly.

Ipsy!

I'll post my full review tomorrow, what I got:
Coastal Scents medium shadow brush

Stylesexyhair: Spray Clay

Nourish organic: Coconut and Argan body lotion

Soya nail polish in Neve

Bella terra mineral shimmer in Emotion

Makeup bag: One of my favorites so far but I have a drawer of Ipsy bags in ipsy bags in makeup bags. I could do without a bag every month, maybe every other month or a option to opt out of the bag and get an additional item?

Sephora Deluxe Sample Codes

Still no luck with getting the 10% off code, heres some codes! Please comment if you've used it I think it's a one time deal.
Though I've gotten these several times and never have the codes changed?