Lately...

Hello...

I thought I'd share some things that have caught my eye lately.

BuzzFeed is my guilty pleasure and there's been some fun articles this past week!

ohhh this commercial....


This Pet Furniture is amazing! http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/modern-pet-furniture

I always think about This when watching TV shows - http://www.buzzfeed.com/donttrusttheb/nyc-apartments-that-tv-characters-could-never-affo

I also sure don't need it, but I want it!  The Revenge collection from NYX:

It's available at Ulta and though I don't like the show much anymore - I love themed collections.

I know I'm late to the game but I just started watching Downton Abbey and made it through Season 3 - It's not like it's a "happy" show but I think it's lovely!

They also have a Jewelry line at Macy's and it's very ornate - I like it, but I don't know if it's super wearable...

Source

What do you think?

And what's been catching your eye lately?

Jasmine

Another Fun Swap!

Hello,

I am doing the Mug O’ Comfort Swap hosted by Chaotic Goddess Swaps. Even though we are supposedly heading toward spring - (it's going to be a high of 11degrees here tomorrow) I fancy a hot cup of tea or cider almost every night :) Signups are still open until March 3rd, so please join if you like!

So here is some info you'll need to know if you would like to join:

Sign-Ups Close on March 3rd, 2014

Partners Assigned on March 5th, 2014

Packages Ship on or before March 21st and 22nd, 2014

Swap Show-Off Post/Linky goes life on March 26th, 2014

I thought I'd share some fun mugs for inspiration:

Source - amazon.com

Source - amazon.com

Source - Amazon.com

Ahhh the Unicorn makes me giggle every time!

So join the fun and Sign up today!

Jasmine

I think I like it - Kukui Oil!

Hello,

Today I want to share a hair product with you - which is unusual, because I rarely find a product worth mentioning.

I saw an add for Organix Kukui Oil Shampoo & Conditioner and it described the products as "Indulge your tresses with this exotic blend of kukui nut oil, an ancient Hawaiian secret used for its humidity resistant abilities, creating a shimmering gloss to smooth texture and repel humidity. Make everyday a 'good hair' day."

Source

Well that sounded good, but I've tried the "real" Morrocan Oil and the argon oil shampoos and treatments.  Frizz-Ease does nothing for me.  I have very fine, yet curly hair - so it frizzes very easily.  So I was curious about what was different about Kukui oil.  I looked it up and it is described as "Made up of a variety of antioxidants and vitamins, kukui nut oil can help protect and hydrate skin. Vitamins C, A, and E are all present within the liquid. It is also high in linoleic acid, a fatty acid beneficial to skin care.  Hawaiians sometimes remove the oil from the seeds themselves in order to burn it in a kukui hele po, or stone oillamp. The oil has also been used for stimulating hair growth in some regions."  

So off I went to Wal-Mart to get the goods:

They are $5.74 each - so it's not a bad deal.  I used it that night an 3 times since and you know what - my hair is so much smoother and softer!  It is noticeably less, dry and much less frizzy!  I have never seen such a difference from switching hair products.  The only other time my hair has been this nice is when I have had a Keratin straightening done by my hairstylist ( but that's like $250 a pop for 6 to 8 weeks).  

I also got the "Frizz Defying Curl Cream"

 
I think I like all this stuff because it doesn't weigh my hair down - because my hair is so fine, silicone based products don't work, and I think the other "oils" are too heavy.  This some how hydrates and smooths it.  

It may only work until summer rolls around but if it makes it through the summer humidity this will be my Holy Grail!

Do you have a Holy Grail Hair Product?

Jasmine

Christmas all year long

Hello,



Today I want to share one of the things I have been working on for the last 5 years - Christmas Stockings!

It all stated when I was 16, and my mom asked me to make Christmas stockings for my 2 brothers and I.  I have done needle point since I was 10 or so, and so I made my bothers and I each one - they were pretty simple.

Then when I was 23 - SURPRISE!  My parents had my brother Tucker.  So now I needed to make all new stockings as the ones I originally made I couldn't find a 4th to match.  So I decided to make ones I could add to as need be and finally include my mom and dad.  

And so the collection began...

Here are some of them on the banister of my parents house when my Mom started to decorate for Christmas this year.

And of course I needed to make one for my Cats!  I just finished it last night.

Now don't think I am so very creative, that I come up with these on my own.  They come from kits like this:

So I cut out the 100+ pieces and embroider it all and add sequins and other embellishments I think of a along the way.  Their not the most classy thing - but their fun and I like making them, it's very relaxing while I'm watching Downton Abbey :)

I am currently finally working on one for my boyfriend.  Terrible that I made on for my cats before him - but I had the cats first!

Have a good week!

Jasmine

February Ipsy Bag Reveal!

Hello,


Once again another month has come and brought with it another fabulous Ipsy bag!

This month's theme was "The Look of Love"

 I think the actual cosmetic bags have really improved over the 14 months I have been a subscriber.  This months is pink and has a pink and white cheetah print inside.

Here's what was inside:

First up:

Tini Beauty

Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow + Base In One

"Say goodbye to creasing and fading with Eyetini Eye Cordial Shadow Tint & Base. Eye Cordial's revolutionary formula glides on beguiling creamy color and sets to a transfer-resistant finish that doubles as a wear-extending base under powder shadow."  Full size $18

I got Spiced Rum a gorgeous copper color and it is really pigmented, but can also be sheared out.

I also got:

City Color

Be Matte Blush

"This silky-smooth, highly pigmented matte blush compliments and blends evenly with your skin's natural glow. Extremely buildable to create a subtle or dramatic look. "  Full size $2.99

I got the color Fresh Melon, you can see it swatched above.  I love coral colors and don't have a matte one so this is a nice addition.

I most excited to try:

NuMe

Intense Renewal Mask

"Unleash levels of moisture that make hair more resistant to breakage from future styling and color treatments with the protective properties of NuMe’s Intense Renewal Mask. Your hair will show drastic improvement and superior results after the first treatment. With a special blend of powerful ingredients, the restorative and rejuvenating effects of the Intense Renewal Mask will leave hair feeling replenished, and alive." 20ml sample- $3.39

I stopped dying my hair 15 months ago - but the ends are still damaged, and if this helps my hair at all I will be very excited!

I also got:

Zoya Nail Polish 

"Fast-drying, chip-resistant, long-wearing nail polish. Toluene-free, formaldehyde-free, dibutyl phthalate (DBP)-free, camphor-free, vegan friendly formula."  Full size $9

via zoya.com

And finally...

PoP Beauty - Plump Pout Gloss

"This plumping pout perfector combines the high-shine of a lacquered gloss with the long wear of a stain and is packed full of lip-plumping peptides and avocado & jojoba oils. Lightweight, creamy texture immediately merges with lips & delivers intense glossy colour for an extremely long-lasting finish."
Full Size $16

I got Peony Petal - it's pretty, and I want to try it over the Milani clear lip liner (I need to find) to see if I can get a gloss to stay on!

Total value = $49.38

Ipsy continues to surprise and delight me month after month!

Jasmine

Spring Yay or Nay?

Hello,

Today I bring you my -

Spring 2104 - Yay or Nay?

Evil Eye Jewelry?

YAY!

I love the hamsa and other evil eye defense jewelry.  When I was in high school I went to the Middle East (Egypt primarily) and that's when I learned about the deep seated fear of the evil eye - as soon as I got back you know I way wearing a bracelet with a ceramic eye.  But the jewelry above is much prettier and more delicate.

Crop Tops?

NAY!

Unless you are one of the blessed 1% (seen above) this is a HARD look to pull off.  I know it's super big for Spring - but I just think for most it's really unrealistic.

Tarte Matte Clay Eyeshadow Palette?

source - tartecosmetics.com

YAY!

This is the one cosmetic item I am trying to tell myself I don't need - but it's soooo pretty.  Do I have these colors - yes.  Are they all matte - no.  So I must need this palette.  Have I seen beautiful looks done on several bloggers - yes.  Are any of even close to my coloring - no?  It's a daily battle - ya'll.

Spring Runway Make-up Trends?

source - elle.com

UMMM?

Bold lips, white shadow, smokey eyes, and nail art - hasn't this been the trend since about 2011?

I need something NEW! :)

Spring Shoe Trends?

Source - cyndispivey.com

NAY! 

Mules are just - something that should have been left in the 90's

White pumps rarely look classy - unless they are really expensive.

Those flats are just blagggghhhh...

and the white sandles are like something from Easy Spirit.

So that's my list...

What is on yours?

Jasmine

Back to Blogging...because I'm confused

Hello,

I have missed writing but I truly had nothing to write about! I am sorely disappointed on the cosmetics industry this spring, I really feel like there's not a lot new or exciting.  I haven't even spent my Sephora gift certificate I got at Christmas!  I think I may finally have enough. 

So what am I going to write about?  I still like doing book reviews, and I still find a lot things out and about that I want to share. For example this ad for Revlon polishes:

What?!? This confuses me, I don't want to see a man's face with a nice manicure.  I get it's quirky, but maybe I'm getting to be an old lady who can't adjust. 

I also want to try more indie brands and maybe show a little more DIY. 

But I would love to hear anything those of you still sticking around reading this little blog might like to see!  Comment below or send me an email @ formosacandidusblog@gmail.com

Jasmine