Monday, June 30, 2014

Review: Memebox #Hair & Body 2 Beauty Box + July 2014 Discount Code!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Memebox #Hair & Body 2 Beauty Box.jpeg
Memebox #Hair & Body 2 Beauty Box

In a jungle of beauty boxes, Korean brand, Memebox really knows how to keep beauty loving girls happy with their glorious variety of enticing selections.  This time the company sent me their Memebox #Hair & Body 2, which is sensational for scented pampering for skin, hair, and nails.  

With the seven products inside, you can keep gorgeous from head to toe all summer long. 

The cost of this box was $23 plus $6.99 shipping. Unfortunately, #Hair & Body 2 sold out three days after its June 20 release.  When I tell you what you missed, you will understand why beauties worldwide need to put their order in early once such a tempting Memebox is made available! 

Explore the contents of Memebox #Hair & Body 2 with me below.  

Memebox #Hair & Body 2 Beauty Box products unboxed.jpeg
Memebox #Hair & Body 2 Beauty Box products unboxed


1.  Kocostar Foot Therapy 40ml–Full Size–$9.00

2.  Label Young Shocking Holjjuki 100 ml–Full Size–$21.00

3.  Hello Everybody Spa Vita Berry Shampoo 30 ml–Sample Size–$5.18

4.  Hello Everybody Spa Vita Berry Treatment 30 ml–Sample Size–$5.18

5.  Vidanail Lvida Lavender Oil 10ml–Full Size–$10.00

6.  Evas Cosmetics Body Net 7Days Project (Berry Complex) 200ml–Full Size–$6.00

7.  Boutique Bebe Hair Salon Argan Oil Essence 60ml–Full Size–$31.00

Total Value: $87.36


The Kocostar Foot Therapy was a fun way to moisturize feet just by slipping them into this translucent pair of socks filled with treatment.  It attached around the ankle and when worn for about an hour and half, it exfoliates hard skin gradually over the course of several days. This made for smoother, prettier feet for my new pair of sandals.

The Label Young Shocking Holjjuki was next on my list to try.  This cellulite buster draws out trapped toxins due to its green tea and algae extracts.  Though not a permanent solution, I did notice a bit less of that dimpled texture on my thighs after a few uses.

Hello Everybody Spa Vita Berry Shampoo has such a delicious fragrance that you will not want to rinse as you lather with this luscious formula of ten berry extracts.  

Next, I followed with the Hello Everybody Spa Vita Berry Treatment to further nourish it. My hair was shiny, manageable and possessed that lingering berry aroma.

The Vidnail Vida Lavender Oil was something special that I really enjoyed.  Imagine how fabulous it was inhaling lavender in a product to revive the condition of your nails. 

The Evas Cosmetics Body Net 7Days Project in Berry Complex made me feel like I was bathing in a fresh tub of foaming berries.  It was a perfect end to a long, hard day at the computer when you need to unwind a tired mind and body.

Last of all, I got a bottle of Boutique Bebe Hair Salon Argan Oil Essence.  Who doesn’t love argan oil hair serums?  This girl certainly does!  However, I just conditioned so I didn’t try this product yet, but I will the next time I do.

Since I can’t travel the world to personally shop for beauty products, I am so glad that Memebox brings the best of what Korean brands have to offer to us.  Our languages may be different, but we speak the same language when it comes to beauty. 

Here’s something exciting, readers, you can get $5 off your purchase on any Memebox selection when you enter discount code SJNCTE18HN at checkout starting July 1 until July 31, 2014.  This discount is limited to one time per customer.  

What are you waiting for, gorgeous, when there is Memebox’s website to browse?  Trust me, you are going to love what you find there!


*Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*


Sunday, June 29, 2014

A Quick Tip to Beautify Hair Before You Hit the Beach!

If are heading to the beach this summer, I have a wonderful tip how to give your hair a deep conditioning treatment at the same time that you’re having fun.  Pack a tiny bottle or packet of hair conditioner and carry it along with you in your tote with your wide-toothed comb. 

After you take a plunge in the ocean and tire from swimming, apply the conditioner liberally while the hair is still wet before you prepare to work on your tan.  By doing so, you will be multitasking in giving your hair a beneficial treatment effortlessly while you are relaxing.

Thanks to the warmth of the sun, the effects of the conditioner are enhanced.  What you will find is split ends look better and the rest of your hair is softer and more manageable instead of crispy, sunbaked and beachy-looking.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

You’ll Crave My Creamy Caramel Pie Recipe Once You Dig in!

caramel-pie.jpeg
This pie tastes like liquid caramel candy in a creamy filling topped with a cloud of meringue.


When I didn’t share a recipe last week, I kept getting emails from disappointed readers so I do apologize. Therefore, I thought pie was in order. This is not just any pie, but something that tastes like liquid caramel candy only in a luscious, creamy form of pie that is crowned with fluffy meringue.  Served cold, my Creamy Caramel Pie will delight the family and guests.

As I always mention, I love good food but hate complicated recipes.  The hardest part of preparing this pie is cooking the filling.  I recommend trying my oil-pie crust because it is simple and foolproof even if you never baked a pie crust before.  

On the other hand, pie crust recipes that use shortening can be tricky. If you handle the dough too much, your crust can become tough and hard.  I have built my share of those. However, my oil-pie crust recipe turns out flaky every time regardless of what you do to it. This I promise you.

Here’s a tip that I want to pass along about separating eggs. Sometimes, you may forget leaving them at room temperature for a bit to improve your chances of separating them successfully.  When you’re rushed, try running them under hot water for a few seconds to warm the eggs up first. This helps separate them with greater success than fresh out of the refrigerator.


My Creamy Caramel Pie

1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar (light or dark)
1/4 cup of melted margarine (not spread) or butter
3 large eggs, separated
2 tablespoons of flour
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
2-1/2 cups of evaporated milk
1 baked 9-inch pie shell
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Meringue Topping:

6 tablespoons of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
3 large egg whites
½ vanilla extract



To Prepare the Caramel Filling:

Cook the brown sugar and your butter together in a heavy pot like a cast iron skillet until it caramelizes.

Mix the egg yolks, flour, and cornstarch and gradually stir in a little of the milk to it in a mixing bowl.

Add the rest of the milk and thoroughly mix.

Now pour the milk mixture slowly into the caramelized sugar-butter and continue cooking, stirring constantly until thickened.

Pour into your baked pie shell.


To Prepare the Meringue:

Take out your electric mixer and beat the salt with the egg whites until it becomes frothy.

Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.  If you add the sugar too quickly, the meringue will fall and become limp instead of stiffening up.

Be care to spread the meringue all over to the edges of your pie to seal the filling in. 

Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 8-10 minutes until slightly browned.

Chill before serving.

ENJOY!

Friday, June 27, 2014

The Answer to Your Problem of Weak, Splitting Nails!

Over the last few years, I noticed my fingernails kept getting weaker and weaker with deeper ridges.  If that wasn’t bad enough, two of my nails were starting to look flat across and curve inward, which is far from beautiful. The only thing I could do was keep the nails short and keep experimenting with every nail reinforcing product that I could find in my quest to get my once beautiful nails back.

The strength of them was so bad that I had to run for the nail file or scissors once or twice a day despite some of the products I had tried earlier.  Seriously, I didn’t understand why this awful change was happening.

Of course, I know that diet plays a role.  However, who can really say if we have enough of the right nutrients to handle our unique body’s chemistry, especially with the way our foods are processed, preservatives, or any medicines that must be taken?  

After I did some research, I found that biotin, (vitamin B 7), could be what I was lacking. This particular vitamin helps the body’s metabolism to become better functioning for how it treats energy and transports carbon dioxide from the body’s cells.

Biotin can be found naturally in foods such as cooked eggs, nuts, sardines, legumes, nut butters, whole grains, mushrooms, bananas, and cauliflower.  

Already the thought of what biotin could do to benefit my nails, stop hair loss and shedding that I lately was experiencing and, perhaps, even help with weight sounded promising.  The problem now was the dosage. 

I picked up a bottle of the maximum strength 5,000 mcg. Though there is no known evidence of biotin interfering with medications, you may want to ask your physician before starting with any new supplements.

Please be careful in your choice of vitamins.  Look for a brand with some sort of quality seal to safeguard your health in what is a very unregulated industry.  Trust me on this, read those labels carefully because bad ones are still sold nationally alongside good ones and in stores where you shop.

I took one softgel a day.  I didn’t see any difference the first week.  By the second week, I started noticing a bit more strength when touching the nail surface.  It wasn’t as bouncy and frail.  

Over the next two weeks, the condition of my nails improved more.  The deep ridges were giving way to finer ones while the two down curving nails were straightening themselves out with a rounder, normal curve.  I also wasn’t running for my nail file or scissors like before.

It has now been about six weeks and most of the old nail has grown out, leaving faint ridges, a normal curve to my nails again, and harder nails.  Furthermore, I haven’t been shedding as many hairs as before I started with biotin.

I honestly recommend anyone that is experiencing the same problems with their nails or even losing more hair than normal, should think of picking up a jar of biotin.  This really helped and is still helping me with my nails.  I only hope this helps you in the same way.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Review: Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil With Meadowfoam SPF 50

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil.jpeg
Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil
Sunscreen is a necessity to protect yourself from skin cancer and premature aging, not just in the summer but all year round. Though a definite must, some of us can be lazy and neglect wearing it as we should since some formulations can feel heavy and make you look greasy. However, I discovered one from Supergoop! called Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam Broad Spectrum SPF 50.

This is a wonderful lightweight and water-resistant oil with caring ingredients for the skin that has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.  Instead, this sunscreen is also a pampering formula as it defends again potential sun damage with excellent powered tocotrienols for antioxidants, as well as lubricating argan oil and meadowfoam seed.  
What else is appealing is its fresh citrus scent due to the natural essential oil blend of pomegranate, citrus, and calendula that it also contains.

Another thing that I love about it is the convenience of being in spray form.  This is so handy for toting with you to the pool for when you’ll need to reapply after 80 minutes when swimming.

I found that this oil absorbed after a few minutes, leaving my skin silky smooth. What else I can say is this formula didn’t cause me to breakout as some other chemical sunscreens can or irritate me in the least. Furthermore, it did the job without making greasy like I was just basted like a turkey ready for the oven.

Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with Medowfoam Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is available in two sizes, 1 fl. oz. ($10) and the 5 oz. ($26) at Supergoop!, QVC, QVC.com, Sephora stores nationwide.  Do check this product out!


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Review: L’Occitane en Provence’s Enchanting Eau Ravissante

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
L'Occitane Eau Ravissante.jpeg
L'Occitane Eau Ravissante


With deep regret, I must inform you that L’Occitane en Provence will be discontinuing their Eaux de Provence line of fragrances.  Therefore, you might want to stock up on your favorites from this lovely collection while you still can. 

If you love rose fragrances and want something softer for summer, I am confident you would appreciate Eau Ravissante as much as I do.

This sheer fruity-floral draws you in at once the instant its citrus notes of bergamot make contact with that bounty of floral petals. The fresh juices spilling over the floral give the scent a luminous quality.  What occurs in a beautiful rebirth of rose that is extremely clean with an unmistakable tenderness about it.

Once the Damascena rose fully blooms and enters the equation in the heart, this very feminine scent can light up a room with its graceful presence. Wearing Eau Ravissante makes you feel irresistible and happy about yourself at the same time.

As the fragrance dries down in the base with warm amber and sensual musk, there is an undeniable magnetism at work that is unescapable.

This fragrance did retail for $32 for the 1.7 oz. travel size spray and $55 for the 10.1 oz. splash. Now those prices have dropped to $16 for the 1.7 spray and $27.50 for the 10.1 oz. in their LAST CHANCE Eaux de Provence Fragrances page.

Don’t miss the opportunity to try L’Occitane en Provence’s Eau Ravissante with how lovely it will make YOU feel.  I highly recommend picking some up!





Monday, June 23, 2014

Review: New Dazzling LAQA & Co.’s Cagney Gold Flecked Manicure Duo + Photos + SWATCH!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Cagney Gold Flecked Manicure Duo.jpeg
Cagney Gold Flecked Manicure Duo

Now you can look extra special this season and really glam up for an upcoming party, wedding or any other big event with LAQA & Co.’s newest collection of three nail art pastel and black polishe pens.  

I was sent the Cagney Gold Flecked Manicure Duo ($16), which has a tulip-pink shade in one side and the other containing gold flecks to follow later.  Striving for keeping the nails lovely as well as healthy, just like their other polishes, there is no formaldehyde, toluene, or DHP. 

The brush makes for effortless application once I polished on top of my basecoat.  The formula was not too thin or too thick. It did settle more in some places than others as lot of others brands do as well so a second coat is advised to get that beautiful tulip pink shade.  

Below I photographed my nails prior to adding the gold flecks.  As you can see, the color is just as pretty for when you prefer a more demure look.

Swatch of Cagney Gold Flecked Manicure Duo before adding gold flecks.jpeg
Swatch of Cagney Gold Flecked Manicure Duo before adding the Gold Flecks

However, you can turn pretty into all out glamorous just by turning the pen upside down toward the gold side.  First, you need to wait until the polish dries when touched before brushing a coat of that glitzy gold overs the nails.

Look at the effect below. Don’t you love how that bit of random gold sparkle jazzes up my nails?  
Cagney Gold Flecked Manicure Duo with gold flecks.jpeg
Cagney Gold Flecked Manicure Duo with gold flecks

This New York based brand is equally impressive in their attempt to feature boxes designed by new artists to give them  some well deserved exposure and a cut of the profits at the same time.  Luke Forshaw is the artist of the month for June 2014 with Ankle Biter.

Cagney Gold Flecked Manicure Duo with box.jpeg
Cagney Gold Flecked Manicure Duo with box

Do check out this fabulous new collection from LAQA & Co. because it can dress up your nails in fitting style to make YOU the toast of the party!


Sunday, June 22, 2014

How to Better Protect Your Polished Nails From Chipping!

I hate going through all the trouble of painting your nails with that basecoat, topping with two coats of gorgeous polish, and then sealing your work in with a final topcoat only to still chip a short time following that manicure.  However, I have an easy trick that really helps keep the nails from chipping longer.

What I am about to share doesn’t involve buying any new product.  Instead, you continue doing your manicure in the same way as I described above. The only thing you need to change is your technique when you are applying that topcoat.

Before you are ready to lock that bottle of topcoat away, take the brush and hold it parallel to the tip of the nail and paint some topcoat just a bit under the nail.  This extra bit of reinforcement does wonders in strengthening the protection of the topcoat.  

Just try this and be amazed at what a simple change makes in keeping your manicure intact longer!

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Review: Solid-Cordz Premium Gold Plated HDMI Cable

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Solid-Cordz Premium Gold Plated HDMI Cable ad.jpeg
Solid-Cordz Premium Gold Plated HDMI Cable

I love to watch movies and with my new Premium Gold Plated HDMI cable from Solid-Cordz, the picture quality is exceptional on my HDTV.  It’s so much easier to connect my Blu-ray player with this type of cable.  If you have HDMI ports on your stuff use this type of cable because everything is sharper than you can imagine and it’s easier to connect!  

Blu-ray’s image quality gives us the theater experience at home. We have great movies and enjoy watching them whenever we please without traveling, spending money on gas and theater snacks, now from the comfort of our home.

I received the HDMI 2 Pack of this Premium Series Gold Plated 6 ft. High Speed DDMI Cable with Ethernet and 4K Support from Solid-Cordz to review.  It also has 3D Gaming Support and is Xbox and PS3 compatible. 

This cable’s interfacing using those gold-plated HDMI connectors helps provide the best signal transfer between whatever audio/visual source you intend to use it with while it protects against EMI/RFI interference.

Besides set-top boxes and Blue-ray Disc players, this cable also would be great for DVD players, video game consoles, AV receivers and/or an audio and/or a video monitor, such as a digital television or plasma monitor, over a single cable.

It also supports Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master AudioTM standards.  Furthermore, it is HDCP & RoHS compliant.

Though I am not tech savvy, I do know what I like and it’s beautiful reception when it comes to picking up a fantastic signal.  And with Solid-Cordz’s, Premium Series Gold Plated 6 ft. High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet (latest Edition), you get an excellent choice when you plug in!  Remember you invested in a lot of cool tech gadgets so don’t skimp on the ‘pipes’ between them!

Do look into picking up the HDMI 2 Pack - PREMIUM SERIES GOLD Plated 6 ft High Speed HDMI® Cable with Ethernet (latest Edition) 4K Support - 3D Gaming Support - Xbox & PS3 Compatible by Solid Cordz® on Amazon ($35).
*Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Friday, June 20, 2014

Review: PĆ¼r Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation (New Formulation)

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


PĆ¼r Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation.jpeg
PĆ¼r Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation


Summer is the time I heavily rely on mineral makeup because it is least likely to clog pores when you start sweating from excessive heat.  Though you can use a liquid mineral makeup foundation, I love the ease and convenience of grabbing a compact of the pressed variety for effortless application when on the run to enjoy that sun.  

When I was asked about trying PĆ¼r Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation, I was glad to see how that new formulation worked.  Unlike the old version, this foundation now has built-in SPF 15 with skin pampering ingredients such as their special ceretin complex for anti-aging and waltheria extract for brightening skin tone as well.

The color that I picked was Porcelain.  This shade had a bit more pink than the shade in my old compact. The formula, however, is just as incredible.  I got a beautiful light-medium coverage with a matte finish once I took my chisel brush to it. It may look slightly powdery at first but give it a few seconds and this foundation will appear a part of your skin, smoothing out those complexion flaws and pores, practically vanishing them from your face.

As to using this product to conceal my dark allergic shiners, I need heavier coverage from a separate product to handle the amount of black under my eyes. 

This product is cruelty-free and vegan without parabens and glutens.  Yet, it does have bismuth oxychloride, which may cause breakouts in some individuals.  I never experienced any problems or irritation, but it is among the ingredients so be aware.

I loved PĆ¼r Minerals original award-winning pressed mineral makeup foundation and honestly thought that one was perfection.  But I must say the new version already won me over too with how seamless my complexion looks.  Check PĆ¼r Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation ($27) out and see how fabulous it is!


Wednesday, June 18, 2014

How to Get the Perfect Opaque Look With Pale Nail Polish!

I love the look of pale nail polish for that added elegance it brings to your hands with its simplicity.  Here’s a trick that you might want to try if you are attempting to go for that opaque look.

Start with a base coat as always.  Instead of reaching for your pale polish, I have a better suggestion.  Try applying a coat or even two of white polish first.

Next, paint on a single coat of that pale nail polish.  

Finish your manicure with a top coat.

When you glance at your hands, you will discover how this technique seems to dress up the hands beautifully and elongate the fingers in the process!  Do try because you will be amazed. 

Review: Beauty Box 5 June 2014 + FREE Box Coupon Code

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


Beauty Box 5 June 2014.jpeg
Beauty Box 5 June 2014

Summer beauty means putting together an effortless look. After all, you still want to look hot and have fun while you beat the heat. What Beauty Box 5 has in store for June 2014 is just the thing for inspiration with products to lighten up your look to fit the season.

Before I get into my actual review, I want to fill you in on Beauty Box 5, which I happen to love because for a mere $12 a month, you can get introduced to four or five full to sample sizes of skin and hair care products to makeup that you might never have discovered otherwise.  Of course, you will find familiar brands as well. The real fun is the surprise of what may be inside when your little green box arrives, but always it is one that never disappoints your beauty expectations.

Take a look at what was in my Beauty Box 5 for June 2014 below.

1.  Nicka K New York Nail Color (full size) in Ripe Apple–$4.99

2.  Organix Coconut Water Shampoo and Conditioner (sample packets of 7.4 ml)–$0.030

3.  Glam Natural Mascara–(unspecified sample size that looks like half of the normal size tube)–$14 (calculated guess)

4.  Vita Bath Body Wash in Dreamy Pink Frosting (sample size of 2 fl. oz.) –$1.33

5.  Estor Introductory Collection Calming Kit (four 5ml sample packets of Soothing Refiner and Cleanser, Replenishing Scrub, Comforting Mask, and Soothing Cream)–$15.00

                                       Total Value–$35.62!


The Nicka K Nail Color is a new brand for me.  This is free of formaldehyde, toulene and DBP for a safer nail polish experience.  The color of Ripe Apple is a deep, classic glamorous red that never goes out of style.

The Organix Coconut Water Shampoo and Conditioner smell delicious and was wonderful for caring for the effect of drier summer hair.  This formula is sulfate free and does a nice job moisturizing with coconut oil and other weightless, hydrating ingredients.

The Glam Natural Mascara in Black is gluten and paraben free.  This vegan formula is bit thinner than I am used to, but it opened up my eyes subtly without clumping. I also liked the smaller size for summer and vacations because I don’t keep my mascaras more than three months anyway, especially natural formulas.

The Vita Bath Body Wash in Dreamy Pink Frosting is a product I already reviewed. This gourmand fragrance is delectable as if you were in the midst of a bakery with its delicious aroma. It foams up exceptionally well using little.  I just love Dreamy Pink Frosting!

Estor Introductory Collection Calming Kit is perfect for packing in your bag when going on vacation.  With how extra sensitive my skin gets from the elements at this time of year, I really appreciated that it was the Calming product to help soothe when it acts up. Though I would have preferred tiny bottles of the same size over foil packets because they are easier to close, this collection will be a convenient way to try a new brand at the same time when I get my stash together.

Looking amazing all summer–or all year couldn’t be more simple.  All you need are great products at your disposal. With a great beauty subscription like Beauty Box 5, you can save yourself the hassle of hunting because with all the wonderful beauty that is brought to you. 

If you enter my coupon code of FREE614 at Beauty Box 5's checkout from now until the end of June, you can a free introduction box!  Instead, you could also use that free code to save $12 off a quarterly or yearly subscription.  

Now, what are you waiting for?  Beauty awaits so do visit Beauty Box 5!

***Beauty Box 5 is no longer in business.***

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

L’Occitane en Provence’s Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense Is a New Fragrance on My Fragrance Hit Parade! (Review)

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


L’Occitane en Provence’s Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense Eau de Toilette.jpeg
L'Occitane en Provence's Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense


Currently topping the charts on the Nuts 4 Stuff new fragrance hit parade is from L’Occitane en Provence with Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense, an enchanting ode to cherries everywhere. This fruity-floral created by talented perfumer, Karine Dubreuil, is so sparkling fresh in a delightful sweet combo of fruits and flowers that it takes the cherry scent in a new direction with just the precise balance of fresh to sweet. 

This fragrance sparkles as it opens with top notes of lemon, orange, and ripe blackcurrant dripping those ripe, sweet juices over the citrus.  The result is a bright and uplifting fruity sweetness, which is an ideal prelude to what follows in the heart.

With notes of raspberry, red cherry and wild lilies of the valley, Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense exudes femininity.  This enchanting heart is where you can lose yourself to romance. You want to abandon yourself to this feeling and run swiftly toward it.  Instead, this fragrance treads softly with ladylike grace and elegance that elevates it among other cherry scents.

As this fragrance dries down in the base, I love how Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense can almost seduce on the spot.  Slowly, it entices with notes of heliotrope, white musk, and olive tree that lend to its carefully orchestrated, sexy appeal.

If you love cherry fragrances, but are bored with ones that are too sweet, too tart, or too floral, then take it from this perfumista, Mary B., Cerisier Rouge Eau Intense is what you should be looking into.  I consider it a clean, red juicy cherry fragrance of sheer magic that I wish was sold in a larger bottle instead of the 1.7 fl.oz. ($50).  Hint, hint, L’Occitane en Provence!
  


Monday, June 16, 2014

Hard Candy Cosmetics Mod Quad Line of Baked Eyeshadows Review–SWATCHES!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Starting on the top row is Under the Moon (720) on the left with Pink Interlude (718) on the right. Bottom row on the left is Ivy League (722), then Smoke & Mirrors (721) and ending with Brownie Points (719) on the right.


Hard Candy came out with a lot of new products to tempt beauty lovers.  Take their  new line of five Mod Quad Baked Eyeshadow Compacts that arrived for this review.

Each of these compacts has four coordinated smoky shades that can help your eyes dazzle with a striking metallic luster just as the Kal-eye-descope Baked Eyeshadow Duos do.  

Pink Interlude (718) has beautiful tones of burgundy against softer champagne-beige highlights.  Brownie Points (719) has riveting browns.  Under the Moon (720) has periwinkle blue and rosy tones.  Smoke & Mirrors (721) has haunting gray and silver tones.  Last but not least, Ivy League (722) has olive, spring green tones and beige-pearl to give eyes that lovely impact.

In my opinion, the texture of the Mod Quad is more powdery with a bit more chunks of glitter than the Kal-eye-descope with the same beautiful metallic finish. The only difference is that used dry makes these gleaming shades appear slightly lighter. Nonetheless, these dreamy colors are quite versatile.
  
As to the length of wear, these shadows aren't as long lasting as Kal-eye-descopes.  You need to apply primer to save yourself from creasing.  However, I found adding your primer extends the length infinitely.

Though if you do find a few chunks of glitter landing under your eyes, here is what you do. Take a pre-moistened cotton swab with a dab of water to it. This little trick lifts the glitter easily enough without spoiling your work.

I thought the Mod Quads are a great way to give your eyes a lot of exciting metallic looks for your buck ($6) as you can see from my swatches.

Starting by my wrist and going down my arm, you will find the four shades of Under the Moon (720), then Pink Interlude (718), and ending with the four shades of Smoke & Mirrors (721).
From my wrist and working down my arm you will meet the four shades of Ivy League (722) and ending with Brownie Points (719).
Do look for Hard Candy’s Mod Quad Baked Eyeshadows at Walmart the next time you go shopping.  


Sunday, June 15, 2014

SuperPretzel Softstix Pretzels Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

SuperPretzel Softstix Cheddar.jpeg
SuperPretzel Softstik Cheddar

There are three delicious ways to satisfy your soft pretzel cravings while filling you up at the same time.  I am talking about SuperPretzel’s three new filled Softstix pretzels in Cheddar, Buffalo and Nacho flavors that I was sent for this review.

These bite-size soft pretzels may appear small, but they are packed with good things like Kraft Cheddar filling, jalapeƱo peppers for the hotter Cheddar flavor of Nacho, or the spicier Cheddar filling of Buffalo to make them more substantial than a plain snack.
SuperPretzel Softstix Buffalo.jpeg
SuperPretzel Softstix Buffalo
There are twelve of these filled pretzels per box.  You can heat them in the oven at 350-degrees for about five to seven minutes according to the box. However, I left these in for closer to ten minutes to thoroughly heat the cheese enough to get it piping hot and gooey when you bite in.  
SuperPretzel Softstix Nacho.jpeg
SuperPretzel Softstik Nacho
You can also prepare in the microwave, if desired.

As I mentioned, these are very filling and would be great to serve the guys when gathered around the television to watch their big games.   

My personal favorite was the Nacho flavor since I love all things hot.  My guy enjoyed plain Cheddar the best, but gobbled up the Buffalo before I had a chance to get a second.

If you like soft pretzels and want something that chase away the hunger more than a plain snack, I definitely encourage to try the SuperPretzel Softstix Pretzels!

Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*
                    

Saturday, June 14, 2014

My Yeast-Raised Crumb Cake Will Have the Family Demanding Seconds!


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Here is a piece of my Yeast-Raised Crumb Cake.


I can’t believe how fast summer is flying by. Instead of most of the country having beautiful warm weather, we have been dealt a bad hand with too much rain, severe storms, and unseasonably cold temperatures lately.  So the next time you find yourself staring out your window and watching those big drops ruin yet another weekend, I thought you might be in the mood to try my delicious Yeast-Raised Crumb Cake!
        
My recipe is quite easy to make as well as economical. Using just one teaspoon or packet of dry yeast, I am able to make three cakes without eggs and milk, which is great with the price of eggs and milk rising with each trip to the store. Although you can add an egg or two and replace one cup of the water for milk, I honestly don’t think you will miss them.

My cake has a nice, soft texture that is complimented with my scrumptious crumb topping.   With the portions that I am sharing, you will have enough topping for all three cakes for the thickness of the crumb layer that I like.  If you want a thicker layer, you will need to increase the amount so just do the math.

By all means, I only use a butter not margarine for the crumbs.  A margarine has too much water for crumbs, which always seem to sink into dough.  Butter, however, gives a wonderful sweet, pastry-like nugget that stays intact.

One last piece of advice, if you are afraid of working with yeast because you have never done so–then now is the time. Mary B. will take you through it so just read carefully and before you know it, you will never think it was hard to bake with yeast in the first place!


My Yeast-Raised Crumb Cake

2 cups of very warm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of dry yeast
½ cup of canola or corn oil
½ cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
6-1/2 to 7-1/2 cups of sifted flour

Crumb Topping:

2-1/2 cups of flour
1 cup of brown sugar (light or dark), firmly packed
3/4 cup of butter (not a margarine)
1-1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon

To make the dough:

Pour two cups of very warm water (not hot) in a large mixing bowl.  Test the temperature on the back of your wrist as you would for a baby.  Add the one teaspoon of sugar and the teaspoon of dry yeast to it.

Allow the yeast to feed on the sugar for a few minutes to proof it.  When you see some bubbling action, you will know it is time to add the flour.

Take out a wooden spoon because you will need it to combine the dough.  DO NOT ADD ALL THE FLOUR AT ONCE because you may need more or less of the amount I gave you depending on the weather, etc.  Sift a few cups, then stir in the salt.  Gradually, you keep adding and stirring the flour in until the dough feels soft, but not sticky. 

Knead on a floured surface or even in that large mixing bowl, which I do to cut down on dishes.  You won’t be playing with the dough forever, only until nothing sticks.  

Cover your bowl and allow the dough to grow for about two hours.
 
When that time is up and the dough is rising, you will grease three sheet cake pans approximately 15" x 10" x 2" in size. You can use larger pans.  I use the smaller sizes because I like to store some in the freezer.

Divide the dough into three pieces of the same size.  You can roll out for a prettier appearance or just pat a piece of that dough into each cake pan.  

Top each cake with some of the crumb mixture and let grow in the pan for about 1-1/2 hours.

Bake in a 400-degree oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how your oven is regulated.

To prepare the crumb topping:

Prepare as you would pastry by rubbing the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter together until you mix into yummy nuggets.  This is enough to top all three of your cakes.

ENJOY!

My Yeast-Raised Crumb Cakes.jpeg
This is how many of my Yeast-Raised Crumb Cakes you might expect from this recipe.