Blogmas: Days 1 through 3

This month, I will be trying my best to post something every day during the month of December. Since I’ve been sick, and still am a bit, what should have been posts for the last 3 days are being rolled into one. I’m hoping to get out a Winter Veil feast since the one for Pilgrim’s Bounty didn’t quite work out. A couple of weeks ago I received the winter FabFitFun box. FabFitFun is the only subscription box I have, and seeing how things are headed, I may soon unsubscribe. If you’re interested, though, here is the link and promo code: Click here & enter code WINTERFUN at checkout. By clicking the link provided, I get $8 per subscription (not per box). Since being an affiliate, I’ve only made $8. The program is, by no means, a “gravy train”.

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Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure!

I love Disney, especially during the holidays!

Epcot had the Food & Wine festival, where guests could experience foods from varying cultures.  This holiday season, Disney California Adventure has put on the Festival of Holidays.  Like Food & Wine, guests have the opportunity to try out all sorts of foods, drinks, and entertainment.  This multicultural food fair will last through January 8th.  I can’t wait to try out what they have to offer.  I have heard that it is quite pricey (but it’s Disney, so that’s not a surprise).  Here is a list of all of the offerings, courtesy of disney.go.com:

  • Abuelita’s Kitchen cooks up Feliz Navidad wishes with warm tamales and sopes
  • Brews & Bites clinks flights of beer for yuletide cheer
  • Fiesta en Familia makes merriment with savory dishes like pozole and ceviche
  • Southern Home Holidays spreads southern comfort classics like spicy chicken sausage and sweet potato pie
  • Good Fortune’s Feast adds a little flair to the festivities with pork bao and winter mint milk tea
  • Heritage Cottage serves up tasty goodies with hardy holiday short ribs and rice pudding
  • Making Spirits Bright shows what fun it is to celebrate with wines and seasonal beverages
  • Mistletoe Morsels melts hearts with Swedish meatballs and eggnog
  • Mosaic Delights moffers mouthwatering munchies like roasted lamb and baklava
  • Nosh & Nibbles is horsera-dishing out brisket potato croquettes and sweet spiced noodle kugel
  • Spicy Salutations celebrates with inspired cuisine like curry and mango lassi
  • Treats for Santa twinkles with fruit punch and holiday cookies
  • Winter Sliderland roasts and toasts with succulent sliders and hard cider
  • Yuletide Yummies puts a twist on the traditional, with creations like pumpkin spice hot chocolate and gingerbread Bundt cake

As we try out the various small plates, I will update this post with my thoughts on each dish that is sampled.  Hopefully this list will help you decide what to try on your next visit.  What are you looking forward to the most this (Disney) holiday season?

Gift-Giving Guide, Part 2: Skincare + Devices

  

1.  Clarisonic Mia 2 Polka Dot Duo, $149.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

One Mia 2 is $149.99, so for $50.00 more, you can purchase two.  Keep one for yourself or gift them both.  The each come with their own bag and charger, which means they are perfect for travel.  You can read more about Clarisonic and my personal experiences here.

2.  Mia 2 Keith Haring Set, $149.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

Clarisonic has paid homage to the late artist and activist, Keith Haring.  There are a couple of designs to choose from.  Any of the designs are perfect for the pop art lover or Keith Haring appreciator in your life.  Set contains (list courtesy of sephora.com):

– Mia 2 Keith Haring “Love” Facial Cleansing Device
– Sensitive Brush Head
– Universal pLink Charger
– Keith Haring travel bag
– 1 oz Refreshing Gel Cleanser

3.  Clinique Sonic System, $89.50 and up

Image courtesy of sephora.com

Clarisonic can be a bit pricey, and while the Clinique cleansing brush is steep as well, it’s a bit more affordable.  

The set in the image above contains the following (list courtesy of sephora.com):

– Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush in pink/orange
– Charging base
– Pink/orange travel case
– 1 oz Foaming Sonic Facial Soap
– 2 oz Clarifying Lotion 2
– 1 oz Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ 

4. Caroline Chu Anti-Aging Starter Kit, $59.95

Image courtesy of carolinechu.com

Give the gift amazingly radiant, youthful skin with the Anti-Aging Starter Kit from Caroline Chu.  Each set contains a moisturizer, serum, and eye cream.  The products work well with all skin types, and can be used day and night.  They also work together to reveal firm, hydrated skin, and fades away fine lines and wrinkles.       

I have used several of her products, and if you are interested, here is a link to a review of some of the others.  There isn’t a product I have used that I didn’t like.  The moisturizers keep my skin hydrated all day, and the eye cream is perfect for banishing tired eyes with dark circles.  Any recipient of her skincare, haircare, or makeup will not be disappointed.    

Set contains (list from carolinechu.com): 

–  CAROLINE CHU ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM with Reishi & Tibetan Mushroom Essentials 0.17OZ/5g
–  CAROLINE CHU ANTI-AGING DAY & NIGHT with Reishi & Tibetan Mushroom Essentials 0.35 OZ/10g
–  CAROLINE CHU ANTI-AGING SERUM with Reishi & Tibetan Mushroom Essentials 0.33 FL OZ/ 10ml

5.  COOLA 4-Piece Organic Suncare Travel Set, $40.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

In case you missed it, I reviewed COOLA, and you can read that review by clicking
here
.  I LOVE their suncare.  Of the plethora of suncare companies, they are in my top 3.  I had purchased this set in a suncare haul (I haven’t posted it yet, but I will), and think it’s a great buy.  As we all know, anything organic is going to cost more, but it’s not always worth it.  This suncare definitely is.  The spray is wonderful and absorbs faster than any spray I’ve used.  The lip conditioner comes with spf as well.  This is the perfect way to try out COOLA and protect all your recipient’s bits.  The products even come with their own travel bag.   This set contains the following (list by sephora.com):

– 3.4 oz Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 in Piña Colada
– 2 oz ER+ Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion
– 0.85 oz Classic Face Moisturizer SPF 30 in Cucumber
– 0.15 oz Liplux SPF 30 in Original Formula
– Zippered travel pouch

6.  boscia Black Charcoal Pore Perfection Set, $10.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

Charcoal is a wonderful adsorbent, so one way to beautiful skin is through this set from boscia.  With a mini charcoal cleanser and charcoal blot paper, you recipient’s skin will be clean and detoxified.  The best part?  It won’t put too big of a dent in your wallet.

Set contents (list courtesy of sephora.com):

– 1 oz Detoxifying Black Cleanser
– 100 x Black Charcoal Blotting Linens

7.  First Aid Beauty FAB Cleanse & Exfoliate Kit, $10.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

Perfect for the recipient on-the-go, this cleanser and facial pad combo fits perfectly in any gym bag, weekender, or carry-on.    

Kit list (courtesy of sephora.com):

– 2 oz Face Cleanser
– 10 x Facial Radiance Pads

8.  Murad Acne Mini Cleanser Set, $25.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

If you give this as a gift, hopefully the recipient isn’t offended.  Personally, I LOVE Murad.  Everything works well, and this travel set is perfect for anyone on-the-go, dorming, or needs their skin rejuvenated.  Each product works quickly to clear up problem skin.  The mini set is the perfect way for your recipient to try what Murad has to offer.  This set contains cleansers and an exfoliator for face and body. 
 
Set contents (courtesy of sephora.com):

– 1.5 oz Clarifying Cleanser
– 1.5 oz Time Release Acne Cleanser
– 0.043 oz Transforming Powder Dual-Action Cleanser & Exfoliator
– 2 oz Acne Body Wash

Countdown to Gift-Giving Day!

It’s already December!!  Where has this year gone?!   There is so much to do, and not enough time (isn’t that always the case?).  I’m nearly done with the buying end of things.  Now I just have to complete the items I am making.  Holiday music is allowed in the car.  I never play it prior to December because I like to enjoy the holidays one at a time.  When you start seeing Christmas items in August/September, it’s just too soon.  Since you now have 24 days to get everything you need, I will be positing several pieces that will (hopefully) give you some ideas.  In case you missed it, here are the links to previous gift-giving posts:


This is an 8-part series, covering:  kids, adults, pets, beauty, gadgets, and more.   
What’s on your gift-giving list this year?
Stay beautiful! 

Gift-Giving Guide, Part 1: Makeup Gift Sets

The holidays seem to come earlier and earlier.  Of course, it’s now the end of October, and before you know it, it’ll be time to give gifts.  Personally, I love gift-giving.  Whether it’s a gift card, set, or something handmade, there is something for everyone.  Here are a few ideas for the makeup-lover on your list.  I have complied a list a high- and low-end (regarding price) sets that will hopefully fit any budget.  You can also create your own gift set by adding full- or travel-sized items to a basket, jar, or other container.

1.  ULTA:  Time to Shine 71-Piece Collection, $24.99

Image courtesy of ulta.com

For the makeup lover who is just starting their collection, or someone who wants a kit on-the-go, this ULTA brand collection has everything in one convenient train case.  The train case has two pull-out drawers that house makeup, and comes in either a pink or silver finish.  Time to Shine contains the following (list from ULTA.com):

  • 36 eye shadows (0.95 oz)
  • 6 glitter eye top coats (0.31 oz)
  • 3 brow powders (0.15 oz)
  • 1 brow wax (0.04 oz)
  • 6 gel eye liners (0.23 oz)
  • 1 matte lip cream (0.06 oz)
  • 1 brilliant lip gloss (0.06 oz)
  • 2 dual ended eye liners (0.07 oz)
  • 2 eye shadow primers (0.078 oz)
  • 3 blush shades (0.33 oz)
  • 1 powder (0.11 oz)
  • 1 highlighter (0.11 oz)
  • 2 bronzers (0.22 oz)
  • 6 concealers (0.21 oz)

2.  ULTA:  Lip Glossary, $16.00

Image courtesy of ulta.com

Lip Glossary contains 15 mini glosses in a wide array of shades from neutrals to reds, and everything in-between.  Gift the collection or break them up, and create a custom gift for multiple people.

3.  Sephora:  Lancome Noel Eye Set, $38.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

This eye set is a great value.  It comes with the following:

– 0.35 oz Grandoise Mascara (full size)
– 0.135 oz Hypnôse Drama Mascara (mini size)
– 0.028 oz Drama Liqui-pencil Eye Pencil in Noir Intense (mini size)
– 0.07 oz Cils Booster Base Mascara Primer (mini size)
– 0.047 oz Artliner Eyeliner in Noir (full size)
– 1.7 oz Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover

The Grandiose mascara alone is $32.00, so for $6.00 more, you get a mini mascara, primer, remover, and two eyeliners.  It is a wonderful set for you or any makeup-lover on your list.  This set will ensure amazing eyes whether one is going for a dramatic night look or soft day look.

4.  Sephora Favorites Lashstash, $45.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

For the one who loves to try out different types of mascara, this set contains 8 mini mascaras, eyelash curler, lash fibers, and a liner.  This list is courtesy of sephora.com:

– 0.1 oz Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
– 0.08 oz Blinc Mascara
– 0.20 oz Buxom® Lash Mascara
– 0.002 oz Hourglass Cosmetics 1.5MM Mechanical Gel Eye Liner
– 0.51 oz Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara in Blacquer
– 0.13 oz MAKE UP FOR EVER Mascara in Smoky Extravagant
– 0.12 oz NARS Cosmetics Audacious Mascara in Black Moon
– 0.01 oz Tarte best in faux extending fibers
– Tarte picture perfect™ eyelash curler
– 0.17 oz Too Faced Cosmetics Better Than Sex Mascara
– 0.06 oz Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils 

The mascara sizes make them perfect for travel.  The rating is not that high, and I don’t quite know why seeing as you are getting quite a bit for the money.  For instance, the mini Roller Lash is $12.00 and the mini Buxom retails for $13.00.  The recipient won’t have to worry about their mascara going bad or dry, and a wide array of looks can be achieved by what is in this little box.

5.  Sephora Collection:  Jem and the Holograms Liquid Lip Set, $25.00

Image courtesy of sephora.com

Jem and the Holograms ran in the 80s.  For those of us who grew up watching and loving the show, we can be transported back through this makeup collection created for the movie.  Let’s be honest; there is nothing like an original, but the colors are fun.  You can complete the Jem collection with the eye palette, lipstick, and mirror. 

have an idea or set you want to see in an upcoming post?  Let me know!

Stay beautiful!

Holidays at Roger’s Gardens

It’s hard to believe the holidays are upon us.  Before we know it, it will be a new year!  I always try to have my holiday shopping done by August, unless I am making gifts.  I have about half of my list checked off, so I guess that’s something.  Anyway, the stores are starting to be decked out in holiday cheer.  Today, we took a trip down to Roger’s Gardens, which put me more in the holiday mood.  There was a Halloween section and a Christmas/holiday section, both of which were beautifully decorated.  There were also some interesting props, which I wouldn’t mind having if I had the space.
  

This is the doorway to the Halloween-themed area of the grounds.  How fun is it?!  It reminds me of entering a house of horrors that has a circus-type theme.  When we stepped inside, that is exactly what it was like.  A carnival of spooky decor, trinkets, Halloween-themed paper lanterns, and so much more.

 On the ceiling was a faux person being cut in two with a faux saw blade, and a phantom.ghost projection on the wall.  Perhaps they

wanted to take a hint from the American Horror Story: Freak Show.  I can’t even explain how much I love the carnival theme!  The props and way things were drawn in the room was delightful.  There were several decorations in this room that you could purchase, such as paper cut-outs, Halloween-themed snow globes, any “blood”-filled syringe pens that read, “Don’t Do Drugs”.

Here are some other photos of “shadows” in frames, a swirling deck of cards, a laboratory, and one of my favorite paper cut-outs:

One of my favorite cut-outs

Now, onto the Christmas/holiday section:
 There were so many decorated trees, and part of me wanted to take a miniature version of all of them.  There were larger ornaments, mini ornaments (like those in the photo below), designer ornaments, and retro ornaments.  They also carry a wide array of books, decorations (i.e. snow globes, candle votives, etc.), paper goods (i.e. napkins, paper plates), and so many other products. 
 
Here are some of the trees I was able to photograph.  Due to their height and the limited space in the rooms, some are only of sections of the trees.  I don’t remember what they were titled, but each had its own theme. 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Roger’s Gardens, it is quite a pricey place.  They are also renovating part of the area, so there is less than usual.  That being said, if you’re in the Newport Beach area, it is worth going to.  Around Christmas, they add lights, outside decor, and periodically they will have a hot chocolate/coffee stand.  There are all kinds of things, from food items to outdoor furniture, and placemats to all sorts of plants (edible and non).  If you take a trip out there, let me know what you think!
Stay beautiful!