Saturday, October 31, 2015

OOTD: Dressed As A...

comfy person staying at home watching scary movies, lol! I'm a crazy cat lady with no cats, if you will. :) My accessories and nails are my main contributions to Halloween this year. Happy Halloween all!

Sweater, tunic: thrifted 
leggings: online boutique 
Scarf: Etsy
Slippers, mug: Walmart

Friday, October 30, 2015

OOTD: Black, White, & Mint


Top: cichic.com
Pants, earrings: Walmart 
Bag: F21
Shoes: Aldo, thrifted 
Necklace: F21, flea market 
Bracelets: toadorn.com

Reviews: BHG Exotic Amber Woods


I've briefly given my thoughts about this scent before, but I wanted to give a more in depth review.
I've been describing the Exotic Amber Woods as a cross between BBW Sensual Amber and Mahogany Teakwood. It's a warm, slightly sweet, feminine amber with a strong and wonderful woodsy note. I love amber and wood scents a lot and this is my ideal blend; I seriously cannot get enough of it! The throw of the wax melts are super strong and the candle is moderate. Melting them together my home is completely filled with this glorious aroma, and it is still going strong 6 hours later. This has to be my favorite Better Homes & Garden scent for fall this year. I need to stock up on more of it before it's gone. Overall grade: A+ will continue to repurchase the products in this scent.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

NOTD: More Halloween Designs


Freehand nail art. 1st pic is my left hand, 2nd pic is my right.

Nutra Nail Green Tea strengthener, Ulta Base and X-Dry top coats used for all.

Thumbs: I loved these nails from my previous Frankenmani so much that I wanted to save it, so I wrapped my thumbs in plastic baggies to protect them as I removed the polish from the other nails. Green is SG Peace, black is Ulta LBD, yellow is LA Colors Flicker, all over white Kiss french tip.

Indexs: Ghosts are Kiss white french tip and Ulta LBD.

Middles: Sunset ombré nail with tombstones. Pink is SC Boom Boom, Purple is WnW Thrift Shopaholic, Blue is WnW Pop Up Blue-tique, Black is Ulta LBD.

Rings: Jack 'O Lanterns are Barry M Coral with Dainty Digits Sun Burst and Ulta LBD.

Pinkies: Candy Corns are Kiss french tip, Barry M Coral, and Avon Suddenly Sunny.

Review: PFOP Iced Lemon Biscotti (ect.) Tart


Iced Lemon Biscotti/Strawberry Shortcake/Cuppy Cake/Buttercream 
This one is super yum guys! It may be my favorite PFOP tart so far and there have been several I really liked.
On cold sniff I got mostly the lemon/buttercream/bakery notes. Not much strawberry detected but the scent was strong and delicious. When melting it really blossomed to include equal parts strawberry, lemon, and cake, and they all blended together beautifully in perfect harmony. I love it when this happens! Super strong throw and going strong 5 hours later! It's making me hungry; I seriously can't stop sniffing. Overall grade: A+ I hope to buy more of it in the future! If you love authentic lemon, strawberry and bakery scents, you'll love this!

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Review: Belcam Sweet Vanilla 3-in-1


I purchased this Belcam Sweet Vanilla 3-in-1 shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath from Big Lots a few months ago, but it had been sitting in my stash ever since. Today I was out of my usual shampoo, so I decided to try it out as a shampoo and body wash. Sadly I don't have a tub to test it out as a bubble bath.
I sniffed several different scents of this product in store that sounded good, but this was actually the only one I liked. It's probably for the best that I only purchased one at the time; I have enough shower gel to last a couple years, haha. This 32 oz bottle for $3.50 is an extremely good deal though, only about .09¢ per oz!
This is an absolutely wonderful vanilla scent to me. It's a super sweet, rich and decadent vanilla custard dessert type scent. Some people might find it overwhelming, but I think it's heaven in a bottle! 
As I rubbed it into my hair the scent permeated the shower. I got a moderate amount of lather, a little less than with mostly shampoos I've used. But it did its job of cleaning my hair; it seemed to rinse out clean without leaving much residue behind and my hair now feels quite soft even though I didn't use any conditioner.
As a body wash it is very comparable to Bath & Body Works shower gels. It had a decent amount of lather, about the same as the BBW ones I use regularly. The scent began to dissipate as I lathered with it, and it did not seem to leave and scent on my skin after drying off. It was very pleasant to use and did not dry my skin; my skin felt as it usually does after showering.
Overall grade: A. So nice, would probably repurchase for the scent, great value, and versatility.

Reviews: LPL Iced Pumpkin Cookie & BBW PPW Candle


have ordered from and tried several Lake Providence Lodge scents before, and I have to say, I really like them overall. They seem to be extremely customer service oriented and happy to answer any questions you may have. They tend to ship quickly; I usually get my orders within a week. Plus they have cute shapes and packaging, send full sized free samples and offer discounts for first time buyers and smaller order shipping. They have a small but varied scent list which is good for those who are overwhelmed by the options of large scent lists. If you haven't checked out their site yet, you really should. (Not affiliated.) http://www.lakeprovidencelodgescentedwaxmelts.com

The scent I'm reviewing today, Iced Pumpkin Cookie, was scent to me by my "fairy wax mother," so it was not one I was planning on ordering, but I was very excited to receive it. Upon cold sniff I detected mostly cinnamon/spice with no real pumpkin note to be found. Some pumpkin scents in general tend to go heavy on the cinnamon, so that's understandable. Sometimes the pumpkin comes out more when melting, sometimes not. However in this case I also smelled a strange, sweet smell that didn't seem like it belonged, almost like... bubblegum? My nose was confused. It's important to note that I have had this happen before with one other LPL tart: Cake Shop. I was expecting a vanilla cake scent and got that same sickly sweet odd bubblegummy scent, not vanilla cake at all.
On the plus side, when melting Iced Pumpkin Cookie, it had strong and long lasting throw, but unfortunately it filled the room with that weird sweet scent; definitely not pumpkin or bakery to my nose. It wasn't so unpleasant that I had to turn it off, but it was disappointing that it didn't smell like it was supposed to. Overall grade: C. It checked all the boxes for throw, longevity and presentation, but would not purchase this scent again due to it smelling very off to me.
I'm not sure what has caused this off scent to me. Perhaps it is a specific fragrance oil that doesn't smell right to me. I don't think it's a wax base smell because it's only affected 2 of the scents I've tried so far.
I would like to recommend to of my favorite scents from them that smell exactly as they should to me: Strawberry Fluff and Glazed Orange Cake.

Fortunately I'm able to add some extra pumpkin scent to my home with a BBW Pumpkin Pecan Waffles mini mason jar candle. I got this one for free with a mail coupon. It has surprisingly strong throw for a mini candle. It's not quite as strong as the larger sizes, but I can still smell it well from several feet away. It's perfect for travel and small spaces. The only drawback to this particular candle is the wick has burned very short, but luckily hasn't got out. I've not had this problem with other mini mason jars I've had, so hopefully it's just a fluke. Most of you know what PPW smells like because it's been a fall favorite of many for the past few years, but I will briefly say that it's a warm, strong, delicious pumpkin bakery scent with a prominent glazed pecan note. Pretty much heaven in a jar. :) Overall grade: A will buy over and over again in various sizes with coupons/sales.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

NOTD: Frankenmani

Products used: Nutra Nail Green Tea Strengthener, Ulta Base Coat, Kiss French Tip (white base polish), LA Colors Flicker (yellow), Sally Girl Peace (green), Ulta LBD (black), Formula X Bionic (glitter), Ulta X-Dry Top Coat. Love how the thumb and Frankenstein turned out! I wish I hadn't done stitches on the three glitter nails though. They didn't show up on the background as well as I thought they would. 2nd pic is my right hand without the stitches.
Gearing up for Halloween/fall with an all natural pumpkin pie soda!

Reviews: LCP Double Mint Noel & BHG Vanilla Buttercream Cupcake


Today I'm burning BHG Vanilla Buttercream Cupcake. It seems to only be available seasonally for the holidays, but I wish it was available year round. When I saw it was in stores again I rushed out and bought one because it's truly the best vanilla scented candle I've ever tried! It smells like a real, warm, fresh baked vanilla cupcake, rather than an imitation vanilla scent. It has fairly strong throw and the 18 oz size would probably last a week of burnings 8 hours a day. Great value for $5.97! Overall grade: A will stock up on these.

I'm also melting Long Cane Primitives Double Mint Noel tart. This has a prominent mint note blended with vanilla. It just smells like standard vanilla to me and doesn't really have the extra special foodie/bakery notes that I would expect from a Noel note. It has fairly strong throw, is noticeable in the rooms but not extremely strong. 
I have to compare it to the Pocket Full Of Peonies mint blends I've been trying recently because it is quite similar to the Peppermint Sugar Cookie Royale blend from PFOP. I have to say that of the two I would reorder the PFOP tart because it had slightly stronger throw and a richer vanilla element to the blend.
Overall grade: B+ very nice but probably wouldn't purchase because there are similar blends I like more.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Review: Rosegirls Mandarin Mimosa/ American Cream/ Strawberries & Cream Tart

Upon cold sniff of this tart I could only smell the orange note; didn't really get any of the strawberry or cream. Smelled line orange soda, but therewas something off about that I didn't quite like. When melting it sadly became decidedly more unpleasant. The hubby and I both agreed (and we rarely agree on scents) that this tart smells like orange flavored vomit. :( I don't know if that was the mimosa note coming through, but after a couple hours we couldn't take it and had to turn it off. That's actually the first time I've done that with a tart before and I've melted a lot of scents. The strawberries & cream notes were nowhere to be found, but orange and strawberry don't sound like a particularly great combo to me anyway. Fortunately in this case, the tart had weak to moderate throw, so it didn't take long to dissipate. I hate to give a poor review, and I'm surprised to have to do so for a product from such a popular company. The only thing this particular scent really had going for it imo was it's cute presentation.  I would still love to try some of their other scents, but this one was definitely not for me. Overall grade: D will not use and would not purchase. Have you ever tried this scent from Rosegirls? Did you have a different experience or any thoughts on it? Please share!

OOTD: Change of Plans

I was going to wear a knee length black dress and a different gray cardigan today, but I forgot to shave my legs in the shower; whoops! Haha! So I changed to a maxi dress instead. But I'm very happy with the vibe of this outfit; very boho fall.
Sweater, dress: thrifted 
Hat: Ebay
Bag: Chicos, thrifted 
Necklace: groopdealz.com
Sandals: Payless 

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Review: PFOP Kahlua/Irish Cream/Peppermint Tart


I found mystery unable to sleep at 5:30 am this morning, so the first thing I did was fire up the wax warmers. I chose to melt Pocket Full of Peonies tart in a Kahlua, Irish Cream, and Peppermint blend, and let me tell you, it made me feel relaxed yet cosy and festive all at the same time! Peppermint is definitely the most prominent note, but I can smell the other influences as well. It filled the room with a boozy peppermint mocha scent. I got back in bed for a little while and I could smell it across the room, so I would say it has pretty good throw. It's like 6 hours later and still going strong! I'm really enjoying the scents from the PFOP peppermint sampler I ordered. I can tell I'm going to love these for the holidays; they put me in a cheerful mood! Overall grade A: love and would purchase again.

NOTD: Halloween Holo Spiders


Colors are Barry M Coral with a coat of Dainty Digits Sun Burst over it. Black is Ulta LBD, white is a Kiss french tip polish. This is all freehand; the dots were made with a dotting tool. The web needs some work; the lines should have been thinner, but I'm super happy with how the cute spider turned out!

Recipe: Salmon, Lemon & Garlic Pasta

Yum! This was so different and delightful; I had never had salmon in a pasta before. All the ingredients were so fresh and flavorful.
http://www.thecookingjar.com/light-lemon-garlic-pasta-with-salmon/

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Review: Sniff My Tarts Sweet Lavender/Pink Sugar/Lemon Sugar Tart


This tart is a heavenly blend; you can definitely smell each of the three notes, lavender, pink sugar, and lemon sugar distinctly upon cold sniff. I love all three of these scents, so it's a winning combo for me. It had moderate throw for about two hours; was noticeable but didn't fill the room. Then it sadly dropped of til it was barely detectable by hour 6. In fact, I just replaced it with BHG Sugared Lavender Twist which has a very similar vibe and lasts all day. If I were to melt both SLT and Mainstays Lemon Sugar, both of which I have and love, I could get a nearly identical effect with better throw. 
The presentation of this tart sure was pretty though; with all it's colors and dried lavender sprinkled on top.
Overall grade: B happy to used the sample but would not purchase due to throw strength/longevity.

Review: Ramon Monegal Agar Musk Perfume

As I dabbed this fragrance on, I immediately smelled the musk, as well as a prominent green, lively note. This scent has the distinct vibe of ozone and polarization; it's electric y'all! It is not unpleasant, nor in your face, but even though it's a unisex fragrance, it leans distinctly masculine to me, which doesn't suit my ultra feminine scent taste. I find it fascinating and complex; it was nice for a change of pace, but I would not find myself reaching for it often. In fact, I may give it to my husband; it would be great on him. It seems to be of moderate silage and fairly long lasting.
Overall grade: B+ nice but not right for me; would not purchase for myself.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Review: Rosegirls Frosted Streuselkuchen Tart

This is my first melting of a Rosegirls tart (I know, sacrilege) but after all the stories of several months long TAT's, they weren't high up on my list to order from. I'm more of an instant gratification kind of gal, lol. I'm so glad a wonderful person decided to send me 2 of their scents to try. 

Today I'm melting Frosted Streuselkuchen (along with an old favorite; BHG Candied Caramel Pecan candle) which on cold sniff smells like the most glorious baked goodie ever! It's like a combo of pecan pie and cinnamon rolls to my nose. For the first couple hours of melting it had moderate throw. It wasn't filling my home like I prefer, but it smelled wonderful from a few feet away. Several hours later I can barely smell it, sadly.
Of course there are a lot of variables to throw, so others could easily have a different experience.

I do like the super cute pie shaped presentation! Here is a stock pic I found to better show the detail:

I was almost sad to cut it up for melting. After researching RG a bit more, I understand why they have such a huge following. Their scent combinations are varied and unique, so there's something to please everyone. Plus their original chunk wax design is vivid and colorful and their other shapes are so adorable!
Overall grade: B+ Love the shape and scent, could do with stronger/longer throw.
I still may not be ordering from RG anytime soon due to the limited availability and long wait, but I'm more than glad to melt any samples that come my way! What Rosegirls scents have you tried? What are your thoughts on them? Let me know in the comments below!

Review: Olympic Orchids Red Cattleya Perfume

I had no idea what to expect from this fragrance, other than possibly orchid. I did get an opening note of orchid and other florals, as well as what I'd describe as cloying, syrupy dark berries and musk, followed by an intense bottom note of insense/patchouli.

I don't know if I'm not that great at picking out notes or if it just smells different on me, but here's the fragrance's actual description: 
"Red Cattleya by Olympic Orchids Notes include: Citruses, peach, apricot, melon, lilac, and vanilla."

I honestly didn't get any of those from it. I don't exactly dislike it, but I'm not quite sure if I like it either. I only used two sprays and honestly feel as if I opened the door to a head shop and was punched in the nose by pungent floral and musky insense. It is very strong, and although it's calmed down some after 20 minutes, I can still smell it with every inhale. I get the feeling it will be lingering for several hours. Although it's not terrible, it's not really the scent vibe I'm going for. I'll likely not wear it again. Overall grade: C would not purchase, may not wear.
Has anyone else tried this fragrance? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

NOTD: Matte Halloween Skittles

I decided to do some matte skittles in Halloween colors while I wait for my nails to grow out enough for nail art. Colors used are Ulta Little Black Dress, Zoya Harlow, Wet N Wild Thrift Shopaholic, Dainty Digits Sun Burst, and Avon Noir Emerald with Sally Hansen Big Matte Top Coat.

Recipes: Foil Fish Packet & Roasted Red Potatoes

http://thescrumptiouspumpkin.com/2014/07/22/20-minute-tomato-basil-grilled-fish-foil-packets/

http://withsaltandwit.com/simple-tuscan-oven-roasted-red-potatoes/
http://img.makeupalley.com/9/7/9/4/2856978.JPEG
http://img.makeupalley.com/9/7/9/4/2856979.JPEG


Review: Long Cane Primitives Pink Watermelon Serendipity Tart


I had never tried any tarts from this brand before, but I now have a very good first impression! On cold sniff these tarts smell just  a strong, super sweet watermelon Jolly Rancher candy. Yum! When melting it mellowed out a bit to a more true fruity watermelon with a slightly cream note; I'm guessing that's the serendipity. It is very sweet and fruity and I quite like the combination. It had strong throw for about 3 hours with half a tart each in two warmers. Now it is fainter but still detectable. I'll probably let it go for most of the day. Overall grade: A- would purchase and I'm glad I have several more of these bad boys! Have you ever tried any scents from this company? If so, let me know what your faves are!

Reviews: Haus Of Gloi & The Bathing Garden

Today I will be sharing my thoughts on these three products: The Bathing Garden Hoarfrost Tonic Whipped Soap, Haus Of Gloi Satyr Pumpkin Butter, and Haus Of Gloi Coconut #3 Perfume Oil.
First up, TBG Hoarfrost Tonic Whipped Soap. I showered with this today and it had a pleasant classic green soapy scent, similar to Irish Spring, but with a subtle, more complex smoky note. The scent was nice, but not what I would have chosen for myself. I used approximately a teaspoon of the product on a loofah, and it did not lather nearly as well as other whipped soaps I've tried. I felt as though I'd have to use half the small jar to get a decent lather. But it did seem to leave my skin moisturized and lightly scented after drying off. 
Overall grade: C+ will use, but would not purchase.

On to HoG pumpkin butter in Satyr scent. I'm surprised at how much I love this! I have heard rave reviews about HoG pumpkin butters, so I really shouldn't have been; it lives up to the hype imo. While sniffing and applying I detected incense, spice, and smoke notes, tempered by the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. In other words, the ideal fall scent! It is unusual and unlike anything I've tried before, but I'm quite enamored with it. Indie makers are wonderful for that; creating unique and captivating scents. The formula is silky smooth and sinks in immediately without much greasy residue. I can still smell the scent on my skin over 3 hours later but it was never overpowering and complimented my perfume oil well. Overall grade: A. Would purchase and be happy to try other scents as well.

Finally, on to the fabulous HoG Coconut #3 perfume oil! I sprayed on two sprays, one on my neck and one blended between my wrists, and instantly fell in love! What I get from it is dark chocolate, coconut, and a sharp nutty note that essentially makes me feel like I've rubbed a very sophisticated Mounds bar on myself, haha! I literally can't stop sniffing it and it's so unlike anything else I have. The oil formula dries soft and silky and the fact that I can still smell it well over 3 hours later is a testament to its quality and longevity. 
Overall grade: A+ would purchase and hoard! Sadly I think this was a limited time collection and may no longer be available. :(

A huge thanks again to Julie J of The Redolent Mermaid for sending me these wonderful samples! All opinions expressed about them are my own.

Have you tried any HoG or TBG products? Please let me know your favorite scents in the comments below!

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Recipe: Honey Rosemary Glazed Pork Chops

When I came across this Honey Rosmary Glazed Pork Chop recipe on Pinterest, I knew it was the next recipe I wanted to try!
 I rarely cook pork chops, so this was an adventure. Unfortunately I wasn't able to grill them, so I began googling alternative cooking methods. After some research, I used the ingredients and prepared the pork like in the recipe and then put it into a glass foil covered casserole dish and baked it at 450° for 10 minutes and then turned it over and baked it on the other side for 15 minutes. It doesn't look super impressive in this photo, but let me tell you, it was PACKED with delicious flavor!

I recently received Just Bees pure raw honey and purchased Costa Livos Italian Herb olive oil and used fresh rosemary from my bush outside. 
That and freshly ground sea salt and black pepper were the only ingredients used, and they were all that was needed! The combination of the sweet, tangy honey and Italian herbs was divine and the glaze kept it moist and tender. If you are a pork eater, I would highly recommend this flavor combination. I'm slowly discovering how high quality, fresh ingredients like the ones above are making me more mindful of flavor and health and making cooking more enjoyable! Would you try this recipe? Do you have any favorite recipes you'd like to share? Let me know in the comments below!

A Scent Filled Package


Julie of the fabulous blog The Redolent Mermaid and I decided to exchange scent filled goodie packages, and here are the contents of what she sent... er... scent me. :)
As you can see, there was an abundance of generous and amazing products on her part! If you're wondering about specifics, never fear! I intend to review all these lovely items as I use them. In the meantime, make sure to check out Julie's blog: http://www.theredolentmermaid.com

If you haven't read it already, you should! It is one of the most well written blogs for fragrance and wax, in my humble opinion.

To get the ball rolling, I will share with you my thoughts on Lasting Scent Candles Scotchie Coffee tart.

The LSC tart is absolutely fabulous! I melted it in two warmers, a quarter of the small cup in each, and it filled my home for over 8 hours with the strong and delectable scents of butterscotch and coffee! I'm getting ready for bed and the strength is only just now fading.

The only drawback to me is that the soy wax is very soft and a little messy to cut and remove from its cup, but that certainly wouldn't prevent me from ordering.

 I can't believe this is my first time trying an LSC tart! I had known of and heard wonderful things about this brand for years and never gotten around to ordering from them. Now I fear I'm in a terrible dilemma because I want to try so many more LSC scents and am aware that after many years in business they are closing permanently soon! They will only have a couple more openings for orders and I hope I will be able to place one. Have you tried wax from Lasting Scent Candles? If so, what are some of your favorite scents? Let me know in the comments below! Also, feel free to contact me if you know of anyone doing a LSC destash or would like to swap.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

NOTD: Dotticure Gradient

Colors used are WnW Thrift Shopaholic, Avon Noir Emerald, Milani Crimson Jewel, and Bonita Golden Girl. Base was a nail strengthener, Ulta bc, Kiss French Manicure polish, and a sheer Formula X.

OOTD: Feeling Frigid

I woke up freezing for the first time in forever; I forgot what it feels like, lol. Of course, I'll have to take the sweater and scarf off this afternoon, but it feels very cozy right now.

Cardigan: JCP
Tunic: Walmart 
Scarf: F21
Leggings: flea market
Bag: Chicos, thrifted 
Boots: Target 

Monday, October 19, 2015

Review: PFOP Banana Nut Bread/Butterscotch Cookie Dough


If you love strong banana bread scents, you will love this tart! On cold sniff this blend smelled overwhelmingly of candy banana, just like the banana Laffy Taffy (which I seem to be the only person on earth that likes it.) Since it has been melting for an hour it has mellowed into a strong banana bread scent that is super yummy and fills the room. I do get the slightest hint of butterscotch, but it is mostly banana/bakery.

I'm melting it with a Mainstays Banana Nut Bread which has surprisingly good throw for a votive, in my pretty, glowy mosaic votive holder from Michael's.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

NOTD: China Glaze Pondering & Bonita Tinman's Brew


1 coat Pondering, 2 coats Bonita. Both have excellent, smooth formulas and are beautiful!

Reviews: PFOP Orange Caramel Cake/Vanilla Waffle Cone & Mainstays Cranberry Mandarin


I really love this Pocket Full of Peonies scent! It has fairly strong throw and is filling my small rooms nicely with a delectable fragrance. I detect the orange/caramel/bakery notes distinctly and the vanilla and orange combine into a lovely sherbet like scent. I wish I had more of this one; would repurchase.

I was gifted this Mainstays Cranberry Mandarin candle and although I've tried several other yummy scented Mainstays candles with moderate to strong throw, this one is rather weak. I can only smell it when I put my face up next to it, but what little I can smell of it is a pleasant cranberry citrus scent. Reminds me of the cranberry orange scones from Starbucks I like. This candle is a strong burner with even wax pool and no wick problems, but it is not very good for scenting a room. On the plus side it provides that glowy candle ambiance and really lets the scents of the tarts I pair with it shine. Will finish, but would not purchase.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

OOTD: Heading Slowly Towards Fall

This is the warmest October I can remember. Up until yesterday the temps were in the 80's and even 90's, but since today is only 77°, I'm going "fall out." Well, almost. I may be wearing a lightweight sweater and scarf, but it's still too warm for tights or leggings.

Inspired by this Instagram look.


Mine:


Dress: Merona, Target
Cardigan: Mossimo, thrifted 
Bag: F21
Flats: Walmart, thrifted 
Earrings: Walmart/DIY
Bracelet: eulaferns.com

Reviews: Woodsy Wax Things


Pocket Full of Peonies Vanilla Sandalwood tart is a lovely and pleasing woodsy vanilla blend. I would say it has mild to moderate throw; I can smell it from a few feet away, but it doesn't fill the room. If you like your home fragrances to be soft and not overwhelming, you may like the strength of this. I would prefer it to be a bit stronger, but at least I can smell it. It was a bit light on cold sniff as well, so I'm not too surprised. All the other dozen or so scents in my order smelled much stronger on cold so I'm sure they will be strong melting as well.

Yesterday's Peppermint Sugar Cookie Royale was a champ! I melted it 12 hours yesterday; about 6 with strong throw and 6 with mild throw from 1/6 a large tart.

I'm also burning BHG Exotic Amber Woods candle. This also has moderate throw, but is getting stronger as it pools. It's been going for about an hour and a half and doesn't quite have a full wax pool yet but is doing pretty well for a 1-wick large jar. If you want super strong throw, I recommend burning this candle along with melting the tart of the same scent. I love the tart in this scent; it has super strong throw and is a nice Amber mahogany type scent.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Recipe: Pasta Aglio E Olio With Shrimp

Flavored olive oil has changed my life; or at least my cooking, haha. I was looking for dishes to use it in and found this recipe. It's so simple and delicious and only took 10 minutes to make.
http://rasamalaysia.com/spaghetti-aglio-e-olio-with-shrimp/2/

Here is a review of the flavored olive oil I used.
I've only used regular EVOO in cooking before and had no idea what I was missing! We visited this cute olive oil boutique and they do free tastings. The owners are so knowledgeable and asked me what sorts of things I like to cook and had me sample different olive oil and balsamic vinegar combinations. I ended up with the Italian herb olive oil as it will be very versatile. So delicious! You can buy their products online too. Not affiliated.
https://costalivos.com



NOTD: Fall Metallic Hues


Here we have Essie Leggy Legend, WnW I Moss Have It, and Bonita Golden Girl. I loooove them all, but especially Golden Girl! It's really easy to work with and is the most stunning gold holo glitter I've ever seen! It looks more like a high end or indie polish than a $1.49 drugstore brand! All are beautiful and great formulas; I haven't regretted any of my recent np purchases.