Tag Archives: review

Jul23

Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush Edition

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Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush Edition

Hi everyone and happy weekend! When my sister, mom, and I hit up Beachwood Mall in Cleveland last week, we had our very first Lush shopping trip. Throughout the years of blogging, I’ve seen posts about Lush products almost daily so, of course, I was eager to finally be able to try them out for myself.

To be honest, the entire experience was a bit underwhelming. The store was small and crowded, the products seemed to be outrageously overpriced, and everything there just seemed…unnecessary. I don’t know, I’m all for treating yourself and I’m happy that I bought some goodies just to try them out but I don’t think that I would ever purchase anything from there again. I guess I fail to see the point of becoming a Lush patron when there are countless stores that have better prices, products, and an overall shopping experience. This was a disappointing realization, to say the least, since I was pretty excited to give them a go.

But all of this is neither here nor there because the products have been bought and I have every intention of enjoying them when I have a pampering party. I started my Lush experience with their “DAD” bath bomb, which I thought was a hilarious purchase. Lol, like why? Haha, I saw it and, because I pride myself on my offbeat sense of humor, I just had to add this to my purchase pile. Take a look at my DAD bomb work its magic:

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So this bath bomb didn’t really smell like anything. Its scent was neither bad nor good so there wasn’t much of an aromatic atmosphere happening in the tub. However, it was pretty fun to watch the bath bomb explode into an array of blues, whites, and oranges. It fizzled for a fairly long time, too – at least twelve to fifteen minutes and by the time I eased into the tub, it still wasn’t done.

I liked the cyan color that the bath water ultimately turned in to and I also appreciated that it didn’t leave any crayon colored residue on the tub. The best part of my DAD bomb was how moisturized it made my body feel. I felt so silky smooth upon exiting my bath and my skin felt so nourished and well taken care of. This was a really nice touch, because the two bath bombs that I had used prior to this one didn’t leave my skin feeling any different.

Overall, I did enjoy using this Lush product. However, I can’t justify spending eight dollars plus on a bath bomb in the future. That shopping trip was fun and, like I said, I was okay with buying things because I had never been to Lush before. After I finish up my purchases, I’m beyond cool with sticking to buying random bath bombs at TJMaxx for three bucks a pop and face masks from The Body Shop, which I always manage to get excellent prices on either online or (once again) at TJs.

So there you have it, my first Bath Bomb Blitz: Lush Edition! How do you feel about Lush? What is your favorite product from there? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul4

U2 Concert!!!

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U2 Concert!!!

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! Saturday, July 1st was a fantastic and wonderful day, because I got to see one of my favorite bands, U2, perform live for the second time. My Irish lads graced Cleveland, Ohio with their presence for their last concert in America for the 30th anniversary tour of The Joshua Tree and I was lucky enough to be there for it.

Honestly, saying that I felt euphoric that night is an understatement. There is nothing quite like seeing one of your all time favorite bands live. Like, you’re hearing them in person, actually seeing them with your own two eyes, and breathing in the air that they are. In CLEVELAND, OHIO?! Lol, it’s insane. I still can’t wrap my head around it, but it happened. U2 was so nice that I saw them twice and this tour was even more magical than the first.

Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss. BUT, bear in mind that my iPod camera sucks so some of them are pretty low quality. However, there are some awesome shots that my dad took with his camera thrown in for your viewing pleasure!

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^^^ Pics taken by yours truly!

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^^^ Pics taken by yours truly’s father!

Unfortunately, we don’t have any halfway decent photos of OneRepublic during their opening set. The sun was just beating down and naturally, it seemed to focus right in on our seating section, so snapping any type of pic that actually looked good was damn near impossible. Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed myself while they were performing. It’s not like I hate OneRepublic but it’s also not like I’m their number one fan, either. But, my god, do they sound good live. The lead singer was an excellent showman and they did a wonderful job of hyping up the crowd.

OneRepublic sounded the same, if not better than they do on their albums and it was nice having an opener who actually did a good job. Interpol opened for U2 during the 360 tour, which I attended, and they were abysmal at best. OneRepublic essentially performed a best of their radio hits compilation including “Apologize”, “Counting Stars”, and “Good Life”, which I thought was an incredibly smart move on their part. No one wants to see an opener play obscure songs that they can’t sing along to. Despite never listening to the radio, I still was able to sing along to all of their songs, which was a great way to lift my spirits even higher for when U2 took stage.

Am I OneRepublic’s biggest fan now? No. Not even close. But they really did put on a sublime opening act. They were charismatic and had great quips with the crowd, which is always fun. But, most importantly, they showed genuine talent and musical ability and that made listening to a band that is far from my favorite an utter delight.

Now, let’s get to U2 because I almost had a heart attack when a lone Larry Mullen appeared on stage, sat himself down at his drum set, and began pounding away the iconic beginning to “Sunday Bloody Sunday”. And when I say that I almost had a heart attack, I literally did. Hello. They just opened the show with my favorite song instead of with The Joshua Tree’s opener of “Where The Streets Have No Name”. I genuinely believed that I had died and gone to heaven.

“Sunday Bloody Sunday” was followed by “New Year’s Day”, which was another obvious crowd (and Sarah) pleaser. My god, it was just magnificent. After two back to back strong openers, the pace slowed down a little with “Bad” followed by “Pride (In The Name Of Love)”. Despite an almost abrupt feeling change of pace, it was pure U2 and they were so in their element that you couldn’t even be mad at them.

Now, up until the band began playing The Joshua Tree in its entirety, they were performing solely on the tree silhouette, which can be seen in the pictures above. But, the show didn’t even seem to begin until they made their way back onto the main stage and “Where The Streets Have No Name” started to play.

With the shift into U2 playing their 30th anniversary album, the infinitely long screen backing the stage turned into the background for videos specially designed for each song. With every hit you were transported into videos that told stories of the land, war, poverty, agony, love, and pride. From ordinary citizens placing an army helmet on their heads to strong and stoic Native Americans gently guarding their homeland, you got the sense of what the songs on The Joshua Tree were originally written for and what they mean to the band now in a time of such political and emotional turmoil.

Throughout the show, you could tell how much the band genuinely enjoyed bringing this album back to life. A light-spirited Bono playfully called his whole band sexy as well as the entire city of Cleveland (ayyy!) and halfway through The Joshua Tree set he graciously took a moment to welcome us to the second half of the album. What a guy, what a guy, what a heck of a guy.

It was funny hearing The Joshua Tree live, because you often forget about that almost country twang that the second half of the album brings. This was even more emphasized with videos of a skinny jeaned and denim button down clad woman painting an American flag on an abandoned home. She then showed off her lassoing skills in a red, white, and blue bikini top. Mama Mia!

After The Joshua Tree set ended with “Mothers Of The Disappeared” that came with a powerful backdrop of children holding candles that eventually blew out, we were invited by Bono to “stick around” for their encore. You would have been a fool not to. The encore was a fun, upbeat party to some of their most well known hits, which included “Elevation”, “Vertigo”, “Mysterious Ways”, and my all time favorite – “Beautiful Day”. You guys already know how much that song means to me, so yes, the water works were definitely flowing at their hardest then!! (I have no shame in admitting that I cried like a baby for a majority of the concert – I really just can’t help myself!)

U2’s encore ended with a gorgeous performance of “One” to draw a perfect night to a close. Guys – it really was perfect. I can’t explain to you how special it was to see the band that is so loved by my entire family while standing side by side with them in the stands. I consider myself so lucky that I have gotten to see U2 not once but twice now at 23 and both shows would literally have to be pried from my memory banks to be forgotten.

So there you have it, my experience at the U2 Concert!!! What shows have you seen recently? Who is attending any music festivals this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul2

Anti Bath Bomb Blitz

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Anti Bath Bomb Blitz

Hi everyone and happy Sunday! The last of my TJMaxx haul ends on a bit of a sour note because the other bath bomb that I got sucked on ice. When I got the three dolla holla Chocolate Kisses bath bomb by the UK brand, Bomb Cosmetics, I thought that I was in for a treat. Even through the wrapper, the product smelled delicious and I thought that my bath water would turn into a frothy, aromatic delight. Boy, was I wrong. Check it out:

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When I put this bath bomb into the water, it initially smelled SO good. It was like opening a bag of Hershey Kisses and breathing it in before eating every single one of them. Unfortunately, after the two or so minutes that it took the bath bomb to fizz out, the smell disappeared completely. Major bummer.

The chocolatey aroma that I was left without would have almost been okay if anything cool happened to my bath water, but that wasn’t the case, either. The color didn’t change at all and the illusion of chocolate sprinkles seen in the last picture makes the water look more dirty than inviting. Whomp freaking WHOMP. -___-

I can’t say that I’m too upset about this bath bomb disappointment because I was still excited to try it and it was only a whole three dollars. BUT, if I do see more Bomb Cosmetics products at TJ’s, I don’t plan on wasting my money again. Are their other bath bombs better? Maybe. But I wouldn’t risk trying it again when my Chocolate Kisses one failed so miserably.

Although my haul ends with an Anti Bath Bomb Blitz, I still had a blast shopping and trying out my new goodies thanks to TJMaxx! Which bath bomb brand do you prefer? What is the coolest bath bomb that you have ever used? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun27

Bath Bomb Blitz

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Bath Bomb Blitz

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday. Okay, so Lil Red Fun Fact: Before Saturday, I never have used a bath bomb. “But Sarah, how is that possible,” you might ask? Because nowhere near me sells them, that’s why!! The closest Lush to yours truly is about 45 minutes away and I’m not going to drive all the way out there for some bath products. But, believe me ladies, I see you with your bath bomb posts and I’d be a liar if I didn’t say that I was jealous AF. That’s why I was SO excited when TJMaxx had bath bombs available in their beauty section like THIS ONE:

As you all know, I am obsessed with all things charcoal. Body washes, facial cleansers, scrubs, masks, I love it all. I don’t have “problem” skin, which is what most people associate charcoal products with. BUT feeling squeaky clean is really important to me as a beauty enthusiast and a pretty hardcore germophobe, and nothing makes me feel that way quite like charcoal goodies. That’s why I was really excited when I saw this here charcoal bath bomb by Aromafields because I didn’t even know that that was a thing! But everything is a thing so I guess a charcoal infused bath bomb isn’t as crazy as it sounds!! Okay, whatever, I know I’m rambling so just look at the water, will ya?

#allblackeverything

Okay, if you’re not a long term emo kid like myself, you might be slightly disturbed by my pitch black bath water. But, rest assured, I had the time of my life. Splish splash, Lil Red was taking a bath and it was AMAZING. The water smelled minty cool and easing myself into a tub filled to the brim with black water is the stuff straight out of my emo fantasies. So, yeah, this bath bomb was totes worth the four buck price tag.

Literal tiny beads of charcoal floated in the water that you could scoop up with your hands and rub on your skin. It was seriously like having a face mask for your whole body. My skin felt tingly and cleansed. AND taking a soak in my bathtub filled with black water that looked like the perfect setting for an AFI music video was simply magical, to say the least. :*)

My ONLY complaint about this Aromafields bath bomb was that it was a real pain in my kiester to clean up once the water drained. There was a charcoal film covering the entire bath tub that I legit had to scrub to remove. It wasn’t a “let me wipe the tub really quick” affair but more like a “I need elbow grease that only a carnival strong man can provide” to remove this stain. Your girl put in work, honey. And a word to the wise is to use a towel that you aren’t fond of while cleaning your tub because mine looked like I took it to the underside of my WHIP when I was through. And something tells me that the belly of the Little Red Love Machine would STILL have given me a cleaner towel than the bath bomb residue did. SMH!!!!

This was my first bath bomb experience, so I have nothing else to base my judgements off of, but I really enjoyed myself! I’m excited to try the chocolate scented bath bomb as seen in my featured image photo next and will be sure to let all of you know how it goes! Where do you get your bath bombs from? Is Lush worth the hype? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun22

AFI Concert!!

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AFI Concert!!

Hiii everyone and happy Thursday!! So Tuesday night was my 23rd birthday outing with my sister and it was a blast. Kristen treated me to tickets to see my favorite band, AFI, in concert at my favorite venue, the House Of Blues, in Cleveland. For the past three months since I knew that AFI was coming to my neck of the woods, I have had many an emo girl fantasy about this concert. Seriously – you guys have no idea how much I love them, so Kristen hit the nail on the head with this birthday gift!

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Sissy! ❤

Despite a horrific drive to Cleveland, the night was a great big blasty blast. And by horrific drive I mean that literally every single traffic light in downtown Cleveland wasn’t working so it was an all out free for all on the road. It was straight up anarchy and it was absolutely terrifying. SO after locating a parking garage, a lot of deep breathing, and not thinking about the movie montage of your life that flashes before your eyes when you’re scared, we made our way to some actual fun.

The most wonderful thing about the House Of Blues is the opportunity that comes with seeing shows there. The venue is so open (yet intimate), that it’s really easy to plant yourself in prime position right in front of the stage. Kristen and I found ourselves with the best view at the end of the front row and it was magical, to say the least. Every show that I’ve been to at the HOB has provided me with a spectacular view of the stage and Tuesday night was no exception (Thank gawd!).

Now, I’m going to keep it real with you guys: I genuinely have no clue who opened the show. Lol, I was having myself a drink and a really good time so I wasn’t even paying attention. For once, the people standing by us were insanely cool so Kristen and I were chatting it up with them and it was so unexpectedly fun. Do I regret not listening to or even noticing the opening bands? Not really, lol. And from what I did hear I wasn’t impressed anyways so I can’t say that I was missing out on too much! 😉

Fast forward to when AFI came on stage and I got to see the man that I’ve been crushing on since I was nine years old in the flesh right in front of me. Guys. When I laid eyes on Davey Havok, I lost my shit – to put it mildly. 1) He’s drop dead gorgeous. 2) He’s drop dead talented. What a voice. What a performer. WHAT A MAN.

^^^ Unfortunately, the pics that I managed to snap aren’t the best and I can’t upload videos on to my posts so you’ll just have to take my word for how amazing AFI is live.

So there was a positive and negative to seeing my favorite band perform. The positive? AFI put on a hell of a show. They performed with so much energy that you could literally feel it radiating off of them and they sounded sublime. They sounded like angels that were singing sweet nothings into my ear and, in this instance, that was an actual thing. I got to hear Davey Havok sing, scream, and belt it out in that fluctuating low to high voice that is so uniquely his own. Talk about dying and going to heaven.

The show was fast paced, super emo, and so incredibly cool. So the negative? Idk, it felt a bit impersonal? Like, the songs kept coming one after the other and as much as I love me some Davey, I feel like he didn’t really care to build a rapport with the crowd. We were all showing the band the love and the whole show just seemed rushed. Not only that, but it felt like they weren’t on stage for all that long. Granted, this might just be me being greedy and wanting them to play all night, BUT STILL. I hate to say this, but after the encore was over and the show was officially done, the first words that Kristen and I shared with each other was “is that it?”. Whomp whomp.

BUT THE POSITIVE, THOUGH?! I got to hear my favorite band perform my favorite song at my favorite venue with my favorite person. I got to hear AFI play Silver And Cold. I got to hear the song that my nine year old self specifically bought the album Sing The Sorrow for. The first album I ever bought with my own money, as a matter of fact. That song has always been one of my all time favorites, not just by AFI, but in general. And I got to hear it live. What even. (Insert the part where I talk about how my inner emo kid felt an abundance of pure and complete joy. That happened.)

Forget about any negativity in this post because even with all things considered, Tuesday June 20th was one of the best nights of my life. There’s something so special about being able to see your favorite band perform right in front of your eyes and I got to experience that. Thank you so much to my amazing big sister for making that possible. I LOVE YOU, KRISTEN!! ❤

So there you have it, the AFI Concert! What shows are you going to this summer? What is your favorite concert that you’ve been to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr27

April 2017 Finishes Pt. 2

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April 2017 Finishes Pt. 2

Hi everyone and happy Thursday! You might be scratching your head and wondering why there’s a Part 2 to my April 2017 Finishes post from yesterday. Well, here’s why! Back in October of 2016, I began using the Destiny Boutique Charcoal Face Bar and am literally just now finishing it. This beauty bar has lasted me well over HALF A YEAR and I paid a whopping SIX DOLLARS for it. And, the best thing is, is that my skin is simply obsessed with it. Take a looksee and let’s discuss:

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^^^ As you can see from the picture above, this charcoal bar is freaking HUGE, so it’s no wonder why it has lasted me as long as it did. And we’re talking daily (sometimes twice a day) use of this product here!

I am lucky to say that I have been blessed with skin that has never really suffered from any skin care woes. But, one thing that I do struggle with are some really tough blackheads. I have five nose piercings (two on each nostril and my septum is pierced), and blackheads are drawn to this area like moths to a flame. It doesn’t surprise me, considering that I am constantly touching and adjusting my piercings with my super long talons.

“So you have some blackheads. Big deal.” And, you’re right. It really isn’t a big deal because they’re barely noticeable. But am I thrilled about having them? Absolutely not. The blackheads around my piercings are something that I want to keep on lock because when people look at them, I want them to see the artistry and jewelry – not tiny little black needle points every which way.

Around the time that I purchased this Destiny Boutique bar from TJMaxx, I had been itching to try some type of charcoal based product. I had read about how well it deep cleans the pores and I really wanted to give it a go. So when I found this six dollar bar at TJs, I simply had to buy it. And, I have to say, this is one product that I can’t picture myself ever not using because I am now a dedicated Destiny Boutique super fan.

The Charcoal Face Bar draws my pesky pierced nose blackheads out like a magnet. Even after a couple of days of use, I noticed a significant difference in the amount of blackheads on my nose. And, let me tell you, that’s a really good feeling. This beauty bar has not only decreased my blackheads, but it seems to keep as many from popping up on my poor problemed nose.

I paid SIX DOLLARS for a product that has lasted me OVER HALF A YEAR and it has infinitely helped my blackhead battle. Not only that, but it provides my skin with an overall healthy glow and I can’t get enough. So much so that I have another bar on back stock, am currently using Destiny Boutique’s Charcoal Cleanser, and have another one of those on back stock, as well. Like I said, I’m a super fan.

I legitimately cannot recommend Destiny Boutique’s Charcoal Face Bar enough and urge all of you to give their products a try. I am so glad that I did, and I have a hunch that you will be, too.

So there you have it, my April 2017 Finishes Pt. 2! Have any of you ever used Destiny Boutique products before? What did you think of it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr26

April 2017 Finishes

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April 2017 Finishes

Helloooooo everyone and happy Hump Day!! This month has brought me many wonderful finishes, which has been fun because April has been a pretty blah month for yours truly. As most of you know by now, I refuse to not finish things that I start when it comes to beauty products, so it’s always nice when the “must finish” items are pleasant to use! Take a look at this month’s empties and let’s discuss:

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Would I Use Again?

  • Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake body wash: MAYBE
  • Fashion Fair Santorini Getaway body butter: YES
  • Design Line Fiji Therapy styling oil: YES
  • The Body Shop Nutriganics eye cream: YES
  • Arad moisturizer: YES

Why/Why Not:

Philosophy Body Wash: Okay, you guys know how I feel about Philosophy bath and body products because I’ve said it time and time again: Had I not been gifted with the products, I would never buy them for myself. My ex boyfriend got me the Vanilla Birthday Cake body wash for Christmas and it was nice and it smelled good but SO many other shower gels are nice and smell good for a fraction of the cost. Granted, I’m sure he got the gel at TJs or Marshall’s, but still. All things considered, this sixteen ounce bottle of body wash lasted me for three months, which is impressive. It lathered well and left my skin feeling hydrated, but it is not something that I plan on using again in the future unless it shows up underneath my Christmas tree!

Fashion Fair Body Butter: This body butter is actually another Christmas gift from my ex and I freaking LOVED it. For starters, the Santorini Getaway scent was so freaking delightful. It was citrus-y without being overpowering. Imagine the richest, creamiest lotion ever that smells like freshly whipped cream and add the lightest splash of citrus and you would have this Fashion Fair body butter. YUM.

Not only did it smell divine but it absorbed and moisturized SO WELL. The texture was nowhere near as thick as a body butter from, say, The Body Shop but it was definitely thicker than your average cream. Even so, this lotion absorbed into my skin instantly and without leaving any type of residue behind. All that was left after applying this lotion was the gentlest touch of summer citrus and I would one hundred and fifty percent use this product again. I completed this body butter after about six uses.

Design Line Styling Oil: I have been using the Design Line Fiji styling oil in my hair for ages. The only reason why it never appears on my Finishes posts is because my mom will always swap out my almost finished bottles with a new one without telling me! Then, by the time I think of it, she has already used and thrown away the remnants of my half used bottle.

Anyways, I LOVE THIS PRODUCT. As you guys know, I don’t wash my hair. End of story. Point blank. Period. And you would think that if I’m putting styling oil in my hair almost every day, my hair would get super greasy. Right? WRONG. Not only does this oil have the perfect touch of a tropical scent but it is such a light to the touch product and it leaves my hair feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated with every use. I use it almost daily before I flat iron my hair and my locks are all the better for it. It takes me about four to five months to finish a bottle of Design Line Fiji styling oil and at thirteen bucks a pop, it is worth every penny.

TBS Eye Cream: Oh, my Nutriganics eye cream. A product that I truly could not live without. I have been using the Nutriganics eye cream from The Body Shop for literal years now and the thin and sensitive skin around my eyes thanks me for it daily. Not once since using this product have I been concerned about fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes because a strict and set in stone for ages regimen of applying this product ceases all worries for me. The areas around my eyes looks bright and youthful and I can’t ever see myself not using my Nutriganics eye cream on a daily basis. It takes me about five months to finish a bottle of this cream, which is also a fantastic value!

Arad Moisturizer: I bought this product from TJMaxx compliments of a gift card from one of my beloved Special Olympics students. I have to say that it was nothing special but I would use it again if the opportunity arises. This moisturizer smelled great because it is made with coconut extract, which made putting it on in the morning really nice. It also absorbed well and my makeup laid nicely over top of it. However, I will always be partial to my much loved and used Vitamin E moisturizer from The Body Shop, so anything else kind of pales in comparison! It took me about one month to finish this moisturizer.

Overall, April was a very successful month in terms of my product finishes. I enjoyed using all of my empties and I can definitely see myself (almost) using all of them in the future!

So there you have it, my April 2017 Finishes! Which beauty products did you use up this month? Has anyone used any of the products on my empties list before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar28

March 2017 Finishes

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March 2017 Finishes

Hi everyone and happy Tuesday! With another month in 2017 behind us, it is now time for another beauty finishes post for March. I didn’t finish too many products this month, only three. Despite a lack of empties in this edition, I did really enjoy all of the products that I used up for the most part. And even if I didn’t care too much for something, it’s always exciting to get to the end of a jar or bottle with the promise of trying something new afterwards! Take a look at my empties for the month and let’s discuss:

march.jpeg

Would I Use Again?

  • Philosophy Sugary Cinnamon Icing lotion: MAYBE
  • The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost: OBVIOUSLY!
  • Lanocreme Defining Day Cream: YES

Why/Why Not?

Philosophy Lotion: My ex boyfriend’s darling mother got me this for Christmas last year and I just got around to using it this month. Honestly, I’m not really sure how to feel about Philosophy products. All I see is average lotions and shower gels for an extravagant price. Don’t get me wrong, this lotion smelled delicious and it was extremely moisturizing but so are countless other lotions and butters for a lesser cost. Also, the plastic used for the shower gel and lotion bottles make it extremely difficult to squeeze any product out, hence the pump I put on to combat that issue. I finished this lotion after about six uses and if it were given to me as a gift I would definitely use it again but I would never buy it for myself otherwise.

TBS Skin Boost: I mean, you guys already know how much I love this product considering every three months or so it shows up on my empties posts like clockwork! But as a brief reminder, the Vitamin C Skin Boost from The Body Shop is the best thing that has ever happened to my skin. It leaves my face looking radiant and bright, my skin feels well moisturized, this product also mattefies, and it sits well under makeup. Need I say more? It took me three months to finish this product.

Lanocreme Moisturizer: I purchased this day cream from TJMaxx and it was made in New Zealand, which is fun! This cream was a little thicker than the Vitamin E moisturizer from The Body Shop but it still absorbed just as well. Its scent was light and soft and it left my skin feeling hydrated and supple. My makeup sat well over it and I got a good month’s worth of use out of the product so I think it was absolutely worth purchasing. If I was at TJs and this cream was available again, I am positive that I would add it to my shopping cart!

Over all, I got to use some really nice skin and bath and body care products this month and I’m happy with everything that I used up. Although I’m not Philosophy’s number one fan, it was nice to use something that I wouldn’t have bought for myself. And, of course, my Vitamin C Skin Boost and Lanocreme moisturizer were fantastic, which makes up for any blah philosophical feelings! 😉

So there you have it, my March 2017 Finishes! Which products did you use up this month? Have you used any of the items that I have listed above? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar22

Beauty And The Beast Review

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Beauty And The Beast Review

Hiii everyone and happy Hump Day! Yesterday night was a fun one because my older sister, Kristen, treated me and my mom to a night at the movies to see Beauty And The Beast for my mom’s birthday. I have to admit, I was semi ambivalent because I had heard some amazing reviews, some horrible reviews, but mostly very average reviews about the film. But the remake of Beauty And The Beast made me eat my words five minutes in because I absolutely LOVED it. It wasn’t just me, though. My mom, sister, and what felt like the entire audience seemed to be in agreement that this film was really special. Let’s discuss:

What I loved about this remake was that they stayed true to the original cartoon and then enhanced it appropriately. With these improvements, we gained further insight into the backstory of Belle, the Beast, and the castle’s inhabitants. Some people on my Facebook newsfeed deemed these additions “pointless” but I thought that they were brilliant. Why would a classic film be remade at all if there were no changes made to it? If it was a literal live action play by play of the cartoon, I would rather watch the original any day.

Now, let’s all be honest with ourselves here. We all know that that was not Emma Watson singing. The autotune was strong for her – so strong that it sounded exactly like the singing in the cartoon version. I ain’t mad at it. Only a little! Another teeeeny tiny bone that I have to pick is that the British accents seemed incredibly out of place because they are in France, after all. I would have loved to have had the entire film done with really good French accents, but we can’t always get what we want. And, finally: WHY WAS BELLE’S SKIRT TUCKED IN ON ONE SIDE?! IT DROVE ME FREAKING CRAZYYYYY!

Okay. I’m glad I got that off my chest.

But really, though. It was a hell of a remake. It really was. And that’s saying something coming from me because Beauty And The Beast is easily one of my favorite Disney movies. I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed myself immensely. The cast was so strong and complimented each other so well, which made each scene in the movie flow perfectly. I wanted more. I was honestly sad when it was over! The little tastes of the retelling of such a beautiful tale left me ravenous and if a sequel were for some reason announced I would probably cry from happiness.

It’s crazy, because when you’re a kid, you don’t really think about how intense Disney films are. It’s only when you’re older that you can look at the film and be like “wow, that’s kind of fucked up”. I mean, there’s an entire song in Beauty And The Beast dedicated to killing the Beast. And don’t even get me started on the turmoil that Maurice goes through upon returning to the village after Belle stays as the captive. Of course, the cartoons are sad. But there was something about seeing this remake after not having seen the original in so long that made me weep like a baby. The characters were so easy to connect to so all you wanted was the very best for them. And for Gaston to jump off of a freaking cliff!!

Speaking of, I loved, loved, loved to hate Gaston with every ounce of my being! He was so bad and so good and I was so pleased with the “Gaston” number in the bar because that’s weirdly my favorite song. And, I thought Monsieur LeFou was perfect. The combination of Gaston’s meatheaded nature and LeFou’s sass for days was definitely a fun twist. And LeFou is obviously better at seeing the good (or lack thereof!) in people for crushing on a total asshole!

All in all, I’m rating this movie with a ten to the ten, ten, ten. Despite me being nitpicky, I had a fantastic time at the movies last night and would happily go see Beauty And The Beast for a second time!

(And, as always, I have no rights to this trailer or featured image.)

So there you have it, my Beauty And The Beast Review! What did everyone else think of this movie? Which Disney flick do you hope is remade next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Disney UK

Jan6

Nasty Gal Purchases & Review

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Nasty Gal Purchases & Review

Hi everyone and TGIF!! I hope you all have some fun and exciting plans lined up for the weekend! During my graduation ceremony evening, I was chatting with the girl beside me about online shopping because she complimented my heels and we got to talking about ModCloth which is where they were from. She told me how much she liked the site Nasty Gal so I figured that I would take a look at some point because I could tell that she had great taste.

A week or so later, I decided to take a look see and, for the most part, really liked what I saw – asides from the super sexy pieces which just aren’t me in the slightest. I liked the edgy, glam looks and although the prices were kind of steep, they had a great sale section to browse through which I was thankful for! After a look over of the website, I ended up with two moto jackets. One was funded by my mom for Christmas (thanks, mommy!) and the other was a total treat yoself piece that I planned on using my graduation cash to purchase. Take a look:

nastynasty4nasty2

First of all, let me start with what I liked about Nasty Gal before I delve into some of the not so great stuff. As a first time shopper, I ultimately ended up happy but there are some things that I need to bear in mind if I purchase from them again.

What I Liked:

The Clothing Itself: Both jackets that I received are simply to die for. I love both jackets and I think that they were well worth the price. I have been looking for a super cool black moto jacket for a long time and I finally found it in the patched back jacket featured first. And, of course, the olive green butterfly patched moto jacket was so sweet that I couldn’t not get that one, too! I have received endless compliments on both of them already and I’ve had them for about three days total. I also love that these are pieces that not everyone is going to have which makes them even more special to me.

The Customer Service (Kind Of): When I first received my black moto jacket, one of the patches on the back was nearly falling off. Instantly, I ran to the laptop and pulled up a chat with a Nasty Gal agent to ask how to go about receiving a damaged item. She told me to take pictures of the damage and then send it on over via email. I quickly snapped some pics and emailed them over and then waited anxiously to see what they say so I could get a replacement which I was super keen on because I loved the item.

About two and a half hours went by and I heard back nada which I thought was weird because someone was able to chat with me so quickly. So, I decided to just bite the bullet and call them and after seeking them out they addressed the problem. I was told that I would receive store credit to purchase a new one as soon as they got the notification of my return and was provided with a shipping label and a free shipping code to rebuy the jacket.

I was so pleased and figured that my credit should be on my account the following day after I dropped off the UPS package. Four days went by and I heard nothing and at this point the jacket was marked “low inventory”. I was annoyed, for one, and also worried that my coat would be sold out by the time that my credit was applied. Once more, I pulled up a chat and told the agent the problem and then it got fixed promptly.

So, I guess what I’m trying to say is that their customer service is good if you seek them out but I genuinely feel like if I didn’t, my problems still wouldn’t have been solved. I have always had online shopping experiences where issues were solved quickly after they got word of it so actually having to seek out the help that I needed again after no initial reply was very off putting.

What I Didn’t Like:

THE SIZES: If you plan on shopping at Nasty Gal and are reading this, please heed my warning when I say: DO NOT TRUST THEIR SIZE GUIDE. Their sizes seem to run one size to a size and a half smaller than what they say. Let me explain – I fit very comfortably into a size small eighty percent of the time and an extra small the other twenty percent. And according to their size guide I would be a perfect small but that simply wasn’t the case.

I originally purchased my black moto jacket in a small and my butterfly one in a medium because I read that it fit tightly in the comment section. Had I known that the black patched jacket was going to be some Baby Gap size in a small, I would have purchased the medium first. The small was tight and it was just strange to me because their size guide said that a small would be just right, like it normally is. I didn’t even think to size up in it because I was so confident that the small would be great because I was nowhere close to a medium according to their guide.

Frankly, if I order from them again, I plan on just sizing up in everything and not even acknowledging their guide because it is so skewed. It wasn’t until after I placed my order that I Googled Nasty Gal reviews and saw that literally everyone said that their sizes were jacked up! This was admittedly my bad, I should have done this before placing my order but it was still annoying just the same to have a size guide be so very misleading.

Don’t get me wrong, I am, in the end, really happy with my purchases BUT unless I see something there that is absolutely to die for, then I don’t plan on shopping Nasty Gal again. Originally, I thought that it could possibly replace ModCloth for me but, let’s be real, that wasn’t ever going to happen anyways.

My advice for people who plan on shopping there is to be very careful of their sizes, read the online reviews (there are a TON), and continuously seek out their customer service if you have a problem because I don’t think that they have any intentions of accommodating you otherwise.

So there you have it, my Nasty Gal Purchases & Review! Has anyone ever shopping Nasty Gal before? What did you think? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah