25 Days of My Favorite Christmas Songs

I love Christmas music. I can listen to it all year long and I LOVE that my place of employment plays Christmas music all day every day until January 1st.

To celebrate, starting December 1st, every night at 7pm EST I will post my favorite Christmas song with the hashtag #25daysofmyfavoritechristmassongs  🙂

Feel free to play along, even if you don’t have 25 favorite Christmas songs! This is not just exclusive to Christmas! Whichever holiday you celebrate I’m sure has some amazing music, so start posting and tag me so I don’t miss your posts.  I’d love to see all the different songs.

❤ Cherilyn

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Blogmas! (Day 1) Ugly Christmas Sweater!

On December 20th, we’re having an Ugly Christmas Sweater party at work. Normally, I don’t participate in these things because if you remember from this post, I am not a crafty sort of person, and buying a pre-made ugly Christmas sweater just doesn’t seem right.

This year I decided to participate and because I was already in the crafty mood, I opted to make my Ugly Christmas Sweater. It’s more of an Ugly Christmas Long-sleeved Shirt because here in Florida sweaters are difficult to come by. I picked up this green shirt and the earrings at Walmart. The decorations were purchased at the Dollar Tree. The santas were on a headband that I dismantled for another reason you’ll see that further down the post. I purchased the green LED lights from Walmart LAST YEAR to put on my Jeep for Halloween.  There are also jingle bells scattered across the garland to make for a wonderfully annoying jingle throughout the evening.

And here is my Ugly Christmas Sweater!

Oh, it gets better… (Open in full screen for optimal lookage):

 

And because my look is that I am a Christmas tree, it isn’t complete without… (Open in full screen for optimal lookage):

 

The holidays are going to be fun this year.  🙂

What do you think of my creativity? It’s more of an Annoying Christmas Sweater than anything.

Show me your Ugly Christmas Sweaters!

❤ Cherilyn 

 

Day 1 – L’Oreal Revitalift Challenge

I recently received the 14 day L’Oreal Revitalift Challenge packet. I’ve not really tried anti-aging moisturizers because I don’t believe they work, and most have ingredients that are too harsh for my sensitive skin.

As you can see, I have lots of wrinkles around my eyes. Ignore the puffiness.  I had just woken up and I’m currently on antibiotics for strep throat. 😦 My bathroom lighting is quite harsh but it shows my imperfections perfectly. 🙂

Upon opening the package, it had a strong perfume-y scent.  I can still smell it on my face, even after applying makeup and a setting spray. It’s not unpleasant, just strong. The moisturizer went on nicely and wasn’t greasy. It melted into my skin without affecting makeup application.

I’ll post updates with photos on Day 7 and on Day 14.

Have you tried this product? What are your thoughts on anti-aging products?

❤ Cherilyn

Homemade Holiday Gifts

Holy moly, it’s that time of year! The holidays are right around the corner and usually I am scrambling at the last minute to get gifts for my coworkers. Last year I decided to get crafty and make my coworkers reindeer mason jars filled with chocolate/salted caramel covered pretzels.

Before we continue, there are 7 things you should know about me —–> 1) I am NOT a crafty person. 2) I dislike crafts. P) I can’t count. 8) I have no idea where how and when I obtained a glue gun, but I have one and I also own 854567 glue sticks.

Last year I made 12 of these jars and the aftermath left me with:

• Second degree burns on my fingertips from the hot glue.
• I was trapped at my dining room table in a hot glue string web.
• I dropped 68964567896 googly eyes on a TILE floor.
• They bounced everydamnedwhere.
• I had to buy 9876546898656 red noses just so I could use 12.
• I had to run to The Fresh Market 17 times because I kept eating the gourmet pretzels.
• I had to buy new pants because I kept eating the gourmet pretzels.

Yeah, I know. They look more like funny faces being held up in a robbery. 😐  Despite the burns and the incredible mess I made making these, I think they turned out super cute and my coworkers loved them.

Homemade gifts make such an impact because of the thought, the time and effort. I don’t spend any time outside of work with my coworkers, but they’re people who still deserve a thoughtful gift made with love. ❤

This year I am making the same type of jars only I am making snowmen with white chocolate pretzels.

Here are two of the jars minus the white chocolate pretzels.  I have made 8 so far.  I ran out of ribbon so I had to run out and grab more.  I’ll have all fifteen jars completed by the end of next weekend.

It’s far too early to buy the gourmet pretzels.  I like the way they turned out! The noses are jingle bells that I painted orange.  I spray painted the lids black to give the top hat appearance but then I found these adorable top hat ornaments at the Dollar Store! I had to buy them! I am in love with how they are turning out! Much cuter than last year’s reindeer that look like they’re being robbed at gunpoint.

Whattaya think? I appreciate your feedback!

Are you a crafty person? Do you make homemade gifts for family, friends and coworkers?

❤ Cherilyn 

elf Cosmetics Brush Cleaner Wipes

I purchased the elf Cosmetics Brush Cleaner Wipes ($3.00/$1.50) during the elf Cosmetics mid-November 50% Off Sale. I was hoping these wipes would be a great way to clean my brushes in between the major cleanings. I really like the Brush Shampoo and thought these wipes would be just as good.

 

Upon opening the package, the wipe had a strong scent. It smelled like the Brush Shampoo only stronger. I used it to clean one foundation brush. The wipe did somewhat clean my brush, but left an oily residue on my brush and on my hands.  I wouldn’t want to use the brush on my face unless the residue dries down.

 

I am a bit disappointed because it would have been nice to have an alternative to cleaning my brushes in between the deep cleanings. I am hoping elf will work on perfecting the formula because this is a product that has potential.

Overall, I will not be purchasing these again.

I give the Brush Cleanser Wipes 1 Greasy Wheel and that’s only because I like the packaging.

Have you tried these wipes? How do you clean your makeup brushes?

❤ Cherilyn

 

elf Cosmetics 50% Off Sale Haul

Just recently elf Cosmetics had their 50% off sale, and I always take advantage of these sales because it’s a great time to stock up on products I love and always use, and a great way to try newer products. I received my goodies on November 18th and I’m dying to share them with y’all!

Bolded items are products I’ve not yet tried. The red asterisked products are products I love and stock up on at every opportunity! All links will open in a separate window:

• Studio Blush in Candid Coral ($3.00)
• Tinted Lip Oil in Mocha Kiss ($6.00)
• Shimmer Lip Balm in Lighten Golden Glow ($5.00)
• Flawless Finish Foundation in Natural ($6.00) **
• Prismatic Highlighting Duo in Mermaid Tail ($8.00)
• Lock On Liner and Brown Cream in Espresso ($4.00)

• Beautifully Bare Sheer Tint Brow Gel in Dark ($5.00)
• Clear Brow and Lash Mascara ($2.00) **
• Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser ($10.00)
• Eye Makeup Remover Balm ($4.00)
• Hydrating Water Sheet Mask ($3.00) **
• Brush Cleaner Wipes ($3.00)
• Eyebrow Duo Brush ($3.00)
• Mini Glam Case in Watermelon ($4.00)

Shimmer on its own

I purchased all these goodies for just under $65.00 (that includes sales tax). I saved $51.50! Did you take advantage of e.l.f.’s 50% off sale? What’d you get?

❤ Cherilyn 

 

 

ANOTHER e.l.f. Cosmetics 50% Off Sale!

It’s Thanksgiving in the U.S. and to celebrate, e.l.f. cosmetics is having another 50% off sale!

Click on the below photo to go to e.l.f.’s website to get your stash!

I know. I JUST received an e.l.f. 50% off sale package the other day, what else could I possibly need that I didn’t order a few days ago? Well, this time I decided to purchase all items I’ve not used before, with the exception of the Hydrating Gel Melt Cleanser because I just received this, I’ve used it the past two evenings, and I LOVE it.  A review will be up soon because this is a product to be shared! If you’re curious about this product, right now you can get it for $5.00!

On this haul, my subtotal was $73.00, however, thanks to the 50% off, I saved $36.50 and I received free shipping.

Go here to get your goodies! Then tell me what you got! 🙂

To all my friends celebrating today, have a wonderful day filled with family, friends and food. ❤

❤ Cherilyn 

Christmas Wish List 2017

I don’t even want to think about how close to the holidays we are! Can we just slow things down a bit, please?

Ok, fine, slowing down isn’t going to happen, so I may as well just jump on the Holiday wish list board. So, with that little bit of whine out of the way, let’s get on with my Christmas wish list from affordable to WOAH.

• Stila Eye for Elegance Liquid Eyeshadow Set ($45.00)
• Estee Lauder Modern Muse Mini Spray Coffret ($35.00)
• Tarte Limited Edition Blush Bazaar Amazonian Clay Blush Palette ($44.00)
• Clairsonic Mia 2 Flawless Finish Set ($169.00)
• Tiffany & Co. Women’s Tote ($1450.00)
• Apple Watch Series 3 – ($399.00)

There ya have it!  It’s short but sweet! If I had to choose only one item from above, it’d be the Tiffany tote. Once a year I treat myself to a Tiffany gift. I am not a wearer of jewelry so I buy things more practical that I’ll use like a Tiffany wallet, a Tiffany pen, mugs and sunglasses. The tote is a bit out of my price range, but this is a wish list, right? 🙂

What is on your wish list?

❤ Cherilyn 

Let’s Talk About Nails!

Something I have not discussed on my blog is nail polish!

I have a pretty good sized collection of nail polishes.  I used to paint my nails daily in a wide variety of colors and in a wide variety of designs. The only time I could not paint my nails was when I was in massage therapy school.

I don’t paint my nails as often as I’d like; as a designated player, I use my hands to push and pull poker chips and push cards, and because of this, my polish is easily chipped. I can’t always fix my nails after work and it drives me crazy working for days with chipped nail polish. It just looks tacky and makes it seem as if I don’t care much about my appearance. When your hands are the main focus of your job, a nice manicure is important. Even if I don’t wear polish, my nails are trimmed, clean and free of hang nails.

I love all colors of nail polish from neutral to crazy bright colors. I also love painting my nails to show support for certain causes.  Often I paint my nails black with a blue line to show support for our police men and women. Recently for Halloween I painted my nails black and swiped bright orange across each nail. It was a quick way to express both holiday colors and I received many compliments even though I really didn’t put forth much effort.

Whether I do it myself or go to a salon, painting my nails is a fun way to express creativity, show support for causes I hold near and dear, a great way to get in the holiday mood and to just cheer myself up with a bit of splashy color!

Do you like to paint your nails? What crazy designs have you had painted on your nails? Do you go to a salon or do your own nails?

❤ Cherilyn 

ipsy – November 2017

I received my ipsy bag and I just can’t help but fall in love with ipsy a little more each month!

If you’re not familiar,  ipsy is a beauty subscription service for $10/month.  You receive 5 beauty products; some deluxe sample sizes, with the occasional full size product. Everything arrives in a cute zippered makeup bag.

This month’s bag is not a favorite, but I was hoping I’d receive the bag in the aqua/teal shades. It is a cute jewel-toned bag with the ipsy logo printed in silver on the zipper pull.

Let’s get to the goodies (All links will open in a new window):

• Tarte Deluxe Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Feisty – Tarte has a limited edition of 5 deluxe blushes for $35.00
• it Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream in Fair– No offer available
• Skyn ICELAND Berry Lip Fix with Wintered Red Algea – (ipsy25 for 25% off)
• Manna Kadar Lip Locked Stain in All of Me – (ipsy2017 for 20% off)
• Naked Cosmetics Metallic Loose Powder in Mother Nature #06 – (ipsy30 for 30% off)

If you’re interested in trying out the ipsy subscription service, click my referral link here. If you’d rather check out ipsy without my referral link, clicky clicky here!

❤ Cherilyn 

Boxycharm – November 2017

It’s that time again! My November Boxycharm is here!

If you’ve not heard of this box, Boxycharm is a monthly beauty subscription service. For $21/month, you receive 4-5 full sized beauty products in a cute little black box.  Each box is always worth $100+!

This month’s theme is Sweater Weather. Let’s get on to the goodies (All links will open in a separate window):

• Luxie Beauty Quad Eye Travel Set – ($32.00) OMG this travel set of eye brushes is the cutest! The brushes are so soft!
• Cover FX Illuminating Setting Spray – (31.00) I am excited to try this spray. I have a bit of an addiction to setting sprays and one that illuminates my skin? Uh, yes please!
• • Ok, I tried this spray and, um, it’s weird. The sprayer isn’t bad, but it shoots out in super short spurts. <— say that 10 times fast. Also, it is pretty on my cheeks, but my forehead just looked oily.
• Winkylux Kitten Palette – ($25.00) Raise your hand if you need another eyeshadow palette? Yep! My hand is raised right along with y’all! 😉 This is the cutest little palette. The shades are very pretty and the swatches applied nicely.
• LAQA & Co. Cloud Lips Matte Lipstick in Storm – ($17.00) This is an interesting color. Looks NOTHING like the color of the lipstick. It was a bit streaky, and it is a pretty color, but one that I definitely cannot wear.
• KNC Beauty Collagen Lip Masks – ($15.00) This is a strange product that I’m curious to try! I don’t think I’d purchase unless they truly do perform miracles! A 5 pack is $24.99. I’ll definitely be reviewing these!

Total box worth: $120.00!

Overall, this box isn’t my favorite, but I do like the full size setting spray, the adorable eyeshadow palette and those travel eye brushes!

If you want to check out Boxycharm for yourself, click my referral link here!  If you want to check out Boxycharm and subscribe without clicking the referral link, clicky clicky right here!

❤ Cherilyn 

MorpheMe Unboxing – November 2017

It’s a new month and the subscription boxes are startin’ to roll in!

I just received November’s set of Morphe brushes.

If you aren’t familiar, MorpheMe is a subscription service through Liveglam that offers $30 worth of Morphe brushes for $19.99/month!  The brushes come in a bubblewrap envelope with a cute little accordion card that has brief descriptions of each brush.  I have been subscribed since February and have received a wide variety of brushes.

I opted to trade this month’s brushes for the foundation brush set that was sent back in February.

• E8 ($6.00) – Detail Contour – I’ll probably use this for precise powder application.  I don’t contour much. I may even see how it holds up for highlight application.
• M439 Deluxe Buffer ($14.00) – I already own this brush, but it’s one of my favorites for applying foundation. I am excited to have another as back up. 🙂
• E26 Oval Foundation/Concealer ($13.00) – I’m not sure I’ll use this brush for foundation. I prefer to use flat brushes for primer application. Also, this is the first dual-ended brush in my collection. It’s a nice looking brush.

Overall, I am more excited to have a spare M439 than I am about the other two brushes, but the actual November brushes didn’t excite me, and I already have the big fluffy powder brush.  I like the option to trade out brushes and to skip months without penalty. I’ve been a MorpheMe subscriber since February and I’ve not been disappointed.

If you’re interested in signing up, clicky clicky HERE (this link will get us both a free brush!), or clicky clicky HERE if you don’t want a free brush. 😉  It’s $19.99/month.

❤ Cherilyn

e.l.f. Cosmetics 50% Off Sale!

Hey there, lovelies!

Ok, ok, this is not really a haul post YET.  😉

e.l.f. Cosmetics is having their 50% off sale!  Also, Ebates is currently offering 15% cash back!  I am not sponsored by e.l.f. Cosmetics or Ebates. I actually use Ebates and just want to pass the awesomeness off to y’all!  I made my purchase last night and did not receive 15% cash back, which is a bit of a bummer, but I saved $51.50 on product so I’m not mad.

Clicky clicky to shop at e.l.f. and clicky clicky to sign up for Ebates.  All links will open in a new window.

I always take advantage of the e.l.f. 50% off sales.  It’s a perfect opportunity to pick up items I’ve not tried, as well as to stock up on my favorite products! Though e.l.f. cosmetics are already incredibly affordable, why not try new products for 50% less than their normal price?!

I picked up 10 items I haven’t tried; some pretty new since the last time I browsed the website.  I also take advantage of stocking up on my favorite products like the Flawless Finish foundation (in Natural), and of course, my FAVORITE sheet mask! I picked up 10 sheet masks for $15.00 vs. $30.00.  If you’re a frequent reader of my site, you’ll know how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE the e.l.f. sheet mask.

Will YOU be taking advantage of e.l.f.’s 50% off sale? Share your wish list and haul!

❤ Cherilyn 

Gerard Cosmetics – Nikkia Joy Setting Spray

One of my favorite setting sprays is the Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day setting spray, so of course, when Australian makeup artist and Youtuber, Nikkia Joy came out with her collaboration, I had to pick up a couple bottles. If you like watching makeup reviews and tutorials, give her a watch. She’s charming, has an Australian accent, and just has a very likable personality.

I received the spray a few weeks ago and was dying to try it out.  I have about 5 of the Slay All Day sprays and they’re almost empty. I love this setting spray but it does dry out my skin, so I use it in rotation with the Morphe Prep & Set.

The Nikkia Joy spray has a light rose scent that isn’t over-powerful. I smell it briefly on my face after application, but it’s light and eventually fades. The formula is the same as the standard Slay All Day sprays; it LOCKS your makeup down! If you have dry skin, it can be slightly drying because of the alcohol, but it works in keeping my makeup looking flawless all day!  It is also cruelty free and made here in the U.S.A. 🙂  Below is a slow-mo video of the sprayer:

At the time of my purchase, Nikkia Joy had a code to buy one get one free, so I received two bottles for $22.00.  As of 10/27, the JOYBOGO code still works! If you only wish to purchase one bottle, use the code JOY for 35% off!

What setting sprays are your ride or die?  Have you tried the Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day?