Sugar Skulls at Midnight Adult Coloring Book Review

Sugar Skulls at Midnight is a great coloring book. With designs ranging from simple and fun, to a little more intricate this book has hours of coloring fun in its pages. The black background makes it perfect for neon colors. It has 35 designs printed on one side only. The pages are NOT perforated. When you are done you will have a book of lovely artwork. I have used markers, gel pens, crayons, and colored pencils and the paper is nice for using any of your favorite mediums.
I have usually passed over skull coloring books before, usually buying mandalas or flowers. I'm so glad I was able to try skulls because I found that I really enjoyed coloring something so different then I usually do. I am looking forward to coloring more in this book and will post more pictures on Instagram as I do. @xstitchalanna
You can purchase the book from Amazon Amazon link
More Reviews to come soon!


I was given this book from Papeterie Bleu for free in exchange for my honest review.

Using Markers

Using Pencil Crayon

Using Crayon

Using Gel PenAmazon.com Link

Begining Stamp Collecting - It doesn't have to cost a lot of money!

Ok, so I have been a stamp collector since I was 10 years old and thought that this would be a better subject matter for my blog. I have one so might as well use it, right?

Anyway I just joined an online stamp club called stamporama.com and someone suggested I make youtube videos related to stamp collecting. So this post is a link in to the youtube video.

The reason I am doing this is because I want to introduce new people to the hobby, and make it fun, easy and not expensive. There is so much online about it, and yet not enough. First I want to say you don't have to spend a lot of money on this.  I will separate areas by price points and what you need to get started.  I will include some links to websites that have good prices, along with suggesting some stores you may have around that will have supplies for you.

You literally can start for "free" with things you have in your home. If you are going to collect anything that's not on paper, or take stamps off the paper, you really should get a pair of stamp tongs (NOT TWEEZERS) These will run you $5-10. Literally that's probably the only thing you "have to buy" Not a bad investment if you aren't sure you or your kid will stick with it. You probably have paid more for a video game they NEVER play.
You need
Stamps - on your old letters, in your mailbox, with your bills or parents bills.
Storage - Start simple. A shoe box (CLEAN Not something your brother keeps his gym shoes in) or one of those empty sample boxes your mom gets in the mail every month. Ziplocks are great too but it's still easier to put the stamps in a ziplock in a box. These are great if you want to sort them by country or type. You can also get plastic storage containers at the Dollar Store.

This is what I started out with.

If you want a way to display your stamps, and believe me you will, want an album.

Make an album. You can take a 3 ring binder, you probably have one already from last school year in your closet. Make sure it is clean. You want to take good care of your stamps. And 3 ring binder paper. This would be more temporary solution because you need something acid free to protect the stamps and lightweight paper won't hold up long. but if starting out and probably broke till next Christmas this will work. In addition to tongs you should only need to buy stamp hinges and/or mounts. Mounts are a little more expensive, but using a hinge on a mint stamp will damage it and make it less valuable. If you are going this route, save your mint stamps in a box until you can afford some mounts. Hinges cost about $3 for 1000 of them. I will make a video showing you how to do this

https://www.mysticstamp.com/Listing/Supplies/Collecting%20Kits/

You can get starter kits with stamps, hinges and albums for about $10 online. Some come with the tongs some don't. If it's $10 it probably doesn't and you need the tongs.

or

A stamp stock book you can find them online for about $10 (these you don't need hinges. I personally don't like hinges but this is your collection and you can do whatever works best for you!)
http://www.subwaystamp.com/STAMP-MOTIVE-STOCKBOOK-103/productinfo/ASA103/

 

 In Closing be sure to check out http://www.stamporama.com and The American Philatelic Society for lots of great information on stamp collecting!

 

Until next time, Happy Hording

August 2014 Social Bliss Style Box Review

So I just recently subscribed to Social Bliss Style Box, (Click on the name to go to their website) and this is my 3rd box now. Every month they have special theme for the box, and this month's theme is "End of Summer Daze" Right now I have the monthly subscription and it costs $49.90 a month. This month there are 6 item in the box which without further ado, I will reveal to you. :)

This month is an adorable pink bag. (Did I mention pink is my favorite color?! :D ) It will be great for going to the pool or to the park with. Value $48

A Temporary Body Tattoo from The Pi Collection.  I've never really tried tattoos like this before but I'll probably wear mine as a bracelet. Value $4

A travel friendly visor from Papillon. This is made from 100% recycled paper, so not only will you be protected from the sun and fashion forward, you will also be eco-friendly. (I'm seeing this in my future beach trip!) Value $18

A Retractable Lip Brush from Bare Escentuals. I love a lip brush with a cover on it! Perfect for travel! Value $7

A turquoise necklace from Influence. So cute! It can be worn with casual or dressy styles. I really like this because the stone is not super huge. It's also my birthstone. :) Value $18

And my favorite item in this months box, an adjustable cuff bracelet. It is very chic looking (Oh and I'm wearing that and the necklace as I write this!) I know there are a lot of people who say they like white metals better then yellow metals. I think this season's fashions have shown that yellow and gold metals are great for anyone. I personally think that you should have both metals in your jewelry collection. Value $12

CVS Sale Finds December

The other day I popped into my local CVS and they had a huge makeup sale going on. Well of course I had to at least take a peak. End of season sales are great to shop for cosmetics because it's highly unlikely that the colors they discontinue are going to be "out of style" in the next season and you can get some great deals. Here is what I found.

Maybelline EyeStudio Duos in 70 Ivy Icon value $7.99 Paid $3.99

This is really pretty I find the color of the solid turns out to be the same when you use the marble side. 

Here is what it looks like on, I used the Revlon Eyeliner to line and Whip Hand Cosmetics in Green Beret in the outer corners for definition. The mascara is Lancome Defincils HD in black. 

Nicole by OPI in Ladies in the Limelight value $7.99 Paid $3.99

This is a fun yellow that I plan on wearing in the spring. It is a retro 50's kind of yellow.

Nicole By OPI Kardashian Color in Wear Something Spar-Kylie Value $7.99 Paid $3.99

Pretty sparkle pink! The possibilities are endless!

Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Liner  in 004 Emerald Value $9.79 Paid $2.45

This was an exciting find since Emerald is the color of the year. This goes on really smooth and is easy to smudge if that is what you like to do with your eyeliner. However it won't smudge if you don't make it and lasts all day long. I love this color!

Revlon TopSpeed Nail polish in 330 Emerald Value $6.49 Paid $1.49

Now normally I stick with brands like Essie and OPI for nailpolish but when this is made in the USA and is only $1.49 and is the color of the year....

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipgloss in 335 Purple Rescue Value $6.99 Paid $3.49

This is a really pretty purple pink color. It does have sunscreen in it so it does have a slight sunscreen flavor to it, however I don't find it as bad as other lip glosses with sunscreen. 

Cover Girl Lip Perfect Lipstick in 400 Temptress Value $7.99 Paid $3.99

This is a really pretty pink color. It is the kind of pink I like to wear all year long.

Milani HD Advance Lip Color in 113 Ignition Value $7.99 Paid $1.99

This is a medium light coral orange color and is very flattering. 

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in 045 Raspberry Value $9.99 Paid $2.49

I love this color, it is a deep berry red, great for the winter and for evenings. I took a picture of what it looks like on but I feel too weird posting a picture of my lips. lol

Milani Crystal Eyez Liquid Sparkling Eye Shadow in 05 Delightfully Dazzling Value $7.99 Paid $1.99

This is a pretty Teal Blue color and I can't wait to use it! I can't beleive I got it for such a good price!

So I found a total of 10 products that would have cost $81.20. On sale I paid $29.86, and that's a $50 savings.

Anyway check out your local CVS and see what you can find!

PBB

The New Total Beauty Collection

I got the new Total Beauty Collection in the mail yesterday. This one is still kind of a surprise because it is not listed on the website yet. The one they have up right now has the hair oil, lip balm and blush (Which I have that kit too and loved) This is a pre-release for people who are subscribed to the Total Beauty Collection Updates, so here is a sneak peak of what is coming! The cost is usually $15 and free shipping.

I calculated the value of the samples off of the full sized products.

LaRocca Vitamin Repair Mist with SPF 15 .135oz Value $1.99

This will be great to take to the beach on vacation. 

Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair Cream .5oz Value $25.00

This one is going in my Mom's stocking since it is not right for my skin concerns. I know she will be happy with it! And wow just this is worth $25!

Zents Body Wash in Earth. Guessed size 1oz Value $2.70

Zents Mandarin EDT sample 1.5ml value $2.60

Zents Sun EDT sample 1.5ml value $2.60

These Zents products smell so good! I think I have found a new favorite brand!

Alterna Bamboo UV+Color Protection Fade Proof Fluide .25oz value $2.40

This will be good if I decide to dye my hair again. I only use the ones that last 28 shampoos because I like my natural hair color and don't want to go through the fuss of permanent color.

Added Bonus eSalon.com Custom Hair Color Gift Card. value $19.95

I'm going to go for this because you fill out the survey thing and they give you selections for your hair color. It does cost $5 shipping, but I think that is reasonable. 

Total Value of the kit $57.24 (With the gift certificate for hair color.)

I highly recommend getting this kit!

PBB

Beauty Box 5 December 2012

So the other day I got my Beauty Box 5 kit in the mail. It is the first one I got from them so I was pretty excited to see what kinds of things were in it. Beauty Box 5 is $12 a month, free shipping and you get about 5 products a month. Here is what I got in my really awesome December kit. In this kit all the items were full sizes!

Jean Pierre Cosmetics Exfoliation Facial Cleansing Pads- 16 pads value $1.99

These are going to be great for travel. Just stick it in my purse and go. 

Everyday Minerals Flat Top Brush Value $12.99

Oh my goodness this brush is so super soft! I love it! I usually use powder foundation so this is great because I dislike the little pad thingy's that come in the come in compacts.

MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask in Weather Warrior -1 mask value $4.99

This one I am going to save for when get irritated skin from being outside in the cold to long. It's bound to happen, It's Winter in Ohio after all... lol

OFRA Cosmetics 3D Eye Shadow in Diamond Glitz .14oz Value $19.90

This is a pretty light grey brown with a greenish sparkle to it. It is a HUGE container and is going to last forever! :)

Demeter Apple Blossom Roll on Perfume Oil .29oz Value $10.00

This is so light and pretty smelling sweet, floral and fruity without being overpowering. It doesn't last for hours but it is small and you can stick it in your purse for when you need to put a little extra on.

Total Value of December's kit $49.87

I can't wait for next months!

PBB

New Beauty Test Tube Fall 2012

I just got my first New Beauty Test Tube in the mail today. I wasn't sure about this one because with shipping and tax it costs $39.00, and I wasn't sure if the products in it would be relevant to my skin care needs, but then I do like surprises and I thought I would try it. This is a quarterly subscription and you can cancel anytime (But I'm not going to because it is great!)  Here are my thoughts.

As always I did the math for you on the sample sizes so you know the value of them :)

These products I am keeping for myself.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer in Natural Medium size .11oz Value $9.45

Conceals and helps with under eye puffiness and inflammation. It's exactly the concealer I need. 

Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask Full Size 2.53oz value $15.99

Another hair mask to battle the frizzy and split ends of winter. Yay!

Kneipp Pure Bliss Mineral Bath Salts Red Poppy and Hemp full size single bag 2.1oz value $5.00

I can smell this through the bag and it smells wonderful. I will be using it as a scrub.

Dr Brant Dark Circles Away .085oz value $9.35

I can always use something for dark circles and puffiness. So many allergies lol. This is a great travel size too.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar .4 oz value $7.80

This is an oil free hydrating moisturizer. I have heard a lot of good things about this brand and can't wait to try. Another good travel size item.

Value of what I am keeping $47.59

These items are not right for my skin type or concerns so I am giving them to my mom for her Stocking. She never buys herself these kinds of products and I have introduced her to several items she likes through the samples I have given her. She deserves some pampering too. :)

Yon-Ka Vital Defence full size value 1.76oz  $72.00

This is supposed to help with fine lines and wrinkles and renew the skin. 

Olay Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment full size 1oz value $47.00

For my mom this is more preventative. :)

Cellceuticals PhotoDefense Color Radiance SPF 55 full size 2oz value $47.50 

This is a tinted moisturizer and sunscreen. This will be great for my mom because she is very sun sensitive. The fact that it has the color in it already means she can skip a step with her makeup which is something she likes. She is not one to spend a lot of time getting ready. 

Total Value of what I am giving my mom.  $166.50 

Total Value of the tube $214.09

I will be keeping this subscription because whatever isn't right for me makes great gifts for my mom. The value is ridiculously good.

Later all!

PBB