Christmas "Morning" Jolliness

Merrrrrrrrrrrry Christmas Sweet Peeps!

It is almost 2am my time, and I just tried to convince my boyfriend that it IS in fact Christmas morning, so Christmas could get cracking already!  I was unsuccessful at getting Mr. GrinchyPants (a title not entirely deserved) on board, so I am in my living room sporting my jammies and Santa hat, writing this post. My dogs were on board with my version of Christmas morning (possibly because they thought snacks could be involved) and were duly rewarded for their Christmas spirit. So, as I crunch on some Christmas candy from yesterday's haul (let's call it pre-breakfast), I am thinking of you all, dear readers of my happy, silly, often downright jolly little blog.

Thank you for what you share with me everyday.  Thank you for popping in, sharing my giddiness for the light and fluffy things that make the world ever so slightly more sparkly year-round.

Just...thank you.

My little blog is a very happy little space in my life, and it is only made happier knowing that you all share in it with me.

Wishing you much love and light and laughter and joy,


~Kitten

p.s.-Know that this message is indeed for you, whether you celebrate Christmas or not.  I am grateful for each of you, and the abundance you share ;-)

Random Quickie Review: Nestle Holiday Treats

So, Nestle was kind enough to send me a bunch of holiday-themed chocolate and candy treats to review. Was there any doubt whatsoever that I would agree to the review? NO.  They sent me chocolate, thereby cracking the code to get me to do most things ;-)

I assembled the treats in a basket of mine because I thought it made the selection look more festive.  It also made me think that it might actually be pretty fun to give a friend big pile of chocolate in a gift basket, especially since I am so easily swayed by treats ;-)  (Not this basket of treats though-this one is allllll mine ;-).

16 oz. Nestle Crunch Bar:
Eeeep!  Why is this SO exciting? I do not know. I feel I love this for less than practical reasons. The kid in me is screaming, "IT IS A GIANT BAR OF CHOCOLATE!" 'Nuff said.

Assorted Mini Candy Bars (Nestle Crunch, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger):
These are your standard mini candy bars, dressed up for the holidays.  I like the candy included in the selection, and I can assure you they will not last long in my house ;-)


Wonka Spree Candy Cane: I have always liked the whole idea of candy canes tubes full of little candies.  I like Spree candy okay, and the packaging is very happy looking.  I always think about re-purposing the candy cane containers, but could never come up with a good idea for it.
 
Everlasting Gobstopper Candy Canes
Well, I have never been a fan of traditional candy canes but I really like how they look for decorating. I would have liked the appearance of these canes a lot more if they were striped.  Even though they are seasonal colors their overall appearance is not all that fun.  Plus, plain green does not look good on a Christmas tree. I confess to being curious about how it "changes colors and flavors" as it states on the box.  Finding out what that meant also seemed to involve a commitment in licking it for a while. The gobstopper canes were way too sweet for my taste, did not have much of a flavor beyond "fruity", and did not seem to change flavors as promised.

For the Love of Nerds Gotta Have Grape and Seriously Strawberry Holiday Assortment
I have always been sort of meh about Nerds on their own, but the packaging is pretty cute and I will eat them (after all of the chocolate is gone ;-)

Holiday Nerds Rope
This is actually really fun. It is a "soft gummy rope with tiny tangy crunchy Nerds candy."  The Nerds on the rope are red, green, and white.  This treat is really cute, tastes pretty darn good, and makes me want to make little wreaths out of it :-) 

All in all, I really enjoyed this assortment.  Since the Nerds Rope spurred my desire to look into this wreath concept, I thought I would share a recipe from Very Best Baking on how to make your own "Very Merry Cookie Wreath."

Be sure to check out the site for all of the details, but here is the basic recipe.

Very Merry Cookie Wreath

By:

NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE

Prep:

45 mins

Cooking:

10 mins

Level:

Easy

Yields:

20 servings

Very Merry Cookie Wreath is a fantastic and fun holiday project for kids! This recipe creates a life-sized chocolate chip cookie wreath. Everyone can get involved with decorating by adding frosting, candy and your choice of sweet confections. You’ve never had a center piece that tasted this great!

Ingredients

• 1 package (16.5 oz.) NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Refrigerated Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar Dough
• 1 container (16 oz.) prepared vanilla frosting
• Green food coloring
• 14- x 17-inch piece of cardboard for base, covered in foil or parchment paper or large flat platter
• NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Morsels (such as Semi-Sweet Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Premier White)
• Assorted WONKA® Holiday Candies (WONKA® EVERLASTING COBSTOPPER® Snowballs, NERDS® or SPREE®)
• Decorator sprinkles, candies and sugars
• 20-inch strip of strawberry fruit-flavored snack in 3-foot rolls

Directions

PREPARE cookies following package directions. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool completely.

COMBINE frosting and food coloring in small bowl to shade of green desired.

SPREAD heaping teaspoons of frosting on flat sides of cookies.

ARRANGE 15 cookies on the base or platter in a 12-inch circle to form outer ring of wreath.

ARRANGE 12 cookies inside the outer ring of cookies, forming inside ring of wreath. Adhered cookies can be moved to create more space.

ARRANGE remaining 13 cookies on base ring for a second layer.

DECORATE with remaining frosting, morsels, candies, sprinkles and sugars as desired. Attach bow to top of wreath.

TO MAKE BOW:
CUT four 5-inch strips from fruit snack roll. Peel off paper backing. Cut a small “V” on end of two strips. Form loops with remaining two strips; pinch ends together. Place loops on top of strips. Pinch all together to make bow!

TIPS:
• For easier decorating, 1 cup of icing can be spooned into resealable, heavy-duty plastic bag; seal. Cut small corner of bag. Squeeze bag to use. Fill with additional icing as needed. Store any leftover icing covered in refrigerator for up to 30 days. • Cookies can also be made into a tree, initials or any other shape desired.

Enter the Nicest Nice List Giveaway here! Enter the Piczzle Giveaway here! And enter the Noxicare Giveaway here! WooHoo!

WIn a Starlooks palette!

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Glossybox December 2013 Spoiler

Got my Glossybox today!

Image Credit: Glossybox

Glossybox for December will have theme Gloss and Glamour and will include:

Spoiler 1: Nails inc Nail Polish

photo credit: Nails Inc

Image Credit: Glossybox

Spoiler 2: Naobay Natural & Organic Oxygenating Cream Moisturizing (Many thanks to Dianne for the heads up!)

Photo Credit: Glossybox

Spoiler 3: Michael Todd Pumpkin Rich Facial Mask (This was sent out in an Ipsy bag earlier this year) *Confirmed (Many thanks to shutterblog)
Spoiler 4: Anatomicals You need a Blooming Shower *Confirmed
Spoiler 5: WInk Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancer *Confirmed (Many thanks to camel11  :-)
Spoiler 6: Ardency Inn Punker Eyeliner Crayon *Confirmed (Many thanks to panicked :-)
Spoiler 7: Dr. Hunter's Rosewater & Glycerine Hand Creme *Confirmed (Many thanks to panicked :-)

Remember Glossybox typically sends out 5 items so there will be variations.

Lastly, thanks to shutterblog from MUT for cracking this case wide open for the final deets!

*Enabler alert! You can get an extra $2.75 off if you use your ebates account to subscribe to Glossybox but only if you do not use any other additional codes. Glossybox has started being a little fussier on when people can get the additional ebates discount. I try to check ebates every time before I buy something, because I can usually get a discount there. It even works on their special edition boxes.

Coupon Code GBPEN : Bonus Ardency Inn Cream Eyeshadow Pen with Any New Subscription (Offer Not Valid for Limited Edition Boxes. Monthly, 3, 6 & 12 Month Subscriptions Only ) (Exp. 12/31/2013)
 
And please follow Spoiled Boxes because it would make me smile :-)

More spoilers as I learn them!

Enter the Nicest Nice List Giveaway here! Enter the Piczzle Giveaway here! And enter the Noxicare Giveaway here! WooHoo!

WIn a Starlooks palette!

FabFitFun Winter Essentials VIP Box 2013 Spoilers

Got my box!  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!

You can get $10 off a FabFitFun box using this code: 725482   I do not know if it is a single use or unlimited use code though! EARLYBIRD5 may work to get you $5 off.  

Check this link out for the Giulana's teasers.

Here are the spoilers for the Winter FabFitFun box!

Photo Credit: Giving Keys

Spoiler 1:  "Never Ending Necklace" from The Giving Keys. $55 * Confirmed
Spoiler 2: TruEnergy Headphones *Confirmed

Photo Credit: Fabfitfun

Spoiler 3: Beauty For Real Lip Gloss *Confirmed

Photo Credit: Beauty for Real

Image Credit:Bioxidea

Spoiler 4: Miracle 24 Face 3 Treatments *Confirmed

Spoiler 5: NYX Eyeshadow Palette in Love in Florence *Confirmed

Photo Credit: NYX

Spoiler 6: Simple Foaming Face Wash *Confirmed

Photo Credit: SImple

Spoiler 7: Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Cream *Confirmed

sPhoto Credit: Skyn Iceland

Spoiler 8: Lorna Jane Move It Bracelet in Pink (plus 20% off lorna jane)

Spoiler 9: MeUndies $20 gift card

Spoiler 10: Physique 57 five online classes

Enter the Nicest Nice List Giveaway here! Enter the Piczzle Giveaway here! And enter the Noxicare Giveaway here! WooHoo!

WIn a Starlooks palette!

Quick Tips for the Naked 3 Palette from Urban Decay

Photo Credit: Urban Decay

I recently bought the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette, and have been working with it almost daily trying to get acquainted with its shadows, how they work together, etc.

Okay, that sounded terribly serious, so I will translate the blogger-speak above for you-I have been playing with it! Ha!

Anyways, I thought I would share a couple of quick tips for it.  First, even if you tap off your brushes, there is going to be some fallout. Since the Naked 3 is so pinky toned, if you do not address the fallout issue, it can look like you are having an allergic reaction :-)

So if you are a foundation first girl, apply plenty of translucent powder under your eyes before you apply eyeshadow, and dust it off with a fan or powder brush when you are done.  If you are an eyeshadow first girl, then keep your makeup remover handy and clean off that area before you start applying a foundation or other face products.  If you have some stubborn micro glitter, then gently apply some scotch tape, and it should lift right off.

Also, for the darker shades of the palette, such as Blackheart, I have been using a pencil brush for precise application. Now of course, depending what you are trying to do, a pencil brush may not be your first choice, but for the looks I tend to go for, I am looking to apply those dark shades verrrrry carefully.

Next, I have found two liners that I think complement the Naked3 really well.  First is, Stila's Smudge Stick Eyeliner in Ladyfish, which Stila describes as a "golden pewter shimmer." I just found is no longer available unless you pick up their Luxe Palette.  I find this fun fact pretty irritating and almost skipped telling you guys about the color, but then I thought if you happen to have the Luxe Palette, you may want the heads up on this.

Photo Credit: Stila

The second is Starlooks eye pencil in Metallic Taupe which IS available on their site for $12.  The photo below does not come close to doing it justice. The subtle metallic sheen really makes this liner special, and steps up a neutral look.

Photo Credit: Starlooks

Anyways, I hope you guys found those tips to be at least somewhat helpful :-)  If you have any tips or tricks or thoughts on the Naked 3, please let me know.

*Don't forget to use your Ebates for cash back at Ulta and Sephora (and other retailers for that matter), especially since the palette is excluded from coupons! If you do not already have Ebates, get it here!

Enter the Nicest Nice List Giveaway here! Enter the Piczzle Giveaway here! And enter the Noxicare Giveaway here! WooHoo!

WIn a Starlooks palette!

And please follow Spoiled Boxes because it would make me smile :-)

Starlooks Starbox December 2013 Spoilers

*Update: I seriously LOVE this palette!  
My palette is here! The name of the palette is "New Year's Eve 2014" (#15es9).

The looksbook is up and the theme is Holiday Special. We are getting a 15 Shade Shadow Palette valued at $99.00! WooHoo!



Here are the 15 shade palettes they have on their site. Let me know what you are guessing we will get and what you are wishing for:










Here is what they say about their 15 shade palettes:

These palettes contain color variations of our brilliant matte, sparkle and satin shadows that are unique to each palette and not available individually. Each palette's colors are specifically chosen to provide light to medium to dark versions of one color scheme, and also provide the perfect base tones for light looks, and the medium and dark tones for re-vamping your look throughout the day - from daily use to a night look! Some also provide a variety of bold colors in one palette, so that you always have all choices and ultimate color variations at your finger tips! 15 colors per palette.

Enter the Nicest Nice List Giveaway here! Enter the Piczzle Giveaway here! And enter the Noxicare Giveaway here! WooHoo!

WIn a Starlooks palette!

Love with Food December 2013 Spoilers

I got my December Love with Food Box yesterday!!!! It was a total win! I posted the spoilers in special consideration of my friend, LC, who was itching for some ;-) My boyfriend liked my box so well he just signed up for a year's subscription for the Deluxe. *$5 off with code PINLWF5
Regular Box:

Photo Credit: LWF

Deluxe Box (I get this one):

Photo Credit: LWF

Angell Candy Bar from Betty Lou's
Excellence 70% Chocolate Square from Lindt & Sprüngli
Allergen-Free Peppermints from St. Claire's Organics
All-Natural Marshmallow Topper, MaddyMelts, from Madyson's Marshmallows
Chocolate Dipped Madeleine by Donsuemor
All-Natural Powdered Drinking Chocolate from Les Confitures a l'Ancienne
Natural Crisps from 34 Degrees
Molasses Spice Cookies from Grey Ghost Bakery
Spinach Dip Mix from Desert Gardens
Sun - Dried Tomato Parmesan Gourmet Popcorn by Oogies
Bruschetta by Milas
Plus a $35 off first purchase from Hello Fresh
And a Love with Food reusable grocery bag.

Enter the Nicest Nice List Giveaway here! Enter the Piczzle Giveaway here! And enter the Noxicare Giveaway here! WooHoo!

WIn a Starlooks palette!

Birchbox December 2013 Spoilers-Box Previews are up on the site!

Got my box today!

The Sneak Peek video is up!
This month's Birchbox theme is Holiday Wish
It will include:
Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glo in Birchbox Pink
Ahmad Teas Assorted Teas
Harvey Prince Hello
Number 4 High Performance Hair Care Non-Aerosol Hairspray
LAQA & Co. Lil' Lip Duo
TONI&GUY Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray
The Honest Company Honest Healing Balm

Featured Shop Products:
Jouer Sparkle & Shine Holiday Cracker
stila portrait of a perfect pout
Oribe Purse Size Collection
Gift with Purchase Rebecca Taylor Makeup Pouch

I am getting:

Greenleaf Starlight Candle

(I love candles!)

Mally Beauty Lip Magnifier

(I have never tried Mally so I am looking forward to it!)

Skin&Co Roma TRUFFLE THERAPY™ SERUM Boosting Anti-Aging Serum

Camille Beckman Body Butter  

Nelson J Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Moisture Healing Mask

And please follow Spoiled Boxes because it would make me smile :-)

More spoilers as I learn them!

Enter the Nicest Nice List Giveaway here! Enter the Piczzle Giveaway here! And enter the Noxicare Giveaway here! WooHoo!

WIn a Starlooks palette!

Ipsy My Glam bag December 2013 Spoilers **GLAM ROOMS HAVE UPDATED!

 I got my bag today!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sooooo happy! The face products were pretty neutral and the nail product funky. The perfumes smelled fresh and clean. I loved that I could (sort of) do a whole look with this month's bag.  In other words, Ipsy nailed it!

Color variations: I got the pencil in Caramel Mocha, the palette in Bright up your Life, the One Stick in Sunset

The Ipsy bag theme for December is Celebration and the bags will include:

Photo Credit: Bzz Bzz

Spoiler 1: Starrily Bzz Bzz Nail Polish
Spoiler 2: Be a Bombshell The One Stick (Girl Crush, Flustered, and Coral are being sent)

Photo Credit: Be a Bombshell

Spoiler 3: POP Beauty Eyeshadow Trios (Smokin Hot or Naturally Bare

Photo Credit: Ipsy

Spoiler 4: NYX Lipstick (I love NYX lippies!) (B52, Sky Pink, Ceto, Iced Honey, Cream, Celene, Iris Sunflower, Goddess, Fusion, Hermes, Mute, Miracle, Hades, Muse, Rose, Hebe, Fortune Cookie, or Apollo)

Photo Credit: Ipsy

Spoiler 5: JCat Lip Pencil (Red Rose or Caramel Mocha)
Spoiler 6:Julie G Nail Polish in Sugar Plum Fairy

Photo Credit: Ipsy

Spoiler 7: Salon Perfect False Eyelashes #53
Spoiler 8: Demeter Roll-On Perfume in Snow
Spoiler 9: Ardell False Eyelashes 120 Demi
Spoiler 10: Mirabella Eye Blender Brush
Spoiler 11: Andrea Mod Lash False Eyelashes #33

Photo Credit: Ipsy

Spoiler 12: Push pop confetti
Spoiler 13: Nicka K Nail Polish in Classic Taupe or Ripe Apple
Spoiler 14: English Laundry Perfume set of Signature and Signature Pour Femme.

I AM GETTING: POP Beauty Bright Up Your Life Eye Shadow Trio

Be a Bombshell The One Stick

English Laundry Signature Fragrances

J.Cat Beauty Big Lip Pencil

Starrily Nail Polish

If you are not already subscribed to Ipsy, you can get on the waitlist here: Ipsy 

Enter the Nicest Nice List Giveaway here! Enter the Piczzle Giveaway here! And enter the Noxicare Giveaway here! WooHoo!

WIn a Starlooks palette!