NYE OOTD

Happy New Year everyone!

Cardigan, blouse, skirt & shoes all thrifted!

Tights & scarf from JCP.

NYE NOTD

Metallic skittles glitter gradient using Essie Leggy Legend & Sally Girl CUL8R, WnW Fergie Gold Album & Sally Girl Bouquet, Formula X Revved Up & LA Colors Sparkling Diamonds, Zoya Trixie & Maybelline Gilded Rose, Zoya Hazel & Pure Ice Don't You Wish.

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Review: BBW Bright Autumn Day Hand Cream

BBW Bright Autumn Day is so good! I should have bought more than just a hand cream especially since it was 75% off. I may have to go back...

To me it smells like the most glorious apple cider mixed with rainkissed leaves and fresh air. Can't stop sniffing!

It is also very moisturizing and a nongreasy formula that sinks into skin quickly.

Reviews: BBW Peace Candle & Knickknaxwax Autumn Night Tart

BBW Peace candle (Iced vanilla woods) smells like its description; sweet vanilla with a woodsy musk. I quite like this scent; unfortunately it has mild to moderate throw. I can only smell it when I'm standing near it and I seem to have this problem with most BBW candles, with a few exceptions. Though I love this type of scent, it is not particularly unique and I've had similar candles with much stronger throw. Although the blue hobnail jar is beautiful and the scent is nice, it needs to be stronger, so I wouldn't repurchase it. I'm glad it was half off for SAS. Overall grade: B.

Knickknaxwax Autumn Night scent shot smells to me like woodsmoke, musk and the resin of freshly cut wood on a nighttime breeze. Very realistic and wonderful! It has been throwing strongly for several hours. I'm really impressed with Knickknaxwax as a vendor overall, hope to purchase again in the future. Overall grade: A.

Recent Sale Hauls

BBW SAS haul: With $10 gift card, $10 off coupon, and sale prices I spent $26 and saved nearly $70! I got a lot of my favorite scents. The only things I was disappointed about was they had no 50% off 3-wicks left except Fireside, and no sugar scrubs were on sale. There were a lot of great deals to be had though.

Walmart: My Walmart did not have any new spring tarts in yet, but a lot of the fall/winter scents were on clearance for $1.50 so I got backups of some of my faves. I also found a Gourmet Cookie Shop candle! Love it so much! The Blueberry Pancakes candle is an old favorite and was on clearance for $3. This was all free and then some because I had a gift card. :)

Yves Rocher: I was recommended this fragrance a while back and couldn't get it out of my head as I'm a sucker for coconut, so I finally pulled the trigger. I've never sniffed it but the reviews were great so hopefully I love it. A lot of the site is 50% off right now; sadly the items I wanted weren't. I did manage to find a 15% off code though: 15ROCHER. There's also free shipping on $35+. They also automatically added a free nightcream, free tote, and 3 free samples at checkout. Pretty good for $24!

Have you found any good post Christmas sale deals? Please share in the comments!

Review: SGA Pink Rainforest Sugarcane Tart

Both on cold sniff and when melting this tart smells like pink sugar and rain kissed leaves which is a super unique and surprisingly delightful combination! It is both sweet and refreshing and I absolutely love it! It has been throwing well for several hours and my home smells wonderful. Overall grade: A+. Would purchase.

New Candle & Wax Reviews

Woodwick Vanilla Gourmand candle:

I had been wanting to try wood wick candles for a while now and my husband was sweet enough to get me a couple for Christmas. The Woodwick brand Vanilla Gourmand candle is a nice but ordinary vanilla scent. There is nothing particularly gourmand about it to me. The throw is mild to moderate. Since it was on the pricy side, I would prefer the scent to be stronger and more unique. What I love about this candle was the wood wicks themselves. They crackled merrily like a fireplace without throwing any scary sparks. The candle burned slowly with an even wax pool and the flames were strong. Overall grade: B. Wouldn't repurchase this particular scent, but would love to try others.

House of Usher R2D2 tart:

I was so excited to receive this fun Star Wars tart! I saved it to melt on the day we went to go see the new movie and it really added to the festivities. :) I'm not sure what the scent description was as it was a gift, but I'll describe what it smelled like to me. On cold sniff it was fruity and when melting it smelled strongly of gummy bears to me for the first couple hours. Oddly enough I feel like it started smelling like pine after a while, but I really enjoyed it overall. The shape was too cute; it was hard to cut up and melt! Overall grade: A. Would purchase.

Nature's Wick Pumpkin Nutmeg, Bonfire Nights, and Vanilla Dolce layered candle:

I'm melting this candle today and enjoying it very much. The first layer is a yummy pumpkin spice scent with moderate throw. I will be interested to see if the scents actually change when it burns down to the next layers. The crackling wood wick provides a lovely ambiance and the candle is burning very well with a strong flame and even wax pool. Overall grade: A. Would repurchase.

Sassy Girl Aroma Noel Eats Cake and Cereal At 7:

Fun name and fun scent! This delightful tart chunk smells like Captain Crunch Berries with an added hint of foodie vanilla. It has had strong throw for several hours. A great and realistic  scent; it's making me hungry! SGA is quickly becoming a favorite tart vendor of mine. Overall grade: A+. Would purchase.

NOTD: Scattered Holos

I wanted something simple and pretty for today's mani so went for 2 of my newest polishes: Ulta Material Girl and Xoxo. They are such gorgeous scattered holos! The formulas were a little streaky and thin, but with two coats they look great. Added a cat decal from Vinyl It Up because cats. :)

Christmas OOTD

Blazer: Downeast Basics
Dress: Walmart 
Belt: Target, thrifted 
Tights: Target 
Flats: Ebay
Bracelet, earrings: gifts
Scarf: JCP

NOTD: Crazy Christmas

I ended up with nubs since my nails were destroyed by cleaning so I just threw some Christmas colors and glitter on there. Merry Christmas all!

Some Wax Reviews

Sniff My Tarts Pumpkin Pecan Waffles/ Sticky Marshmallow:

I'm in loooove with this scent. It was a super strong and accurate PPW dupe with an extra hint of sweetness from the marshmallow. It lasted all day and was one of the best PPW scented tarts I've tried. Overall Grade: A+. Would definitely purchase.

BHG Winter Ski Resort: A pleasant aroma of fresh pine, and roasting chestnuts. I've smelled several similar pine scents from BHG, so it's not the most original, but it is quite nice. This scent had strong throw without being overpowering and lasted all day (12+ hours). The best compliment I can pay it is that my husband liked it. He came home from work and said "mmmm, it's piney in here. It's not bad." He has in the past called pine scents "bad air freshener," so this one's a keeper. :) Overall grade: A. Would repurchase.

Today's melt is Sassy Girl Aromas IHop tart. What a fun idea to capture the essence of the aroma of a restaurant! I would say this scent is dead on! I detect coffee, buttery waffles, and sweet maple syrup. It's heavenly! Such a delicious and cozy aroma for Christmas Eve. :) Overall grade: A+. Would definitely purchase.

Merry Christmas everyone; I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

OOTD: Rainy Day Errands

Cardigan: Ann Taylor, Thredup

Dress: Merona, Thredup 

Leggings, flea market 

Boots: Target 

Scarf: Zara, Ebay

Bag: thrifted 

Earrings: Walmart/DIY

NOTD: Christmas Mani

Zoya Trixie and Ivanka, Milani Crimson Jewel. Stencils from Vinyl It Up, stars from wish.com.

Review: Pipers Soap Co

It's from a company I found on Instagram called Piper's Soap Co (not affiliated.) Piper is the couple's rescue dog and mascot and they donate a portion of their proceeds to animal rescue organizations (read their story below.) It really is a lovely, quality soap and a good cause. I don't have much experience with handmade bar soaps, but I enjoyed using this one this morning. It came in simple, charming packaging and smelled wonderfully of fresh lemons and bergamot. Judging by the scent, I believe I received the one called "LimònHead" but it wasn't indicated on the package. In the shower I rubbed the bar directly on my skin which didn't produce much lather, but did leave a soapy film which then rinsed off squeaky clean. It was a very invigorating and aromatic experience. I'm used to lots of lather from body washes, so I think next time I will try using it with a wash cloth. I really enjoyed the scent and my skin felt fresh and clean afterwards. It's a great product.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/piper-s-soap-company--2#/

From their website:

"Our Story

We are Mark and Kristin, the founders of Piper's Soap Company. Way back in 2006 I (Mark) was with my family wandering around a flea market. We came upon a table with a box of puppies on it. After playing with a few, one stood out, and twenty dollars later Piper was on her way home. Thus ushering in the makings of a long and crazy companionship.

Not long into Piper's life she got very sick. When the veterinarians tested her, I was told it would take twenty minutes for a result. Within ten they said without any doubt it was Parvo. I was informed treatment was very expensive and had a fifty percent chance of success. Without hesitation I said "start the treatment." What was I gonna do without my friend? Three long days into treatment and a hefty bill to match, Piper improved and was expected to make a full recovery, I am happy to announce that she did.

Fast forward to October 2013. Piper (7) becomes sick again, very sick. She had a mucus seal in her gallbladder, and her gallbladder needs to be removed. The surgery is very risky and the best doctor for the job is on vacation. Set to return in four days, during which her gallbladder could burst which would result in her death. Like a champion she hangs on until the doctor returns and performs the surgery. For the second time in her life she beat the odds and came home.

After living through 2 near death experiences, 3 girlfriends, 4 moves and in 2 different states Piper (9) lives with Kristin, myself and our two girls. She spends most of her time begging house guests for some of their food, desperately searching out pets & butt scratches, when she isn't doing those things- she's snoring, very loudly. I am obviously a little biased, but Piper is pretty lucky to have come home with someone who loved her as unconditionally as me, and it’s nice to know she loves me just as much. No matter the cost or risk I did what it took to keep my best friend healthy and happy.

Unfortunately not all are so lucky, that's where Piper's Soap Company comes in!

Your support of Piper's Soap Company will provide the opportunity to produce our high quality, healthy, handcrafted products. This empowers us to help animals find loving forever homes. Piper's Soap Company will always donate 10% of our proceeds to an ethical animal rescue. This provides cats, dogs, cows, & pigs the same opportunity at life Piper got.

Our Soaps

Our soaps are made from a simple and clean recipe that contain a mixture of oils and butters that provide superb moisturizing, with exceptional healing properties for the skin, with no colors or preservatives. Available in six luscious scents Limónhead, Extend an Olive Branch, Chillin' Like A Vanillé, Coconut Milkamania, Ah Jammit, OJ Blossoms.

Rescue Criteria and Selection

Rescues are evaluated on criteria including: ethics, need, and community engagement. Idea rescues will demonstrate values that align with the mission to help animals in need, putting an end to suffering, regardless of species or breed. Striving to reduce the need for euthanizations, and to educate the public on proper animal treatment and care.

Your Support Provides

Cost saving bulk ingredients used in making our soaps

Wholesale packaging and supplies

Stainless Steel equipment

Soap molds/baskets, racks, and a much needed work bench

Food, supplies, and healthcare for animals in need at our first chosen rescue organization. (Yes, we will donating a potential $700 portion of this funding campaign)

Thank you!

Our thanks goes to you for taking the time to review our campaign and to understand our story and passion for animals. A special thanks to everyone who makes a financial contribution to our campaign. We'd like to welcome you to our family of customers. Your patronage and financial support for animals is greatly appreciated. However there are other ways to help.

Be sure to follow our official accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Ask your friends to follow them too! If you share our interest in ethical treatment of animals and furthering education please share links to our campaign on your social media accounts. Join us as Piper's Soap Company grows and makes a difference!

Thanks!

Mark, Kristin & Piper"

NOTD: Wedding Nails

I was MIA Friday and Saturday because I was helping set up and attending my best friend's wedding. It was lovely! I did bridesmaids and brides' nails. Unfortunately I don't have any pics of that but here's mine, matching my dress of course. NYC Black Lace Creme with NYC Top O The Gold and accent nail of Zoya Aggie stamped with BLC.

OOTD: Cozy & Festive

Coat: flea market 

Top: H&M

Pants: Walmart 

Bag: Chicos, thrifted 

Flats: Ebay

Scarf: Zara, Ebay

Hat: F21

NOTD: Holiday Chevron

2 coats Essie Russian Roulette, 2 coats Orly Bling, chevron nail vinyls from Vinyl It Up. Revlon Gel Envy TC.

Cheap Find: Coffee Candle

I found this coffee candle at the .99¢ Always store yesterday!

It's tiny, but oh so cute! Has a mild mocha scent on cold sniff and the wick is burning like a champ! I don't care if it even smells; I'm using it for its cuteness factor and will get my scent from the strong BHG Iced Mocha Latte tart. I may go back for more of these; they'd make great gifts.

NOTD: Hello Kitty Polish

This gorgeous pink opaque glitter polish is called Starry Eyed For Dear Daniel and is from OPI's new Hello Kitty Collection!

Loooove it! It's a great formula; one coat, although I probably would have used 2 but I was in a hurry. Snowflake decals from wish.com.

OOTD: Pretty In Pink

Dress: thrifted 

Cardigan: Target 

Scarf: F21

Leggings: flea market 

Flats: Walmart, thrifted 

Earrings: Walmart/DIY

Review Ava's Marshmallow Peppermint Owl Tarts

On both cold sniff and when melting, these tarts didn't smell quite right to me. There's mint, but it's kind of a sickly sweet medicinal smell that doesn't sit well with me. It's like warming cough syrup. Not intolerable but not particularly pleasant either. Kind of a bummer since all the other scents I ordered from Ava's were wonderful. On the plus side, these owls are the cutest shapes ever! You can tell she puts a lot of care into crafting her shapes. Overall grade: B-. Would not repurchase this scent, but would get more owl shapes in other scents.

OOTD: Winter Floral

Cardigan: J Crew, Thredup 

Tee: Family Clothes

Skirt: Wet Seal

Tights: TJ Maxx

Boots: Target 

Bag: F21

Necklace: groopdeals.com

Bracelet: eulaferns.com

Hat: flea market 

NOTD: Snowflakes

1 coat WnW Pop Up Blue-tique, Snow of Lolita Lacquer Horchata, silver glitter is LA Colors Sparkling Diamonds, Microglitter is Pure Ice Don't You Wish. Snowflake decals from wish.com.

Playing Catch Up: Recent Wax Reviews

Sorry for the lack of wax reviews recently; this time of year is so busy!

Here are some thoughts on my last few melts.

Ava's Toasty Cocoa Tart: On cold sniff it smelled like powdery hot cocoa mix, but I wondered whether it would smell good or artificial when melting. Good news; I love it! Smells just like Swiss Miss hot cocoa powder poured into a cup. Sweet, rich, cozy and comforting. Makes me think of my childhood. It has been throwing strong scent for several hours, and the Christmas tree shape is adorable! Overall Grade: A. Would repurchase.

Ava's Vanilla Lavender: On cold sniff this one smelled strongly of herbal/medical lavender. I was concerned about this one too, but it calmed down when melting and became more of a fresh, sweet lavender with the slightest hint of creamy vanilla. With that said, I've enjoyed other vanilla lavender blends more, especially the BBW Lavender Vanilla candles. I would have liked the vanilla to be more prominent to temper the lavender a bit more. Strong throw all day though and cute heart shape. Overall grade: B. Probably wouldn't repurchase.

Ava's Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake: This one did not disappoint folks! If you're looking for a a tart similar to BBW's Pumpkin Pecan Waffles, with an added hint of creamy cheesecake, this is your tart! Not to mention the pumpkin shapes are too stinkin' cute! Strong throw for several hours, becoming more moderate in the evening. Overall grade: A+. Would repurchase.

Pocket Full Of Peonies: Moroccan Mint: I was hesitant about this one at first; it smelled a bit like toothpaste to me on cold sniff. I probably wouldn't have purchased it based on description alone, but it came as part of a peppermint sampler and I'm glad it did. When melting it smelled like freshly brewed peppermint tea, which I love! Strong and long lasting scent. Overall grade: A. Would probably repurchase.

NOTD: Peacock Nails Part 2

My original peacock mani with ChG Gone Glamping bubbled and wrinkled badly so I saved the cute accent nail and redid it today with different colors. 1 coat Hard Candy Bitty Blue on ring and pinky. 1 coat WnW Carribean Frost. Topped with Pure Ice Faraway Land. Accent nail is 2 coats Lolita Lacquer Horchata with decals from wish.com.

NOTD: Proud Peacock

2 coats ChG Gone Glamping, 2 Coats Lolita Lacquer Horchata, INM Northern Lights holo topcoat, decals from wish.com.

OOTD: Layered

Cardigan: ANA, thrifted 

Tunic: cichic.com

Dress (as skirt): Thredup 

Leggings: flea market 

Bag: F21

Boots: Target 

Bracelet: eulaferns.com

Earrings: wish.com

OOTD: A Bit European

Cardigan: Michael Kors, thrifted 

Dress: Thredup 

Leggings: flea market 

Scarf: thrifted 

Hat, bag: F21

Flats: Merona, flea market 

NOTD: What A Stud

This is in my top 5 most favorite manis ever! Gray nails are 1 coat NYC Sidewalkers topped with 1 coat SC Prosecco. Other is 2 coats Hard Candy Crush On Lava. Studs are from wish.com. Last pic is the finished product topped with Northern Lights Holo TC.

Ava's Country Cupboard Order

Cold Sniff Thoughts-

Marshmallow Peppermint: Smells strongly of sweet mint; not quite sure if I get marshmallow, but the mint is usually most prominent in these types of blends. Extremely sweet, almost medicinal to me, like a minty cough drop. Not unpleasant though. And oh the owls! *swoons*

Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake: Smells pretty similar to BBW Pumpkin Pecan Waffles with an added creamy note. Strong and awesome. Adorable pumpkin shape!

Toasty Cocoa: Strong powdery cocoa scent.  Not sure if it will smell real or artificial when melting; we shall see. Cute Christmas tree.

Vanilla Lavender: strong herbal lavender. Not getting much vanilla. It actually has kind of a strange bitter note; it's a little off. Hope it smells better when melting. Cute hearts.

Creme: Brûlée: melting this right now and it smells glorious! Strong vanilla dessert scent; rich and creamy. Dead on imo; my favorite of the order so far. Love the pretty snowflake shape too!

NOTD: Elephant Nail Decals

Zoya Aggie, NYC Sidewalkers, NYC Black Lace Creme. Decals from indie maker Vinyl It Up. All the stamping was done on my Uber Chic mat. I find it easier to stamp on the mat and then transfer the designs onto my nail.