Natural Cosmetics Haul {review}

(Photo courtesy of LynBDesigns)

 

Howdy y'all! Today I thought I'd do something a little different and put together a dual-review post... kind of like a make-up haul.

 

So. What are we looking at for today? Firstly, a bottle of Oobleck nail polish from LynBDesigns.

I was sent this several weeks ago, and practically as soon as it arrived in the mail I tried it on. You can get a small picture of what my nails looked like, in the pictures below. (And of course, a much better example is included above, from the Etsy listing itself.)

 

 

 

I really fell in love with this color. It's such a fun, bright shade and almost a cross between a mint and very light green.

 

 

These photos sadly do not capture the true color of this polish - which is why I included that picture from LynBDesigns to begin with. It's really the only one that fully gives you the accurate color.

 

 

So, this is a pretty decent sized bottle. Lots of polish! I know it will last me a really long while.

 

Now, as much as I adore the color(it even has some flecks of glitter in it!), and as much as I love the fact that this was homemade, I do unfortunately have a few negatives with this polish.

 

The main detail is, that it's very hard to apply. At least, for me it was, anyway. I spent a good 45 minutes trying to get it applied just right without looking sloppy. This was easier said than done, because for some reason the polish had a tendency to clump up on my nail very quickly.

 

 It also took a long time to dry, which hindered the entire process further.

 

I'm certainly no expert at manicures but I also can recognize a nail polish that's difficult to use. Sadly, this is one of those.

 

However, once I got it on without it clumping and looking dreadful, I did like it, and enjoyed wearing it. As previously stated, I just love the color - it's very me.

 

Conclusion: If this stuff was easier to apply, it'd be perfection in a bottle. But sadly, it's not. I'll still use it, but probably not as often as I would had it been less hard to use.

 

 

 

Next up we have two natural, handmade eye shadows from WillowTreeMinerals.

 

I was sent a sample in Iced Latte and Soft Wildflower.

Now, as I always say, I really like to use cosmetic products which are made with natural chemical-free ingredients. These eye shadows certainly fit that bill, which made me happy. Also, I like how these were packaged. Their containers are unique looking, I think.

 

 

I didn't actually choose these colors, they were selected on the basis of being two of the artisans' favorites.

If I'd chosen the colors myself, I probably wouldn't have picked these personally, being a fan of more noticeable, colorful shades. However, I am not against them either.

 

(Photo courtesy of Willow Tree Minerals)

 

The Soft Wildflower is a nice, subtle shadow which is very light and barely noticeable on the skin. It mainly just adds a little sparkle and sheen, so if you want to go very natural and light I can definitely see how this would be a good option.

 

 

Once again my photos today just aren't giving you the picture, sadly.

 

 

The Iced Latte shadow is considerably more noticeable. I wore it Sunday, to lunch, but Mom said I looked like I had dark circles under my eyes. So. This shade was just not for me. I'm sure it would look better on someone else, but I guess my complexion and face just didn't match with this one.

 

 

The verdict on both these shadows? They aren't phenomenal, but they're not terrible either. I liked using the Soft Wildflower and would recommend that one for a light, natural look. I can't honestly recommend Iced Latte though since, well, it just didn't look good on me.

 

Both shadows were a tad hard to apply. I've used powder eye shadow before, so I can say that not all powder shadows are inherently messy.

 

Let me just tell you guys, I hate to give reviews that are anything short of rave sessions. It's...hard to willfully write something negative. Especially when you appreciate the generosity of the business that sent you the item to review!

 

So, a shout out to LynBDesigns and Willow Tree Minerals for letting me be honest about your products, and for providing the products, to begin with!

 

"Marred Legacy" - New Piano Composition!

 

Hello friends!

 

Today I finally quit procrastinating and uploaded another of my compositions which was recorded...hm...maybe two weeks ago? Well, I recorded it on the same day which "Pursuit of the Dragon" was. So.

 

Anyways, probably started working on it back around January. Hard to recall exactly when. I do know it's been around for a number of months.

 

This is probably my favorite song which God let me write, for piano anyways. It's so much fun to play, and I can put a ton of emotion into it if I feel like doing so.

 

The title is "Marred Legacy" because it was inspired by Arden, the rebellious king in my medieval WIP. The plotline of this manuscript concept was partially inspired by Rehoboam of the Old Testament, a son of Solomon and king of Judah upon his father's death.

 

Arden, like Rehoboam, didn't heed the words of his father and thus fell prey to the counsel of foolish companions. The gist of the whole story? His kingdom falls because of the unwise decisions he makes. It's a grave, daunting loss; and his family legacy is left forever marred by a tainted name - his own.

 

Just as I thought of Arden when first messing around with this song, I also was reminded of the history of mankind, in general.

 

Because of Adam's disobedience, humanity would be forever scarred with sin and imperfection. Human beings would be separated from the presence of their Creator, and require a savior to redeem them from their terrible condition.

 

The human legacy has been forever marred, just by the choice of one man.

 

But, while all this may sound dark and dreary, I never like to focus entirely on the bad in life. Therefore, in my music I like to include at least one bit which is of a lighter, more positive mood, even if the rest of the piece is quite melancholy.

 

After all - nothing is completely hopeless, is it? God did provide a way out for us. He did extend grace towards us, his flawed, rebellious creations.

 

No, we aren't without hope, in the least bit. Because of the blood Jesus shed on the cross, we can live and hope for a day when we will no longer be stained by imperfections. One day, in His presence, that will all be forgotten. There will only be the mind-blowing magnificence and splendor of getting to fellowship directly with the Maker, who formed you in your mother's womb! Isn't that a thrilling thought?

 

Anyway.

 

This song has lots of meaning, to me. I am thankful that the Spirit allowed me the chance to put it together, and hope you guys are blessed by it! Please tell me what you think!

 

Soli Deo Gloria,

P.s. The blog is now at 70 subscribers!! And you know what that means - a giveaway as promised! I'm going to start putting together one ASAP so keep your eyes peeled!

My New Favorite Smaug Tee {review}

 

Ever since I first became a major LOTR/Tolkien fan several months ago, I've been super excited to get to do some reviews related to Middle Earth and all its awesome creatures, details and factions.

 

This one was no exception.

 

Today, folks, I'm presenting to y'all an awesome t-shirt from StickerPunx.

 

 

This is literally my favorite t-shirt currently. I have been wearing it everywhere.

 

Let's go through the details of why I like it so much.

 

Firstly, and quite obviously, it's got an awesome graphic of Smaug (For y'all who are clueless on that reference...it's from the Hobbit, and if you don't know what that is, I seriously would encourage you to go get the book from your library and read it... one of the best classics in existence.) on the front. How cool is that?

 

Second, the color has really grown on me - I like it. It pairs perfectly with jeans, and I think it's a good, neutral color.

 

Third - It's super comfy to wear. I requested a size medium, wanting to make sure it was a little loose - It did indeed turn out to be exactly as I'd hoped!

So, it's really comfortable. Personally, a lot of my favorite tops are t-shirts, just for this very reason.

And, as I stated previously, this has become my favorite t-shirt. So, there you have it.

 

I was also sent a packet of car window decals and stickers, with Tolkien's famous signature on them, and the StickerPunx logo. If I had my own vehicle... or could convince my folks to let me put one on our family van, I would do so!

 

So, overall, I think this is a great shirt. You can find one of your own, and numerous other designs, here.

 

Hope everybody had an awesome Independence Day! We sure did. You can watch a video of some of the fireworks we did, here.

 

 

Note: I was provided this item from StickerPunx in exchange for my honest review. All opinions remain mine and mine alone.

More Writing Prompts + Paracord Bracelet Review {WriterlyWednesday}

 

Good afternoon, amigos y amigas!

 

So, to begin with, yes, I'm quite aware of the fact that I've not done a WriterlyWednesday post for some time now. *sniffs* As much as I like writing this column, it's just been too much for me lately. And if I do any blogging, it's reviews - as you've probably noticed.

 

I don't know about y'all, but *my* life has been a garbled morass lately - I've had a 3 week long babysitting job, (which I'm thankful for because it's been a great way to bring in some income) piano lessons to teach, school work to finish, a novel and screenplay constantly demanding attention, among other things like just trying to get chores and work done around the house; and trying to make time for my brothers...which has proven to be hard. I am still working on selflessness in that area, and I have a WAYS to go on it, I'll admit. But I'm trying, anyways.

 

SO. Forgetting my own personal ramblings for a moment, let's get into the writing segment of this rainy Wednesday afternoon's post. I did mention we're being drenched here, didn't I? No? Well, it's our wet season and to put it lightly, we've not been anywhere near short on rain. I am thankful for it, because the garden needs it and so does all the other greenery - but at the same time it's getting a little old...I am not a huge fan of running in the rain, well, not when it's on slippery pavement, anyways. Don't really want to encounter any more athletics injuries!

 

So, I know it can be a struggle to find inspiration to write, sometimes. And that's what writing prompts can be helpful for. These may be simplistic but you never know, one might spark an idea! Here are a few I found while browsing the internet, and thought I'd share.

1. It was the first snowfall of the year.
2. He hadn’t seen her since the day they left high school.
3. The city burned, fire lighting up the night sky.
4. Silk.
5. She studied her face in the mirror.
6. The smell of freshly-cut grass.
7. They came back every year to lay flowers at the spot.
8. The streets were deserted. Where was everyone? Where had they all gone?
9. This time her boss had gone too far.
10. Red eyes.
11. Stars blazed in the night sky.
12. He woke to birdsong.
13. ‘Shh! Hear that?’ ‘I didn’t hear anything.’
14. He’d always hated speaking in public.
15. She woke, shivering, in the dark of the night.
16. The garden was overgrown now.
17. He’d never noticed a door there before.
18. She’d have to hitch a ride home.
19. ‘I told him not to come back too!’
20. His feet were already numb. He should have listened.
21.  

"Take some time out of your day to people watch. This works especially well in a coffee shop, restaurant, or some other public place where interaction is the norm. Jot down observations about the people around you. Describe a loner, a couple, someone how works in this public area. How do they interact? What's their body language say about them at this point in time? How does the employee react to those around him?"

 

This one above is something I'm sure many of you fellow writers already do, probably even involuntarily. I find myself taking in my surroundings all the time, without even thinking about it.

Let me tell ya, you can learn a whole lot about the world you live in when you are observant!

 

 

 

Now, onto the review.

 

I was sent an awesome homemade paracord bracelet from Hailey Smith, a sweet writer friend of mine whom I met on GTW, a writing group on Facebook.

 

Hailey has made an assortment of different colored/styled paracord bracelets. I liked this navy and white one best...I find it rather nautical looking.

 

The awesome thing about paracord bracelets, if you didn't already know, is that they are as practical as they are cool-looking. You can unravel them to get a good long stretch of cord, which is super strong and durable and could be used in a variety of survival situations where a rope might be needed.

 

My mom bought me one at Christmas last year, and it was also homemade by somebody we knew. I like it a lot - but I think this one is made a bit better.

 

 

 

It's easy to put on, with the little plastic buckle. Also, it fits my wrist perfectly!

 

 

Overall I like this bracelet a lot. It has a practical purpose, yet it's also pretty neat looking, and it matches with most of my wardrobe.

 

If you'd like to get your own handmade paracord bracelet like this one, check out TH Designs where Hailey and her mother sell a bunch of different homemade items, including these bracelets.

 

Hope y'all are having a blessed week! Happy Independence day, early!

 

Note: I was provided this item from Hailey Smith in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone.

Eitanya Adventurer Hoodie Scarf {review}

 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin  

 

(Guys, I keep hearing all this stuff about Google Friend Connect going down, and whether it's true or not, I thought it'd be good to be prepared so please click the link above to follow Apassionata on Bloglovin'! Thanks!)

 

Ah, so this is a product I received a while back, but nonetheless it proved to be a fun piece for review.

 Eitanya sent me this adventurer hoodie scarf in a cool shade of olive green. (They have multiple colors to pick from, and I opted for this one because, well, green is one of my favorite colors...plus it makes me think of elves and woodland things.)

 

 

These two pictures below doesn't really capture the green-ness of it, but at least you can get an idea of the size/length/design of it laying flat.

 

 

 

 

The scarf/hoodie is made of a very soft, comfy material. I can't wait to wear it during the winter months when I'm sure it will prove to be quite warm.

 

The design is really unique, it being a hoodie combined with a scarf. I like it because it looks really fantasy-esque as I said before...it almost could go for the top part of a cloak/cape.

 

 

 

 

This photoshoot was quite fun, I'll admit.

 

 

(Sorry, I couldn't resist a goofy one.)

 

 

Overall, this is a fun winter accessory. As with some other things I reviewed before, I'm looking forward to trying this during a season when I can wear it practically. Cause let me tell you, it can get up in the 100's here in the Sunshine State. Combine that with 100% humidity, and, well...you get the idea.

 

So. The design of this is really original, and the fabric soft and cozy, therefore making it extremely wearable. I love the color, and overall, the piece is definitely high quality. Win-win situation all around!

 

Get your own adventurer hoodie scarf here, and while you're at it why not check out the entire shop?

There are a bunch of other hoodie scarf styles, and also some cool gauntlets, hats and gloves.

A fun store for sure!

 

Have a blessed Saturday!

Note: I was provided this item from Eitanya in exchange for my honest review. All opinions remain mine and mine alone.

"Pursuit of the Dragon" - New Piano Composition!

 

Good evening, peoples!

 

I am so excited to get to present y'all with another piano composition.

It is literally my most recently created piece - and I was privileged to be able to record it, just earlier today - once again, thank you Jessie soooo much for putting up with me! I had to do several retakes as usual, but I'm so thankful this sweet person helped me get this song recorded.

 

So. A little backstory on "Pursuit of the Dragon". Originally, it was nothing more than just a few random chords and melodic intervals thrown together  - an experiment, if you will. I tend to do a lot of those. Sometimes these 'experiments' turn into songs, sometimes they're trashed or forgotten completely.

 

But this...well, I had the urge to hang onto this stuff. It reminded me of...wait for it...

 

The Hobbit.

 

Yes, yes. "In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit."  I call this my Hobbit inspired piece because once the thought struck me that I could create such a piece, I tried to put together sound from the imagery of Bilbo taunting Smaug deep within the Lonely Mountain, lurking in the shadows as invisible as the oxygen we breath.

 

And then, I thought some scenes in the song reminded me of Bard, when Smaug was soaring through his little town and Bard's black arrow slew the dragon.

 

But most of all, as the title of this song suggests, I picture the dangerous game Bilbo and the dwarves played, trying to confront their greatest enmity...the great, greedy dragon.

 

 I picture Smaug flapping his great, scaly wings; flying over the Mountain in search of any who'd dare to oppose him.

 

Anyway. Not a very poetical backstory blurb but there you have it. It's my very first Hobbit inspired composition...and that fact I am truly very excited about. *does happy dance*

 

Sooo...hope y'all enjoy! And if you do, please share it with anybody else you think would also like it! I'd really appreciate it!

 

Soli Deo Gloria,

Note: While I may have been the one to play and 'create' this song, it's ultimately not my work - Jesus Christ/Jehovah God gets all the glory, He's the One who gave me the inspiration ultimately and guided my hands over the keys. So, just so y'all know. My piano compositions are merely recordings of what my Heavenly Father bestows upon me.  I can take no credit.

ForStrangeWomen Organic Perfumes {review}

 

Let it be known, I'm a total perfume junkie.

 

I can never resist the chance to try new perfumes if they're offered to me. I might be a 'tomboy', but hey, I still like to smell good!

 

So, anyways, I received two samples from ForStrangeWomen, a shop on Etsy offering a variety of different organic perfume oils/scents.

 

The first was a sample of the shop's "Violin in the Attic" scent. It came as a single application infused in a ribbon. (Isn't that different? I don't think I've ever seen samples such like this before.)

This scent is a moderately heavy, musky scent which does indeed remind me of old wood...and the title fits it perfectly, because I can very easily picture a rustic violin smelling similar to this!

 

The other scent was "Fireside Story." This one is considerably heavier, more potent and muskier.

It has a woodsy sort of ambience, and also reminds me slightly of a bonfire, due to the slightly smoky/musky smell it also carries. It is a deep, rich and luxurious scent.

 

 

I really like how both these scents are completely organic, and all-natural. I hate putting a bunch of junky chemicals on my skin, because, if you didn't know already, the human skin is extremely quick to absorb anything on its surface! (And who wants toxic substances floating around in your bloodstream?)

 

They are both quality scents, I can tell. It would've been nice to try a larger sample, but I think it's a neat concept infusing the oil into a ribbon. Not to mention it saves on shipping!

The packaging and design was very professional, and I loved the little emblems on the ribbons wherein the oil was infused.

 

Find your own "Fireside Story" and "Violin in the Attic" perfumes here. As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, there is a great variety of oils to pick from, and so many creative names! ("Violin in the Attic" instantly got my attention, anyways!)

 

Note: I was provided these items from ForStrangeWomen in exchange for my honest review.