Monday, December 30, 2013

Jewel Scent Candle review

My husband decided to buy a Jewel Scent Candle after having issues with another ring candle company.
The order was processed and shipped rather quickly even though it was nearly Christmas time. I'd read a lot of great reviews about them on their Facebook page.
It was securely packaged and arrived undamaged. When I opened it, I first noticed that the scent is not as strong as I hoped. I personally prefer candles that are strong enough to fill a room with a delightful smell within several minutes. This one is only noticeable within close proximity.
It's beautifully decorated though. The intricate black and white design makes it a great addition to any room. 


 The ring that I received inside was inside a plastic bag that was wrapped in gold foil. The way the value works for the rings inside is, that if there's a ring in your candle, it's worth anywhere from $10- $100. Anything above that in value will instead be a gold coin of sorts with a claim number stamped on it. You then contact the company and they send you the ring from that claim number. No matter how much mine is worth, it's still a beautiful piece.

 It says on the label that it can burn for 100 hours. Since lighting it this morning, and only snuffing it out for about an hour, it's been burning but only about a fraction of the candle is down.

 So what does this mean and what do I think of them?
I love the design. I love the ring. I personally wish the scent was stronger, but I know some people who have allergies and this type of candle would be better for them. Enough to be pleasing but not overwhelming. I think they make awesome gifts. Yes, it's nice to give candles that have enough aroma to fill a room. But suppose you get something the other person doesn't enjoy like you do? This way they get a sample of a scent and a gorgeous ring.
The candles are made of soy and beeswax. Healthier and natural alternatives. Jewel Scent does have other products in the lineup. And they also come with gems aplenty! Check them out and tell me what you think.

***This review was fully on me. I was not endorsed to say anything. The candle was purchased from Jewel Scent by my husband as a gift. All opinions are my own.***

Friday, December 20, 2013

Do you cosplay?

For those who don't know what it is, its dressing like your favorite character from a TV show, movie or game. Or perhaps you just like dressing up and differently. 

A friend of mine found this website and it has tons of things that are great for either, especially wigs, at 90% savings. My only hesitation with such a website is that it's from overseas. I'd prefer to be buying something here in the States. But nowhere will you find wigs or corsets for these kinds of prices. I was planning on dressing as a female version of the Phantom of the Opera and began searching for the pieces to make my costume since I don't sew and its simple to piece together with things already made.

Definitely might be worth your while, just remember a couple things:
First off, check the reviews of people who have bought from that seller in the past. If there is a lot of negative feedback, be warned. Each item sold is from various overseas stores.
Secondly, if you do order, remember that the item(s) are coming from China or wherever. The absolute minimum amount of time for shipping is 15 days. And that's if your package flies... Typically though it takes 3-6 weeks depending on the mail centers it passes through.
Just some ideas. If you cosplay or dress up in something awesome, tell me about it. If you send a picture, I'll even add it to the post! In January, I'm hoping to attend a local anime convention of sorts with some girlfriends. I planned something like this...

 I found an off-shoulder sleeved, gothic style top. Though I was looking for something like the above picture.
I'm still looking for a long skirt like this one.
Years ago, I met an amazing seamstress and commissioned her to make a custom cape for me. Its similar to this one picture but has a silver lining. If I pair these up with a mask, my calf-length black boots, and if the black curly wig comes in... tres magnifique!

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Hair cutting solutions here in St. Augustine!

So I went for round two of trying to get my hair cut. This time I struck gold. I went to A Cut Above in the strip where the new Ross is being built  there just before 312. Its a local place that I was referred to by a few people after the last fiasco. It's such a welcoming place to go. Nothing like that hole in the wall dump I went to before. It's clean and comfortable and also well lit.
I specifically set up my appointment with Diane. I was referred by her grandson. Though, there are plenty of other talented stylists to choose from. Diane's granddaughter even works there. I was also told Kim does a great job. So the choices are there. Everyone I saw coming and going was in a good mood. They had plenty of seating for those waiting, though you wouldn't have to wait long.

Diane did an excellent job. She paid attention to the natural part (most stylists choose to "create" a uniform part) which means I won't have to fight my hair to stay in place. She talked to me like a friend would. She made me laugh. It was a whole new experience. Then she cut with precision. I like a stylist that knows what they are doing. No hesitation, no fumbling around. It means I'll get out at a decent time. I was aiming for Victoria Beckham's classic short sling.
It stacks in the back and comes nearly to a point in the front. I didn't quite get that. My hair has a natural curl to it that comes out during certain weather and when cut. As she began cutting up the back, it began curling. Instead, she offered a median. It comes a little higher in the back than the front, but still short enough to make me happy.
For now, I have hair I can enjoy without pulling it up. Eventually, I'll try again for the shorter, edgier look.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Hi I'm Skinny giveaway!

Time for some holiday giveaway fun!!!
Hi I'm Skinny has agreed to host a giveaway and offer you all free shipping to boot. First the giveaway! Just like last time, Canada and North America residents have the chance to enter the giveaway. Prizes are for two winners to get one Sampler Box each. Sampler Box will include full size products as shown in the review I posted before. Worth entering if you are interested in trying a healthy treat and possibly sharing at some holiday get-togethers! Also, if you are interested in placing an order and getting free shipping, simply use the code: HHFS13 at checkout! Good luck everyone! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Short story review for "Those Devils"

I've been given the chance to read and review a short story, Those Devils, written by a friend of mine. His name is James DeSantis. He is currently moving up on Amazon's Best Seller list and is/was around 86th in line! I've mentioned him before as I read his book, Exterminators Infected. He has the great talent of writing dark but inviting tales. This one is no different.
It's about a man who has lost his mind. He has completely lost himself in this alternate reality that only he can see and that is all in his imagination. He sees other humans as being "devils" who are out to kill him. He also takes it upon himself to kill them when the chance arises. A team of military trackers are given the orders to hunt him down and eliminate him. But this guy is not the type to roll over and die. He also has training in self defense. This short story runs through the events of a single night and the outcome that you don't really see coming. He has imagined that he was dating a wonderful girl who was brutally raped and then murdered. He seeks revenge but has enough control to know that living to kill another day is more important. His hunters get closer than he would like and then the cataclysmic event that shows the truth comes about. I truly hope there is more to come from this great author. He shows promise and a unique writing style (especially with his New York accent flowing into his writing).
James has this story currently for sale on Amazon.com for .99. Its a great read if you are into dark terror and twisting plots that have you asking for more as you grip the edge of your seat. Check it out and let me know what you think! Don't want just one review? Check out this vlog review by Nick Pell.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

My Gevalia House Party

Three families came together last night to share in the enjoyment of friendship while sipping the delectable Gevalia Kaffe blends.
I prepared a simple party get-together where the adults could relax and sip on the coffees while the kids ran around playing together.
They are made from real milk and come in 2 easy steps. First, you open the froth packets and pour it into your coffee cup.
Simply place your cup under your single-serve machine and put the K-cup into the top.
Select the 8 ounce size, press and watch the froth swirl to the top! Give it a quick stir when its ready and be prepared for a mini break from all you are striving to accomplish. Its a two-step process that makes something complex, become easy.
I even made a chocolate cake to share.
Being a part of House Party, they sent me a party kit that had the coffee packs, coupons to give out, and some cool stencils to play with while decorating the foam!

The Caramel Macchiato was, out of the three flavors I tried, my favorite! The scent of caramel draws you in and the taste was excellent! Its not heavy on the coffee flavor, which is what I really liked. And its only slightly sweet. I also found that my younger sister was consistently stealing sips when I turned away... I think though, part of my favorite experience with this one was having the froth already added in.

The next flavor that seemed to be enjoyed, was the Mocha Latte.
I asked my dad about his opinions.
He's the family connoisseur of coffees:
Dad: (he was drinking the Mocha Latte) Smells great. My mouth felt a little dry after drinking it. I'm not used to flavored coffee.

I tried the Cappuccino flavor. I don't think I like cappuccino at all now. It was strong and bitter to me. But then, I'm not big on coffee.
Overall, we had a great night with lots of fun memories! Our kids were worn out and promptly ready for bed too. Can't get much better than that!
If you use Cartwheel, you can currently get 30% off a box of Gevalia. Just in time for the holiday parties! This offer ends November 30th though.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Thor: The Dark World review

Now that Thor: The Dark World is available to everyone in theaters, I can tell you I saw the prescreening! What. A. Movie! Loki is his devilishly witty self with every part of his scenes rolling the jokes out. Jane Foster, played by Natalie Portman, is a scientist (did you know she really is a scientist in real life?!) who has been mourning the fact that her beloved Thor hasn't come back to her... Even though he did come to New York to save the world. She's as fired up as ever and let's loose on Thor and his brother, Loki. The All Father, Odin, has his hands full trying to return peace to the warring realms since Loki's last attempt at domination went awry.
Odin is played by another favorite actor of mine - Anthony Hopkins. And the Queen, Friga, desperately wishes to find the son she once knew in Loki. He of course has turned to bitter hatred and is dripping with sarcastic comebacks.
So what's the gist of the movie? First we hear the ancient history concerning the Dark Elves. They tried to cloak the entire universe in darkness with a special power that can only be unlocked when the realms align. He attempted such, but the previous All Father (Thor's grandfather), destroyed the vast majority of the dark elves and thought he had completely annihilated the threat. Except he had the powerful weapon they made buried deep where no one could find it. But someone does...
In the present - Loki is now prisoner in Asgard.

Peace is being re-established in the realms. A certain scientist is looking for Thor and can't seem to date anyone else because her mind stays on Thor. She finds a nightmare instead. Thor comes back, ready to rescue his damsel in distress. Only he gets more than he can handle.


Can he trust his brother (whom he'd have to break out of prison)?  Can he commit treason and go against his fathers law? Or will the entire universe be plunged into darkness and overruled by dark elves and the Kursed?
So much to accomplish before the Convergence of the 9 realms!


 The fight scenes are splendidly done. I saw it in 3D and was pleasantly surprised by all the intricate detail. One of my favorite parts? Stan Lee's appearance! He makes a cameo appearance in all his Marvel movies, and Thor: The Dark World was no different. In this one, Stan Lee is in the mental institution with another returning character who was arrested and put in the asylum for running nude through Stonehenge. I won't tell you, but it shouldn't be hard to guess.
 Now I'm no expert and never read the comics, so get mad and say what you want concerning the truth in the story, but so far as I can tell - it's amazing.
Bonus: should you be patient enough to watch past the credits, you will see something that could point to towards the next movie. And leads you to the truth of what really happened to Loki! I won't spoil it for you, but I do want to remind you that Loki is the master of illusion... Also, if you stay for more credits and show the last bit of patience possible... There is further storyline! Can it truly be?! Two lovers just might be reunited....
So check it out and tell me what you think!
And just for fun ;-)