My passions lie in the beauty industry (since 1998) & the Craft industry (since childhood, but truly re-ignited in 2010).
Beauty & Craft inspiration, product reviews, and how-to's, as well as general life stuff..
I know these type of blogs aren't for everyone, but I love seeing what others received. Therefor I also like to share what we got each year. It's kind of a tradition at this point. But, if this blog isn't for you, no worries, just skip it and I'll "see ya" for the next one!
I got him a Dremel Tool, and additional accessories but he already had it put away before I took pictures. I also got him State of Decay 1 & 2 for PC, he has them on Xbox One and really liked them. As well as 2 new pair of pants, thicker and better for winter van life.
From my Mom he received $100 cash, which we used for the propane stove he wanted, and some wall panels for the canopy.
From my sister & family he got a bunch of different candies & snacks to try, some Skittles beverages, and a bottle of espresso alcohol:
From hubby I got:
Wet 'n Wild's Alice in Wonderland & Scooby Doo Collections. As well as some new nail polish.
From Mom & Sis and Family I got:
Clothes, a new tumbler, books, a Bridgerton stamp set, & wine!
Brunilda, the van got some items too, they just haven't arrived yet-
a new tire cover, this cheap one lasted over a year, but it's been torn for a few months now
a where we've been map (USA) for the side window
blackout vinyl, we have this and finished one (of 3) windows Christmas day
window tint, for the driving windows (front and rear)
The last item came in early and was put in on Christmas day... a new mattress!
We had a traditional Christmas dinner this year at Mom's house. We opened presents, chatted, played Rummy, and ate until well into the evening! It was a nice time.
How were your holidays? Let me know in the comments below!
Do you have a beauty lover on your list this year?
Let me help!
As the holiday season approaches, it's time to start thinking about what to gift your loved ones. If you have a beauty enthusiast in your life, you know how much they love trying new products and keeping up with the latest trends. To help you find the perfect gift, I have curated the ultimate beauty product gift guide. From skincare to makeup and haircare, these gifts are sure to delight every beauty lover.
1. Facial roller set: Facial rollers have become increasingly popular in the beauty community for their various skincare benefits. This set typically includes a jade or rose quartz roller, a gua sha tool, and sometimes a mini facial oil. Not only will this gift promote relaxation, but it will also enhance their skincare routine.
2. Makeup brush set: High-quality makeup brushes are essential for any makeup lover. Opt for a set that includes all the brushes they need for a flawless application. Look for a set that includes a foundation brush, a blending brush, an eyeshadow brush, and a powder brush. Bonus points if the brushes come in a stylish and functional carrying case.
3. Skincare subscription box: Subscription boxes are the gifts that keep on giving. Treat your beauty lover to a monthly box filled with skincare products tailored to their specific needs. These boxes often include cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and sometimes even sheet masks. It's a great way for them to discover new brands and products.
4. Haircare gift set: Help your friend or family member achieve salon-worthy hair with a luxurious haircare gift set. Look for a set that includes a shampoo, conditioner, and a leave-in treatment or hair mask. Bonus points if the set includes products suited for their specific hair type, such as a set for color-treated hair or frizzy hair.
5. Makeup palette: A makeup enthusiast can never have too many eyeshadow palettes. Look for a palette with a variety of shades and finishes, ensuring they have options for both everyday and glamorous looks. Consider their preferred color scheme and preferences when choosing the perfect palette.
6. Luxury skincare set: Treat your loved one to some high-end skincare products with a luxury skincare set. Opt for a set from a renowned brand that includes their best-selling products. It's a great way for them to indulge in some self-care and experience the benefits of premium skincare.
7. Perfume: A signature scent is a must-have for any beauty lover. Find out their favorite fragrance notes or brands and gift them a bottle of their dream perfume. Alternatively, you can opt for a miniature perfume set, allowing them to try a variety of scents and find their new favorite.
8. Beauty tools: Upgrade their beauty tool collection with some innovative and high-quality tools. Consider gifting them a high-tech facial cleansing device, a microcurrent facial toning device, or a heated eyelash curler. These tools will elevate their beauty routine and give them salon-like results at home.
9. Nail polish set: If your beauty lover enjoys doing their own manicures, a nail polish set is the perfect gift. Look for a set that includes a variety of shades and finishes, ensuring they have options for every occasion. Add a top coat and base coat for a complete set that will keep their nails looking salon-worthy.
10. Virtual makeup class: For a unique and educational experience, gift them a virtual makeup class. Many beauty professionals and makeup artists offer virtual classes where they teach different techniques and create makeup looks step by step. It's a fun way for them to learn new skills and elevate their makeup game.
With this ultimate beauty product gift guide, you are sure to find the perfect gift for every beauty lover in your life. Remember, it's the thought that counts, so choose something that aligns with their preferences and shows how much you care. Happy gifting!
Have you got a crafty individual on your list this year? Let me help you out, no matter the budget! Myself, and most crafters I know, aren't into just one craft medium.
Because of that, you can't go wrong with a gift card...
But those are kind of boring, right?
Here's my top 5 gift ideas, from most expensive, at around $100 USD, to least, at roughly $20:
1) Cricut Joy Bundle ($99 and up, I suggest this one (LINKED AND PICTURED BELOW) as it comes with so many extras, for $6 more.)
Make more for less! Cricut Joy is our ultra-compact smart cutting machine for fun and functional everyday projects like cards, decals & labels to organize anything and everything. Bundle also includes materials, tools, and a monthly subscription to Cricut Access (first month included, auto-renews thereafter).* The subscription is a way to enhance your making experience and unlock more pre-designed projects, more images, and more fonts. Additionally, you'll enjoy exclusive discounts and priority customer support. Works with free Design Space® app.
Cricut Joy machine
Premium Fine-Point Blade + Housing
Fine Point Pen, Black (0.4 mm)
StandardGrip Mat, 4.5 in x 6.5 in (11.4 cm x 16.5 cm)
Welcome card
Power adapter
50 free, pre-designed projects in Design Space
Material for a practice cut
Bundled with:
**Only for Cricut Joy
Cricut Joy™ Card Mat, 4.5" x 6.25"
Cricut Joy™ Insert Cards, Sensei Sampler 4.5" x 6.25"
Smart Vinyl™ Permanent, Glossy, Black - 5.5" x 48"
Smart Vinyl™ Removable, Matte, White - 5.5" x 48"
Cricut Joy™ Smart Iron-On™, Red, 5.5" x 48"
Cricut Joy™ Smart Iron-On™ Glitter, White, 5.5" x 19"
Monthly subscription to Cricut Access Standard (First month included)*
The current sale price is unbeatable! Y'all know how much I like mine, especially the portability while still having a TON of features. It's great for card makers, scrapbookers, and anyone who wants to make personalized items.
Are you sick of digging around your drawers for your favorite markers? An angled marker storage shelf and five sizable compartments lets you easily store any marker. This marker storage shelf is the best option for the new style of Spectrum Noir™ markers. You can also group your markers by color family to make it easier to find just the right shade.
What Marker Nook option is best for you?
Marker Nook Standard: Perfect for desks or on top of cabinets next to other Stamp-n-Storage standard sized products.
Marker Nook for IKEA: Fits inside the IKEA® Kallax (and other cube shelving units), and works great next to other Marker Holders by Stamp-n-Storage.
The Marker Nook (Standard & for IKEA) is designed to hold the following quantities of markers:
Small round markers such as Copic® Ciao, Stampin' Up! ®, Memento™, and Distress™: 220
Medium markers such as Copic® Sketch: 180
Larger bodied markers such as Standard Copic®, Spectrum Noir™, and Prismacolor®: 130
No matter the craft, from drawing, to card making, to coloring, and beyond, storage for pens and markers is an essential for any craft room/craft space. I liked this one because it takes up very little space, and keeps the markers mostly flat, which is the suggested storage on most brands.
Widen your artistic horizons with the dual-tip marker design! Choose the brush tip for sweeping, calligraphic strokes or quickly color in large areas with the wide chisel tip. What's more, now Ohuhu replacement brush tips is available, so you can easily replace the worn-out tips to ensure consistent and precise lines whenever you create. The only limit is your imagination.
Seamless Blending
Say goodbye to unsightly splotches and uneven coloring. Our high-quality ink seamlessly blends to create beautiful, professional-grade artwork, perfect for both beginners and experienced artists; Also, no more frustrating smudges or wet ink ruining your work. Our alcohol-based ink dries quickly, ensuring that your art is always clean, crisp, smudge-free, and ready to display.
Draw Like a Pro
You won't believe how well the ink flows and you can be sure the colors hold their vibrancy, even once they've dried.
Find Colors Fast
Our markers come with color-coded caps to prevent tip dry-out and make color identification a breeze, keeping your creative flow uninterrupted.
I like Ohuhu for the quality markers, and affordable price. They have sets from 24-320 in the Honolulu B Series, so something for just about anyone. I prefer to have a fine tip and brush tip vs the chisel. For me that brush tip is just much easier to work with. I use mine when coloring stamped images, in coloring books, on cards, and scrapbook layouts, and so much more.
Made of high quality oxford fabric material, wear resistant and waterproof
Detachable adjustable shoulder strap and padded tote handle for more comfortable carry.
Inside with 2 metal stands to keep the storage bag in good shape
Large capacity, top and front zippered pocket for storage your sketchbook, art palette, brush, pencils kit, etc,
The roomy main compartment can hold coloring book, paint brush, highlighter, graphite/ charcoal/ colored pencils, markers, coloring chart, solid cake and other art and craft supplies that you want to carry with you
Dimension: 47cm x 28cm x 25cm/ 18.5" x 11" x 10", weight: 1350gr
Foldable, large capacity art tools and craft organizer bag a must have item for artist on the go
Whether the crafter in your life is short on space, travels frequently, or attends social craft events a storage bag for all their must haves is a great gift idea. This one comes in a variety of colors (my favorite is purple) and has just the right amount of separate storage space for several projects.
An absolute must for any crafter is a great pair of scissors! My absolute favorite are the Fiskars Power Cut. You can easily adjust the tension of the blades, and they're comfortable in my hand. They cut extremely well.
Is there an item you'd suggest for the list? Let me know in the comments below, or tag me on social media.
As I mentioned in the previous Birthday Blog (with my sister) my mom and I went out this past Saturday.
The day started around 9:30am, mom & I are early people. We headed out and stopped at Bealls first, mom got herself a cute outfit (which was much needed) and she bought me this sweatshirt:
We then continued in the shopping center over to Rack Room Shoes, Maurice's, and Bath & Bodyworks- where neither of us found anything. From there we drove down to Kohls, Target, Michaels and Ulta. Again, neither of us found anything in Kohls. Mom got some hair color at Target, and we saw my sister's favorite brand of shampoo on sale, so grabbed that as well. At Ulta mom got herself some setting spray, and she bought me the following items. I also found Cricut clearance at Michaels:
They also gave us 3 samples, mom kept the CC cream (unpictured), I kept the scrub, and we gave the facial wash/moisturizer to my sister.
After Ulta we were both hungry, so mom treated me to lunch at Panda Express, their seasonal drinks are good, but they don't allow refills on them which was a bummer. Lunch was good, and after that we headed to another shopping center where we found nothing at T.J. Maxx, but I did get a pair of shorts from Ross for $6!:
Before heading back, we decided to check out one more shoe store. Mom really needed a new pair of sneakers, and I was looking for sandals. We took advantage of the sales, and I ended up picking these:
We then headed back to my sisters house, sat out front for a bit, let Chris eat our leftovers from lunch, and then mom went home. We were dog sitting, so we hung out with the dog a bit then got in the pool, and later watched a movie. It was a very nice day!
Since I wasn't around for my birthday my sister took me out for the day yesterday. (My mom & I are going out this coming Saturday, let me know if you'd like to see that haul too!)
First we dropped off my niece at color guard practice, then my sister had a doctor's appointment (I watched the bulk of the Little House on the Prairie pilot while waiting in the lobby.)
Once all that was done, we went to the local used book store, and she bought me these:
*She's also ordered book 3 of the Bridgerton series for me, it was cheaper online.
By then we were both hungry, and she treated me to lunch at Blue Moose Burgers. We both really enjoyed our burger and the atmosphere was nice. From there we checked out a few consignment stores before heading to the mall where she had an Ulta return, and we browsed around there before hitting up Forever 21's $5 sale, and I bought these jeans:
After that we left the mall, and headed to T.J. Maxx, where we were disappointed in the makeup section, but I did buy these:
To finish out our day we headed back to her house, and picked up some pizzas.
It was a really good time!
Are you interested in blogs like this going forward? Let me know in the comments below!
I always enjoy seeing what others got for holidays/events, so each year I share my husband and I's. If that's not something for you, that's cool. Just skip this one!
From each other:
Chris got me- TooFaced Snow Globe Eyeshadow Palettes, and the lip balms, and a leather backpack.
I got him- Diablo 4, and a few other little things.
We got the van- Lots of tools, headlights, dash cam, idle pully, and I don't remember what else.
From Family:
Chris got a very nice, warm shacket and pj pants plus $50 from my Sis and family. From Mom he got a box of pretty rocks (sea shells) and $100.
I got this crossbody bag, and $50 from Sis, and this tumbler filled with $100 from Mom.
We've spent some of the money on a nice lunch, and a couple pair of comfy pants with pockets each.
Favorite gift we gave? Easily the funniest was the Marc Jacobs perfume to Mom, and Sis got her the exact same one.
