This is a very important update so listen up: I rarely go to Starbucks anymore. G A S P ! ! The reason comes in individual serving size packets and pairs nicely with almond milk & ice. Have you guessed? I still drink Starbucks coffee but in the comfort of my own home thanks to Via Instant. I know that most people know about this product, but it has been unbelievably easy to enjoy frappuccinos on days when I can’t make it to my neighborhood Starbucks. In fact, I have become so obsessed that even when I’m presented with the option to go to an actual Starbucks, I choose my “homemade” frappuccino. How crazy is that??! My favorite flavor at the moment is Sweetened Iced Coffee.
– B E D R O O M –
My room is small so the arrangement requires a lot of creativity. I recently had an epiphany at work regarding how I could make it feel more spacious and homey. I am happy to report that my idea worked, and I vlogged the whole process. The three-day project was exhausting but worth the effort because I feel like I have officially settled in.
I’ve been trying really hard to post consistently on both my blogs. The balance was off earlier this year because I got a paying job helping a photographer maintain her blog. I have since settled in, and I think everything is back to normal. Here are my recent blog posts:
I love blogging & vlogging, but it does require money which I don’t have a lot of at the moment due to my status as a sales associate. I’m not exactly breaking the bank with my checks! I recently discovered a brand new website that makes it fun & easy for subscribers to support their favorite bloggers, business, vloggers, etc. Here is my Ko-fi ( pronounced like “coffee” ) link ➡️ https://ko-fi.com/A3023728
– R E A D I N G –
Good news: I took part in BookTube-A-Thon 2017, my very first time doing so. Even though my camera broke on day 6 and I couldn’t continue vlogging, I did continue to participate by reading & interacting on social media. I had so much fun and can’t wait for next year! Bad news: I am in a terrible reading slump A G A I N ! ! I was in one before BTAT, and here I am right back at square one. I have the desire, but every time I attempt to read, I have to force myself to keep going. Reading is the ultimate getaway for me, and I hate being in this mood. I need to pull up my big girl pants and just do it. I’m in the middle of 6 books ( yes, SIX ), and I need to finish all of them because I have exciting books to read in October & November. I also need to make serious progress on my Goodreads reading challenge because I have only completed 26 of my 50-book challenge. Not bad but still not great. Cheer me on!!
– R E T A I L –
I still hate retail. That’s pretty much it. 😂
– V A C A T I O N –
I am counting down the seconds, minutes, hours, days, & months until my autumn vacation. I know I echo the rest of my family when I say we desperately NEED this trip.
⏰ Current Countdown: 1 month, 12 days ⏰
– W E A T H E R –
If you’re a loyal follower of my blog, you know my visceral hatred for the summer months. I love cold foods & swimming, but this season is the absolute worst. I do nothing but sweat and feel gross and uncomfortable. I would much rather be cold & snuggle up in blankets while wearing a sweater. Whether you like it or not, autumn is upon us. Even though it’s my favorite season, I am hesitant to get excited. California disappointed me last year by remaining unbearably hot until the end of the year. Please please please don’t let me down this year!! 🍂 😭 🎃
– Y O U T U B E –
Lots of exciting news! Since my Charmed Aroma review video, I’ve been contacted by two more companies for reviews. I also have a major project in the works, something I’ve been planning for several months. I am slowly compiling products for a Bookish Gift Guide, a list of gift ideas for the bibliophiles in your life. I’ve already purchased two Jane Austen pillows and five candles inspired by A Game of Thrones, Edgar Allen Poe, Harry Potter, Romeo and Juliet, & The Princess Bride respectively. Before this video comes out later next year, there will be 1-2 review videos for various book-inspired candles; I plan to make this an ongoing series on my channel so suggestions are welcome. Last but not least, I mentioned earlier that my camera broke; thankfully I was able to replace it. The Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II has amazing quality, and I feel refreshed and excited for all the new content coming soon to my channel. Things are happening, and I’m going with flow. 🎉
| • I hope all of you have had a great summer. 🌞 I will be back soon with another post. 😘 • |
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“Treat yourself to this luscious tropical getaway!! Juicy mango,freshly picked mandarins and sugared blackberries come together for an energizing burst of island aromas.”
“Savor the first bite of crisp green apples in a sun-kissed orchard! Refresh your spirit with this juicy fragrance that combines the scent of apples with a sophisticated blend of peaches and exotic flowers.”
“Love is in the air! Fall in love with this romantic blend of strawberries, peach, cotton candy and warm amber. The sweet aromas will fill the air with magic and passion.”
“Lure your imagination into a luscious field with juicy strawberries and plum blossom. The perfect blend of rich strawberry, juicy pomegranate and creamy vanilla will have you feeling ‘berry’ relaxed!”
I sat within a few feet of each soy candle while it burned. The scents smell exactly as described. They are subtle at first but grow stronger after the first hour; they don’t hit you all at once but rather in waves every few minutes. For the Green Apple candle, I changed the location to a central room in my house; after the three-hour burning time, every open room smelled like green apples. The fruit scents are my favorite because I’ve transitioned into spring/summer mode; they smell even better when the candle is lit, like grilled fruit for a summer BBQ. Sugar Kisses was a pleasant surprise because Charmed Aroma was nice enough to send it to me for free. I am happy to announce that it is not sickly sweet like candy but rather soft like vanilla.
“Ever dream of swimming with the dolphins? Take a dip into the turquoise waters and drift into a dream state. This fresh-scented bath bomb captures the pure marine notes of the sea that will have you dreaming of your next getaway!”
This bath bomb turned my bathwater into a gorgeous shade of turquoise blue but didn’t leave any stains. After one hour my skin smelled like I had spent a day at the spa. I’m not really sure how to describe the scent. It’s kind of floral but also a bit like watermelon. This is an odd thing to say, but the only thing I can compare it to is the Seabreeze Squeeze smoothie at Jamba Juice (cranberry/apple juice blend, orange sherbet, banana, raspberries, strawberries).
The first bath bomb arrived broken. I filed a complaint on March 31st and received a response on April 1st that my broken bath bomb would be replaced. I received an email on April 7th that Sea Breeze was out of stock and replied that Green Apple would be fine as a replacement, even though it isn’t what I ordered. My package shipped on April 19th and arrived on April 22nd. I wasn’t expecting it, but I did receive Sea Breeze. I am happy that the problem was resolved, and the customer service representatives were very nice. However, the process was frustrating. I initially wanted to place my first order back in February, but all the bath bombs on the website were out of stock. I waited a little over one month, and finally a new bath bomb was introduced. It arrived broken, and when I tried to get a replacement, it was out of stock. I said Green Apple would be fine, but my package took another two weeks to arrive because I was sent Sea Breeze. I ended up with what I ordered, but I wish someone had told me that was why my package took so long to ship. Due to lack of communication, I had no idea what was going on.
“Engage your senses every day with the tropical sensation of Charmed Aroma’s Acai Berry Body Scrub. Our unique sugar scrub formula contains a balance of gentle exfoliants and deep moisture that leave your skin healthy and refreshed. Massage generously onto skin with warm water.”
“Pamper your skin with an indulgence that lasts throughout the day. This rich, luxurious cream with natural coconut oils penetrate deep into the skin’s surface, infusing it with deep moisture and a silky soft feeling that lasts for 24 hours.”
“Pamper yourself with The Sterling Body Butter & Body Scrub Bundle. Each bundle contains (1) Sterling Mango Coconut Body Butter and (1) Sterling Acai Body Scrub.”
The scrub isn’t chunky and abrasive but rather like a gritty silly putty. I know that’s a weird description! Basically it’s great for sensitive skin. I recommend soaking in the tub after using the scrub to let the numerous oils soak into your skin; the silky smooth results are worth it. The creamy body butter adds even more moisture, and the combination of scents are a tropical match made in heaven. The lotion did make my sensitive skin a little red, but the irritation went away within a few minutes. After nine days, I had used approximately 75% of the scrub and 15% of the lotion. Perhaps I used too much scrub at once but I would say the lotion is a better value for the price.
*Note: If you like the Mango Coconut body butter, you will like the Aloha Mango candle and vice versa.
I placed my order on March 23rd. The package shipped on March 24th and arrived on March 31st. I am very happy with the quality of each product, and the beautiful jewelry is an added bonus. The earrings don’t hurt my ears, and the rings don’t make my fingers turn green. My one complaint is the Sugar Kisses ring has some kind of yellow glue on it which cheapens the look. The products are pricey so I wouldn’t recommend Charmed Aroma for value but rather a special treat every once in awhile. They are also a great resource for gifts. Happy shopping! 🛍️
Today I am reviewing products from Anthology Candles, a company owned by Rheney Williams and her husband Stephen. Their soy products are whimsically inspired by music, movies, & books. Keep reading for information on their candles, mini candles, & wax tarts. My Youtube review video will be posted at the end for those of you who want to see the products in action.
The top white layer is clean river water; the middle lavender layer is a floral blend; and the bottom purple layer is a mixture of flowers & water. There is no need to burn the candle down to smell each layer; it immediately smells clean and floral. If you like strongly scented candles that fill a room within minutes, this is not the product for you. It took an hour for me to smell the scent, and even then I had to remain within a foot or two to enjoy it. Once it is burnt, the candle’s scent is hidden by the smell of burnt wick. As time goes on, the scent comes back and gets stronger. The draw of this candle is definitely the aesthetic. The design, inspired by the lantern scene in the Disney film Tangled, is spot on. The white wax becomes transparent when burning and makes the candle appear as though it is a lantern. The effect is mesmerizing! If you are planning a Tangled party, think about investing in these candles and creating your very own “Floating Lanterns” scene.
• Find the candles here: https://anthologycandles.com/collections/candles
Instead of purchasing more big candles, I got a sampler pack of four mini candles. Belle’s Library is aged library books, hint of leather, & wild roses. To me, it smells nutty with a hint of rose. My nose is obviously confusing the smell of old books for nuts. I don’t know of any other way to describe it. It just smells nutty! Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is bakery cakes with vanilla icing, chamomile tea, and a twist of cinnamon. I do smell cinnamon and occasionally vanilla but mostly an icee. I know that sounds crazy but it’s true! Part of Your World is crisp coastal breeze & warm golden sand. I smell a blend of vanilla & flowers, and the strength of the scent reminds me of Bath & Body Works products. Tink’s Flight is fresh verbena, sweet coconut, & tangy lime. I smell every single one of those notes. The scent is sweet & sour just like Tinker Bell. Time for the bad news. The wicks are folded down in the packaging so when it comes time to light them, zip zilch NADA! I had to trim the wicks a little bit and wipe them gently with a paper towel; I wasted a lot of matches before finally getting flames. Once lit, the candles look pretty but don’t smell at all. These sampler candles are fine if you plan on testing the scents without flame. It might be a better investment to know what scents you like and buy a few big candles.
• Find the mini candles here: https://anthologycandles.com/collections/sample-packs
* Note: Wax tarts are cubes of scent-infused wax. Once placed in a warmer (e.g. Scentsy), the heat melts the wax and releases the scent.
I bought one sampler and received four different wax tarts. Rivendell is amber, oakmoss, twilight woods, & woodland foliage. I wish I could tell you that my dream of being a Middle Earth elf was fulfilled by this product. Alas, it smells like play-doh, and the warmer is no help at all. However, due to circumstances I cannot explain, the scent is improving. There is hope yet! Soaring Over is orange blossoms, orange groves, and salty sea breeze. The scent is inspired by the Disney park ride Soaring Over California. It smells of oranges and takes me right back to my childhood in Orange County. The Black Pearl is cannonball smoke, mildewy wood, musty “pirates” water, & salty sea breeze. I did not like this funky scent at first. All you smell is must, mildew, and smoke. Surprise of the year, it smells much more pleasant in the warmer. If you aren’t into scents that are clean, floral, and/or sweet, this scent might float your boat (get it?!). Wilderness Lodge is campfire and a forest tree mix of juniper, pine, & spruce. This spicy forest scent will be p-e-r-f-e-c-t for Christmastime. Overall, I am very happy with the scents I purchased. However, much like the candles, it takes an hour or more for the scent to be recognizable, and it does not fill the room; you have to be within a few feet of the warmer to enjoy the scent.
* Rivendell scent description courtesy of http://ritareviews.net/2015/11/anthology-candles-spotlight-lord-of-the-rings/ *
• Find the wax tarts here: https://anthologycandles.com/collections/wax-tarts
Conclusion:
The novelty of Anthology Candles is attractive. I would recommend their products for two things:
1. The candles and wax tarts are best enjoyed in close proximity (e.g. bedside table or living room side table).
2. I have seen the candles used as decor all over Instagram, especially on bookshelves.
My overall experience was good. There are only a few changes I would suggest.
1. There are descriptions on the website for the candles but not the wax tarts. This works out fine if the wax tart happens to have a candle, but if it doesn’t, there is no way of knowing what the scent is. Also, the packaging gives no indication of the scent.
2. The mini candle sampler packs are not customizable. There are three packs available, each with a set group of candles. I am not sure of the possible complications, but it would be nice to have a customization option in the future.
3. The wax tarts can only be purchased in groups of four. Once again, a customization option would be nice in the future.
4. These products would be much more enjoyable and worth the money if the scents were stronger.
• My review video:
• If you’re interested in more information on Anthology Candles, here are some links to get you started:
Today started out as a normal day. I woke up tired from watching Spanish dramas. I received a call and had to work a morning/afternoon shift. Post-work, my mom donned her superhero cape and took me to Starbucks. Once at home, I ate dinner and watched some Youtube videos. During that time, a Fragrant Jewels ad popped up and played. I didn’t think anything of it because I see them all the time due to my review video. However, it took mere seconds for reality to hit me like a ton of bricks: THOSE ARE CLIPS FROM MY VIDEO!!!!! I am ecstatic and grateful that FJ would feature me alongside of other Youtubers. Thank you so much Fragrant Jewels!! The ad is linked below along with my original video:
I have super exciting news!! My “Fragrant Jewels First Impression & Review” video has become the most viewed video on my lifestyle Youtube channel. It currently has 3,032 views, and that number continues to increase every day. I am proud of how the video turned out, and I am thrilled that so many people are finding it helpful. If you are interested in the Fragrant Jewels business or ring candles in general, here is the video:
• Note: I discuss the “Frosted Gingerbread” candle, “Winter” candle, & “Tranquility” lavender bath bomb.
* * * If you enjoyed the video and found it helpful, please click the link, give the video a thumbs up, and subscribe to my channel. Your support is much appreciated! This channel is my business so every like, subscription, & share is important. :)
Being the totally awesome parent that he is, my dad bought tickets to a 20th anniversary performance of Riverdance. The seats were one row back from the stage!! Unfortunately he got sick, but my mom sacrificed and took his place. ;) It was my fifth time seeing the show, and I still got emotional. It was absolutely incredible sitting so close and seeing the emotion and camaraderie between the dancers.
After the performance, my mother and I had a lovely dinner at Claim Jumper. Having said that, NEVER eat dinner at a mall on a Saturday. The restaurant was across the street from the theater, and by the time we ate, the show had been over for three hours. However, the salad I had was amazing and worth the wait. Here is a list of ingredients for those of you who desire such details: ahi tuna, crunchy noodles, red onions, tomatoes, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, feta cheese, glazed pecans, sesame seeds, and balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Everybody in my church subconsciously decided to make tamales and give them to my family at the same time. I dove in headfirst and never looked back. I want to clarify that my newfound appreciation is directed towards one specific variation: tamales with olives. My Mediterranean blood compels me to love olives, and I do. Tamales with olives are muy delicioso!
Plantain chips are the bee’s knees, and I want the world to know it. They are crunchy like dried banana but savory like chips. I recommend the lightly salted Pampa plantain chips because I strongly dislike heavily salted foods.
This delightfully scented concoction was a Christmas gift, and it has been my go-to lotion ever since. The keynotes are red winterberry, ruby apple, sparkling cranberry, snowkissed camellia, and crystal vanilla. It smells mostly floral with hints of berry and apple. Call me crazy but I almost always smell a hint of watermelon in Bath & Body Works lotions, this product included.
I struggle with insomnia, and one of the commonly known remedies is lavender. I researched and found several different products but ultimately decided to give the spray a try. Even though this spray from Bed, Bath, & Beyond isn’t made specifically for insomnia, it works. The scent is distinctly lavender and very fresh. I spray it all over my pillow and bed right before going to sleep. Sometimes I read a book post-spray, another helpful trick for treating insomnia.
I bought these candles to review the company for my Youtube channel. Even though the draw of this company was the rings hidden inside the products, I ended up loving the candles. The Frosted Gingerbread candle is spicy, and the Winter candle is woodsy. They can burn for up to four hours at a time, and the scent is detectable within a few minutes. For more information, watch my video:
I’ve been wanting an adult coloring book for a long time and used a recent family trip to Barnes & Noble as my chance to get one. It was a little embarrassing paying for a coloring book and colored pencils, but I got over my pride and did it. I can already tell this book will last me a lifetime because I haven’t even finished half a picture yet. Coloring is relaxing and a great creative outlet, and I highly recommend you give it a try. :D
I’ve already discussed this series on this blog so all I will say is this series is fantastic and impossible to put down.
“I live in a home full of strict rules, even for an Old Order Amish family. My Daed doesn’t believe in allowing our tradition of a rumschpringe. At its best, the running around years is meant as a time of extra freedoms that gives singles an opportunity to find a spouse. But sometimes young people take advantage of it, so my Daed all but forbids. Still, I have found love, and even though Paul isn’t Amish, I know that if I spent a lifetime looking, I’d never find a better man. He’s gentle and kind, and his sense of humor is every bit as strong as his sense of responsibility. But if my Daed knew of our friendship, he’d put an end to it, and I’d be grounded from stepping off the farm for even a stroll for months, maybe a year. Paul leaves Owl’s Perch each fall, and even though he writes me letters and sends them to his grandmother’s house, he’s never hinted at how he feels beyond friendship. Despite my Daed, despite that I’m only seventeen, despite that Paul goes away to a sea of girls each year, I choose to believe that he cares for me like I do him, and that love will find a way for us.”
Does anyone else love this TV show? I have been watching it since the first season, and the kids never cease to amaze me with their knowledge. The premise is children with high IQs competing for the title of “Child Genius.” Every episode features two rounds, each focused on a different subject such as math, history, or logic. For more information, follow this link: http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/child-genius
I am in love with this miniseries! Netflix recommended it to me. The show follows a group of codebreakers post-WWII. Once the war ended they were required to move on with their lives without telling anyone what they had done. They find themselves brought back together by circumstance in order to solve a crime; this occurs three times. For more information, follow this link: http://www.pbs.org/program/bletchley-circle/
I have watched this show at least three times all the way through. It is definitely one of my favorite TV shows of ALL time. WOW! That’s a bold statement. I relate to this show on a deep emotional level because of my dance background. I understand the family-like bonds that develop and the struggles that come with being an aspiring professional dancer. On top of all that, it’s a great show. All three seasons are currently available on Netflix. For more information, here is the IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1551948/
I realize that I am way late to the “Gossip Girl” party but better late than never. I’m not that far into the first season, but I like it. It’s a good show to turn on when I have hours of work to get through. The show follows the drama surrounding a group of wealthy teenagers living in Manhattan. It is currently available on Netflix. For more information, here is the IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0397442/
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I hope your noses are in tip-top shape because tonight’s post is all about CANDLES!! Today was the sacred day that die-hard Bath & Body Works shoppers crave the other 364 days of the year, leap years excluded. Today was “$8 Candle Day.” I cannot tell a lie. This whole “I need a gazillion candles in my life” craze is new to me, but I caught on quickly. First of all, the store was absolute chaos. California women do not mess around when it comes to sales, even if they are holding one or more babies. I was poked, prodded, stared down, and 100% overwhelmed. Even the employees were getting trapped by the sea of shoppers. Despite my “fear”, I was more worried about the candles. People were moving about as if the store was full of cotton instead of fragile candles. Take a chill pill!! If you can’t already tell from my dramatic narrative, I am NOT a crowd person. Fun fact about me: I will not go to a store to wrestle over an item in person. However, I am a master online shopper; I will bid to the death. Perhaps I will share some of my wisdom with you another time. Back to the topic at hand. I made it out of the store alive with four candles. At $8 apiece with the inclusion of a $10 off coupon, I paid a little more than twenty-three dollars total. That is the amount I would have paid for ONE candle on a normal shopping day, and I walked out with FOUR candles. Hallelujah, praise Jesus. I love saving $$$!!! I will end this post with a description of each candle, including Marshmallow Fireside which was purchased last month. FYI: These descriptions come on the bottom of each candle; I cannot take credit for the text in quotation marks.
Cranberry Woods – “Fresh tart cranberries, blackcurrant, and warm cinnamon bark combine in a delightful fragrance inspired by the magic of the woods during harvest time.” I chose this candle over “Frosted Cranberry” because the scent was more delicate. Despite the absence of citrus, the scent has a citrus quality that cuts the harshness of the cranberry. This scent is ideal for any Thanksgiving table.
Gourmet Espresso – “The fragrance of rich espresso delightfully brewed with artisan coffee beans is the perfect complement for your homemade holiday treats.” Coffee lovers need this candle in their life. I am not a coffee aficionado nor do I drink pure coffee, but this scent is absolute heaven. This candle was made to be lit in your kitchen every morning.
Holly Jolly Christmas – “Have a holly jolly Christmas with this festive blend of bright mandarin, red pomegranate, and fresh balsam.” Christmas-themed scents tend to be too spicy for my taste. If you are like me, this is the candle for you. The notes of fruit add just enough pop to the fresh balsam without being overpowering. A “Fresh Balsam” candle is also available, but I chose this candle instead because the scent offers more than one note of Christmas.
Marshmallow Fireside – “A sweet toasty end to a long cold day – toasted marshmallows and sumptuous vanilla cream blend with the comforting aroma of rich smoldering woods.” I am not a huge fan of sweet scents because they can be very nauseating. While this scent is very sweet, in small doses it is a pleasant pick-me-up. You know that scent from bonfires that makes your eyes and nose burn? Hints of that toastiness are present and break up the sweetness a little bit. This scent is 100% dependent on the first impression. You either like it or you don’t; there is no compromise.
Mint Mocha Bark – “Wrap this delectable medley of creamy smooth mocha, vanilla, and icy mint in a bow and give it to your nearest and dearest.” Plain and simple: if you want to have the scent of a Starbucks peppermint mocha frappuccino within reach at all times, this is the candle for you.
Now go forth, shop, & fill the air with fragrance. Stay merry readers!
– Lauren Michele :)
“It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Good evening readers! I had my title and subject all figured out for today, but the passing of a dear family friend changed my plans. I do not want to make this post long because all I would do is ramble, and that would be neither productive nor comforting. With utmost sincerity, I dedicate this blog post to those who have lost loved ones around this time of year. May we all embrace the joy of Christmas and honor the memories.
“Although it’s sad to reminisce, On Christmases we knew, This year I shall celebrate, In memory of you
I’ll put aside my sorrow, With every unshed tear, And concentrate on all the joy, We shared when you were here
Our time together taught me, What Christmas time is for, And that’s what I’ll remember, Until we meet once more.”
– “Christmas Without You”, Unknown
– Lauren Michele :)
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Lauren Michele ❤️ 