October 2013: Birchbox & Ipsy

Hi Beauties! Well, its that time of month again; its time for... Battle Of The Boxes... Ipsy and Birchbox! Remember, the unboxing video is at the end of this blog.

The theme for Birchbox is "Beauty Buzz".

The theme for Ipsy Glam Bag is "The Art of Beauty".

(Note: I really wish Ipsy that they would have sent in a card with all the information/pricing on it like Birchbox does and Influenster). 

Birchbox -- Beauty Buzz

So, In this month's box I received 6 products and I really do enjoy them.

Joie -- Folle de Joie

Full Size: $98.00 Sample Size: $1.99

I give this product 4 out of 5 stars.

What -- A captivating scent with a modern blend of mandarin, rose and sandalwood.

How --Spritz onto pulse points like the wrists and neck.

Liz Earle -- Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

Full Size: $21.50 Sample Size: $4.75

I get this product 4 out of 5 stars.

What --UK favorite that uses a two-step ritual to purify and exfoliate. A Birchbox exclusive!

How -- Massage into skin. With muslin cloth, wipe off gently in small circles, from the center out.

Liz Earle -- Pure Muslin Cloth

Full Size: $6.00 for 2 Cloths Sample Size: $3.00

I get this product 4 out of 5 stars.

What --Ditch your harsh exfoliator and use this pure muslin cloth, which gently polishes skin.

How -- Rinse with warm water and wipe off cleanser. Hang to dry. 

Miss Jessie's Original -- Pillow Soft Curls

Full Size: $22.00 Sample Size: $2.99

I give this product 3 out of 5 stars.

What -- This bestselling styling lotion leaves strands frizz-free and feather-light.

How --Apply a generous amount of product to damp hair, working from your roots to ends.

POP Beauty -- Aqua Lacquer in Floating Rose

Full Size: $14.00 Sample Size: $4.89

I give this product 5 out of 5 stars.

What -- A British makeup pro created this sheer gloss, which plumps and hydrates with jojoba oil.

How -- The cute paddle-style applicator makes for precise lines.

Lifestyle Extra -- ChapStick -- Hydration Lock 

Full Size: $5.98 Sample Size: $3.00

I give this product 5 out of 5 stars.

What --N/A

How --N/A

Full Size Total: $167.48

Sample Size Total: $20.62

Ipsy Glam Bag -- The Art of Beauty 

I received 5 products and I really do enjoy them.

Ipsy Bag

I give this month's bag 5 out of 5 stars.

Zoya Nail Polish in Giovanna

Full Size: $8.00 Sample Size: $2.79

I give this product 5 out of 5 stars. 

Part of the Fall 2013 CASHMERES & SATINS Collection, these shades are created to work together with this season's most stylish runway designs and luxurious fabric blends. These ultra long-wearing, glossy nail lacquers by Zoya are BIG5FREE - free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Ipsy subscribers will receive Neve, Giovanna, or Mason.

 

Bella Terra Mineral Cosmetics -- Mineral Shimmer #NSH35 Navy

Full Size: $14.99 Sample Size: $9.99

I get this product 4 out of 5 stars.

It's easy to create a variety of looks with Bella Terra Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Shimmers! As an 8-in-1 product, the Mineral Shimmers are a creamy eye shadow, matte eyeshadow, eyeliner, lip color, nail polish, mascara, body glitter, and hair color for fun hair streaks! Available for purchase in 60 luminous and luxurious shades. Ipsy subscribers who will receive this product will receive Emotion or Navy.

Coastal Scents Medium Eyeshadow Brush

Full Size: $2.49 Sample Size: $1.25

I give this product 4 out of 5 stars.

The Coastal Scents Shadow Brush is a medium sized brush made out of natural fibers that is wide in shape and condensed to allow an even distribution of eyeshadow on the lid. This professional cosmetic brush can be used for shading the crease and highlighting the brow bone with complete precision.

Ole Henriksen truth crème™ advanced hydration

Full Size: $45.00  Sample Size: $8.99

I give this product 4 out of 5 stars.

The Ole Henriksen truth crème™ advanced hydration is a light-textured luxurious crème that glides onto skin and absorbs quickly to leave you with a beautiful, radiant glow. Contains vitamin C, which calms, heals, brightens, and boosts collagen. Also delivers powderful antiaging benefits, promotes cell turnover, events skintone, and helps eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For optimal antiaging benefits, use with Ole Henriksen truth serum™ collagen booster.

Sexy Hair Spray Clay Texturizing Spray Clay

Full Size: $18.95 Sample Size: $8.00

I give this product 4 out of 5 stars.

The Sexy Hair Spray Clay Texturizing Spray Clay creates and allover textured look with a matte finish. This spray allows for a fine and even product distrbution and is great for all hair types. To use: Spray into hair for pliable hold and texture to finish desired style.

Full Size Total: $89.43

Sample Size Total: $31.02

Where Did I Get All This Pricing Information At:

http://www.ebay.com/

http://www.amazon.com/ref=gno_logo

Join me on Ipsy!
http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-h7p1te9z5bj266o

Join me on Birchbox!
http://birch.ly/14c6BHc



October 2013: Birchbox & Ipsy!

Pandora's Box: Self Afflicting Harm

Hey Beauties! So I really do hope you guys listened in on my show, "The Chira Project". We discussed Self-Harm and Self-Affliction.  Just in case you missed the show, here is what we covered...

Hello World!

How are you doing today?

Are you feeling alright?

This talk show is unfiltered, so let me apologize now to anyone who might be offended!

Let me welcome in my other radio half personality Richard Zom!

Hello my freaks and geeks!

And he’s going to give you guys your re-cap of the week!

Last week we had on Richard Hodgekins musician and author plus a dear friend of Chira's. Next week we will be talking about is Writer’s Corner and Critic’s Pick. So if any of you have any material that would like to be heard on next week’s show, you can contact us at: facebook.com/crhserenity2 The Chira Project on Facebook.

So today’s segment is the first ever Pandora’s Box. Now, how many of you actually know the lore about Pandora’s Box? Well, legend has is it: The first woman, she was Zeus’ revenge upon man for having accepted the fire which Prometheus has stolen from heaven. The gods all gave her gifts (Pandora = “all gifted”) which would make her attractive – and hence dangerous – to man, Epimetheus, Prometheus’ brother, despite Prometheus’ warning, married her. She had a box or jar in which had been collected all of the world’s ills and which she had been told not to open. But her curiosity got the better of her; she opened the box and out flew all the ills that now afflict mankind. Only one remained behind: Hope.

So that is the lore/legend of Pandora’s Box. It’s basically in a nutshell, a box of emotions and that’s what I bring to Pandora’s Box. We can talk about anything and everything really that has to do with real life and real people dealing with real problems all across the world.

So on this episode of Pandora’s Box we will be discussing self-harm and self-affliction. Why people do it? What drives them to do such a horrendous thing?

This is just some of the things about this subject what could go on in a person’s life that could make them draw a blade to their wrist.

Self-Harm/Self-Affliction

• Depression
• Stress
• Life
• Pain
• Lost
• Alone
• Love
• Relationships
• Friends
• Family
• School
• Work
• Personal Issues
• Bullying
• Media

How They Deal with the Problem

• Anorexia
• Bulimia
• Suicide   
• Sex
• Drugs
• Alcohol
• Run Away
• Stealing

Nobody wants to take the time to really hear about their problems and listen to these people who are actually dealing with such harsh problems. Some want attention and others don’t, that’s why some of them hid their scars from the world. You can find that most of these problems result into teenagers and it is even harder these days to be a teenager because with the media has warped the minds of young children to thinking that this is how it is and this is how it should be.

Spotting a Cutter

Often friends and family are unaware their loved one is cutting. It would seem the signs would be obvious, but cutters can be extremely creative at hiding their wounds. Here are some of the signs to look for:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns or freshly healed scars, especially if coupled with other signs of being troubled.
• Favorite excuses are "I cut myself while shaving" or "The cat scratched me."
• A cutter might describe himself or herself as bored or unable to express emotions.
• Wearing long, baggy clothing in the summer to cover the body. Note any signs of an unusual desire for privacy, such as reluctance to change in gym class.
• A normally outgoing person who retreats and doesn't want to talk to family and friends anymore.
• Talking a lot about death, "being bad" or "needing to be punished." Language that expresses low self-worth, such as describing self as ugly, fat, lazy or worthless.

If you or a friend needs help to stop cutting, here are some steps to take:

• Tell someone. If you injure yourself, it is important to talk to someone about it immediately. It may be difficult for another person to hear that you hurt yourself, but don't let concern for that person's discomfort keep you from taking this vital first step. Talk about your emotions, even if you think that talking so much about yourself is "selfish." Let yourself be real. Give your confidant some time to process what you've shared. Realize that most people don't know what to say to someone who confesses to self-injury. Ask your confidant to assist you in getting help.
• Find a Christian counselor who has worked with other cutters and whom you feel is trustworthy. It may take a few therapists before you find one you work well with. If you aren't sure how to locate this kind of professional, call Focus on the Family at (800) A-FAMILY for a free referral to a counselor in your area. You may also need to find a medical professional willing to work with your counselor who can examine and treat self-inflicted wounds.
• Know your triggers. Try to locate what makes you want to hurt yourself and talk with your therapist about creating a plan for how to handle those situations.
• Be accountable to someone. Ask a Christian adult or mature friend to ask you direct questions about your self-abuse and commit to being honest with that person regularly.
• Pray for yourself. Ask others to pray that you will know and believe the truth. Spend time looking through God's Word for verses to use as a defense when you start to feel overwhelmed. Memorize comforting Scriptures. Carry them in your pocket. Post them on your mirror or inside your school locker. Read through the Psalms and know that there are others who have felt the same way you do.
• Find alternative emotional outlets. Express yourself creatively. It may help to create a visual representation of your feelings through artistic expression. Color or draw. Write your thoughts in a journal. Play a musical instrument. Some cutters may need a more physical release, such as dancing, karate or jogging.

 

“To be hungry is to be alive,

To be alive is to be on fire,

To be on fire is to have a mind.

It’s not just pain chasing the vanishing point

Around the stage. The flock turns

All at once and so I turn to you.

Let dissonance be our cognition,

Let a burning scarecrow be our guide.

Woe unto anyone who doubts this meadow.

A woman with one wing tramples the earth.

A man battles his own shadow.

Sometimes the heart just beats itself apart.”

-Rites of Spring, Dean Young  

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you ... And I pray that you, being rooted and established in [Christ's] love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge ... "
—Ephesians 1:17-18; 3:17-19

Here are some additional information:

http://www.angelfire.com/or/kharreshome/page3.html

http://www.genpsych.com/depression-and-self-affliction/

http://www.lifesigns.org.uk/others/

151- Pandora's Box: Self Afflicting Harm

5 Easy Beauty Solutions!

Hey Beauties! I got an interesting blog for you guys! Beauty superheroes! They may not look like it but many common household products can rescue you from some pretty hairy beauty emergencies. From bad hair days to broken nails, if you keep these superheroes around you can solve your own beauty woes.

1.  Frizzy Hair
Solution: Hand Lotion
Work a pea-size amount through hair, concentrating on dry ends.


2. Dry Skin
Solution: Olive Oil
After bathing, rub a thin layer all over, paying special attention to dry, rough spots like heels and elbows.

3. Puffy Eyes
Solution: A SpoonPlace the back of a chilled spoon on each lid for a minute or two.

4. Exposed Roots 
Solution: Toothbrush
Instead of tossing them out, reuse toothbrushes as hair-dye applicators to cover up gray roots.

5. Broken Nail
Solution: Matchbox
Use the rough side of the box to file and shape the edges of your nails.

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Smokey Gray Eye Makeup Tutorial

Hey Beauties! I only have time to post videos now only once a week due to my condition. My blogs are gonna be every Friday. Thank you all for your support and praying for me, it really means a lot to me and I love each and everyone of you!

So this as been one my many fall makeup looks and I love it. I have everything listed down below in order and thought this would make a great tutorial. I mean, I love how this turned out and I hope you do too. At the end of this blog will be a list of concealers that I recommend for all of you! Enjoy!



Skin
-Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Cleanser
-St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub (Target)
-Michael Todd True Organics Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub
-Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser
-Simple Soothing Facial Toner
-Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll on
-Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream
-Mederma Skin Care For Scars
-Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer 
-Philosophy Hope in a Jar "Normal to Dry"
-Smash Box Foundation Primer
-Almay Smart Shade Perfect & Correct Primer 

Face
-Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse in #Light 2 Classic Ivory  (Stipple Brush)
-CoverGirl Pressed Powder in Naturally Beige [I Think] (Powder Brush)
-NYX Blush in Desert Rose (Blush Brush)

Concealer
-Physicians Formula Youthful Wear 3-in-1 Concealer in Light + Yellow (Beauty Blender)

Eye Brows
-CoverGirl Eyeshadow in Brown Smolder
-Essence Eyebrow Designer Pencil in #02 Brown
-Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara 

Eye Primer
-Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
-MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
-L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in #892 Amber Rush or Maybelline Color Tattoo in #25 Bad To The Bronze (Base) (Cream Eyeshadow Brush) 

Eyeshadow
-Urban Decay Naked 2: Verve (Lid) (Eyeshadow Brush)
-Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette: Tease & Snakebite (Crease) (Crease Brush/Fluffy Brush)

Eye Liner + Mascara
-Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Eyeliner in #001 Black (Tight Line & Water Line)
-Maybelline Master Precise Felt Tip Liner in Black (Line Top of Lid)
-Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Water Proof Mascara in Black Drama
-Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara  

Lips
-Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in #045 Romantic
-CoverGirl Lipstick in #305 Hot Passion
-NYX Butter Gloss in #BLG12 Cherry Pie

Concealers I Recommend
I suffer from sever under eye circles because I don't get too much sleep. So, I'm stuck using different kinds of concealer to cover them up. Depending on how bad they are, I'll reach for a specific one. But remember, use whatever concealer you have on hand.
-Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer in Fair
-Maybelline Cover Stick in Ivory
-MAC Pro Long Wear Concealer in NC15
-CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Eye Concealer in #205 Very Light (Discontinued) 
-Mary Kay Concealer in Beige 1
-Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Ivory
-Bare Minerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener in Luminous 1
-CoverGirl TRUconceal Concealer in #2 (Discontinued) [Dupe CoverGirl Invisible Concealer in #115 Fair]
-Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in #35 Deep


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Smokey Dark Brown Eye Makeup Tutorial

Hey Beauties! I'm really sorry I haven't been posting any videos or blogs. I'm really sick at the moment and need surgery, so I'm taking the time off to get better. But don't worry, in the mean time I'll just be doing the blogs. Hopefully, in due time I'll be going back to doing videos. Thank you all for your support and praying for me, it really means a lot to me and I love each and everyone of you! <3 

So this as been one my fall makeup looks and I love it. I have everything listed down below in order and thought this would make a great tutorial. I mean, I love how this turned out and I hope you do too. At the end of this blog will be a list of concealers that I recommend for all of you! Enjoy!

Skin
-Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Cleanser
-St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub (Target)
-Michael Todd True Organics Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub
-Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser
-Simple Soothing Facial Toner
-Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll on
-Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream
-Mederma Skin Care For Scars
-Philosophy Hope in a Jar "Normal to Dry"
-Smash Box Foundation Primer
-Almay Smart Shade Perfect & Correct Primer 

Face
-Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Makeup in #120 Creamy Ivory  (Beauty Blender)
-Kat Von D Lock It Long Wear Foundation in Light 42 (Beauty Blender) 
-CoverGirl Pressed Powder in Naturally Beige [I Think] (Powder Brush)
-Stila Convertible Color in Peony (Stipple Brush)
- Be A Bombshell Cosmetics in Sweet Cheeks Blush (Blush Brush)

Concealer
-Physicians Formula Youthful Wear 3-in-1 Concealer in Light + Yellow (Beauty Blender)

Eye Brows
-CoverGirl Eyeshadow in Brown Smolder
-Essence Eyebrow Designer Pencil in #02 Brown
-Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara 

Eye Primer
-Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
-MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
-L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in #892 Amber Rush or Maybelline Color Tattoo in #25 Bad To The Bronze (Base) (Cream Eyeshadow Brush) 

Eyeshadow
-CoverGirl: Brown Smolder Eyeshadow (Crease) (Crease Brush/Fluffy Brush)
-Urban Decay Naked Basics: Faint (Crease) (Crease Brush/Fluffy Brush)
-Urban Decay Naked: Buck, Hustle, Dark Horse (Crease) (Crease Brush/Fluffy Brush)
-Urban Decay Naked 2: Busted
-Urban Decay Naked Basics: Naked 2 (Lid) (Eyeshadow Brush)
-Urban Decay Naked 2: Verve (Lid) (Eyeshadow Brush)

Eye Liner + Mascara
-Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Eyeliner in #001 Black (Tight Line)
-Maybelline Master Precise Felt Tip Liner in Black (Line Top of Lid)
-Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Water Proof Mascara in Black Drama
-Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara  

Lips
-NYX Lip Liner in #843 Citrine
-Maybelline Baby Lips in #25 Pink Punch
-NYX Butter Gloss in #BLG02 Eclair

Concealers I Recommend
I suffer from sever under eye circles because I don't get too much sleep. So, I'm stuck using different kinds of concealer to cover them up. Depending on how bad they are, I'll reach for a specific one. But remember, use whatever concealer you have on hand.
-Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer in Fair
-Maybelline Cover Stick in Ivory
-MAC Pro Long Wear Concealer in NC15
-CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Eye Concealer in #205 Very Light (Discontinued) 
-Mary Kay Concealer in Beige 1
-Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Ivory
-Bare Minerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener in Luminous 1
-CoverGirl TRUconceal Concealer in #2 (Discontinued) [Dupe CoverGirl Invisible Concealer in #115 Fair]
-Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in #35 Deep

Michael Symon's Banana Pancake Recipe

Hey Beauties! I was watching an episode on The Chew [Tuesday August 27, 2013]. Michael Symon was making this delicious Banana Sour Cream Pancakes Recipe. These light and fluffy pancakes are loaded with chunks of banana and plenty of thick sour cream.

This recipe looked so good, it was really hard to pass up the opportunity to share this wonderful recipe with all of you. Mainly, because it's easy to make, healthy and even your kids will enjoy them. I mean, come on, who doesn't love pancakes? Therefore, whip out that mixing bowl and start making pancakes!

So, Let's Get Started and Enjoy!


Step 1:

Ingredients:

-1 cup All Purpose Flour

-1 teaspoon Baking Powder

-1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

-2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar

-Pinch of Salt

-1 large Egg

-1/2 cup thick Sour Cream

-1/2 cup Milk

-3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted; plus more for greasing pan)

-1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

-2-3 medium sized Bananas (sliced)

-1/4 cup Almonds (chopped)

-Maple Syrup for drizzling

-Whipped Cream to garnish

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. 

2. In a second bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. 

3. Whisk the wet into the dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.

4. Set aside to rest while you preheat your pan.

Step 2: 

Ingredients:

-2-3 medium sized Bananas (sliced)

Directions:

1. Preheat a griddle or non-stick pan to medium heat. 

2. Add some butter to grease the pan then pour a few tablespoons at a time of batter to form a medium sized pancake.

3. Place 3 to 4 slices of banana on each pancake while it’s cooking.

4. Cook until bubbles appear and start popping, then flip and continue to cook on the other side until golden.

5. The bananas will start to caramelize and get creamy in the center.

6. Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you make the rest.

Step 3: 

Ingredients:

-1/4 cup Almonds (chopped)
-Maple Syrup for drizzling
-Whipped Cream to garnish

Directions:

1. Serve a few pancakes with additional butter, chopped almonds and bananas if you’d like, a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream.


Skill Level:

Easy

Time: 

1-30 Min.

Servings:

 4

Anti-Relationship Tag!

Hey Beauties! I saw MeganHeartsMakeup video on Anti-Boyfriend Tag and thought that I would do this tag as well. But a few things first, I did change it from boyfriend to relationship, manly because I am bisexual and I want to answer from both parties. Although, someone else made this tag and they ended up coming up with the name that you see. Not sure as to why?

So, let's get started!!





Questions:

1. What is the one (most important) quality you look for in a relationship?
Personality and whether or not they can click with who I am as a person. 

2. What quality is a turn off?
Liars, cheaters, moochers, smokers (I have asthma that's why) and alcoholics.

3. What physical feature do you notice on the person first?
If they are well groomed. 

4. Describe your dream date.
Long hair, tattoos and piercings. 

5. Who would your celebrity relationship be?
Guy- Johnny Depp
Girl- Avril Lavigne

6. What is your relationship 'deal breaker?
(Something that you might end a relationship because of)
Not getting along with my family, cheating, lying, stealing, murder, rape.

7. What is your relationship 'deal maker?
(Something you would like the person to do in a relationship)
Polite, respectful, considerate, loyal, responsible, will stand up for me when need be and when the time is right.   

8. What eye and hair color do you prefer?
Blues eyes and black hair.

9. They buy you a gift. What would it be?
Flowers and chocolates.

10. Would you say you have a type?
Yes

11. If so, what is your type?
Rockers, Punks, Emo, Skaters, Metal Heads, Goths, Musicians, Artist.