Boxy Charm FantaSEA (July’s Boxy Charm Base Box Review)

My Boxy Charm Basic Box for July arrived and…it seems to be throwing it back to the OG Boxy, which was one of my favorites. So, did Boxy Charm get it right? Let’s see!

There is a lot going on with this month’s Boxy Basic. If you’re new to Boxy, I’ve left all the information in the box down below.  Just to give you a quick bit of info, Boxy Base is a $24 (plus tax, shipping is free in the continental US) monthly beauty box that features 5 full size beauty items and has a guaranteed value of at least $175.

It’s been about a year since I’ve reviewed Boxy Charm on the blog—that’s mostly due to the boxes arriving late, normally they arrive in the middle of the next month. Occasionally, Boxy Charm is late with shipping due to Covid restrictions but the majority of the time, my boxes (it doesn’t matter where they’re from) get stuck in Kentucky with DHL. If a box is shipping through DHL, I know that it will be two or more weeks late, apparently it vacations in Kentucky before finding its way to Ohio.   

 

Getting back to the Boxy Charm Base Box, this is what I received in my July FantaSEA box.

Alamar Cosmetics Brighten & Bronze Complexion Trio (Shade: Fair/Light, MSRP: $25)—I’m always happy to get a palette that has complexion products in it, especially one that can be used as setting powdered and bronzers. It just makes grabbing products easier when you’re in a hurry. This one contains a brightener, a bronzer, and a deeper contour shade.

I tried the brightener under my eyes and I just didn’t like the way it looked with the bits of mica in it; I much prefer the Ofra banana powder if I want something to brighten my under eye area. If I go in with a fluffy brush, I can use this as a setting powder to brighten up my foundation that’s just a shade too dark. The middle shade is great to set my foundation with when my foundation is too light and it also gives me a lovely sun kissed look. It does work as a light bronzer but I prefer mine to be a tad bit darker. The contour shade is the perfect bronzer for me.

I have exceedingly dry skin and I’m happy to report this trio didn’t dry out my skin or highlight the dry patches. They blend perfectly and sit nicely on my skin. I wore this for 8 plus hours while I was running errands on a 90degree day and I’m happy to report it stayed lovely all day.

The Lyfestyle Co. Detox Hair Serum (MSRP: $79)—this has a very earthy scent, which I don’t mind as it does seem to dissipate quickly, and it seems to be a dry oil when I applied a drop to my hand. I haven’t tried this yet as I’ve been testing out a new shampoo and conditioner but I will try to give an update either in next month’s beauty wrap up or on Instagram.

MudMasky Vitamin-Infused Eye Serum (MSRP: $63)—this, my friends, is a massive eye serum. It’s an entire fluid ounce (normally they’re half an ounce or under) and seems to be packed with nourishing ingredients. I have a few more eye serums to get through before I open this one. Again, when I use this I will try to remember to make an update either on the blog or on Instagram.

Grande Cosmetics Grandeglow Plumping Liquid Highlighter (Shade: French Pearl MSRP: $25)—I’m not a fan of liquid highlighters but I did try this one out. I don’t like this as an over the foundation highlighter; no matter how I apply or blend it, it removes my foundation. If I apply it as a highlighter under my foundation, it gives a subtle, lit from within glow. My favorite way to use this is by mixing it in with my moisturizer if I want a glowy skin look without makeup or adding it to my primer for a glowy makeup look. Both ways wear beautifully all day.

Billion Dollar Brows Brows on Point Micro Pencil (Shade: Taupe, MSRP: $16)—If I’m using a brow pencil, it’s usually a BDB pencil so I’ve very happy to have received this one in my box. I was a bit worried when this said taupe, as the shade’s usually a bit too cool toned but this one’s the perfect color and not at all ashy looking.

 

MSRP Value of July’s Boxy Basic: $208

Rating: 4.5

(1 point for the complexion trio, hair serum, eye serum, and brow pencil. Half point to the liquid highlighter.)

Did the box fit the theme: FantaSEA? I don’t really see where this box had much of a theme. If someone would have showed me the items and asked if I could guess the theme I would have had to say random shop down the beauty aisle.

My overall thoughts: I’m not going to lie, I was a little shocked by the size of the box. It was super small—I think it seems smaller than the original size when they first started but it’s been so long it could actually be the original size—and it’s black on the inside rather than the red they switched to, which makes me think it could be the original box. Normally the Basic boxes are twice the size of this one so I wasn’t really sure what was going to be inside. There were a lot of smaller items in this box (liquid highlighter, brow pencil, hair serum), normally the items have been a bit bulkier.

The products themselves are items that I was happy to receive and I know that I’ll use them. It’s been a minute since the Basic Box has impressed me, not that I was getting bad products but rather products I wouldn’t use.

The complexion trio, eye serum, and brow pencil are items that I know I’ll use. I’m a bit hesitant with the hair serum as this is a scalp treatment and I normally don’t like the feel of products applied directly to my scalp but I gave this a point as it’s something different. Normally, most of the haircare in Boxy Charm is from the same two brands so it was nice seeing something new.

My only half point in the box is the liquid highlighter—I will never be a fan of liquid or cream highlighters—but I did like this when I used it give me a glowy look when mixed with my moisturizers and primers. The only problem with that is I’ll have to make myself remember to reach for it. I’m going to put this in my drawer with my skin illuminators and hope I remember to use it. 

Overall, this was the highest rated Boxy Basic I’ve received for quite a while. I like that we’re seeing brands that’s not normally in Boxy (like MudMasky) but they feature in their sales. I also like that I’ll use everything in this box (just have to post a reminder about the liquid highlighter). It was on the smaller side but it was full of amazing products (and a nice mixture of hair, skin, and beauty) and I feel as though the monetary value as well as the use value was there. 

BoxyCharm Base Box is a $24 (plus tax) monthly beauty box containing 5 full-size beauty items. The boxes often include makeup, hair care, skincare, hair tool, beauty tools, and more often from prestige brands. With the Base Box Subscription, you’ll be able to select 1 product of your choice each month.  The Base Box has a guaranteed value of $175 or above.  

There is an in-depth beauty quiz to fill out, including your shade of foundation and concealer, to help ensure your box suits your taste and your skin type. After your box arrives, you’ll be able to review your products, which helps Boxy Charm curate future boxes to your preference. You’ll also earn charms for each item you review which can be used to purchase products from the Charm Room.

As a Boxy Charm subscriber, you’ll have access to their Pop-up and Add-on sales, which allows you to buy products for up to 70% off the MSRP. It’s the perfect way to buy bougie makeup products and not feel guilty.

Boxy Charm does offer a Premium Box as well as a quarterly upgrade to the Base Box. To subscribe to either, you have to have an active Base Box subscription and will be put on a waitlist, which is often only a month if that.

Find out more about Boxy Charm HERE

The above links are affiliate links and if you subscribe via the links I receive a small Boxy Charm credit I can use to redeem items. 

 

June 2021 Empties

Hello Lovelies!

I bring a ton of beauty/skincare/makeup products in each month from subscription boxes, purchases, gifts, and review items so I thought I would start sharing my monthly empties. Not only will it be a place for me to share what I liked and didn’t like/what worked and what didn’t I thought it would hold me accountable to actually using up the mountain of products I received.

Empty Minis

 

Tatcha The Water Cream—as this is for normal to oily skin, I wasn’t sure if it would work for me but I ended up finding this rather moisturizing.

Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream—this was my favorite of the two. It’s a heavier, exceedingly moisturizing formula that gave my skin a lovely dewy finish.

Glow Recipe Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream—I wasn’t sure I was going to like this since it smells like banana’s (not a massive fan of the scent) but I ended up loving this. It calmed and hydrated my skin like a dream. I was actually going to purchase a full-size but, luckily, I received one in a Boxy Charm box. 

It Confidence in a Cream—this is one of those face creams that I like to get in a subscription box/bag but I’d never buy as it’s a nice face cream but nothing extraordinary. 

Youth to the People Maqui + Prickly Pear and Goji Glow Oil—this is one of my favorite face oils. Prickly pear is great for locking in moisture and this oil is fast absorbing without leaving a greasy residue. I will be picking up a full-size once it’s back in stock.

Kismet Bright & Bubbly Lip Scrub—this was a decent lip scrub but I’d never purchase one in a container as it’s super easy to DIY one.

 

Skin Care/Face Cleansers

 

First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream—this is a hydrating and calming face cream. It’s a product that I do love but I wait until it goes on sale to pick up.

Volition Beauty Snow Mushroom Water Serum—this is favorite serum. I received this in my Boxy Charm, tried it out for a week, then went and ordered two more bottles from Volition’s website. If you have dry skin, I highly recommend this serum. It’s been a game changer for my skincare routine.

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser—this is a great cleanser that works brilliantly at removing everything, including sunscreen, but it’s not something I would pay full price for. If it goes on sale, I would probably pick it up but it’s not a life changing cleanser.

Honey Jarret Clean Whip Cleanser—I received this in an IPSY bag, loved it, and ended up purchasing several in their Add-Ons Sale. This is very hydrating, removes everything, but it does have a strong tulip scent, which I don’t mind. Surprisingly, this lathers with my PMD Clean (it’s a silicone, electric facial cleansing brush) where a lot of cleansers do not.

Skin & Co Roma Truffle Therapy Toner—this is one of my favorite toners. It’s alcohol-free, moisturizing, and allows my skincare to sink into my skin. I do have several bottles of this, thanks to subscription boxes, so I won’t have to repurchase this for a bit.

 

Bath and Body

Cuccio Somatology Yogahhh! Calm + Clean Body Wash—I love this lavender scented body wash. It’s hydrating and so relaxing. I have a ton of these—they come in just about every subscription box I get—but I do pick them up when they’re included in the Add-On Sales.

E.L.F. 50mg CBD Body Cream—I picked this up on a whim when Ulta was having a sale and ended up loving it. Not only is this super hydrating, it does help to calm and repair the skin. I also find that it does help to alleviate some of my minor aches and pain. I did pick up another one of these and this will be a repurchase item.

Dr. Teal’s Wellness Therapy with Rosemary and Mint Epsom Salt Soak—I’ve always been a massive fan of Dr. Teal’s but I’ve really been loving this soak, especially since I injured my lower back. This blend worked brilliantly on my achy muscles. I also enjoyed the scent; there’s a slight rosemary scent but it’s mostly a very fragrant mint scent.

Village Naturals Therapy Chronic Pain & Fatigue Body Soak With Arnica + Epsom Salt—I was looking for a soak that had arnica in it and this was the only one that I could find and I wasn’t as impressed with this one as I was with the Dr. Teal’s. It has a very herbal/blueberry scent, which I didn’t mind but this one tints the water blue, has shimmers, and bubbles. I’m not a massive fan of soaks that dye/tint the water or bubble as I find them a bit drying. I’m also not a fan of the shimmers because they tend to remain on my skin for what feels like forever and I don’t really want to go around sparkling like Edward Cullen. As for the pain relief aspect, sadly, I didn’t really see where it helped. It did relax me but that was about it. Also, there’s a ton of ingredients in this one, including mica (why it shimmers) and sea salt whereas the Dr. Teal’s only contains the Epsom salts and the essential oils (maybe 5 ingredients tops).

 

Random

 

Secret No. 22 Coconut Oil + Mandarin Antiperspirant—this was okay. I liked the coconut/mandarin scent but it’s not one of my favorite antiperspirants. This felt a bit heavy and, sadly, it did leave a white patch on my black/dark clothes. I like their gel formula so much better than their solid.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara—one of my favorite drugstore mascaras. It lasts all day without flaking or smudging.

Ayam Beautycare Dead Sea Minerals + Vitamin C Serum Makeup Remover Wipes—this came in a Boxy Charm and was way too harsh on my face so I ended up using these to wipe off makeup swatches. Makeup wipes aren’t something I generally buy—I try to buy reusable makeup wipes—but I will use them if I receive them in a box.

 

Hello Bello Hair, Skin, + Nails Vitamins—my body struggles to tolerate vitamins, so it’s safer for me to target concern areas, which happens to be my fingernails (the hand sanitizer has done a number on them). I’ve been trying these out since the start of the year and I’ve had success.

 

Tazo Chai Vanilla Caramel Tea—I’ve never been a massive Tazo fan but I picked this up on a whim in my local grocery and I loved it. It’s a creamy chai with a lovely caramel flavor and the perfect amount of spiciness. 

GlossyBox October 2020

Hello Lovelies! I have a fun—and possibly my favorite—beauty subscription box to share with you today. Not only is Glossybox beautifully packaged, it contains amazing products that truly feels like a little treat each time I open the box. 

 

What it Glossybox? Glossybox is a monthly beauty box that contains 5 deluxe-sized (occasionally full-sized) beauty products that can include makeup, skincare, haircare, and more.

 

Price: $21 a month (plus tax, if applicable) shipping included for the US, shipping to Canada is $5

Use my referral link HERE to save 20% off your first box (works on 12 month subscription also) or use my code: ANGELA-R2BA

 

How is it packaged? Each month Glossybox arrives in a sturdy outer shipping container. Inside, you’ll find a lovely box (sometimes themed) that is not only sturdy but reusable. Inside the Glossybox you’ll find your products nestled on a bed of shredded paper packaging and wrapped in tissue paper that’s tied with a ribbon. Honestly, this is one of the most beautifully wrapped subscription boxes that I’ve ever had the pleasure of unboxing.

 

Is a product card included? Yes, each box comes with a little booklet that contains prices and tells you about each product.

 

Website: Glossybox US

 

October’s Theme: Glossy Fairytale. There were two boxes this month: Midnight Fantasy, which is a lovely dark blue and gold box that has a lovely nocturnal motif, and Enchanted Spirit, which is a lovely lavender and gold box that a lovely diurnal motif.

 

Here’s what I received in the Midnight Fantasy Box

-Ciaté Extraordinary Translucent Powder (deluxe mini, $18.98)—at 7 grams, this is a massive container of setting powder. While I do have a full size of this setting powder, it’s one of my favorites so I’m happy getting a deluxe mini.

-The Beauty Crop Stargazing Blush Duo in Orion Glow (full size, $23)—this is a gorgeous blusher duo that contains a matte and a shimmer. The formula is pigmented and applies smoothly.

-Earth Harbor Aurora Superfood Luminance Ampoule (full size, $32)—full of sea greens, cannabis sativa hemp oil, and grapeseed oil this serum will soothe and repair skin. I’ve been debating on buying this serum for a few months so I’m exceedingly happy to see this in my box this month.

-Ona New York Spolight Radiant Glow Gel Mask (full, $9)—I never say no to getting a sheet mask and I’m very excited to try this one with its plant-based formula. 

-Mane Club Bad Attitude and Cry Baby Conditioning Hair Mask (full size, $3.99 each)—I do like a deep, conditioning hair mask so I’m eager to give these a try.

 

My thoughts on the Midnight Fantasy box. This was a great box. The value’s definitely there for the money and the value’s there in the products that I’ll use. Several of these products are products that I’ve been wanting to try or need to replace (serum, blush, setting powder) and I never say no to face or hair masks.

 

Total MSRP Value of the Enchanted Spirit Box $90.96

 

Here’s what I received in the Midnight Fantasy Box

-Ciaté Extraordinary Translucent Powder (deluxe mini, $18.98)

-The Beauty Crop Stargazing Blush Duo in Orion Glow (full size $23)

-Earth Harbor Aurora Superfood Luminance Ampoule (full size, $32)

-Generation Clay Ultra-Violet Brightening Purple Clay Mask (deluxe mini, $14.44)—at 50 ml, this is nearly as big as the full size. This is one of my favorite clay masks—it’s probably one I reach for the most—so I’m glad I’ll have a tube for my upstairs bathroom.

-Tree Hut Sugar Lips Lip Scrub in Brown Sugar (Full size, $5.99)—I’m always a fan of getting lip scrubs in subscription boxes because they’re an item I just don’t purchase, so this is great because I’m running out of my current one.

 

My thoughts on the Enchanted Spirit box. Again, this was another great box and the value was definitely there. Yes, the first three products were duplicate products but I don’t mind duplicates of things that I will use or things I know a friend or family member will use.

 

Total MSRP Value of the Enchanted Spirit Box: $94.41

 

My Overall Thoughts: I simply adore these boxes. Not only were they filled with amazing items that I know I will use, the sizes of the deluxe minis they included were massive. The value was there in both boxes both in the MSRP totals as well as in the products that I’ll use.

 

Another plus with this subscription is the boxes they come in are reusable. They’re perfect for storing things in and make wonderful gift boxes. The boxes themselves are also protected by an outer shipping box, which I love because that reduces the chance the items will be damaged and it saves the reusable box from being dinged up.

 

The Holidays are right around the corner and this box would make the perfect gift. Each month it would be like a little treat delivered straight to them. This would also be the perfect way to treat yourself, with the year we’ve had, we definitely deserve a treat.

 

Using my code: ANGELA-R2BA or clicking HERE will save you 20%, meaning a year’s subscription will cost $183.40 instead of the regular price of $210.00

 

Give the gift of Glossybox. I promise they’ll thank you for it!!!!!

All links in this post are affiliate links. I earn credits to spend on future boxes.

Confessions of a Makeup Magpie: LA Splash Golden Gatsby Review

If you’re a fan of The Great Gatsby or the roaring ‘20’s or just excited that the ‘20’s are back then I have a few makeup palettes to share with you that will have you doing The Charleston.

While the Golden Gatsby collection from LASplash Cosmetics has been around for a bit, I just received the Golden Gatsby Eyeshadow Palette and the Golden Gatsby Old Money Highlighter Palette (both $28.00 USD) for review.

This line also includes, lashes, liner, lipstick, lip gloss, and mascara, which I did not received. What surprised me a bit about this line is that it didn’t include blushers. When I think about makeup from this era, the rosy cheeks stood out. I was a little disappointed that they didn’t have a blusher.

My first impression: The gorgeous art deco packaging blew me away. I had to smile at the era-appropriate shade names. They really went the extra mile with the packaging and presentation. I was immediately drawn to the ‘foil shades’ in the eyeshadow palette. They looked buttery smooth but, when I swatched them it was a different story.

 

Now On To My Review…

 

Packaging

 

The packaging on both the eyeshadow palette and the highlighter is a lovely art deco theme in a matte black with golden details.

 

The eyeshadow palette has cardboard packing with magnetic closure and a mirror. On the back of the palette it says, “Darling, it wouldn’t be a party without you” in embossed gold lettering. It comes with a gold embossed slipcover, which explains the meaning of the shade names on the back.

 

While the packaging is adorable with the art deco design of a flapper on the inside of the lid of the highlighter palette, I would have preferred a mirror. The case is a sturdy plastic, I know some don’t care for plastic packaging but I actually prefer it because it protects the highlighters better. This comes in a gold embossed cardboard box.

 

Products

 

Golden Gatsby Eyeshadow Palette $28.00 USD

 

Shades:

Top Row

French 75: satin vanilla, Mary Pickford: satin peach, Highball: matte burnt orange, Old Fashioned: matte brown, Mint Julep:  matte moss

 

Bottom Row

Hotsy-Totsy: Pink foil with silver shimmer, Ritzy: 24k Gold foil, Sheba: Copper foil, Zozzled: Forest Green shimmer with gold flakes, Speakeasy: matte black



The foil shades are not nearly as sparkly as the ones in the promo picture

The matte and satin shades (French 75, Mary Pickford, Highball, Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, and Speakeasy) blend like a charm and are highly pigmented. They do have a bit of kick-up in the pan when lightly tapped with a brush. The shades Mary Pickford and Speakeasy seem to have more than the others do and I feel like I’ll go through those shades faster (especially Mary Pickford) because of the amount of kick-up they have.  After tapping off the excess, I still noticed quite a bit of fallout with Speakeasy.

 

Applied with finger over primer

The foil shades all perform a bit differently so I’m going to break them down individually.

 

Hotsy-Totsy and Ritzy are both extremely flaky and, while you can use your finger, I highly recommend that you wet your brush to achieve flake-free coverage.

You can see that the shade Sheba has flaked off in the pan

Sheba is still flakey but I would consider it a nice foil. While it can be used with a dry brush, to achieve a true foil look it’s best to use your finger or a wet brush. Zozzled is one of my favorite shades in the palette—I’m such a sucker for greens). While I wouldn’t consider it a full out foil, it is a nice shimmer with gold flakes. This one does deliver a nice color payoff when used with a dry brush although there’s a little more pop when applying with your finger or a wet brush.



From left to right: Shade: Ritzy applied over primer with a wet brush, applied over primer with finger, applied without primer with dry brush, applied without primer with finger

To get the best application these eyeshadows need to be applied over a concealer or eyeshadow primer. I tried several primers but I had the best color payoff and application when using NYX Proof It and Milani Eyeshadow Primer that I lightly set with a translucent setting powder. The brushes I used were Luxie brushes (Luxie 243 Precision blending, Luxie 231 Small Tapered Blending, Luxie 121 Mini Tapered, Luxie 245 Small Shader).

When using the foils, I do recommend wetting your brush. If you’ve never used eyeshadows wet before, here’s how I liked to do it. I pick up the eyeshadow on either a flat shader or concealer brush (my favorites are Luxie 245 small shader and F.A.R.A.H. 10F concealer), spray it once with the Hyrda Primer spray from Essence (any setting spray or hydrating spray will do), then apply to my eyelid. Before going back into my palette, I wipe my brush off on a towel then repeat the process.

I never go into my pans with a wet brush. Not only can it cause hardpan, it can cause mold and bacteria to grow in your eyeshadow pans. 

 

Golden Gatsby Old Money Highlighting Quad $28.00 USD

 

Shades:

Dough—Frosty White, Mazuma—Golden, Sugar—Champagne, Scratch—Pink Champagne

 

These are some of the most gorgeous and buttery highlighters that I’ve used and I have to say they are right up there with the same quality as Ofra’s highlighters.

 

All four of the shades in this quad have the same quality of color payoff and, when I put these on, I don’t have to worry about my highlighter disappearing throughout the day.

 

When swatched with my finger, they were a tad bit flaky but when I actually applied them with a brush, they went on smoothly. They do have a bit of kick-up in the pan both with a brush and from just sitting in my makeup drawer.

The kick up in this was just from sitting on the table waiting for me to photograph the highlighter.

Although all of the shades are lovely, I use Sugar, Scratch, or a mix of the two as my highlighter. Dough is nice for an inner corner highlight and Mazuma makes a lovely eyeshadow. If you prefer icy white or gold highlights, you’ll love Dough and Mazuma.

My overall impression: The Highlighter Quad is amazing. I’ve been reaching for this one over and over again since it arrived. Very nice quality that lasts all day. I highly recommend adding this one to your collection.

 

The Eyeshadow Palette was nice but it takes some work. The mattes and the satins glide on and blend effortlessly. The foils need to be applied wet for any color payoff or staying power. Considering this is a $28 palette, I was expecting more from the foils. I’ve had palettes that have cost less and their foils have performed better. With that being said, I do think this is a nice palette and I’ve received several compliments on my eyeshadow while wearing it.

I use Essence Primer + Studio HD Hydra Primer Spray to wet my brushes when I applied the foil shades. Not only is it hydrating for my eyelids, it keeps the foil shadows from looking like they’re dried out.

Product Review: Janlynn Peejay Sock Monkey Kit

Easy to make, the completed soft toy will be an adorable addition to your kid's toy collection. Simply follow the easy-to-understand instructions included in this sewing kit to bring your very own creation to life. It's a great gift for Christmas or other occasions, and you also have the option to adopt the cute toy!

Brand: Janlynn

Source: Janlynn review program

Price: Depending on the store, it ranges from $12.99-$19.99

Here’s what the kit includes: two socks, buttons, cotton floss & felt, flannel, pom-pom, embroidery needle, fabric, and pattern/ instructions.

Here’s what you need to add: thread and fiberfill.

Time to complete: about 1-2 hours (depending on if you use a sewing machine)

I was a little surprised when this sock monkey kit showed up in my mailbox for review. It’s a bit out of the norm of what I normally review but I thought why not give it a go.

 

So, I’ve never made a sock monkey before and I had no idea how to go about making one, but the instructions were clear and very easy to follow, Basically, you cut out the patterns then trace them onto the socks, cut them out, sew them together, stuff, and assemble. The kit provides the pattern for the monkey, the clothing (the clothing for this kit was a night hat and slippers), and a little bear.

 

Since the patterns were relatively small, I sewed them together by hand using a straight stitch and it took a little over an hour. I used a whipstitch to put the parts together and that took about thirty minutes. I could have cut the time in half by using my sewing machine, I was just too lazy to get it out of the closet.

 

Unfortunately, this is not a complete kit. You will need to buy thread and fiberfill to go along with it—so, if you don’t have the items on hand, you’ll be spending an extra $5-$10 depending on what type of fiberfill you use. I used a standard fiberfill stuffing that I had in my craft closet.

 

Rather than making the dress items from the pattern that was included, I used a piece of black felt and some cotton fabric that I found in my fabric scraps and turned him into a pirate to jazz him up a bit. I didn’t have a pattern for the pants or the vest, I just sort of winged it. For the hat, I just sketched out a pattern on light cardstock, then covered the brim with felt and stitch the pieces together.

 

Overall, this was an easy project. Probably not something I would have bought for myself because I’ve never really had the urge to make a sock monkey before this kit arrived although it would make a good gift, just remember to buy the thread and the fiberfill to go along with it.

 

 

What’s your craft of choice?

 

 

   

Something to Stitch About: Dimensions Life is Sweet Apron - Stamped Cross Stitch

This one was super easy (I finished it in just a few days), super fun, and super cute. After finally finishing the challenging Wolf Mum and her Pups, I wanted something easy.  This one was a stamped cross-stitch so I really didn’t have to think much about it, I just had to follow the inked outlines (the outlines do wash away after you’ve finished the project).

 

The material for the apron is a nice, sturdy cotton that holds up well. My only complaint with the apron itself, is that instead of the neck strap tying, it’s just a sewn on loop and I always have to end up tying a knot on it because it’s way too big.

 

The pattern itself was so easy to follow and the stitches on the key actually matched the amount of stitches on the project, so I didn’t have to worry about figuring out how to add or take away stitches.

 

For the most part, I liked the color scheme. The yellows and the cream used in the icing of the first cupcake seemed too similar, so it doesn’t really show that there are three different colors in it. I ended up switching out the colors of the lettering and the type of stitching used. Rather than the blue and brown the pattern called for, I used blue and red. I also decided to fill in the letters rather than just outlining them.

 

Overall, I’m really satisfied with how the apron turned out. It’s a nice bit of whimsy and everyone loves a cupcake!

Challenge Met: Something to Stitch About

Something to Stitch About is a personal goal I set to motivate me to atually do the stitching projects I buy. To learn more about this challenge or to see my goals and progress, check out this post.

 

Are you crafty?

What’s your craft of choice?

 

Special Effects Velvet Texture Nail Color by Sally Hansen

Brand: Sally Hansen

Collection: Fabric-Inspired Special Effects Velvet Texture

Shade: 670 Lavish    

Source: Sally Beauty Box

What it states: No messy or loose powder necessary to create the lush velvet-like finish you've always wanted. Sally Hansen brings you Velvet Texture in a bottle--just two coats of Sally Hansen Special Effects Velvet Texture Nail Color are all you need for a sophisticated look.

•Plush, velvet look

•Easy to apply

•Eight stylish shades

Have I used this product before? No

Price: Ranges between $5.99-$9.99

Availability: Very limited. Finding this at local shops was pretty much hit and miss and when I was able to find it, the color choices was limited to two or three colors.



My Thoughts: My first thought when I spotted this in my Sally Beauty Box was that I loved the color, so I was really impressed when it stayed true to the color after it dried.

 

When I first applied the polish, I followed the directions: 1. Shake gently. 2. Apply one coat. Allow to dry completely. 3. Apply 2nd thin coat. The textured appeared after the first coat dried but when I applied the second thin coat it gave the polish a glossy appearance. I removed the polish and started again. This time I applied a heavy first coat, forgot the second, and found that I really liked the texture of it.

 

I wouldn’t actually call the texture ‘velvet’. It’s more of an extra-matte texture. The polish isn’t heavy on my nails, but if you’re not used to wearing matte polishes, it could take some time to get used to.  

 

My only problem with this polish was the fact it doesn’t really have staying power. Two days tops then it starts chipping.

 

Would I buy it? Even though it doesn’t last long, I really like the color so yes, I would buy it. I would also like to try the black.

 

 

Have you tried the velvet or the matte nail polishes?