Sunday, June 30, 2013

The Beauty Box Swap

A few months ago I got talking with this very lovely girl and fellow blogger, Molly (check out her blog here) and after a few days of normal chit chat we decided to do what is known as a 'Beauty Box Swap' where two people buy beauty products for a set sum and send them to the other person. We decided to go for a budget of £50 where 1 product would be a high-end one. I sent Molly's package just before I left on holiday (see what was in it here) and found her's waiting for me once I got back home. I have been waiting to do a post about what I got as I thought I'd do mini reviews of the products as well, but I realised that I couldn't wait any longer and just had to share her gorgeous selection with you all. REviews of some of the products will be up soon though! Anyway here  it comes!





+ a Burt's Bees Mango Lip Balm that I love so much it's already moved into my handbag (explains why it's not in the pictures)

As you can see I got a hella' lot of things and they're all brilliant if I say so myself. The Cream Blush and Mascara are already practically part of my everyday routine and so are the three Soap and Glory products (gotta love S&G right? Smells like sugar and sweets!). I haven't gotten around to trying the small testers nor the wipes but I am sure I will love them all, especially the Dr Weil + Origins Serum as i know Molly raves about it :) And last but not least, the tea is divine! I am a tea and coffee person to the fullest and the flavours she chose (Strawberry & Kiwi and Blackberry & Elderflower) are honestly some of the best tasting teas I've tried :) I just want to say a massive THANK YOU to Molly - you chose some great products! You should all check out her blog, she does some great reviews and beauty posts in general! 



Other than that I would just like to remind you all that Google Friend Connect is shutting down today so it is your last chance to move all your followers over to Bloglovin' something your can do very easily here. And I would love it if you'd like to follow me over there, that way you'll never miss a post! 
My link is here. 

Lots of Love,
Em



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Friday, June 28, 2013

What's In My Bag?


Before I went on vacation a few weeks ago I realised I had no appropriate travel bag. Don't get me wrong, I have enough bags, but they're all of smaller sizes, I don't really go for the big sized ones so I decided to venture out on a little "big-bag" mission. I came back with a massive, spacious beauty that didn't hurt my bank account much at all. For £25 I got this black tote (p)leather - good quality and very sturdy - bag from H&M. They don't have this exact one online, but they do have a similar one here.

MoneySuperMarket is currently doing a competition where you show people what's in your bag and they will reward one lucky winner with a Mulberry bag, purse and phone case, and I mean, who doesn't want to have the chance of winning that. Therefore I am today sharing the contents of my Travel Bag with you. I figured a travel edition was a bit more appropriate around these times as everyone seems to be going somewhere. And also, my everyday contents aren't all that interesting if I'm honest. So let's get on with it!

Oh, and one more thing, the contest also asks you to see how much your bag's content is worth, therefore I will include all the prizes :)





Oh wow. I know I have a computer and a phone in there but still, carrying around something with a value of over £1700 is kind of crazy... Although if I were to remove the two (phone and computer) the rest would only end up at about £145,5 which I guess isn't too bad. Then again when am I ever without my phone? And when I travel I usually bring my laptop (that's what you get for having a blog... ;)) so yeah... MoneySupermarket's competition said to show what you carry with you on a daily basis and although I don't always carry all of this with me - I did bring more or less the same things to school and if my job wasn't being a waitress I suspect that I'd bring something like this to work as well so I guess these are my essentials that I can't go "anywhere" without :)

I hope you enjoyed peeking into my bag! If you want to enter the competition you can read all about it here and if you have a "what's in my bag" post or video then please leave a link in the comments as I would love to see what your essentials are! 

Lots of love,
Em




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Thursday, June 27, 2013

The Skin Saver



I'm sorry - I've been completely MIA lately, and I don't even have a good excuse for it. I've had enough time, and I even have several posts all ready to go up - so I don't know what my problem has been.. Anyway, I shall try not to forget the fact that I have a blog to update from now on. Deal?

So over to today's post - You see I've had my mind blown away by yet another product. Although this time it was completely unexpected and unintentional. Usually I hear the rave and give in only to realise that yes, the product is good or that there must be something severely wrong with me for hating something that everyone else seems to love (Benefit's They're Real, I'm looking at you..) The story with this was different. I was at my local beauty department store picking up a few things I needed when I was given a few testers as I paid. The testers you may wonder, were of a new cleansing series from Kanebo Sensai. My initial thought when I saw the label was ' Ouch. Why did I have to fall in love with one of the world's most expensive cosmetics brands?' Luckily I came to my senses and realised that I was thinking about Shiseido and that that was the brand that would have killed me with its pries.The two products I have tried are actually priced fairly reasonable...if you compare them to other high end skincare products. 

Once my teeny tiny testers were about to run out (after over 2 weeks daily use - I was shocked by how long they lasted!) I decided to purchase the full size version of the cleanser at the duty free on my way back from Colombia. When I got the testers I received a make-up remover and a cleansing soap. Kanebo Sensai Silky Purifying Cleansing Milk and Kanebo Sensai Silky Purifying Creamy Soap. The latter has proven to be revolutionary good leaving me with better looking skin than I've had in ages. It feels and looks smooth, I haven't had any big break-outs since, only the occasional mini spots, but they've all disappeared in about a day or so. I feel like £34 was a well worth it price to pay for nice skin, and the more I think about it the more I want to get the make-up remover too.. whops.

If you ever come across these beauties at a counter or a shop, then do ask for a sample as they might blow your mind too :) And for reference I have normal to combination skin and the products are said to be for dry to combination skin.

Also just want to say thank you to everyone who has been following me lately - I really appreciate it! And if you don't follow me already you can click here to get to my Bloglovin' and you won't miss a post :)

Lots of Love,
Em


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Saturday, June 22, 2013

The Collection

I got a request from Becky over at Beauty and the B to do a post on my make-up collection so today that is exactly what I am going to do. I won't include my brushes as they are all in the need for some cleaning after travelling (haven't gotten around to that yet..whops). I know some of you might think my collection is small while others might think it is big however, just a quick disclaimer; I am not trying to brag or show off - I am simply sharing how I store my make-up and giving a quick overview of what I have. Everything has been bought by me or has been given to me as gifts from family/friends so there is no sponsoring or advertising laying behind this what so ever. Now, enough of the seriousness and over to the fun part! I apologise in advance for the large number of pictures... Some are quite self explanatory and for those I won't add much info but for others I will give you a quick run-down of what they are/show. Enjoy.



Mascara's include: Dior Iconic Overcurl, Maybeline The Rocket, Clinique High Impact Curling, Clinique Bottom Lash and L'oréal Telescopic & Wings
My eyelash curlers are both by MAC

Concealers: Revlon Eye Primer and Brightener, Maybeline Dream Lumi Touch, Maybeline Fit Me

Some of the Eyeliners: Rimmel Scandaleyes Nude, Rimmel Exaggerate Eye Khol Noir, MAC Teddy, Maybeline Master Drama Eye Khol Liner Dark Brown & Deep Purple, Various E.L.F liners


 Lip Stains & Balms: Revlon Kissable Balm & Lip Stains Flame - Rendezvous - Crush, Rimmel Apocalips Stellar, TopShop Lip Paint Yeah Right.

Lip Liners and Glosses: MAC liner Cherry, Make-up Store Liner Very Berry, E.L.F Lip Liners Rose - Peachy, Maybeline NYC glosses,  MAC Over Indulgence

Lipsticks: (top left) Lancome Rouge In Love 170N, Bourjois Rouge Edition Rouge Buzz, Maybeline Coloursensational Feel Pink, E.L.F Party Pink
 MAC Rebel, Revlon Lip Butters Candy Apple - Tutti Frutti - Sweet Tart
MAC Watch Me Simmer - Costa Chic - Ravishing -  Patisserie

Current Foundation: MAC Face and Body

Mini Palettes: Dior Grège, Benefit BrowZings, TopShop Cream Highligter Kick Start, MAC Personalised Quad (Omega, Cranberry, Espresso, All That Glitters), Sleek Contour Kit Medium



 Concealers: MAC Studio Sculpt & Studio Finish, Collection Lasting Perfection, Smashbox HD , Bare Minerals

Foundations & Bases: Bare Minerals Matte, Chanel Vitalumière, Rimmel Wake Me Up, Revlon Nearly Naked, L'orèal Nude Magique BB Cream, Clinique Even Better

Blushers, Powders & Bronzers: MAC MSF Medium Deep, MAC Studio Fix  NW20, Nars Trio (Laguna, OrgasmAlbatross), Bourjois Cream Blush 02, Make-Up Store High Tech Lighter Sundust, Smashbox Hydrating Perfecting Powder Halo To Go, MAC Blush Fleet Fast, Revlon Cream Blush  Pinched, E.L.F Blush Tickled Pink, Peachy Keen, Maybeline ExpertWear Blush Golden Bronze, Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Original Chocolate, TopShop Highlighter Crecent Moon

 Eyeshadows: MAC Naked Lunch, Woodwinked, Cork, Soba, Humid, Make-Up Store Glitters Virgio, Luna, Isadora Mineral Eyeshadow Golden Brass, E.L.F Eyeshadows Saddle, Mystic Moss, Rasberry Truffle, Dior Incognito, Almay Trio For Hazels, Isadora Silvery Grey

Eye Bases & Gel Liners: MAC Paint Pot  Indianwood, L'orèal Gel Intenza Liner Violet Black, MAybeline Colour Tattoo Permanent Taupe, On and On Bronze


I hope this post didn't get too long and too boring. If you've done a post or a video on your collection  then  leave a link in the comments and I would love to check it out! I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!

Lots of Love,
Em


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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

MAC oh MAC


Naughty, Naughty...

Ahh, there really is nowhere like home, or at least nowhere like my own bed. I am currently back in Norway and it feels good to know that I have a while to just relax, work a little and enjoy the summer before I head off to the rest of my summer plans. I might love travelling but I do love to staay at home a bit too :) Anyway, whilst I was in Colombia I headed over to the highly beloved MAC store I used to go to, just to take advantage of the better prizes and large selection (compared to the tiny counter we have here in my hometown). Although they didn't have the #1 thing on my list which is the lipstick Show Orchid ( on my wish list thanks to Becky over at Beauty and the B) I managed to leave the place with a few new products in my possession. Show Orchid is still on my list and I will venture out on an adventure like dora the explorer in order to get my hands on it, but apart from that my MAC cravings are settled...for now at least. Oh and sorry for the countless hauls now a days.. I promise this is the last one in a while, unless I do a clothing haul from Colombia as well in that case that will be the last one :) 

From Top: Eye Khol (teddy), Face and Body foundation (N2), Eyeshadows (Woodwinked -Top and Cork - Bottom), Cleanse Off Oil 





On Top: Face and Body in N2
Bottom Left: Teddy Eye Khol, Cork Eyeshadow, Woodwinked Eyeshadow.

Now let's just face the fact that what I said earlier was one big lie. What beauty girl can ever stop her MAC cravings? Not me at least. Satin Taupe, Charcoal Brown, Honey Lust oh the list of eyeshadows I wish I owned is endless, as is the list of lipsticks, paint pots and just all things MAC. If anyone ever feel like giving me a lifetime worth of MAC products don't hesitate to get in touch! Haha, oh I wish.

What is your favourite MAC product? Or if you don't own any, what is your favourite make-up brand?


Lots of love,
Em


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Sunday, June 16, 2013

The Heroic City

..or as it is also called Cartagena de Indias. A city with an incredible history and a population that will open their arms to you and greet you with happiness.

I am currently nibbling away on a toast and some pineapple, about to get ready to head to the airport. After 4 days here I remember what made me love this place the first time I came here, almost two years ago. Instead of rambling on about historical details and how much I love the food and the people (but really, the food is incredible - especially at 'le Bistro', and the people are very nice) I figured the best way to share the love is with some pictures. So here you go.












If you're ever in the area... stop by Cartagena - It'll be worth it :)

Lots of love,
Em



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 PS: I can't promise that I'll blog for the next few days as I am going back to Bogotá today and then back to Norway tomorrow night, but we'll see, maybe I'll stop by.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

All White and Goddess-Like

Hello lovelies! First of all, I have now selected the winners for my giveaway (by random of course) and they are Molly, Megan and Hanna! Congratulations to the three of you! Second of all, I am now in Cartagena - a beautiful city (well the old part of the town is at least) at the coast of Colombia. The weather here is very humid and very, very warm. I'm talking 35 degrees ++++. Anyways being here has made me forget my blog a bit - as I always do on holiday, but I am taking pictures and filming a bit all the time so a big - ass post on the whole of my holiday will be up once I get home. 

Okay, enough rambling. The other night we went out to eat at a very lovely restaurant from which I ended up practically rolling home from because I ate so much. As a beauty-fashion gal I saw this as an opportunity to whack out my new, long, white Zara dress that I got the other day. I paired it whit my mint H&M bag, my new studded leather heels from Tennis (an incredible Colombian shop) and some bronzed-up eyes. Realised afterwards how greek goddess inspired it was but oh well, that's not the worst thing one can appear like eh? My mom snapped a few pictures of me before we left the hotel so you can judge for yourselves. And please excuse the awkward facial expressions...I won't have my mom take my pictures from now on, haha.




For the eyes I used the Maybeline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze (US name: Bad to the Bronze) as a base, swiped MAC's Woodwinked all over and added some of MAC's Cork through the crease. Then slid some of the Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eyeliner in Noir and added a bit of Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara  to my lashes. Voila, goddess - like golden eyes. On the lips I patted some of MAC's Costa Chic and for a bit of a glow I patted some of my creamy highlighter from TopShop across the tops of my cheekbones.



Now I'm off to distract my self from the insanely itchy mosquito bites that so stupidly have decided to appear on my legs...

Lots of Love,
Em


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Tuesday, June 11, 2013

A Little Beauty Haul



I went on a little shopping spree yesterday and picked up a few bits and bobs from the local drugstore/"colombian sephora".  I know I love to see what others buy so eve though I recently did one and probably will do a few more very soon, I figured I'd do one today as well, because a girl can never buy enough beauty products right?

Starting with the star of the haul, the Bioderma Micellaire cleanser has been on my wish list for quite some time now so when I saw it on the shelf I grabbed it before anyone had a chance to say "may I help you?" something they do every fifth second down here... Had my first try yesterday but I think I'll need to keep trying it before I say any big words about it.

Another product I've been eyeing is the Revlon Brow Fantasy which I have heard good things about from several bloggers and vloggers, especially MakeUpByTiffanyD. I got it in the shade dark blond but I think I could've got away with a brunette version. Haven't tried this yet, but a review will be up once I do!

Then I saw my little baby, the Hask Hair Argan Oil and well, I am now in possession of a fairly big stock of this life saver. I have one thing to say regarding this, and it is that it is the best and the cheapest hair oil I have ever tried. Double thumbs up.

Last but not least I had to get a new tub of the best leave-in deep hair treatment there is. The Orgnx EnRich hair mask saves my dry hair from being dry and leaves it nourished and healthy without being heavy or too silky soft.

 That was it for this haul, I have a clothes haul and a MAC haul coming up as well as another make-up post. Will try to get on with the OOTD's now that I am recovering form my long week of 'da flu'. Toodlepip!

Lots of Love
Em


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Sunday, June 09, 2013

The Event

I am finally starting to feel a bit better. Started taking antibiotics yesterday so I think they are starting to work already. Thank the lords. 

Anyways, on Thursday I struggled myself out of bed and went to my old school's graduation. I was supposed to graduate with them had it not been for the fact that well, I moved back to Norway and started a different school. Yesterday was prom but every inch of my body told me not to go so I figured I'd listen to it and stay in bed, which was a good decision I think. I just thought I would do a little post on my make-up + outfit for the night as it was a bit of an event.


I kept the eyes fairly simple and went for a grey/brown smokey eye based on the lovely shades in the Naked2 pallet by Urban Decay. I went for foxy all over the lids, taking it all the way up to the eyebrows with a large shader brush. Then, using a fluffy brush (something like MAC's 217 or Sigma's E25) I applied a mixture of suspect and verve on the outer 2/3's of the lid, leaving the inner corner free for some of the light and shimmery bootycall. Snakebite went in the outer corner as well as lightly through the crease taking it all the way in to the inner corner. To add a little bit of umhp to the look I took some of half baked and applied a teeny tiny bit of it to the centre of the eyelid. I traced snakebite along the lower lashline as well as lining my upper lashes with the pure black colour blackout. Last but not least, some mascara (Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara) and some false lashes. 

Then came the outfit. I opted for Black, White and Gold, with a Mint bag. The gold accessories were from BikBok and H&M, The mint bag also from H&M (and I am loving it), the dress from Silence + Noise via Urban Outfitters and the jacket from NafNaf. I ended up changing into my studded Zara leather jacket as I thought it made the outfit look more put - together, but other than that everything remained the same.




Let me know if you have any requests for posts you'd want me to do as I am always open to suggestions! And also, don't forget to enter my giveaway - you still have 3 days left to enter!
Click HERE to get to that post (it will open in a new tab)

I can reveal that some of the added goodies include MAC, Bioderma and Chinaglaze ;)


Lots of Love
Em


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Thursday, June 06, 2013

My Carry On Make-up Bag

Ok, let's do this. Considering the fact that I am still in bed feeling a bit under the weather my planned make-up look for today's post will have to wait until these puffy eyes clam down. Instead I bring to you the inside scoop on what I carry with me, make-up wise, when I travel and move around. Every girl has her essentials and these are mine!


 1. Compact spoolie and eyelash comb from No7. A lifesaver for clumpy lashes or bushy brows!

2. Bosca Green Tea Blotting Linens. Bought it at Sephora when I was in Orlando, and have loved it ever since - No more Oily T-zone!

3. Real Techniques Setting Brush. Perfect for a quick powder touch up of the T-zone.

4. Aqua Drop eye drops. As a contact lens wearer, this is a holy grail product for long days.

5. Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. I have very weak nails, but with this little baby I manage to keep them half decent and nurtured.

6. Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous for the days when I need a bit of 'umph' on my lips.

7. Rimmel Scandaleyes in Bulletproof Beige gives my eyes the pop of 'awake-ness' they need.

8. Maybeline Master Smokey Shadow Pencil. The quickest way to a smokey eye. Perfect for the Day-To - Night looks.

9.Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara. This works just as well on the bottom lashes as it does for touching up the top lashes. my little secret

10. Smashbox High Definition Concealer. It's not brain surgery, it's concealer...and it is needed.

11. MAC's Patisserie Lipstick. The perfect 'my lips but better' product. A lifesaver on stressful days.

12. Rimmel Stay Matte powder. The powder everyone raves about and loves - for good reason! Warm day? Long day? Busy day? This is your friend - don't loose it.

13. Carmex Lip Balm with cherry flavour and SPF 15. No one beats Carmex in my eyes. Moisture, lovely scent, sun protection and a hint of gloss.

14. Chanel Chance in my little Travalo! Perfume on-the-go for the girl who always forgets to spritz on some in the morning.

15. Bobby pins and hair ties are essential handbag/make-up bag essentials. You never know when you might need one :)

That's everything I keep in my 'to-go' make-up bag. Obviously it changes a bit but for now this is what I keep with me. What do you have in yours? I would love to know so let me know in the comments!

Lots of love,
Em


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Tuesday, June 04, 2013

Questions in the Corner

Finally I got around to making a few changes to my design, there is more to come, it just takes a little while to get it all the way I want it! Now over to the point! Yinyin over at yinyinloves was kind enought to nominate me for the Liebster Award. However I very recently did my "response" to one of these so instead of making another one I figured I would just go for answering the questions she gave me as I found them very good! So considering I am bed bound with a very horrible cold on vacation I decided to fire ahead with those questions right now.

Why do you enjoy blogging?
Because it gives me the opportunity to express myself and share my thoughts and opinions on beauty and fashion! I also love the fact that there is a whole community of us and how many lovely people I get to know!

Favourite clothing brand?
Ooh a tough one! At the moment I think it is a tie between H&M, Tennis (A colombian brand) and TopShop.. I am not one to opt for the higher end of clothing brands but if I were I think I would have an even harder time choosing a favourite...

Favourite fashion/beauty trend for summer?
 I am a sucker for the bright colours.

Where is your dream holiday destination?
It depends on the type of holiday, but my #1 place I want to travel to is Thailand (oh and India..and Australia..and - well you get where I'm going with this haha)

Best moment of 2013 so far?
Hmm, when it comes to remembering these kinds of things I have the memory of a goldfish, but I think it might be the day I finished my last exam and knew that two years of torture (International Baccalaureate) were over. Or maybe the Mumford and Son's concert I went to.. One of those.

Least liked make up item?
My Revlon Brow Gel. It is horrible but I just never get around to picking up a better one - it is such a boring product to spend money on don't you agree?

Top 3 songs this year (so far)?
These have not all been released this year, but I am loving them.
Everybody by Ingrid Michaelson
Young And Beautiful by Lana Del Rey
Laura Palmer by Bastille
(All of Bastille's songs are my favourites but atm this is on top)

 What are you looking forward to this summer?
There's no doubt here: T In The Park music festival in Scotland!! Gaahh, Can't Wait!

 What's your signature scent?
Chanel Chance, and it has been for 3 years :)

What TV series are you hooked on at the moment?
Hahaha, Molly at LyonsNotes will know this one as she was the one who got me hooked on it. Over the course of a little over a week I have completed all 4 seasons of The Vampire Diaries. Well, I have 3 episodes left but yeah..damn, that show is addictive. I also fell head over heels for Suits very recently.

Favourite pair of shoes?
A gorgeous pair of leather heels with little "bronze" studs on them. I bought them yesterday but they are already my favourites. An outfit post including them will be up later in the week :)


That was that, I will try to get a new post up tomorrow, but in the mean time, you can go and enter my giveaway HERE! I hope you are all doing well!

Lots of love
-Em


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Saturday, June 01, 2013

Colombia & A Little Haul

Oh, hello there. Long time no see! So, I am currently in Colombia, where I am staying for a little over 2 weeks, just to see some of my friends again and have some fun! I will try my best to get a decent number of posts up whilst I am there although due to the time difference the posting hours will be a bit off for you Europeans :) Just a heads up.
And I apologise for the lack of posts lately, I have been spending time with friends, enjoying the nice weather, working, preparing (packing...) for this trip, and travelling, so blogging has been a bit neglected. Oh, and the very lovely Molly over at LyonsNotes has gotten me completely hooked on The Vampire Diaries so an embarrassingly large number of hours has gone to watching that...heh.

Anyways, I thought I would share a little haul with you guys, seeing as I have picked up a few pieces these past weeks. It is all H&M as I love, love, love the summery pieces they have now! I also bought a couple bikinis + a few extra bit but did not get the chance to take pictures of it all before I left.


Some random bits. A slightly cropped top with an awesome monkey print on it (love this). A super cute floral, Hawaiian inspired headband, the Essie nail polish in Fifth Avenue and a plastic make-up bag with pink pelicans and a zipper - perfect for travelling so that you can get away from those awful zip-lock bags...

Ahh, this is a beauty. The embellished body-con dress from the Beyoncé collection. I fell head over heels for this dress and the crazy part is the price. £20 for a very good quality, amazing looking dress that will now be worn very proudly to my prom.   




I said it was small, but I felt like I had to put something up on this little blog of mine, and I have missed writing too, so it's been good to come back to it. I would have done an OOTD or a FOTD but the thing is that I am very jet-lagged and I think a post like that would do no one any good. So I kept it safe, but stay tuned because I have had a look in the shops today and well to put it this way, the chance for a big-ass haul to show up soon, is very big.

My giveaway is still open, and I keep adding little things to it although they will remain a surprise to the 3 people who will win. ENTER IT HERE. And another little note, I expect that the beauty swap package that I sent to Molly will arrive sometime during this week so keep an eye out on her blog for when she opens it! Her blog is HERE.

Now, enough with the links and random ramble, I am off to have a much needed power nap.


Lots of Love,
Em



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