Wreck This Journal

It has finally arrived! My copy of Wreck This Journal made it's way to my house today. Check out this post to learn a little bit about WTJ and this post to see a sneak peek of my other book (Mess) by Keri Smith! Here are the sneak peek photos of Wreck This Journal! I will be posting about it again once I finish some pages! This is a small sampling of the many pages in this book. Some are pretty basic and fun and some are kind of wacky! I'm not even showing the best ones. lol You'd have to buy it and see for yourself. :) I'll be also be back soon with more pages from my Smash Book. I've been quite busy with it!

Freeman Charcoal & Black Sugar Mask

This is another review of a Freeman Beauty mask! I've also posted about the Freeman Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask and the Queen Helene's Mint Julep Clay Masque. Check them out too! This is the Charcoal & Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask. I've only ever used clay masks before, so I thought this could be a bit interesting! The big tube (6 oz) is priced at only $3.99 and the smaller packages (.5 oz) were $1.37 each at Walmart, but $1.99 on their website. And again, I have combination dry/oily skin which can be slightly sensative since I am fair skinned. :)

On the package: Polution…debris…it's a wonder skin can breathe! This unique mask and scrub works double time to detox skin. First, naturally purifying Activated Charcoal helps absorb oil and impurities without over-drying. The, Black Sugar helps exfoliate away dulling skin cells for softness and clarity. Perfect for all skin types.

Directions: Apply mask to face and neck, avoiding contact with eyes. Leave on for 5 to 7 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Gently massage for 1 to 2 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Unlike with my clay masks that I use a brush to apply, I used my hands for this one. It was kind of difficult to spread around since obviously the texture isn't smooth, but grainy from the sugar! lol The smell was quite nice though. As you can see in the pictures below, it goes on quite chunky. Also unlike the clay masks I've used, you only leave this one on 5 to 7 minutes instead of the 15 to 20 minutes. You can see that under the mask my skin is a bit red... that is because this mask heated up my skin! I wasn't really expecting, but it wasn't unbearable. If you have really sensitive skin, this might not be for you. I can have sensitivity to some skin care products being a strawberry blonde with fairer skin. It was a little uncomfortable, but I waited it out and I liked the results I got in the end. :)

In these next pictures you can see what happens after you massage the sugar scrub for a couple minutes. I added a bit of water to my hands to make it easier to move the scrub around since it had dried a bit. Then I removed the mask with warm water over my sink. Once I rinsed, I was very happy. lol My skin felt so soft and clean! I didn't even have to put on moisturizer like I usually do with the clay masks. I felt the wonderful effects for days and I'll be glad to do this one again!

If you ever feel like your skin needs a deep clean and you don't mind a mask that heats up, this could be a great and very cheap option for you. I think it was a pretty interesting, but good experience for my first non-clay mask! My next mask is a paper one which I have never tried before either. lol That should be interesting too. After that, I think I will make a trip back to Walmart so I can try a few more. :)

Mess: The Manual of Accidents and Mistakes

I am still waiting on Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith, but I did receive my copy of Mess recently! I thought I would show a few pages first so people can get a feel for the book. Many of the prompts inside could definitely push people to do things out of the box! This is just a tiny handful of the things the book asks you to do. There are probably around 100 prompts here. Check out my first post about the books to learn more about them! :) Once I complete a few pages, I'll be back with more pictures!

My Smash Book! [1]

I have had a Smash Book laying around for months! Tonight, I finally decided to do a couple pages in it! Along with this Smash Book, I will be doing pages in Mess and also Wreck This Journal (when it arrives). I am hoping that I can get my creative juices flowing again. I've been feeling brain dead this winter. If you aren't familiar with Smash Books, here is a short video made by K&Company that might help you better understand what they are for. Smash Books can be homemade in any type of book, but K&Company has a brand called SMASH that produces "Folios" in different themes as well as many different kinds of fun accessories to decorate your book. :)

The book that I decided on is called the Pretty Pink SMASH Folio! The design on the cover is what first caught my eye. I love the pages inside! They are very vintage looking, and that speaks to me! lol I've seen some great ideas on Pinterest for adding some color to the flowers on the cover. Just search "smash book" on Pinterest and you will find some great inspiration and examples.

The first two pages I did are covered in... bunnies! I have a deep love for all things rabbit. I have rabbit plushies, books, ornaments, artwork, and figures of various materials all over my bedroom and all kinds of pet rabbits outside. :) For these pages, I cut illustrations out of books that I bought on a few different trips to Salvation Army. I had the little purple inspirational card for many, many years. I drew the silhouette of a rabbit on a miniature canvas pennant. I also had some rabbit sticky "flags" that I bought on ebay last year. I used some fancy mini tape with buttons on it... I even had a bunny shaped paper punch! There is a silver brad in the top left corner of the first page. At the bottom of that page is a picture of a cute lop bunny from the package of an Easter candy bar. I save some odd things... but at least now I can "smash" them!

I think I did pretty well for my first smash session! Really, there isn't a right or a wrong with these kind of projects. That's the best part. You make your book however you want. It will reflect your own personality and creativity. :) As I do more pages I will update here on the blog! I will also be doing pages from Mess and Wreck This Journal like I mentioned before. Thanks for checking out my new pages! See you again soon!

JC Penney Haul

I got a $50 gift card for JC Penney for Christmas and decided to order some things online since the trip to the store turned up fruitless! As usual, I try to look through only the items on sale! lol I ended up finding 3 tops and praying that they would fit when they got here! Here they are! AND THEY FIT. I'm happy with my purchases and I'm grateful that I won't need to return anything!

MNG by Mango® Tokyo Kitty Screen Tee

Orig. $17 - Sale $11.99

What an adorable kitty! Everybody needs a cat shirt! It's so cute and SOFT. This top is also available with a tiger (light teal) or with a pair of zebras (pink/washed out red).

Joe Fresh™ Lace Top

Orig. $19 - Sale $12.99

I really adore lace. :) They look cute with a bright colored cami underneath for a pretty pop of color. I usually have trouble finding lace tops that... fit over the "girls"... if ya know what I mean. lol Lace isn't exactly a stretchy material. This top is thicker lace and seems of great quality. I'm glad the shirt ran true to size and will accommodate my ladies. lol This top is also available in a light purple!

Susan Lawrence Sheer-Yoke Short-Sleeve Top

Orig. $30 - Sale $14.99 

This top is really soft too! I love the shear part around the neck. The only issue was that the arms were a little tight! So It might not work for all chubby armed people. lol I am a size 16/18 and this was the XL. I will just deal with it and continue to try to lose some more weight and work out these arms! If I would have gone a size up, I think the rest of the top would have looked a little tent-like. lol

Wreck This Journal... and more!

Happy New Year! I wish I could say that mine has started off well, but I can't. lol We won't get into that though! It's time to be joyful! So, since I was in the top 20 for a certain badge on Influenster, I was rewarded with $10 to use on Amazon! I love to buy books on Amazon and I recently chose three and put my $10 towards the total.

The first two sparked my interest long ago, but I didn't have money at the time... so I sadly forgot about them. Recently I watched a video by one of my favorite YouTubers and she purchased one so I was yet again reminded of these fun books! I can't wait for them to arrive! If you read the description of the first book, you'll have a better understanding of what the journals are. :) The last book is actually more for my 4-H rabbit kids. I am always collecting rabbit books. lol The titles are links to Amazon so you can look inside and purchase. Check peoples journals on Pinterest, YouTube and Tumblr too! Once I get the journals and start using them, I will update the blog with my progress. :)

Wreck This Journal (Black) Expanded Edition by Keri Smith

For anyone who's ever had trouble starting, keeping, or finishing a journal or sketchbook comes this expanded edition of Wreck This Journal, an illustrated book that features a subversive collection of prompts, asking readers to muster up their best mistake and mess-making abilities and to fill the pages of the book (or destroy them). Through a series of creatively and quirkily illustrated prompts, acclaimed artist Keri Smith encourages journalers to engage in "destructive" acts--poking holes through pages, adding photos and defacing them, painting pages with coffee, coloring outside the lines, and more--in order to experience the true creative process. With Smith's unique sensibility, readers are introduced to a new way of art and journal making, discovering novel ways to escape the fear of the blank page and fully engage in the creative process.

This journal also comes in red, duct tape and paper bag pattens!

Mess: The Manual of Accidents and Mistakes by Keri Smith

Your whole life you've been taught to avoid making a mess: Try to keep everything under control, color inside the lines, make it perfect, and at all costs, avoid contact with things that stain.

This book asks you to do the opposite of what you have been taught. Think of it as your own personal rumpus room. A place to let loose, to trash, to spew, to do the things you are not allowed to do in the "real world." It's time to make a mess.

The only three rules you'll find in this book:
1. Do not try to make something beautiful.
2. Do not think too much. (There is no "wrong.")
3. Continue under all circumstances.

 Rabbit Book: A Guide to Raising and Showing Rabbits

by Samantha Johnson

This invaluable resource contains everything you need to know about selecting and caring for healthy rabbits, whether you keep pet bunnies or exhibit animals as National FFA Organization or 4-H youth projects. Advice on feeding, housing, and much more will help you set up your own rabbitry. Learn about maintaining clean hutches and nest boxes, breeding trios and raising kits, and diagnosing and treating health problems. The Rabbit Book gathers information about showing many different kinds of rabbits at fairs and events, including fancy, Angora, and commercial meat breeds. Beautifully illustrated with color photography, this guidebook covers everything you need to know to succeed.

Nov/Dec - What I Read

I didn't read much these last two months, so I thought I would just make one post for them. :)

There are links to Good Reads so you can learn more about the books and see reviews!

• Bitter Melon by Cara Chow

I don't think I've ever read a book quite like this.... but I finished it in a few days. Bitter Melon is about Frances, a Chinease-American high school student that lives in San Francisco. Her mother is forever telling her that she must be obedient to her and get straight A's, go to a certain college and become a doctor. There is no time for fun. Her mother seems almost insane the way she tries to control everything that Frances does. One day, Frances starts to question this way of life and she starts to consider her own feelings. I really enjoyed the book and it was a great, quick read for me. :)

• Bloodline by Kate Cary

I haven't touched a new vampire story in a while. I don't think it's everyone's cup of tea though, but I quite liked this one and it didn't end at all like I thought. Bloodline is set up as journal entries. The main characters are John Shaw, who is a young Lieutenant in World War I and Mary Seward, the young nurse who cares for him when he is brought into the hospital. So as the story begins, John is having terrible nightmares about his commander (Quincey Harker) that are gruesome and seem impossible. He blames them on "trench fever". Sure, the man is fierce, a bit cruel and a little strange... but... a blood sucking demon? Eh? Soon, Harker comes to town in hopes to woo John's younger sister, Lily. That's when John realizes he needs to face the facts and try to figure out what is really going on. As the story unfolds, John discovers that Harker is trying to preserve Dracula's bloodline... uh oh! So John and Mary go off in hopes to stop Harker from marrying Lily and preserving the bloodline. There's many more little twists in there... some that surprisingly caught me off guard. lol I'll admit that some parts were a tiny bit cheesy, but I don't mind. I love a bit of history and a dash of blood sucking demons.

• Through a Dog's Ear by Joshua Leeds & Susan Wagner

This book is by psychoacoustic expert Joshua Leeds and veterinary neurologist Susan Wagner. The idea that sound effects us isn't new by any means, but this book is meant to show that sound can be turned into a tool to overcome separation anxiety, thunderstorm panic, and other behavior challenges in dogs. It even comes with a CD with the music they talk about throughout the book. They have a website where you can find other books for more specific challenges and even one for cats! There are also free, short music downloads. The books talks about the research they've done and personal experiences where they have used certain music to improve the lives of animals. They say surrounding your canine with great sounds can help them live longer, happier and healthier lives. I play the music to wind the dogs down and to help soothe my very anxious cat. They all scoot closer to the sounds and usually fall asleep. So peaceful.

• Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

As this one is in a series, it's harder to talk about. You'd have to read the first two books in the Caster Chronicles, which are Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness! :) I actually picked this one up months ago, got into the first few chapters, became bored and put it down. After I picked it up again, I got through it much easier. It is a bit slow at some points, a little warning there. I've been in love with Ethan Wate since the beginning. He is a sweet little southern gentleman with a bit of sass. Lots of characters in this book. Lots of them from the previous books, but you get to know them much better. I liked that about this book. The end of this book kind of broke my little heart, but I have hopes that it will be coddled and bandaged in the next. I had a feeling what came was coming, but it still hurt nonetheless. lol

First Trip to Ulta!

I recieved a giftcard for Ulta this Christmas! It was just set up here this summer. The funny/sad part is that I spent it on "drugstore" brand makeup! I thought to myself, "Do I spend all $40 on one makeup palette? Or do I buy a few things that I know I need?"

 Knowing that I had absolutely no money at the moment to take my booty over to Walmart, I decided to spend this "free" money on some things I knew I needed right now. It's hard for me to justify spending so much on a eyeshadow palette or something, when I know I can find a product just as good or sometimes better for half the price or cheaper. I couldn't let myself do it! lol I did enjoy checking out the store though! It was like a fantastic dream! They are always having sales and sending out coupons in their ads that come in the newspaper... I'm sure I will be back soon. There is a few dollars left on my card! ;) 

Here are the three things that I picked up while exploring the store. I'll probably be back to give better reviews after using everything. :)

1. Real Techniques: Core Collection Brush Set - $17.99

Check them out, here!

Great looks start with a flawless base. Create a perfect canvas with this collection of coverage essentials by Real Techniques.

• Includes 4 full-size brushes + case:
• Detailer brush: precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition
• Pointed foundation brush: use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage
• Buffing brush: ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation
• Contour brush: delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish
• Panoramic brush case is a 2-in-1 case + stand
• Look pixel-perfect even in harsh light
• Ultra-plush, synthetic taklon bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free
• Extended aluminum handles are light and easy to use

2. Rimmel London: Fix & Perfect Pro Primer - $7.99

Check it out, here!

Skin perfecting primer for 5-in-1 results: smoothes, resurfaces, brightens, matifies and protects. Prolongs foundation wear.

• Foundation glides on more smoothly, more evenly and wears longer. Or wear alone for an all-day fresh and even complexion.
• Smoothes to minimize pores
• Resurfaces for an even complexion
• Brightens skin all day
• Mattifies and eliminates shine
• Protects skin from environmental aggressors

3. Maybelline: Dream Smooth Mousse - $8.99

Check it out, here!

Revolutionary whipped formula provides an air-soft, perfect matte finish coverage, with a weightless feel. Color pigments offer superior coverage. Blends effortlessly for a soft, natural-looking, even-toned result.

• Unique cream-whipped foundation provides 100% baby-smooth perfection
• Skin looks and feels hydrated for 14 hours – never rough or dry
• Ideal for normal to dry skin types
• Oil-free, fragrance-free, Dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, non-comedogenic – won’t clog pores, safe for sensitive skin