Swatches and Stuff - April 2015 + GIVEAWAY!!!!

Hi friends,

I am back with another episode of Swatches & Stuff and what better time to celebrate Spring and Mother's Day but with a Giveaway! (Scroll down to the end of this post to enter the giveaway).

Here are the items I have reviewed for you for the Month of April 2015:

Swatches & Stuff - April 2015

You can watch the companion video here:





1. Yves Rocher Wrinkles & Lifting - V Shaping Line:




I have purchased the Day and Night creams as well as the Serum (pictured on left).

As mentioned in the video above, I am a big fan of Yves Rocher and have been for many many years. I am also affiliated with the brand in that I receive a small commission for purchases made through links provided in this blog - it is a small way of remaining afloat and supporting my blog and vlogs.
Over the years, I have purchased every line of skin care Yves Rocher makes - bar none. Some I thought were terrible, some I believe far surpass high end lines (e.g. the forever mentioned Elixir 7.9 Youth Intensifier). I am honest about the line and my affiliation to the brand does not alter my opinion. If it sucks, it sucks!

When Yves Rocher introduced this new line earlier this year, I had to give it a try and be able to provide you with another honest review, so here goes: I LOVE IT!

While the regular Serum Vegetal line (the red cap) was just Okay for me, this one is simply amazing. After one week (ONE WEEK) I am already seeing a difference in my skin. It feels more supple while being tighter. In fact, after the first night time application, I felt an immediate tightening of my skin and that felt good for the first try. The serum is used daily, morning and night. The day cream is thicker than the night cream. Both have the trademark scent you find in all Yves Rocher products in that it has this cut grass, hay and flower scent that is not overwhelming. Personally I like it and am so familiar with it that it is almost a comfort scent to me.
These products are made from 87% organic plants - the main ingredient being "Ice Plant" which is known for restoring skin's elasticity.
Products are made in Ireland and France.

This line is for mature skin (50 +) and while I am still in my mid 40's with combination to dry skin, I am very, very pleased with the results.
This line is also currently on sale at 46 % off on their site.
I recommend. A+.




2. Estee Lauder 'Pure Color' Powder Blush - Electric Pink:

'Pure Color' Powder Blush - Electric Pink

It is not like I needed yet another blush, especially after having completed a big makeup purge a few months ago. However, my Valentine's Day gift card needed being used! So really, what is a girl to do but to just go ahead and splurge on some high end makeup!

This is a fine powder - very compact (pressed) in a matte finish. While the packaging is gorgeous with the trademark Estee Lauder Gold, it is not smudge proof and a bit hard to open. That would be my only negative for this blush which is otherwise absolutely gorgeous. The color I picked (Electric Pink) is just the perfect shade of pink peony/rose for Spring. So elegant and so feminine. It looks fantastic on my fair skin tone, wears all day too!
I tell you, if I had all the money in the world and was to chose just one makeup brand - just one - I probably would splurge on everything Estee Lauder has to offer. Their makeup line simply does not cease to amaze me.
I am also recommending this one. A+.



3. Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Shine Lipstick in Passionate and Pink Dragon

Passionate

Pink Dragon

Tinted lip balms are by far my favorite form of lip color. They provide just the right hint of color while maintaining appropriate level of moisture throughout the day. They are also easy to reapply, without a mirror, when I am on the go.
There is nothing bad to say about these two lip shines aside from the lack of color swatch sticker at the end of the tubes.
The packaging is adorable and magnetized so that the tubes do not accidentally open when tossed in a purse (things like that matter when you are a messy person like me). The two colors, though similar in that they have blue undertone, are a perfect compliment to one another as a transition from day (Pink Dragon) to evening (Passionate).
I do not know what it is about my rediscovering the Estee Lauder brand lately, but I am yet to be disappointed. Want to splurge a bit? Get these two, or maybe just one, but try them. I love them both! A+.




4. N.Y.C. City Proof 24 Hr Eye Shadow in Purple

City Proof 24 Hr Eye Shadow in pruple

Totally unnecessary purchase on my part as I certainly do not need another purple shadow. Anyway, this is cheap and you pretty much get what you pay for.
While this is a super large (jumbo) pencil that will cover a good part of your lid in one swipe, it is not all that easy to apply. I would expect the tip to somewhat melt a bit on contact with warm skin but it does not. It does provide a nice shade of dark lavender/pale orchid in metallic hue after several passes and I am currently using it as an eye liner.
I simply was not wowed with this jumbo pencil and am nit running to the store to get different shades.
That being said, it does last all day as per the 24 HR claim. So if you are going to work and just need a quick makeup fix in the morning, this might do it for you. I am just not a big fan of jumbo pencils and would much rather play around with brushes. C+.







5.CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Fuchsia Flame

Stay Brilliant in Fuchsia Flame

I am really starting to be quite impressed with Covergirl Outlast Nail Polish collection. These little gems dry fast, stay on for a good while, are easy to apply and are just the right kind of fluid that they are neither goopy nor runny.
This shade, Fuschia Flame, is relatively new and though it looks more like a Fall color to me, it is actually very wearable in the Spring. Looks gorgeous on toes as well.

I really like this collection. Get your self a few! A.





7. Nuance Salma Hayek Rose Petal Hydrating Balm

Nuance Salma Hayek Rose Petal Hydrating Balm

So, I gave up, I have finally given my money to Salma Hayek's line of cosmetics - give me props for resisting over an entire TWO YEAR period!
Anyway, this is a dual balm, it can be used on lips (similar to the rose vaseline) or on cuticles. I use it for my cuticles and keep it in my purse so that I can apply throughout the day.
It's just okay for me, nothing extraordinary but it does moisturize my overworked fingertips and seems to have made a difference, thus far. I just do not care for the formula as it is very goopy and too vaseline like for me. But I guess it is just a matter of preference. The packaging is very cute though. B.




8. Ali Express - Foldable Beach Hat:

Image source

Image Source

I have found the cutest hat on AlieExpress. While I am not one to promote purchasing anything form China, I just could not resist the price (under $10) for this adorable beach hat.
Because I do not use sunscreen, I need to wear hats in the summer, it also allows me not to frown all day, thereby reducing the wrinkles (one can only hope). So I am always on the lookout for easy to carry hats that can be tossed around and would not care if they were to be lost or damaged. At this price, I can have a bunch of them to last me a season or two and not care as to whether they get damaged. (Not sure if you are aware but good hats are hard to find and very expensive).
Anyway, this is made of nylon, it has a very wide brim which is adjustable thanks to the wire insert. You can either wear it as in the picture above or loop your hair through the hole. I just love it. They come in different colors too. The only problem with this purchase is that it took 3 weeks for it to arrive at my door!


So, that was my Swatches & Stuff for the month of April 2015 - How about a giveaway!

*******************************************************

In honor of Mother's Day I am having another great giveaway for you ladies!

Here is what you could win:

Mother's Day Giveaway - 2015

Contents of the giveaway:

Estee Lauder/Lisa Perry pouch

Yves Rocher 7.9 Elixir Youth Intensifier (Full Size)

Yves Rocher Shower Gel in Lotus Flower (Full Size)

Angled Brush by Luxie

ELF Blending Brush

ELF. Eyeliner Brush

Estee Lauder Mascara Sample

Estee Lauder Pure Color Shimmer in Pink Parfait

Yves Rocher samples

Please follow the rafflecopter directions below. The Giveaway is OPEN UNTIL 05/10/30.

There will be one winner, picked at random by the widget and the package will be mailed to you provided you give me your address within one week of winning.

You must be 18 years or older to participate.

This is open internationally as well.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for reading my blog and watching my YouTube videos! Share the love!

Sophia, NJ


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Christmas House Tour - 2012

At last, here they are, pictures from our 2012 Christmas Decorations (indoors only)!

But first, here is a little bit of history:

I have been working on this tree since 2002. Originally the theme was 1001 Nights...It worked wonderfully for years as I managed to gather all sorts of ornaments and small treasures including a vintage Christopher Radko Aladdin. I have a Genie,  Scheherazade on her magic carpet, an oil lamp, flocks of peacocks and many wild animals. That was until last year when a certain puppy chased another certain puppy we equally love and, you guessed it, the tree fell! GASP indeed! 
I can't even say that I was mad for half a second because I do love my dogs, however, I am pretty convinced I will never be able to replace the vintage Aladdin and some of the other glass blown ornaments that were shattered in this catastrophe!

Well, never mind! I am back in business and this is 2012!

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Here is the living room:

The dresser is a street find - FREE - from the 1930's.

My 1001 Nights Christmas tree is decorated with feathers, wild animals, birds, and many blooming flowers, some made of silk, others covered in glitter...

On the top I added a spray of simple twigs I once found at Michael's and two hummingbirds from Pier 1 Import.

The peacocks are also from Pier 1. At the bottom of this picture you can spot a miniature Aladdin I found at the World Market Bazaar a long time ago.

This gorgeous bloom (one of 6) is a Michael's 70% sale. I think I paid $1.99 for each.
Here is the tree as seen from the top when you walk down to the first floor.

On the banister I attache  a simple garland from Michael's, last year sales event, and added a purple and pink beaded garland I found at Wal-Mart back in the days. Two of those fabulous mouth blown ornaments survived last year, they are now garnishing the banister.

When coming from the staircase, you can see the display I put together this year. Here I have a Father Christmas I bought at a garage sale last summer for $15, three miniature Christmas trees from the Home Depot, a large bird house found at a dollar store which I use for my French Nativity scene.

   
This is my childhood's Nativity set, they are called Santons de Provence and are hand sculpted and painted. I only have a few but have seen homes where dozens of these tiny little characters form entire villages telling the Nativity as seen from Southern France. Fewer people keep a Nativity these days and that is truly sad (in my opinion).  Folks are losing the meaning of Christmas...I don't want my children to forget the story behind Christmas.

Here is the mantel. I do keep it simple because it is the central point in the living room and  do not want it to compete with the tree. The mantel itself is also quite narrow.

This Father Christmas was a gift many years ago. I love him so much that he stays in the living room, year round.

 Frosted faux mercury glass from the bargain store...

I reserve the dining room for my special collection of Christopher Radko' Snowman ornaments. Since our first wedding anniversary, my husband offers me one ornament each Christmas. I never know which one will come my way but it is always a Radko and always a snowman. I love them all and count 15 thus far, though we have been married 12 years, I admit to having sneaked an additional 3 over the years :-). 

Also new this year is this small bookcase decoration in the dining room. The bookcase actually belongs to the living room but needed to be moved in order to make room for the tree...It landed here and provided me another opportunity for a few decorative tchotchkes.

The Mouse King found itself trapped this year!

So there you have it, my indoor Christmas Decor!

Over the past few weeks I gathered a few pictures submitted by MGC fans and am now taking this opportunity to showcase some of the many decorative talents of our readers. Enjoy!

This is from Bea in NJ.

From Nancy in GA.

From Julia in OH,

And from Marie-Jeanne in Belgium,

Thank you all who submitted pictures, if you want to be featured on this blog post, join our Facebook page and submit your pictures on our page, we will add it to this post.

Thank you for liking and sharing My Great Challenge.

Merry Christmas to all,

Sophia, NJ