Darling Clandestine Part 1

So I have been working on a review for Darling Clandestine, a wonderful shop on Etsy.

I had everything all typed out and just had to add pictures, somehow in doing this I lost the ENTIRE post along with another post I had saved in my drafts. 

Insert pouting and curse words here. I am not a happy Cupcake right now.

A friend sent me this pic not sure where it originated, but oh so cute.

Anyhow I am going to give you a part one for Darling Clandestine because I heard through the grapevine there is an amazing sale over there today only. So look for a more thorough review/interview very soon.

I first heard of Darling Clandestine a few months back, of course I checked out their shop which you can find here. First thing I noticed was the cute branding, names of the scents and pricing. Branding reminds me of a vintagey (look I made a new word) carnival. The names also fit that type of theme, and the prices are super reasonable. Prices range from $3.50 for 3 samples to $12 for a 1/2oz bottle. They also carry sizes in between and also solid perfumes. With me doing a part 2 I am not going to go into huge details about scents in this post. I will tell you they are lovely, complex but not fussy complex scents. I think there is something for everyone. 

Here is my stash thus far.

If you visit the fan page you can find sales and discounts offered. Trust me they are offered often. The deal today is full-sized bottles and solids, buy one, get one free. TODAY ONLY. Type "Everybody scream!" in your message to seller, plus your choice of free perfume. 

What are you waiting for GO GO GO!

Peace, Love and Cupcakes

I Pinky Swear

If you are a regular reader of my blog you know I have been posting a lot about pink and breast cancer. I am so excited and honored to be a part of Team Pink Eye and their fight against breast cancer. I will share my nail look created for breast cancer awareness after a few facts. Oh and an awesome giveaway sponsored by Silk Naturals.

Statistics about breast cancer taken from the American Cancer Society.

• About 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.
• About 57,650 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer).
• About 39,520 women will die from breast cancer
• At this time there are more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the US.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer only exceeded by lung cancer
• About 2,140 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in 2011.
• Breast cancer is about 100 times less common among men than among women.
• About 450 men will die from breast cancer in 2011.

 What can we do to help lower those numbers? Self exams, this is something everyone should be doing monthly. It is something you can do in the privacy of your own home. If you should find anything while doing your exams that doesn't feel normal CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR. You can click here to see instructions on how to do a self breast exam.

I had to use my sister Lisa's nails for this look because somehow I managed to break every single nail over the last 2 weeks. She was very excited to be a part of this, what girl wouldn't want their nails all pretty? Anyway here is a simple look I came up with using a gorgeous baby pink from the China Glaze breast cancer collection called Go Go Pink as a base. I then used tiny pink rhinestones I got at WalMart for $1 out of the scrapbooking section, for the dots I used a bright pink from Julep called Cameron.

Yes those are her real nails!

Now for the super exciting part the giveaway...

Silk Naturals has graciously donated a $25 gift certificate to their shop which you can find here. Silk Naturals also has a great selection of products that part of the proceeds from sales also go towards TPE's goal, so be sure to check those out too. All you have to do is go here to the Susan G Komen page for Team Pink Eye and donate at least $5, come back here and comment saying you donated, your email address, and the name you used to donate with. It is that easy to help us save a life. 

Oh but wait, there is more, with donating that gives you entries into every giveaway Team Pink Eye has this week. Let me tell you there are some awesome companies who are sponsoring the other giveaways. Now I am not going to ruin the fun and tell you the other bloggers who have giveaways, you will have to visit the Team Pink Eye blog here to find them and enjoy the other looks this weeks fabulous bloggers created.

OK let me break it down for you (really for me) again.

• Go here and donate at least $5(less than a Extra Value Meal at McDonalds)
• Come back here and comment that you donated with the name you donated with and your email address so if you are a winner you can be contacted.
• Then go here to the Team Pink Eye blog for the full list of participating bloggers and look for the other giveaways. Of course enter those too if you choose to!!!
• The giveaways end on Sunday at 10pm CST and winners will be emailed by Frances or Rebecca (Our fearless TPE leaders)
• Donations of any amount can be made for the rest of the month of October.

This giveaway is being sponsored by Silk Naturals and Team Pink Eye not by Susan G Komen. 

Also please share the link to Team Pink Eye with your family, friends, makeup groups, mommy groups, anywhere you feel it may help us reach our $1000 goal. We are half way there thanks to the generous donations already received.

Peace, Love and Cupcakes

Charm Factory Giveaway Winner

WINNER!

WINNER!

WINNER!

 Here is a picture of the bracelet you have won from Charm Factory.

I want to thank everyone who entered and also Charm Factory for being so generous.

Don't forget to check them out and maybe pick up a few gifts for someone special in your life.

Here are the names of those who entered. I have assigned a number to each person in the order of their entry. I will be using random.org to pick the winner. Good luck everyone!!!

I entered number 1-13 into random.org 

Here is our winner...

Congrats Makeup Zombie!!! 

I will be contacting you shortly to get your info to pass on to Charm Factory so they can get your bracelet out to you.

*This giveaway was sponsored by Charm Factory*

Peace, Love and Cupcakes

Working Together Wednesday- Remembering Valerie

Today I have a guest post for you. This post was written by by brother in law Justin. I asked him to write something to honor his mom Valerie. I didn't know her very well, but what I did know she was such a sweet lady with an even sweeter spirit. Have you ever met someone who just had this aura of love and happiness that you could feel? That was Valerie, she was someone who you immediately felt at ease with. I think Justin's words show perfectly how he and the rest of his family were able to stay strong through the hardest time of their lives. I want to thank Justin for writing this beautiful guest post, I love you!!!

   My mother, lost her battle with cancer in July 2008.  She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001.  She was the most quiet, soft spoken person, but she had such a strong influence on so many people.  The bible says that the meek will inherit the earth, and as selfless and loving as she lived, I believe she has everything to gain.  When I remember the times we spent together, it reminds me to sit back, and enjoy life, and the people we share it with.  She taught those around her not to sweat the small stuff, and how to always do the right thing, no matter what.

   Six years after she had won her first battle the cancer returned.  When we got the news I was crushed.  It hit me like a giant weight just dropped on me.  My heart sank, and I didn't feel the optimism I had in the years before.  She started treatment again, and as the struggle continued I felt that I had to prepare for the worst.  I thought that if it were to be our last months and weeks together there were things I wanted to say to her.  Of course there are always more things you wish you would have said and done.  That's one of the many hard things you have to accept.

   I'll never forget the last time Dad took her to the emergency room.  I got there before anyone else, and he told me she had accepted that it was her time.  I walked in and asked how she was doing, but she didn't make small talk.  She said, “Justin, I don't want to fight it anymore.”  That moment was the most difficult I have ever endured.  Looking back I don't know how I didn't fall apart right there.  We spoke for a minute, then I left the room and I stood there alone looking around me.  I realized what people mean when they say, “It was like it was all a bad dream.” 

   My mother left a great legacy.  Not because so many people adored her, but because of the excellent example that she was.  I don't know what she would say to you if she were here now, but I know what she would want me to tell you.  Not how great her friends were, or how much she loved her family, but that the one thing she loved more than anything in her life on this earth, is Jesus Christ.  And that the most important thing for you to know is that he loves you.  She would want me tell you that she is in heaven, but only because she had a personal relationship with God.  That he is the one and only way to heaven, and that because Jesus Christ died for all of our sins, we all can be forgiven.  She would want you to know that God wants to have a personal relationship with you and to give you eternal life in heaven as well.  It is because we know these things, and because we know that we will see her again in heaven, that we have peace.                          

   That's the type of person my mother was.  She was selfless, far more concerned with loving others, and showing them the love of Christ.  She was an amazing inspiration, that will not be forgotten.

Valerie Jean McMillan

1/12/54 to 6/23/08

**In 2010, there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. Let's get that number higher!
*Women and men both please remember to do your self exams regularly. Click here for instructions on how to perform a self exam or ask your doctor to show you how it is done.

*Men can also get breast cancer, although the risk is much less it is still a risk that shouldn't be taken lightly.

**About 1,970 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in men in 2010. Less than 1% of all new breast cancer cases occur in men.

Don't forget that you can help the fight against breast cancer, you can visit the Team Pink Eye donation page here and make a direct donation to Susan G Komen, any amount helps tremedously. You can also keep your eye on the Team Pink Eye Facebook page here or the blog here for an amazing group of bloggers and shop owners who have teamed up to raise awareness and money to find a cure. You will find awesome sales from different shop owners as well as weekly giveaways sponsored by the shop owners and hosted on several different blogs.


Don't forget to visit my review and giveaway here for a chance to win a gorgeous bracelet from the Charm Factory. This giveaway is not a part of the Team Pink Eye lineup, it is sponsored by Charm Factory.

** Denotes statistics taken from breastcancer.org

Peace, Love and Cupcakes

Charm Factory Review and Giveaway

Giveaway is closed

I recently was given the opportunity to review a bracelet from Charm Factory. I was so excited as this is my first time of someone not only offering to send me product to review but also offering one to give away to one of my readers. Yes you heard right you will also have the chance to own a bracelet like the one I am reviewing today.

Charm Factory which you can find here offers a wide variety of jewelry options. You will find products from pre made bracelets to build your own necklaces/bracelets, charms, pendants, beads and much more. Their prices are pretty reasonable compared to other companies I have seen.


Now on to my review... I had a hard time picking but, I chose the October Tourmaline Bracelet. Not only because it is pink and pretty but I'm doing the giveaway in October and pink is the color for breast cancer awareness. It seemed like the logical choice for me. This bracelet is on sale right now and is nicely priced at $10.99. You can view it and other beaded bracelets here.

I received the bracelet very quickly in about a week from making my choice. It came packaged nicely, the bracelet was secured to a jewelry card and placed in a jewelry box with cushioning.

I chose the 9 inch length because I have HUGE wrists, but you can get it in 7 1/2, 8, or 9 inch sizes. I was surprised at the weight of the bracelet when I got it, it was heavier than I had thought it would be. (I'm not sure why I thought that since I knew it was made with glass and pewter beads.) Anyway back to what I was saying, the whole bracelet is what I would consider to be a bit on the heavy side, but not so heavy that I wouldn't wear it. I have worn it every day since I got it, so the weight isn't much of an issue for me. The length of it is very accurate, and the chain and clasp are very sturdily made. I have issues with my hands and can't normally open clasps but I had absolutely no problem with this bracelet.

Look at the nice size of the clasp, perfect for those of us who have issues with normal sized ones. Plus how cute is that heart? It looks like a little lock, I love it.


Now I will tell you, the only real issue I had was that the beads wouldn't stay on the top part of the bracelet. Yes I know they slide, but on the bracelet there are these little stopper things that are suppose to help keep the beads from sliding all over. I personally think it is because of the beads being heavier and my bracelet was a tad big (to my surprise). Did it make me love the bracelet any less? Nope not at all, I am just more careful when wearing it not to bang the glass beads on stuff.

Now with chasing 2- 2 year olds all day, cooking, cleaning, and all that other mom stuff I have to say the bracelet passed my tests and even came out looking beautiful still.

GIVEAWAY TIME

Contest will run from today Tuesday October 18th until 12pm(CST) Monday October 24th
All you have to do is be a follower of my blog, just click the GFC join button to the right.
Visit Charm Factory and tell me your favorite item in a comment below along with your email address so I can contact the winner.


The bracelet was sent to me for review by Charm Factory. I was not paid to do this review and all opinions are my own. Giveaway bracelet will be sent by Charm Factory directly to the winner.


Peace, Love and Cupcakes

Passionately Pink Friday Week 2

Week 2 of Passionately Pink Fridays

Last week I was lucky enough with last weeks giveaways to win a jar of  Boobielicious Pink from Rag Dolls Bath and Beauty, which I received today. It is a gorgeous pink with lots of sparkle. I am going to show you how pretty it is, I couldn't capture the true sparkle though. 

Boobielicious was swatched over Evil Shades Spectrum Pot in Hfb. 

You can get it by clicking here.

Rag Dolls Bath and Beauty have generously donated jars of Boobielicious Pink for some of the Team Pink Eye giveaways throughout the month. You can purchase a jar of Boobielicious Pink by clicking here, 50% of the purchase price will go to Susan G Komen via Team Pink Eye. 

They are also having an auction right now (click here) through Sunday to win a pink package of 4 pigments, 1 pink cosmetic glitter, and a pink lip balm. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to Susan G Komen via Team Pink Eye. 

You can go to the Team Pink Eye Facebook page or to the Team Pink Eye blog to find lots of information on the shops who have donated prizes for the giveaways, the bloggers featured for the week, and shops who are selling products with proceeds going to helping Team Pink Eye reach their goal. I am going to try to link all the sales but I may miss one, so keep your eye on the facebook page. In order to find all the bloggers pink looks and this weeks giveaways you will need to check out Team Pink Eye's blog post.

*Whimsy Beading click here to see a gorgeous beaded necklace they have for sale

*Unique Pigments has some perfectly pink treats click here or here or here

*Rag Dolls Bath and Beauty has their auction here and Boobielicious Pink here
*Darling Girl Cosmetics has a beautiful color shifting lilac pink pigment here 
*The Chequered Lily has a playful pink collection here
*Silk Naturals has a nice variety of 12 different pigments and a gloss you can find them here

To be eligible for the giveaways you need to make a donation via the Susan G Komen site for Team Pink Eye here. It is a minimum of a $5 donation per week or you can donate for each week all at one time. You will need to visit each blog and comment on the giveaways you are interested in with the name you donated under and your email address. 

Now for my Passionately Pink offering for today I give you...

P!NK

Don't let society pressure you to conform to what they want ladies and gentlemen. Be YOU be PROUD of who YOU are. I for one am glad that we were not all created the same, it would make for a boring world. 

I also want to remind you to do your monthly breast exams. If your doctor says you need a mammogram get one done. There are many places who offer them for free or at low cost. You can check with your local health department, local hospitals and clinics, and also check with your doctor for information on help getting a mammogram.

 Peace, Love and Cupcakes

Working Together Wednesday- The Best Medicine

Laughter is the best medicine.

I have to say that I agree with that statement. Just think about the different situations that laughter has made a difference in how you react to something. Well today Working Together Wednesday is dedicated to making someone laugh or smile. 

 Dancing Dror will put a smile on any face any day. You have got to look up some more of his videos on YouTube. He is not just a delicious sack of man meat, he is a total sweetheart too.

Randall and the honey badger, this is one of my FAVORITE bad day fixes. His narration of this video is just hilarious in my opinion. In true Randall fashion...Thanks for the laugh stupid. (I say that with only love)

Oh the many hours I have spent browsing through this site laughing until my sides hurt. This is ironically also where I found Dancing Dror, who in my opinion didn't deserve to be there. Anyway you will find all sorts of interesting things here.

After searching everywhere for over 20 minutes for Patch this is how I found him. He was out cold sleeping like a baby, the goofball slept like this for several days in a row. 

Meet my girl Posse, the worlds smartest cat. She is a fine accountant, comes highly recommended. 

I giggle every single time I read this. No truer words have been spoken.

Last but certainly not least...

My girls can always bring me out of a funk. Yeah they may fight (what siblings don't?) but it is the moments like this that I cherish. 

"The best blush to use is laughter: It put roses in your cheeks and in your soul."

unknown

 
What are some things that can always make you laugh or smile? 

Peace, Love and Cupcakes

Passionately Pink Friday

Today is the first of the Passionately Pink Fridays this month. 

You can help Team Pinkeye in the fight to find a cure for breast cancer, and in doing so you can enter to win a number of prizes each week. For a $5 donation each week, or a one time donation of $20 for all four weeks you can enter as many of the giveaways that have been sponsored by some very generous companies. Now we know that some of you may not want to enter into the contests and that is ok too. If you would like to just make a donation of any amount (no amount is too little or too big) you can do that too. You can find all this weeks participating bloggers by going here. If you would like to just make a donation of any amount you can go here. Make sure to click the box at the top of the page that says "Donate to Frances!" It is a very easy process and only takes a minute to do. Feel free to share the information with your family and friends. 

Just a random picture I took a while back. I love taking pictures, plus it is passionately pink.

Peace, Love and Cupcakes

Working Together Wednesday-Boobielicious Pink from Rag Dolls Bath & Beauty

Today I am going to share with you a way that you can help fund cancer research and have something you can wear to show your support for the cause.

Rag Dolls Bath & Beauty is one of the generous companies who are sponsoring a giveaway for the Project Pinkeye Project. They not only have donated products for 3 giveaways but, they have also created a beautiful pink shade of loose pigment called Boobielicious Pink. Boobielicious Pink will only be available through the month of October, and 50% of the purchase price will go to Susan G. Komen via Team Pink Eye.

I haven't had a chance to try anything from Rag Dolls Bath & Beauty yet, I am looking forward to making a purchase soon though. They have gorgeous loose pigments that range in price from $1 for samples to $30 for a collection of 6- 5gram jars. Lip balms for under $4, bath bombs and bath salts for under $5, they even carry an assortment of solid perfumes for under $5. Their shipping prices are very reasonable and their TAT is listed as 2 business days for orders placed Monday-Friday. I already have my eye on a lip balm, bath bomb and solid perfume, so look for a review in the future.

How can you find them?

Fan page on Facebook click here

ArtFire shop click here

Don't forget to grab a jar of Boobielicious Pink to show your support for breast cancer awareness. Guys you can grab a jar for your special lady for less than you would spend on taking her out to lunch, plus I'm sure you would get extra points for supporting a good cause. Ladies you could grab a jar for you and a friend for less than you would spend on a manicure. 

If you have tried Rag Dolls Bath and Beauty I'd love to hear from you, just leave a comment below.

Most important don't forget to do routine checks on your breasts. For info on how to do self exams click here.

Peace, Love and Cupcakes

Pictures courtesy of Rag Doll Bath & Beauty

Monday Morning My Way

Good morning everyone, I hope your day brings lots of wonderful things your way. It is a bit chilly here this morning, but looks like we will have beautiful fall weather for the week.

The month of October is going to be an exciting busy one. So many great things to share and do. Most indie companies have their fall collections out now and OH MY GOODNESS, they have outdone themselves. I along with an awesome group of bloggers and shop owners are all working together to not only raise money but also awareness for breast cancer through Team Pinkeye Project. This month is breast cancer, Domestic violence, and Rett syndrome awareness month. Of course there are all the yearly things like apple picking, fall baking, pumpkin patch, and of course Halloween.

Team Pinkeye Project

This is a collaboration of bloggers and shop owners to try and raise money and awareness towards breast cancer. There are giveaways weekly, you will also be seeing EOTD(eye of the day), NOTD(nail of the day), LOTD(look of the day) and much much more. You can look for these posts on Fridays throughout October, of course you will more than likely see posts on other days too. Here is a list of bloggers and shops who are participating.

BLOGS

 *Aijuswhanakno

 *Cause I Think I'm Cool

 *Claires Beauty

Cosmetic Viking

 *Me of course

Damsel In Digital

 *Eye Heart It

 *Glostix

Geeky Nails and Beauty

It's French For Staircase Wit

 *Jade Goes With Everything

 *Karmic Dreaming

 *Lacquered Painted Polished

 *Le Gothique

Lipsticks and Lightsabers

 *Magic In Makeup

My Socks Are Better Than Your Socks

 *Naomi Taylor

Nightly Nails

Painted

 *Phyrra

Play Hard, Look Fabulous

Portrait of Mai

 *Pretty Nerdy Girls

 *Sarabeth Loves Makeup

 *Shattered Shards

Silhouette Screams

 *Sirena Sparklestar

Snarky Princess

 *Sparklecrack Central

The Beauty and The Games

 *The Cheap Chick

 *The Crow and the Powderpuff

 *The Everyday Opinionista

 *The Painted Moonkin

 *The Pretty Exclusive

 *Toxid Lotus

 *Utopista Beauty Blog

 *Vampy Varnish

All blogs marked with a * are hosting a giveaway so keep your eyes open.

SHOPS

Candy's Sweet Treats

Cinnamon Cosmetics

Darling Girl Cosmetics

Electric Daydream

Evil Shades

Geek Chic Cosmetics

Glamasaurus

Linnaeus Cosmetics

Lost In Makeupland

Lucky 107

Morgana Cryptoria

RagDolls Bath and Beauty

Rock A Betty Beauty

Silk Naturals

Simply Sweet Skin

The Chequered Lily

Unique Pigments

I have some awesome reviews for this month, along with a giveaway maybe two of my own. I will have some NOTD to share, maybe pics of my polish stash that seems to grow as fast as the kids do. I would also like to start sharing some of my favorite and some new to me recipes for the fall season. Hopefully my oven will be fixed very soon so I can do that.

*What do you have planned to show your support for Breast Cancer, Rett Syndrome, and Domestic Violence awareness?

*Have you tried any of the companies who are donating for Team Pinkeye Project? 

*Do you have any favorite fall recipes you want to share with us?

Peace, Love and Cupcakes