Buyers Warning- Evil Shades Cosmetics

This is a very hard post for me to write. I have struggled with the decision to do this for several days now, but it is something I feel has to be done. The reason I feel I need to make this post is that I have recommended this company to many people and I can not in good faith do this anymore. This is not a personal attack against the owner, this is a warning and my personal experience with the company. The reason it is so hard, well there are a few reasons. Mainly it is because the owner and I have been very close friends for a few years now, and I don't want to scare people away from indie/handmade products and companies. 

Back in November of 2012 I placed a small order with Evil Shades Cosmetics, up to this day I have not received my order or a refund. I do take part of the blame for the length of time though. I never mentioned it to Andrea due to the fact that we were friends and I knew she would get to it as soon as she could. Well, I started seeing posts on the fan page of others who were not getting their orders, not having messages replied to and my senses started telling me something was not right here. Some of the reasons given were postal thefts, lost packages, email provider issues, cart problems on the sight, and sicknesses. As soon as customers started making waves on the business page the page was set to where nobody could post to the page, only comment on existing posts. Even then there have been numerous unhappy customers comments deleted from posts. 

I can not and will not speak for others, but I do personally know of several others who have placed orders with Evil Shades or have bought products unrelated to the company that have not gotten their orders, other items or refunds. I personally finally messaged Evil Shades on May 17th when it was said that everyone's orders had been taken care of or refunded. I was a tad bit upset that after all this time I hadn't even been acknowledged. The response I got to my message said basically, why didn't you say something sooner it was marked as sent, that it would go out by Monday or Tuesday. Eight days later when I had still received nothing I messaged again. I was past a bit upset, I was being lied to and to top it off the company sent out an email for a Memorial Day sale. Not a cool move in my opinion when so many orders have not been filled or refunds given. So on the 26th the answers I was given were this... the email went out by mistake and the sale was cancelled, refunds not given because a payment had been taken out of the paypal account. I was also told that she was finishing up orders as she got the info or refilling them, that she was closing the cart down that  week while she tried to find all of the in-wait orders and get them out. Though I was told that some of those saying they haven't gotten theirs have already been refunded months ago and a couple have been sent replacements. There was no mention of my order sadly. I checked the site several times and it remained open to orders. I messaged Evil Shades again on the 3rd asking for a tracking number for my order and told them that if one could not be provided that I wanted a refund. The company or one of their page admins read the message within 30 minutes and I have still not gotten a response from them. The cart is still presently open for taking orders.

I urge anyone who has pending orders with Evil Shades to file for a refund if you are within the 45 day time frame. If you are past that time frame you can file a claim with paypal letting them know of the bad business practices. I am obviously past my 45 days to file for a refund with paypal, but tomorrow morning I will be filing a claim with them against Evil Shades Cosmetics. I also encourage you to let others know what is going on with this company so that they don't spend money and get left sitting with nothing to show for it. This kind of business practice is not right and it is not fair to the customers or those who have recommended them to others. I can not and will not support any business who thinks so little of their customers!!! If you or anyone you know want to share your experience of missing orders/no refunds, please feel free to leave a comment below.

I do want to say a few other things concerning indie/handmade companies. I will continue to love and support indie/handmade companies even after this incident. There are still great indies out there for you to try, support and love. I do strongly suggest that you research companies before purchasing from them. Google is your friend, makeup groups are your friend, and watching fan pages is always a good idea. If something seems off to you...ask around. If you place an order with a company and feel you are getting the runaround, file for a refund or cancel your order, don't let that 45 day time limit with paypal pass you by. I myself know this and yes I still let it happen to me. I have a soft heart and try to give friends the benefit of the doubt. I have to now tell myself that once I place an order with a company and have paid that I am a customer. As a customer I deserve the same treatment concerning my order as any other customer. As with any other company, if I am not satisfied with the products or service, I have every right to a refund/replacement and to let others know about my experience. I know that is hard to do for myself and probably many others too though. My sincere hope is that everyone who has pending orders or wanting refunds will have this all made right soon.

Peace, Love and Cupcakes!

Friday Freak Out

*I have nothing to disclose for this post.*

Today my brain is on maximum overdrive. It is bouncing from one thing to another and I can't make it stop, so I thought maybe writing a post with some of my thoughts may help. If not, I guess I'll sit here with my wheels spinning LOL. 

One of the biggest thing on my mind is the question why. Why do good people have to hurt? I know, I know, to question these things is suppose to be wrong. Me being human, I ask anyway. Let me give some examples of the things I am asking why about. 

Why would a young husband and father to three sweet babies have to be diagnosed with Leukemia? Why would that pain and heartache be thrown at him and his family after all they have been through? All the treatments and time away from his babies (which has been alot) for what? Ok I know there is a bigger purpose, a bigger plan for them.... but why? It is not fair! Cancer is stupid, it sucks and yes I HATE IT!!!

Why do people have to suffer with mental illnesses? I myself try to cope daily with depression and anxiety. I am one of the lucky people who is able to seek medical help, not everyone is as lucky. 
"We are taken through hard times to test us." 
"Hard things happen to us to make us stronger." 
"God never gives us more than we can handle." 
"There are people out there with bigger problems than this." 
Those are some of the nice things I have heard said to myself or other with mental illnesses. Let me just speak for myself here and respond to each of those quotes. 
*Exactly what kind of test is this? Is it a strength test? A mental test? A test to see how much I can take before I break? Just how long is this test? I'm not saying I've had a horrible life, but I have had to fight my way out of many bad situations/relationships/depression/finances. You name it, I've probably fought through it in some way or another. Can I please have a pass on this test and be done? I think I have proven myself more than enough times here.
*Just how strong do I have to be? I am tired of being strong, sometimes I want to be weak. If hard times make us stronger then I should have the strength of Hercules at this point. I don't mind hard times...most of the time, but do they all have to happen back to back, with no breaks? Yeah I know I shouldn't complain. I have a home, food, clothes, and all the essentials. I am not super woman here life, give me a break already!
*Never more than I can handle huh? Well I think I may have failed that one 8 or 9 months ago. I am not handling depression well, I am not handling anxiety well. Again I am not super woman, I'm glad God has all this faith in me because right now I have none left for myself.
* Yes there are people who have bigger problems than mine. That doesn't make my problems any less important. It doesn't make my problems disappear. It doesn't make my problems any easier for me to cope with. Who are you anyway? The problem sizer upper police? What makes you so great that you get to decide that my problem isn't big enough?
Please don't dismiss our problems and our mental illness as if we don't matter. You don't live our life so don't try to tell us how big or small our problems are compared to others. We are not crazy, we are not broken, we have an illness that we did not choose to have.

Those are the big why's in my mind right now. I'll share some of the more uhhhh comical(?) why's with you, just because I think you need a laugh at my expense.

*Why were we born with feet instead of wheels? We could get places so much faster if we had wheels!

*Why don't big buildings make elevators that go from side to side and not just up and down? What would they be called since they wouldn't technically be elevators?

*Why do they call the mirrors at carnivals fun house mirriors? I don't see anything funny about me looking like I am 2 foot tall and 5 foot wide.

*Why is it that when you go to the doctor or have a repair man come the first question they ask is what is wrong? Duhhhhh if we knew what was wrong we wouldn't need you now would we?

Well that is my Friday freak out for today. I hope you have an amazing weekend! 

If you will, please keep the Hebert family in your thoughts as the doctors have told them Ray doesn't have much time left with them. His family is trying to get him to see the ocean, one of the things he wants to do before he is too sick to make it there.

Peace, Love and Cupcakes!

Long overdue review of Parnevu hair products

*These items were sent by Parnevu for me to review. I am not being compensated in any way and all opinions are my own.*

***Edited 5/16/2013 to finally add pictures to this review.***

 

This review is LOOOOONG overdue, and I apologize to Parnevu for the delay in my posting. Hannah and I were sent 3 products to use and review. We got to pick from a list of haircare products so that we could find something that best suited to our needs. Which I loved, because who knows our hair better than us?

I was first told about Parnevu by a friend and fellow blogger Harajuku Girl, you should check out her review.
I have to say I am not disappointed in the products that we tried even though one of them wasn't the best choice for us. I'm just going to focus on the other two products, one of which is now a must have for our home.

My hair is naturally curly, the amount of frizz and poof depends on the humidity. Here in Missouri, humidity is something you can't get away from. It is like a creepy stalker just waiting for the opportunity to attack the hair of innocent people. My hair is also damaged from bleaching it so I could have awesome fun colored hair. Hannah is biracial, her hair is course, frizzy, dry, poofy, and she has ALOT of hair to try to manage. When her hair is managed it is a gorgeous combo of banana curls and spirally curls.



Hannah's hair before using Parnevu products.




Hannah's hair before using Parnevu products.

 We tried using the Parnevu T-Tree shampoo on Hannah first. She has a problem with a dry flaky scalp and I thought it might help with that for her. Here is the listing for the shampoo from the site. The shampoo didn't smell  like what I thought it would since it has tea tree oil in it. I expected the medicinal scent typical of tea tree oil, I was happily surprised that it had a nice smell to it. You could smell the tea tree oils, but it wasn't overpowering at all. After 3 washes using the shampoo she suggested that we use it on me and not her. It seemed to dry the ends of her hair more than it had been and she said that her head itched more. I can tell you that her hair was softer and had more shine to it after using the shampoo. I then used the shampoo and really liked it, but then my mom took what was left from me. Mom tends to have oily hair if it isn't washed every day and she is always complaining of itchy scalp. She has used it a few times and reports that she REALLY likes the shampoo and that I am not getting it back!

The next product that we tried and am absolutely in love with is the T-Tree leave in conditioner. This is a product that I see us using for a long time. Here is the site listing for it. It smells so good! The price is awesome for the big bottle that you get, plus a little goes a long way. You can use it on dry or wet hair too. Hannah and I both use this daily on our hair. After a shower we rub a small blob of it in our hands and then apply it to our wet hair, then comb through. It doesn't leave your hair feeling sticky or heavy like alot of other brands that we have used, and the scent stays all day. In the mornings I apply a small amount to our hair the same way I do when it is wet. The brush goes right through our hair and the leave in conditioner helps to manage the frizziness!!! Another plus I have found with it is... my hands are not as dry or my cuticles either. Our curls are much more defined, our hair is so shiny and soft, and the frizz monster stays away most of the day. I really wish Blogger would let me show you pics of her hair, it is amazing the difference. I am so happy with this product and HIGHLY recommend it to anyone no matter their hair type or ethnicity. 

After using Parnevu maybe 3 times!



After using Parnevu maybe 3 times!




Look at how defined her curls are! Notice that the amount of frizziness has greatly improved. This is only after a few times of using Parnevu products.

 The last product we tried was the Extra Dry Oil Replenisher, you can see the listing here.I am sure this product would work well for someone else, it just wasn't for us. Had I read the description better I would have known that. It smells wonderful though. I have passed this on to my niece to try out on her hair since she uses heated stylers on her hair. Her hair is also a different texture than Hannah's, so I'm sure that it will work great for her.

I want to address something that I am sure some readers will be asking. "This product seems to be more for African Americans or biracial hair types, will it work for me?" Absolutely it could! Most of the ingredients are the same as you will find in other brands, just different formulas. I suggest that you take your time and read the descriptions of the products to find a good fit for your hair type and needs. My mom and  are both white women with 2 completely different hair types and needs and the shampoo worked great for both of us. Hannah is biracial and we both use the leave in conditioner, and it is a holy grail for both of us. There is also a toll free number you can call with any questions. 

I am looking froward to placing an order soon to try the 3-Step Power Pack, T-Tree Scalp Oil, and Hannah wants to try the T-Tree Relaxer - Regular strength.

You can find the Parnevu site by clicking here.
You can find their fan page by clicking here.
You can find their Twitter by clicking here.

I had great service from Panevu for all of my questions, prices are very affordable, and I found a holy grail product for us. So I give Parnevu..... 5 cupcakes!

Peace, Love and Cupcakes!

Boston, you are in my thoughts!

I am not going to make a post other than this today due to the tragic events in Boston today. 

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is affected in anyway by the bombings. Please take a few minutes to send up prayers, good thoughts, or however you personally choose to acknowledge all those injured, who have died, those who are helping the victims, their families, friends, and those who are reading and watching the aftermath. Tragedies like this affect so many people in so many different ways!

May all of you find peace and comfort in knowing that there are millions of people all over the world who are thinking and praying for you. May this terrible event bring people closer together instead of ripping them apart. For those helping, police, fireman, bystanders, doctors, nurses, clergy, friends and family find the strength they need, the comfort they will need now and in the days to come, the steady hands while giving medical attention, and the wisdom to make clear decisions. Let their selfless actions show others that with love we can make a difference.

Peace, Love and Cupcakes!

Grenades and classified info

*I was not bribed, paid, or held as a P.O.W. in order to get me to make this post. All opinions are my own.*

Today I am bringing you a treat from a great little indie shop. This company is owned and operated by a dear friend of mine Candy. Some of you may know her already, she was formerly Candy's Sweet Treats. Due to some crappy circumstances that were not her fault, Candy decided to change the name of her shop. While doing so, she made some awesome changes to her packaging and improved her already great products as well. Might I add that Candy was doing alot of this while being deployed overseas serving our country! Her mind is always working on new products and just being an all around better company for her customers. In all honesty, I think the new name and direction of the company is so much more fitting for her. 

Photo courtesy of LGC.

LGC offers a nice variety of products including loose and pressed eye shadows, blushes, and face masks. Coming soon will be scents, multi tasking cuticle cream, and a mixing medium that can be used to apply shadows wet, make your own liners, and as a primer too. Her shadows are offered in sets or individual jars, you can even purchase samples too. The prices range from 5 samples for $3 to $5.50 for a 5gr jar to $12.50 for a 3 shade collection to $25 for a custom 4 shade pressed palette. 

Range of shadow colors offered. Photo courtesy of LGC

Spooky Missile Collection offered in 2 sizes. Photo courtesy of LGC.

There are 5 blushes available and come in a 10gr jar for $9.50. There are some gorgeous shades to pick from!

Rose Rocket blush $9.50. Photo courtesy of LGC.

I am really excited for the cuticle cream to be listed for sale in the shop. My cuticles are so finicky about the products I use on them. A product may work for a week or two and then it just stops working. Candy has made me some custom face creams in the past and they were amazing. I am sure that her cuticle cream wont disappoint me! 

Speaking of custom products... Candy is always open to help you out by creating custom products. Before her name change she created a customized collection for my girls. It was the perfect shades for little ladies. The girls and I couldn't have been happier with them! 

So I'm sure you want the links on where to find the shop and fan page right? Let me just tell you that you want to watch the fan page. There are lots of discount codes, giveaways and other surprises happening that you wont want to miss!

You can find the fan page by clicking here.

You can find the shop by clicking here.

Oh yeah I almost forgot to let you know, Candy is offering my readers a nice little discount code! If you use the code SpreadTheWord you will get 15% off of your order. This code is good for the month of April. Make sure you like her fan page, let her know I sent you and also thank her for the discount.

Peace, Love and Cupcakes!

Wearing Rosie Colored Glasses

*This dog was adopted by my family, all opinions are my own and Rosie has not paid, bullied or blackmailed me into saying anything!*

I just realized that I have not shared with you our newest addition Rosie. She is a beagle (probably mix) that is about 1 and a half years old. We adopted her about a month ago. 

Rosie has been a perfect fit with our little family, she is sweet, quirky and full of love. She has tons of energy and lives to go out and play with the kids. She loves her toys, especially squeaky ones and loves to play fetch. Miss Rosie likes to chew up anything she can get her teeth on, so I am always on the lookout for something to keep her mouth busy for more than 5 minutes LOL! She can devour an 8 inch thick rawhide braid in less than 2 hours. She claimed one of the girls old Bratz dolls and gnawed him to pieces. We started playing a game because of her love for that doll, it is called Guess this body part. 

Rosie and her rawhide braid.

Rosie and her Bratz doll. LOL

She is a lover, a snuggler, and a freakin bed hog! Miss Thang doesn't think she should lay on the floor....EVER. 

Rosie is quite the little diva. She loves the girly life of being pretty, sparkles and getting her mani/pedis done.

Her Easter necklace.

We are over the moon with having Rosie with us. She has a few bad habits that we are working on, but the good definitely outweighs the bad. I can handle her getting into the trash or chewing up a pair of undies when this is what I get to see at the end of the day.

If you have any suggestions on chew toys for Rosie or places for me to scope out doggie stuff please let me know. I am always interested in trying new things for Rosie. 

Peace, Love and Cupcakes...and now doggie drool too!

Another quick update

I wanted to give a quick update here so that you all didn't give up on me. I am super sick right now, probably bronchitis :o( I have no voice right now, fever, yucky cough, wheezing, just all around feeling lousy!

I also am trying to cope with the sudden passing of a dear friend who left this world way too soon. Jess left behind her husband and stepson, 2 fur babies and many family and friends that were her world. As much as my heart is hurting right now, I know there are many others who are just as devastated by her sudden passing. Please tell those you love what they mean to you, give them a hug, spend some time with them, you never know what tomorrow may bring. I know I would love to have the chance to spend another day laughing, pigging out on chocolate cake, and getting into some sort of trouble with Jess. We always seemed to find harmless (mostly) mischief somewhere! She was a tell it like it is kind of person who pulled no punches. She loved with all she had and was fiercely loyal to those she loved. I can't remember a time of being around her or a phone call that there wasn't uncontrollable laughter involved. She loved music and singing, her smile lit up a room. I remember her telling me one time that music was her way of escaping when she needed to. It's funny how people are put into our paths at certain times of our lives. I met Jess not long after I had moved into mine and the girls first apartment almost 10 years ago. The girls and I were doing laundry and there was a man and his son down there, we started talking and the next thing I knew...there she was. Her then boyfriend (now husband) had went and told her to "Come meet the nice lady he had been talking to." From there it was history and our friendship grew, we were almost inseparable for a long time. We shared so much with each other good and bad, supported each other, and loved each other. I can't tell you how many hours we spent just talking. Even though she had married and moved we kept in touch by emails, phone, texts, and facebook. Our conversations no matter who started them always started with "HEY HOOKER!" even if it was in the middle of WalMart. LOL 

I am going to stop here, I really didn't intend on this being so long. Please keep Jess's family and friends in your thoughts, this has been a devastating loss for so many people. Thank you to those who have had so many kind words of love and support, I love you all! Really as much as my heart aches, I can't imagine how hard this is for her family. They are the ones who need the most support, strength, peace and prayers right now and future. 

Jess, you have your wings now, soar high my friend. Give Grams my love and tell her Cookie says to take good care of you. I hope you know just how much your friendship meant to me. I will hold the memories we made close to my heart always. You were one of a kind. I know you will be watching over all of us, and every butterfly I see will remind me of that! I love you, rest in peace my sweet friend. 

Peace, Love and Cupcakes!