Review: Billion Dollar Brows- FOOL-PROOF PRODUCTS FOR PERFECT EYEBROWS

Having well groomed eyebrows can definitely bring out the color and shape of your eyes. I had a horrific brow incident when I was a teenager. I ended up buying one of those eyebrow trimmers, the kind that resemble a small electronic razor.

WELL, I just so happen to shave off WAY more than what I wanted—so there for awhile I was left with a teeny bit of a brow on both sides. They were both about 1/2 on each brow. It DID end up growing out, but I was left with spots in my brows.

I had previously been using eyeliner to fill in those gaps in my brows. BUT the eyeliner wouldn’t hold all day. I would either sweat it off, or end up rubbing it off. That’s why I was super glad when I got a chance to review Billion Dollar Brows.

They ended up sending 2 items for me to try out. The two items were the Universal Brow pencil & the Brow Duo Pencil (Highlighter and Concealer).

This is the Universal Brow Pencil. It is constructed so that you aren’t guessing what color brow pencil to get. This works with all hair colors and skin tones, so that you always get perfectly smooth eyebrows.

I loved the color, it matched my eyebrows perfectly. It comes with a brush so that you can separate and brush your brows so that they are always well groomed.

If you have darker eyebrows like I do, you just press a little harder to get the desired color. For a lighter color, just don’t press as hard. I am a brunette, so it worked perfectly for me. I use this on a daily basis. I hate taking pictures WITHOUT it now because it really does finish off my brows and give me a more beautiful color.

It looked natural and stayed on for a very long time. No smudging or sweating off. The brush-like end can blend your color in if you wish for it too. It works really well to separate the lashes before applying mascara too!

The best thing about it is that you don’t have to sharpen it! It rolls out like a lipstick would, so it’s easy to apply and go do whatever needs to be done! No more wasted time finding a sharpener and then getting it to the “right” size tip so that it isn’t too pointy.

See how it fills in the gaps?

Instructions:

For darker skin tones and hair colors, apply pencil until you’ve reached the desired shade.

Use less pencil for lighter skin tones and hair colors. Blend using the brush end of the pencil.

Buy It: You can buy the Universal Brow pencil for $14.95

 

Brow Duo Pencil allows you to highlight your brow bone to add gorgeous definition and warmth. Works with any skin tone. Plus, for those on-the-go touchups, there is also a handy universal concealer to the opposite end of the pencil.

See how the concealer is almost blended already? A couple swipes and it will become COMPLETELY blended together.

It makes my face look like it’s been done with professional brushes and makeup. Even though it’s all done BY ME!

Having a concealer makes it so much easier to do touch-ups during the day!

Buy It: You can buy the Brow Duo Pencil for $18

Connect with Billion Dollar Brows on

Twitter & Facebook

Disclosure: This isn’t a sponsored post, products were sent for review purposes only. The opinions in this post are completely honest and 100% my own!

 

Jessica Renee

DIY Eco-Friendly Holiday Decorations

It’s fashionable to be ‘green’. Even when decorating for Christmas being eco-friendly matters. This has resulted in more and more companies offering LED lighting and other ‘green’ holiday decoration options. There are also lots of do it yourself holiday decorations, which are perfect for people that enjoy craft projects.
DIY holiday projects can be a great way to get the entire family inspired and motivated about Christmas. Making holiday decorations together can be a wonderful time for family bonding. The time itself is considered by many as a holiday festivity. Including Christmas music and some holiday treats will make the time even more special.
Pine Cones and Pipe Cleaners
Every crafter knows that pine cones can be used in countless holiday projects. For example, a pine cone tree can be made using nothing more than pine cones, a large Styrofoam cone form, and floral pins. Pine cone decorations add a natural touch that provides a sense of warmth and elegance. Whether you attach them to a beautiful holiday ribbon to create a garland or you add embellishments to make pine cone elves, the decorations will be awesome.
Pipe cleaners can also be used to create lots of adorable Christmas decorations. Making pipe cleaner candy cane ornaments is a holiday favorite. The project is quick and easy enough for all ages.
Plants and Flowers
Plants and flowers are as eco-friendly as you can get. With that in mind many people choose to give a plants as a gift or to use them as part of their holiday décor. Poinsettias and Christmas cactus are traditional holiday plants. The plants can be clustered together to create a greater impact.
But you don’t have to stick with traditional to end up with a beautiful holiday decoration. You can use plants and flowers of all types. A great example of how to do this is to purchase a bunch of red roses. Add a wet floral sponge to the bottom of a ceramic or metal ‘basket’ or tub-like container. Position the roses in the sponge and then fill in bare spots with pine cones, evergreen twigs and Christmas ornaments.
This can be a wonderful centerpiece or an ideal decoration to place next to a fireplace. The idea is, keeping things natural will always result in a beautiful accent. The contrast of red against the dark pine cones is stunning. For a different look you can choose to add glitter or paint to the pine cones. Adding a gorgeous holiday bow will be a fantastic finishing touch.
DIY projects help save you money and they are kind to the environment. It’s no wonder making your own holiday decorations is becoming increasingly fashionable.

Nespresso- Single Serve Espresso Machines

Everybody and anybody knows me, knows that I LOVE espresso. I could just about drink it all day. With tons of writing work that requires LONG hours, a retail business, 2 kids, and a house to maintain.. Espresso is my best friend.

I depend on the hot, tasty greatness to keep me on my toes and going when I don’t feel like going. If you like espresso as much as I do, then you must have been excited to learn that Nespresso has made single serve espresso machines.

If I make an entire pot of espresso or coffee, it ends up going to waste. Adam doesn’t drink coffee OR espresso. I’m pretty sure he is hyper-sensitive to caffeine. SO- just me drinking cups and cups of hot greatness by myself. It ends up leading to half pots getting cold.

It can always be reheated in the microwave, but it NEVER tastes the same EVER. So, a single serve espresso machine is perfect for me. I can make it as I want it, and nothing is being wasted. My coffee/espresso never gets cold, and I am ONE happy (hyper active) mommy/blogger/business owner!

These have the quality of a well made design, so they look amazing sitting on your counter. They end up bringing out the BEST tastes and aromas, so that every single cup is at the top of absolute perfection!

They have practical, compact, modern designs that have a unique way of extracting the greatness out of every capsule of espresso/coffee that is put in it. The BEST part is that they are extremely easy to use. You aren’t sitting, staring into space trying to figure out how to turn it on and getting it to percolate the coffee/espresso…

They always make exceptional smooth, great tasting cup every time. Most of them automatically drain the water that isn’t used, so that each cup is ALWAYS fresh.

No matter what your price budget is, they have a machine perfect for you! Check them out! It would be the perfect gift for a coffee lover. WHY spend $5 for a cup from Starbucks when you can have perfection at home?

 

Jessica Renee

10 Gift Ideas For the Man Who Has Everything

Buying a gift for someone who seemingly has ‘everything’ really isn’t easy. When you ask them what they would like for Christmas, they usually reply with ‘I’ll be happy with whatever you get me’ but you just know that won’t be the case, and as soon as the shops are open they’ll be queuing up to return it!

Here are a few ideas for presents even the most difficult to buy for men will find difficult to not love:

Younger men

Tetris Light

This fun and funky light will brighten up any young lads bedroom, and they’ll have hours of fun with it to boot. The official Tetris light allows you to connect one of the bricks to the mains, and then as each new brick is placed into position they will light up, as if by magic.

Electronic guitar T-shirt

Perfect for any male who believes they were born to be a rock star. This T-shirt comes fully integrated with a fully playable guitar, no strings attached! It even contains a mini amp with tone and volume knobs. Rock-On!

Personalised boot bag

A roomy bag suitable for all kinds of sport shoes and outdoor trainers, which can be personalised with names or words of your choice.

Smart Shirt

Buying a smart shirt for the young man in your life, using Charles Tyrwhitt Promo Codes will save you a small fortune! They have a fantastic selection of smart and causal shirts, cufflinks, chinos and more.

Handerpants

Yes, that’s right, pants for hands. These fun stocking fillers will bring a smile to even the most grumpy of faces, and can be worn under regular gloves for extra warmth.

Older men

Sandal Socks

If your dad or granddad likes wearing socks and sandals together, then save him the trouble of having to put them on separately with these fantastically combined socks. A really fun stocking filler

Personalised Cufflink links

These personalised leather cufflinks are the perfect, original gift for an older man who has everything. Perfect for a special occasion, or the office.

Peruvian solar panels

By purchasing these solar panels for a poor family in rural Peru, you will be helping them to generate their own electricity, which will light their homes and give their children a better quality of life.

Self-stirring mug

The ideal gift for someone who is a little bit lazy! By simply flicking a switch, the mug will stir its contents to perfection.

Ralph Lauren Gloves

OK, these are a little pricey, but I guarantee they’ll make a statement in your mans stocking. Made using the finest quality leather, and lined with cashmere, these are the perfect gift for the man who loves quality and luxury.

Review: Nano- Love, in 120 Languages Pendant

Christmas is less than a month away, and you KNOW what that means. SHOPPING. You’ll get to choose what your loved ones will be getting from you, and maybe even dropping some hints on what YOU want.

I as well as every other woman LOVES jewelry. Who wouldn’t? Jewelry is something that will never be forgotten in the years to come. You know- when you start thinking back on what you got LAST year and you can’t quite remember? This shouldn’t be ONE of those years!

I have found the absolute PERFECT piece of jewelry for letting ANYBODY know how much they mean to you. (No matter what language you speak).

A company called Nano Style sent me a very lovely necklace. This necklace is the “I Love You” necklace.

The necklace is black onyx and the graphic and text on the necklace are inscribed with 24KT Gold.

The text is VERY small and says “I LOVE YOU” in 120 different languages.

Each necklace comes with a small magnifying glass so that the small text can be seen.

 

You can NOT find jewelry like this ANYWHERE else. It is only available from Nano Style. I wear the magnifying glass on the chain with the necklace, that way whenever someone asks about it- I can show them the amazingness of it!

 

I really need to buy a more expensive camera. These pictures were taken with my phone, but my camera isn’t much better. I’ve had it for more than 3 years. I just can’t seem to swing $300-600 for a REALLY good camera. AND that’s exactly what I’d be paying. I can only hope to hit the lottery.

They have other jewelry besides the “I Love You'” necklace. Besides the Love Collection Pendants, they also offer Zodiac jewelry, signs and symbols of both Judaism, Buddhism, and Christianity.  AND The “Peace in 120 languages”, which I love!

There’s no way that you’ll have to sit and wonder whether they HAVE something like this, because most people don’t. ALTHOUGH they would most likely LOVE to own something so elegant and beautiful.

You can buy the “I LOVE YOU” pendant for $99 on the NanoStyle website.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

 

Jessica Renee

Review: Nailtiques Skin and Cuticle Gel,Formula 2 Protein, & Nail Lacquer (Rio)

Every woman desires to have beautiful, flawness nails. Sometimes life and genetics get in the way, and no matter what we do- it just isn’t happening. I have been having issues with thin, brittle, splitting nails for the last year or so.

I’d tried SO many things; vitamins triggered AT the nails, regular vitamins, nail growth polishes. Nothing was working for me. I had to end up keeping my nails clipped all the way to the quick, just to be able to apply polish. If I didn’t, you could see the splits THROUGH the nail polish. So I was excited to be able to work with Nailtiques.

I was sent 3 of their items, and I loved each of them. Below you will see what products I received and how well they work.

 Nailtiques Cuticle & Skin Gel

I love this thick, lotion like concentrated glycerin and aloe enriched formula. My cuticles are horribly dry, and no amount of skin conditioning oil or thick lathered lotion would even touch the dryness. I had been on the lookout for something that would actually help without leaving my skin oily or greasy.

That’s the reason I LOVE this so much. It isn’t the LEAST bit oily or greasy. It feels like a lotion, and leaves no residue behind. I could see IMMEDIATE results on my cuticles. My cuticles were instantly soft and silky feeling.

The best thing about this is that it takes LESS than a dime sized amount to get all of my cuticles. It lasts all day, even as I do everyday things that need to be done. It soaks in immediately. As soon as I get to my last nail, the gel has already soaked into my nails and the other 9 cuticles!

I like using this before I go to bed at night and then again in the morning. On the days that I’m not wearing polish, I also use this on my nails. It has rid of the white spots and has even helped with a dirty rotten hangnail that made me want to cry. I applied this and it was weird that the pain was gone instantly. I had never had a hangnail before, but it was pretty painful. I’m glad that this took care of the pain!

BUY IT: You can buy the Nailtiques Cuticle & Skin Gel 1 oz.

Jar for $ 15.00 or 1/4 oz. Jar for $ 4.00

 

Nailtiques Formula 2

I’ve had thin and splitting nails for the last year or so from washing so many loads of dirty dishes. I hated it. My nails would start growing out and then pieces would actually start peeling off. I was excited when I got a chance to review the Protein Formula 2 from Nailtique.

I really did see a year or so of damage; splitting, breaking, peeling gone almost immediately. Within 2 weeks my nails looked like I’d never had a damaged spot EVER. As soon as I got out of the shower, I’d use this on my nails.

They were absolutely clean (no polish) and I used it DAILY. Within the 2 weeks, my nails were stronger, healthier, and hard. This can work amazing as a base coat for any nail polish.

You do NOT want to apply this as thickly as you would nail polish. It’s a protein, so apply it thinly. Wipe the brush off several times before applying. One dip of the brush will easily get 3-4 nails for me. If you apply it too thick, it isn’t going to adhere to your nails and let the nail suck up the protein. You’ll just be wasting the product.

To remove this- I dabbed a cotton ball in nail polish remover. Then I held it to each nail for about 40 seconds. You have to realize that the protein in this makes your nails hard, so therefore it IS hard. Holding the nail polish on it for 40 seconds softens the protein, so it’s easier to come off.

BUY IT: You can buy the Nail Protein Formula 2 for

1/2 oz. Bottle $ 17.50
1/4 oz. Bottle $ 9.50
1/8 oz. Bottle $ 5.00

 

Nailtiques Nail Lacquer with Protein

Rio Nail Lacquer with Protein

The Nailtiques Nail Lacquer with Protein comes in 16 different shades, which are all beautiful. I ended up getting the Rio- #308, which is a bright hot beautiful pink. It is infused with the same protein that the nail treatments have, so it’s not only beautiful but also beneficial.

The treatment works by borrowing into the nail bed, giving the nails a boost of health and strength. I love that I can color my nails and help them strengthen themselves too. It’s a win-win situation. (Especially since I was also using the Protein Formula 2).

My nails have never looked so healthy, smooth, and bubble free. I love that the brush on the polish was just the right size. I hate getting a nail polish brush that is either too thin or too thick. This produces just the right amount of polish to get the job done without being too messy and runny.

The brush was actually just the right size that I could “tip” my nails in this enchanting hot pink color. It applied without any issues. I didn’t have any running down the sides of my fingers or toes. There weren’t any bubbles, and it DRIED within a minute. I hate sitting for more than a few minutes waiting for my nails to dry.

Usually if it takes awhile for my nails to dry, they end up getting smeared. My kids are always on the Go, Go, Go- so mommy doesn’t HAVE 15 minutes to sit it out! I love that this is mom friendly (meaning FAST) !

BUY IT: You can buy the Nailtiques Nail Lacquer with Protein for $10 each

 

Connect with Nailtiques on Facebook & Twitter

Disclosure: This isn’t a sponsored post, products were sent for review purposes only. The opinions in this post are completely honest and not influenced in any way.

 

Jessica Renee

 

Review: Diamond Veneer 4CT Stud Post Earrings

It isn’t a secret that women love jewelry. Why else would there be so many different jewelry commercials starting before Halloween EVEN ends to market themselves for the holidays?

Guys want to buy their moms, sisters, and wives jewelry- but they don’t want to spend thousands and thousands on each piece. Each woman wants to look her best, in something that SHE knows didn’t cost and arm and a leg but YET looks like it does.

That’s where Diamond Veneer comes in. They start with a Cubic Zirconia, but then they are treated with a film of carbon diamond particles. So they look AND sparkle like real diamonds. Upon inspection of the earrings I got, I couldn’t EVEN tell that they weren’t real diamonds.

If it looks like a Diamond, Sparkles like a

Diamond, it must be Diamond Veneer.

I was sent the 4CT TW Diamond Veneer Stud Post earrings, and they came packed like a pair of high quality diamond studs! My camera, NOR my phone can capture the sparkle, beauty, and allure of these earrings.

So, I’ve added a picture from the website to show you how attractive and appealing this are up close. If someone had gotten these for me for my birthday, christmas, or Adam had gotten these for me for our Anniversary there is NO way that I would be able to see that they aren’t absolutely 100% real diamonds.

They had instant magnetism, I think. They aren’t just interesting but they have immediate eye catching beauty. I love walking out into the sunlight and knowing that my beautiful earrings are capturing and bouncing that beautiful light!

I love that I can wear these to my shop during the day and look like a business woman. I can wear these with a beautiful dress and go out somewhere spectacular and KNOW that I fit in anywhere. WHY? Because they GO with anything and everything. Jeans, Suits, and Glamorous dresses. Nobody in the room has to know that you didn’t pay $5000 for them.. shh. 

Christmas is coming, and it’ll be here before you know it. Do YOU know what you’re getting your mom, sister, best friend, or wife? Why not a pair of these gorgeous earrings?

Buy IT: You can buy the 4CT TW Diamond Veneer Stud Post earrings for only $140.

Disclosure: This isn’t a sponsored post, products were sent for review purposes only. The opinions in this post are completely honest and completely my own.

 

Jessica Renee

Book Review: How to Price Crafts and Things You Make to Sell by James Dillehay

This book How to Price Crafts and Things You Make to Sell covers both pricing online and offline. As a crafter myself I know what it means to want answers to these questions. We are always thinking “How to do I price it while making money, BUT not going too much beyond what people will pay for what I have.”

You may begin to ask yourself “WHY would I need a BOOK to tell me how to do this”? There isn’t really a set formula on craft items because they are handmade by YOU. You want to feel like you’re getting paid for not only your product, but your TIME as well. Time IS money, so you can’t just price a crocheted blanket that took you a month to make at $10.

This book not only gives formulas as to how to make money time and time again, but it gives examples. The examples and instructions are what come in handy to a crafter thinking about selling their items. This book gives both pricing for retail AND wholesale—so you’ll be making money on both ends.

If you can learn to price your items better, it can only mean more profit. More profit means more money IN your pocket to expand your business in whatever way you like. BUT even better is that it shows how to tell IF your making a profit, how to keep records of everything, cutting material cost, and how to reevaluate your time and workspace.

When you take a step back and reevaluate all these things, it gives room to better your business. If you can organize your workspace so that everything you need is right THERE, you aren’t going to spend time looking for what you need. WHICH means more time to actually work, make products, and get them out in the world!

Taxes! Yes, I just said TAXES. This book also shows you some advantages of owning a home based craft business. Those advantages will get you some tax write-offs and save you even more money that you can just turn around and put back in your pocket for inventory, fabric, or whatever you need.

You may have not realized this before, but most crafters really don’t charge what they should for their work. They aren’t making enough to actually say that they OWN a business. This book will help you learn the insides of business and how customers are WILLING to support local crafters and pay what you want to be paid.

Have you ever heard of strategic pricing? It is when you learn which market attracts the highest paying customers and how to get your products in there for those customers to see.

If you’re a crafter then you should know that you can’t just take things that you’ve thrown together and expect to be paid the highest payout for that product. When you CRAFT you have to make exceptional quality work to be able to charge those prices. If you aren’t taking pride in your work, and are just thinking about the benefits of being able to work from home- you may want to reevaluate your priorities before starting a craft business.

I love that this book also gives you an idea as a crafter WHERE your items are most likely to sell. If you are new at this kind of thing, you may not know or understand where the handmade market is- with this book you WILL.

BUY IT: You can buy the How to Price Crafts and Things You Make to Sell book for Kindle for only $4.99 or $12.95 for paperback. IF I were you, I’d go ahead and get the paperback—this is like a craft selling bible and there are things that you are going to want to return to. NOT only return to but write side-notes, highlight, and even share with your crafty friends!

 

About the Author

James Dillehay, is a professional craft artist, fine crafts gallery owner, and author of nine books and has been interviewed in The Wall Street Journal Online, The Chicago Tribune, Bottom Line Personal, Family Circle, The Crafts Report, Better Homes & Gardens, Working Mothers, Country Almanac, HGTV, and many more. James produced a series of webinars for the state of Alaska to help local artists and craft makers learn more ways to market their creative products. He has presented workshops around the US including events for the National Association of Independent Artists in Atlanta, GA and the Bootcamp Marketing for Artists and Craftspeople in Santa Fe, NM. He operates and provides content for Craftmarketer.com He is the founder of Craftsu.com, the social network for craft artists and he runs the Treasure Box Gallery in Madrid, New Mexico where he weaves and sells his work.

Disclosure: This isn’t a sponsored post, products were sent for review purposes only. The opinions in this post are completely and 100% my own!

 

Jessica Renee

Review: ONE Styling- Crush Mini Flat Iron

One Styling is a very innovative styling tool company. They have everything you need to look beautiful right at your fingertips. Blow-dryers, Flat Irons, Curling Rods, and accessories.

I was very fortunate to get to work with them on a review of their Crush Mini Flat Iron. I love that they offer a color variety in most of their products. Of course you KNEW I’d flip out over the lime green.

I love that the flat iron heating part is colored. Makes it SO  unique, and looks so good on my bathroom counter! There are 3 other color selections in the Mini Flat Iron other than the one you see above. They have Raspberry (pink), Silver, and Black.

I absolutely LOVE this mini flat iron. It adds a little oomph to my hair styling! It heats up VERY quickly. As soon as I plug it up, it’s hot within 30 seconds! I love that I don’t have to wait to get styling.

Usually I can be pretty lazy after I get out of the shower or bath. I’ll just throw my hair up in a bun and go to bed. The next morning- I wake up like this!

So, as you can see- I desperately need help taming my mane after a night of not wanting to blow-dry it. DO not let the name “MINI” confuse or fool you. As long as my hair is, I can easily straighten my hair with this! ABSOLUTLEY no problem at all.

The smallness of the flat iron makes it easier for my hands to grip. This also makes it really easy to get real straight hair without the frumps! The best thing about it is that it automatically calibrates heater based on hair texture.

So if you have thin hair, it decreases the heat, so that you aren’t at risk for being burned. If you have thick hair, the heat increases so that you are getting ALL of your hair and not just the top layers!

This is what my hair looked like AFTER straightening with the Crush Mini Flat Iron, which is amazing since I have SUCH long hair.

It has Tourmaline technology to provide maximum negative ionic output to lock in moisture and eliminate static and frizz. Tourmaline technology provides maximum negative ionic output to lock in moisture and eliminate static and frizz.

BUY IT: You can buy the Crush Mini Flat Iron in four different colors for only $30.

Connect with with ONE styling on Facebook & Twitter

Disclosure: This isn’t a sponsored post, products were sent for review purposes only. The opinions in this post are mine and mine alone

 

Jessica Renee