Lit from Within: 2015
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Thursday, December 31, 2015

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Not Just Ageless, but Ultra Ageless!

Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

Maybe it's a little vain of me to say, but I like my eyes.  I like their deep brown color.  I like my one wonky eyelash that turned white and grows longer than all the others.  I like how expressive my eyes are.

What I don't like is when my eyes are tired, puffy, and the skin around them is wrinkled and sagging.  And that's why I love eye creams.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Teal Tuesday - Glam


Hello, Fireflies!

For this holiday season, I've been focused mainly on light, glittery eyes and red lips for my looks.  It's still a fave, but I thought I'd show you a darker, smoky teal eye with a light lip that might be fun for a night out.

Monday, December 28, 2015

I Gotta Wear Shades, my skincare's so Bright #BrightThearpyTrident


Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

You are my sunshine, my .. LED light.. you make my skin tight, as I get old.  I'll never know, dear, another blemish, and you'll take my wrinkles away....

Today, I want to share with you my experience using Bright Therapy's Trident Skincare LED system.  It uses light waves to treat all manner of skincare issues!

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Snowflake Snowstorm in a Pond


Hello, Fireflies!

This Stamping Sunday, I'm cheating a little.  At the time I'm writing this, I don't actually know what the challenge will be.  But, as you're reading this, I've just returned home from visiting family, and I'm probably sleeping it off.... but, I have to stamp today, so I created my own challenge - the snowflake pond!

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Penny Royal Oil - Sweet, Minty, but Handle With Care #simplyearth


Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

Today's review is a bit of a strange one.  I was given the opportunity to review an essential oil that I hadn't heard of before, so I was excited to try it.  Simply Earth's Penny Royal oil smells great, and they donate 13% of the profit to organizations rehabilitiating trafficking victims.  Unfortunately, this oil may be too dangerous to mess around with.

Friday, December 25, 2015

Christmas Tree


Hello, Fireflies!

If you celebrate, I hope today is a very Merry Christmas to you and yours.  If not, I wish you a happy holidays, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, or Friday...


What I used to create this funky Christmas tree:  white base, Debprah Lippmann Stand By Your Man, Butter London Sozzled, CoverGirl Emerald Blaze, Ulta Silver Bell, and Orly Shining Star.

What I used to create this funky Christmas tree:  white base, Debprah Lippmann Stand By Your Man, Butter London Sozzled, CoverGirl Emerald Blaze, Ulta Silver Bell, and Orly Shining Star.

Best wishes for a wonderful day, from me to you!

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas Presents


Hello, Fireflies!

I love receiving presents, but I love giving them, too.  I'm looking forward to exchanging gifts with my husband and my family and hoping they love what I got for them.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Santa Hat


Hello, Fireflies!

I can't believe December is almost over.  This year is flying by!  Today, I have the last of my Negative Space nails to show you.  I haven't done a lot of holiday nailart this year, but I couldn't resist this one.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Holiday Metallic Make up Look

Forlan BB Cream and OFRA Blush Stripes are Press Samples.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

As much as I am loving dark, smoky looks for evening these days, I've also discovered that I love a bright, metallic lid, too.  The lightness brings attention to my mobile lid, making it look larger, and it's also easier to pair with a bold lip!

Monday, December 21, 2015

Natural Blemish Control Moisturizer #Cloud9BlemishControl


Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

Like a magpie to shiny, if a product claims to control blemishes without drying out my aging skin, I'm all over that.  I love natural products that nourish and protect my face, while regulating my oil control and zapping zits.  Will I be on Cloud 9 after using this moisturizer?

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Christmas Ornaments


Hello, Fireflies!

Today's Sunday Stamping challenge is about getting ready for Christmas!  For me, that means trimming the tree... and decorating my nails!

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Beautiful Butterfly Soaps #NaturalSoap


Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

I recently saw an article online that said that households in the UK are often judged by the type of soap they use. I've never been Across The Pond, and I don't know if that's true.. but if it is, I've found a really nice soap that should impress your family and friends.

Friday, December 18, 2015

What Problem Skin? #RevivaLabs

Press Samples.  All opinions are my own. 
Hello, Fireflies!

I am woman of many contradictions, and one of the biggest ones is on my face.  I'm no longer a teenager, but still suffer from oily skin and blemishes!  When I look for skincare products to balance my skin, I have to be careful that they are not harsh or drying, because that oily skin is also getting older and more delicate.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

I'm a Degree Drier... #Influenster #TryDry

Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

I don't remember when I started using deodorant/antiperspirant, but it was a loong time ago.  I seem to recall that I started with roll-ons, which were very wet and sticky in their day.  I remember when we were first married, my husband used to use a spray deodorant, but it was also very wet.  In those days, you applied, then you did a little dance with your arms in the air.  We didn't "put our hands in the air like we just didn't care."  We did it to keep our clothes from sticking to our armpits! Now, there's a new kind of spray!

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Negative Space Snow Flakes


Hello, Fireflies!

Time, yet again, for another installment of the Nail Challenge Collaborative's monthly theme.  I've been having so much fun thinking of negative space nail art this month.  Today's is... well, not exactly what I was going for.  A snowflake fail?  You decide!

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Energize My Eyes #RevivaLabs

Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

Every year around the holidays, I tell myself that I'm going to take it easier, not stress, not try to do it all.  Some holidays I make it, and some I don't.  This year, I'm feeling the stress.  So, I'm trying to take some time to take care of me and my skin, including trying this new eye kit from Reviva Labs  - Myoxinal-Infused Collagen Fibre Eye Pads with Skin Energizing Gel.  It can't turn back time (only Cher can do that, y'all!) but can it help energize my eyes?

Monday, December 14, 2015

Happy Holla Days! #Giveaway


Hello, Fireflies!

Are you following me on Instagram?  After seeing this, you may want to - and everyone else in this loop!  We're giving away a Sephora Giftcard, and the Too Faced Bon Bons Palette! 

Good luck!

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Sparkly Stamped Sweater


Hello, Fireflies!

When I think of the tradition of the 'Ugly Christmas Sweater,' I think of the scene in Bridget Jones' Diary, where Bridget is talking about how the guy her mom is setting her up with is probably wearing one, and he's behind her, eavesdropping... and wearing one.  I kinda wish it was still a tradition, but here in Florida, the temps have been in the 80s, so the last thing I'm thinking about wearing is a sweater.  At least there's nail art!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

I See Myself More Clearly Now.. #Mirrorvana


Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

I have bad vision, and it seems like I always have.  I started wearing glasses in the 3rd grade, and still do.  When I was younger, a quick check in the mirror was fine, but now that I'm older, I need more time to get ready, and the ability to really see the details.  There's tweezing and plucking to be done, and older eyes take more attention to detail to look good.  My best tool for these tasks?  A magnifying mirror!

Friday, December 11, 2015

Lift Your #saggingskin and Spirits with the Lift Bar Pro


Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

You know how they say, that no matter how hard we try, sometimes we just end up becoming our parents anyway?  Well, my mom is a Gadget Queen.  She loves them.  She has a gadget just for hulling strawberries; another for slicing avocados; a specially designed tupperware just for keeping frozen waffles...  My mom also has amazing skin.  She looks 20 years younger than she is.  With the Lift Bar Pro, I'm fulfilling both my mom's love of gadgets, and for younger-looking skin!

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Who says skincare can't be fun? #StriVectin

Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

I love masks.  Love them.  If there's a new type of mask, I want to try it.  I'd heard about 'bubble masks' in the K-beauty arena, but I was skeptical.  What was the big deal, and could all that foaming actually *do* anything for my skin?  But, when StriVectin asked me to try their foaming oxygen mask, I knew it wouldn't be all hype!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Negative Space Glitter Chevron Tips


Hello, Fireflies!

Time for the second installment of this month's challenge, Negative Space.  This week, I do a glittery twist on a classic chevron French tip.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Festive Red!

Forlan BB Cream is a Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

'Tis the season for getting your glam on! I wore this festive red look to a wedding, but it would also work for any holiday party.  Nothing is more festive than a bright red!

Monday, December 7, 2015

Pure + Luxury = #purxury


Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

I wish I could just intuitively take better care of myself.  I wish I liked only healthy foods, and lots of exercise, and fresh air.  It's really hard for me to make the best choices for my health and well being.  One area I've been able to make some inroads in is with my skincare choices.  Purxury is a brand created by a family looking to get rid of all the toxicity in their lives - to create skincare with natural and organic ingredients with names they could pronounce. It's also made in the USA, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free, too.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Good Fairies and Bad Fairy


Hello, Fireflies!

Time again for another Stamping Sunday! Today's theme is, 'good and bad fairies.'  I stamp some of both with some special fairy polishes!

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Do You Need Neem? #NeemOil4OZ


Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

One of the things that really got me started on my skincare journey was oil.  My husband gets breakouts of eczema, and I've tried many oils to help soothe and heal his skin - and along the way, I've found really great oils that not only helped him, but were great for my skin or hair.  I've found some really interesting oils, too, that I never would have found on my own.  Neem oil is one of those unique oils!

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D? #skinauthority

Press Sample.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

As a pasty-skinned, cave-dwelling Night Owl, I know I'm probably not getting enough Vitamin D from the sun.  I drink my Vitamin D-fortified milk, and take a multi-vitamin, but is it enough? I'm going to check with my doctor to get my Vitamin D levels checked, and I've been using Skin Authority VitaD Fortified Topical Elixir to help my skin get more Vitamin D.

A Few of Our Favorite Beauty Things Giveaway!


A total of 35 fabulous beauty bloggers have all teamed up to give away "A Few of Our Favorite BEAUTY Things!" to our readers! It was created to be a fun blog hop to give back to you -- our readers -- and hopefully help you discover new beauty blogs and makeup lovers along the way!

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Ruffled Two-Piece


Hello, Fireflies!

Welcome to a new month, and a new challenge theme from the Nail Challenge Collaborative! I'm excited about this month's theme - Negative Space.  I love the concept, but don't use it that often, so I'm glad for the practice!

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Berry Metals

Forlan BB Cream and Cover FX Blemish Concealer are Press Samples.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

Today's look is very, very berry! I love this color, and all the metallic shininess I have in this look for both my makeup and nails, and I hope you enjoy it, too.

Monday, November 30, 2015

Kushy Feet and Lovely Legs! #Kushyfoot #CocoaBrownTan

Press Samples.  All opinions are my own.

Hello, Fireflies!

I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted after a weekend of intense shopping! I didn't have to fight anyone over the last hit toy of the season, or anything like that, thankfully!  If you were out and about this weekend, maybe your feet and legs were hot and tired, too.  I want to tell you about some things that have saved my feet and made my legs look better than ever!

Sunday, November 29, 2015

A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away...


Hello, Fireflies!

It's time again for the Sunday Stamping challenge!  Today's theme is 'Favorite Sci-Fi Movie or TV Show."  I mixed a little glitter, a little stamping, and a little free-hand writing to come up with today's homage to an oldie, but a goodie that is having a comeback really soon...

Saturday, November 28, 2015

A Soft Place to Sit #coccyxpillow


Press Samples.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

I spend a lot of time sitting at my computer.  I'm blogging, or doing Facebook, or playing games, or, my favorite - shopping.  I have spent a lot of time this "Black Friday" checking out all the amazing sales!  Instead of getting sore feet from walking around the stores, my tushie gets sore from sitting! Luckily, I have two cushions to tell you about that might help you if you get sore buttocks, too.

Friday, November 27, 2015

BBC November Challenge - Red, Yellow, and Orange! #bbcchallenge


Hello, Fireflies!

Here in the US, today is known as Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year.  It's also the day that it is socially acceptable to recognize that the holidays are here, and to start decorating!  So, while I'm still thinking of Fall, and Fall colors like the ones for today's BBC Challenge, I'm interpreting them in a holiday way!

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Smell Delicious! #myvianature

Press Samples.  All opinions are my own.
Hello, Fireflies!

Happy Thanksgiving!  If we're lucky, today is a day filled with good smells.  Why shouldn't we smell good, too?

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Greyscale Nails


Hello, Fireflies!

Today's post finishes out this month's NCC's theme of Monochrome.  I just couldn't resist doing the ultimate monochrome nailart - greyscale.  But, with a glittery twist!

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Men's* Gift Guide #jewelryyorganizer #CareWares #shaving #liveinfinitely #ballroomdancing


Press Samples.  All opinions are my own.

Hello, Fireflies!

My husband is incredibly hard to shop for.  I know, in general, what a lot of his favorite things are - books, video games, comics - but I couldn't tell you which particular game he wanted, or which books he didn't already have.  So, over the last 20 years, we've developed a system for the "big" gift of the season.  I ask him what he wants, and then we go buy it together.  That way, he gets exactly what he wants.  He then wraps his own gift and puts it under the tree!

I do like to get him smaller things, often surprises, that I think he'll like.  I picked a few things I think many men would like to get as a gift... and maybe some women, too!

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