A Very Sweet Blog

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Bite Beauty Beetroot, Chai and Molasses Lipstick Review and Swatches

Get ready for a lipstick explosion the next couple of weeks! I'm wrapping up reviews of my fall stash. Have you ever tried or do you own any Bite Beauty lipsticks? I've always heard good things about their lipsticks (their lipsticks are made by hand, they're also made of natural ingredients, the company is out of Toronto Canada), so I purchased a few the end of last year to try. I am really impressed with both the quality of the packaging & lipstick. Your lipstick is housed in THREE (3) sturdy outer boxes (see my pictures below). I think this is a little overboard, but be assured your lipstick will arrive safely ;) The tube the lipstick is in, is also made of sturdy material. It feels like NARS, but it doesn't stain like NARS packaging. The lipsticks look heavy, but they actually feel pretty light on the lips. They're very creamy, extremely pigmented, have a nice gloss to them and they STAY where they are applied. Don't expect these lipsticks to move around once applied. I like that, because lipstick on teeth is not a good look (I've had my share of those accidents). Bite Beauty really makes excellent quality lipsticks. Your biggest dilemma will be picking out a shade! There seems to be 45 total! I really love all 3 that I selected. If you click on me wearing CHAI, it is a gorgeous everyday shade. Again, all are very nice.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff)

Bite Beauty lipsticks are Supersweet

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in BEETROOT

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in CHAI

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in MOLASSES

Very Impressed With Bite Beauty

2017 Sag Awards Red Carpet and Miss Universe

What is going on with red carpet fashion for 2017? I watched 45 minutes of the SAG Awards red carpet and became dismayed. I looked at the fashion recaps and nothing really made me go WOW! Did I miss something? Did something translate better on tv than pics? Let me know your favorites! Did anyone watch Miss Universe? It came down to France, Haiti and Colombia. Congratulations to France, but I loved Miss Colombia's evening gown. It was handmade and absolutely gorgeous. She came in 3rd :(

Viola Davis in Vivienne Westwood, Taraji P. Henson in Reem Acra, Kerry Washington in Roberto Cavalli Couture

Elizabeth McGovern in ?, Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji, Amy Adams in Brandon Maxwell

Miss Universe 2017 France // Miss Colombia

picture credit: eonline, instyle, miss universe

Practical Driving Test Day: What To Expect

The day of the test

Most driving instructors will pick you up about an hour before the test starts. This gives you some time to warm up and prepare for the test.

Your license

You’ll need to have your provisional licence with you otherwise the test examiner can’t test you.

Getting to the test centre

Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the test centre in case there is traffic or road works. Don’t get there too early because the centre can be quite busy (they’re testing people all day). It’s best to get there about 10 or 15 minutes early. Toptests.co.uk has more help for passing the driving tests.

Leaving the car

Before you leave the car to go to the waiting room, look around at where it is parked. This is where you will be starting your test so familiarise yourself and mentally plan how you will get out of the car park or parking space.

In the waiting room

No one likes to wait and often this is when nerves can set in. Try and have a chat with your driving instructor and get your licence ready to show the examiner. Your name will be called by your examiner and they’ll want to see your licence.

You’ll have to sign some paperwork and confirm your address. You’ll also be asked if you want to have anyone accompany you in addition to the examiner. You are allowed another person in the car but they can’t say anything or affect the test in any way.

Eyesight Test

Next is the eyesight test. The examiner will get you to read the letters and number plate of a car. You will get a few chances but if you really can’t read it then the test will stop and be marked as a fail.

At the car

The examiner will ask you two ‘show me tell me’ questions to prove you understand some basic car safety and maintenance. As long as you have prepared this part should be quite easy.

The driving section

This is when you’ll get in the car and you’ll be directed on a route around the local area so that the examiner can fully test you.

You’ll be tested on various road systems including junctions, roundabouts and one way systems.

Manoeuvres in the test

There are four specific manoeuvres you’ll be tested on, these are:

Reversing around a corner
Parallel parking
Turning in the road
Bay parking

Your instructor will have got you to practice these so hopefully they are second nature.

Emergency stop

Sometimes the examiner will ask you to perform an emergency stop. They won’t just ask you this out of the blue, they will get you to stop at the side of the road and prepare you first. You’ll be told very clearly what is about to happen and when to perform the emergency stop.

The end of the test

At the end, after the car engine is turned off the examiner will tell you the test result. They’ll give you a report and explain any mistakes that you made. If you passed they’ll give you a pass certificate.

Accordion Pleats & Tulle

According to dictionary.com, accordion pleats have been around since the 1800's. They're classic. We've seen them sashay down fashion runways. Marilyn Monroe is famously known for her white accordion dress being blown from a subway grate. Child Star Shirley Temple (I'm a vintage movie buff) wore an accordion dress in the movie, 'The Little Girl Who Fought The Great Depression'. The list goes on and on. When people ask me what my particular style is, I always respond...CLASSIC. It's who I am. My fashion sense (like my home) is no fuss, understated, simple, classy and elegant. When eShakti asked me to model a dress for them, their Accordian Pleat Tulle and Cotton Knit Midi Dress immediately caught my eye. Not only does it have accordion pleats, but it also has an overlay of tulle! Tulle is so dreamy. This dress has a simple elastic band at the waist, pockets and is topped off with a scooped neck ballerina style neckline. Plus, it's classic black. How much does this dress cost? Only $55 and change. It looks more expensive. My Look: $55 dress #gotitfree + $5 Sunnies + Bobbi Brown Makeup + Chanel Shopping Bag :) You don't have to spend a lot of money, to look like a million bucks! I love that eShakti caters to different sizes and their designs can be customized. I've been a series of sizes my entire life. Study your body shape. Know your strengths & weaknesses. Build your wardrobe based on what works for YOU! It's a formula only you can unlock. eShakti can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and other social media. #eShakti #realfashionforrealpeople

2017 Lunar New Year Gifts: Year of the Red Rooster

This Saturday is Chinese Lunar New Year! Since blogging, I've really enjoyed making friendships and learning about Asian customs & traditions (Chinese new year traditions, 10 lucky Chinese new year foods). Over the years, I've incorporated these best practices into my life. Overall they've made me a better person. They've helped in the organization of my home. They've helped in my way of thinking & decisions I've made. They've helped me financially. Do you practice Asian customs & traditions? Or maybe another culture, along with your own? I think there's a lot we can learn from others. On a separate note, in 2014 I asked 'How Commercial is Chinese New Year'? It was fun looking back at the comments. Do you feel the same way now? I much prefer the practices of CNY than the gifts. They mean more to me. But I also love Limited Edition & Special Packaging :) What are your thoughts?

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Yogurt Body Wash and Body Yogurt in Vanilla and Oats Apricot and Honey Review

Sponsored: How was everybody's weekend? Victoria started last Sunday (US) and I am so hooked. The acting, story-line & costumes are so superb. I've been lost since Downton Abbey, so a television series like Victoria was absolutely needed in my life :) Aveeno sent me a box, filled with their new beauty treats around Christmas. I saw the products in stores, but hoped they would send them to me. I've had a chance to try these products for a few weeks now and I'm ready to share my opinion.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff)

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Yogurt Body Wash & Body Yogurt:

Vanilla and Oats, Apricot and Honey - Supersweet

YOGURT! That's the word that caught my attention with the new products in this collection. I've always been impressed with Aveeno's body washes (here and here). The only one I didn't like, was the one they came out with last year that was scented with coconut. For some reason, it just smelled really artificial. Well, I'm happy to tell you there's no artificial/plastic scent with these! They definitely got that straight! These body washes are rich, creamy & moisturizing! There's nothing heavy or greasy about them. They wash away clean. I LOVE BOTH SCENTS! The Vanilla and Oats, smells like authentic vanilla or a vanilla yogurt that you would eat. With the Apricot and Honey, you pick up both scents with the apricot being the dominant scent. If you love au natural, go for Vanilla and Oats. If you need a little more, pick up the Apricot and Honey. You can't go wrong with either! Sample the scents in-store! Not only pick up the body wash, but also the Body Yogurt (in matching scents). They come in little tubs and this is where the magic happens! They're exactly like yogurt baby! Do you see my gif below, stirring the product? CREAMY! Moisturizing! I even refrigerated these, for a real treat for my skin. Yes, it's been in the 70's here in New Orleans. Can you believe that? We didn't have much Winter. But bottom line, I am very impressed with these products. I hope they come out with more options.

Replica Lazy Sunday Candle, Pottery Barn Robe & Slippers,

SKEEM Designs and Massage Envy Gift Card (not shown)

Aveeno also sent me some gifts. Has anyone tried Replica (Maison Martin Margiela) candles or perfume? They've always been on my radar, but I never really looked to see what they had to offer. I am so impressed with this candle! It's called Lazy Sunday (the scent is fresh laundy). It's a very CLEAN scent! I love those. I also love white candles. I find them to be so peaceful & serene. Aveeno included some SKEEM long stem matches. You strike the match on the black strip (on the bottle). They also sent me a robe & slipper set from Pottery Barn. The robe has my initials on it (monogrammed) :) You can see the slippers in the above pictures. They also sent me a Massage Envy Gift Card. I gave it to my mom :) I want to thank Aveeno for everything! I was an Aveeno Ambassador for three years and learned so much. I really appreciate the experience and the love they've shown me. It's been awesome.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Marc Lip Creme Lipsticks in Infamous, Mahogany, Boy Gorgeous & Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Marc Jacobs Nude Sheer Gel in Eat Cake: Review and Swatches

I fell in love with Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Creme Lipsticks in 2013, when I tried Neo-Noir. To this date, it is still my favorite red lipstick. There's really nothing to dislike about Marc Jacob's lipsticks! The pigmentation is always great. They glide smoothly & provide excellent coverage on the lips. They're also very moisturizing. The packaging is super-sleek and the cap of every lipstick has a magnetic closure. But if you're paying $30 a pop for a lipstick, I would expect such things ;) Your biggest problem will be picking out a color. I also purchased Marc Jacobs Nude Sheer Gel Lipstick in Eat Cake ;) I was biased because of the name :D Well as you can see below, it's not very sheer. But that is ok with me! I love the color payoff. The gel lipsticks, feel just a tad lighter on the lips than his lipsticks. But I could hardly tell the difference. I love berry hues, so I really love Boy Gorgeous (I love Marc Jacobs & Tom Ford with their lipstick tributes to famous people). So I just wanted to show you the rest of my Marc Jacobs lipstick collection. Have you tried his lipsticks? Let me know your thoughts.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff)

Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Creme Lipsticks and Nude Sheer Gel Lipsticks are Supersweet