$15 off $50 Sephora Haul with Swatches!

Isn't hauling fun? And it's always made sweeter with a discount.  A friend of mine shared her $15 off $50 deal with me, and here's what I got:

Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Lip Shine

Oscar Blandi Proteine di Jasmine Protein Mist for Restyling

Benefit Cosmetics Legally Bronze Collection

3 FREE Samples, see below

Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Lip Shine

First Impressions: This is a good sized product, and it should be for $10. Is it worth the price? So far, it smells lovely, so that's a plus. But the formula is super-duper sticky; I'm unsure how I feel about that. DH says it tastes sugary. :o)

Oscar Blandi Proteine di Jasmine Mist for Restyling Hair

First Impressions: I haven't used this yet, but I took a whiff. I was hoping this would smell like the Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine Hair Serum, which smells absolutely awesome if you like jasmine. Sadly, this spray doesn't have the same fragrance. I have yet to try it out though... Would you like a thorough review?

Benefit Cosmetics Legally Bronze Collection

First Impressions: I bought this kit because every item in here is full-size or near full-size. Some of Benefit's kits seem to lack in the size department. Not the case with this set. The bag the collection comes in isn't half bad, but it will likely not replace any of my other travel makeup bags.

Lovely!

Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Brown Mascara

First Impressions: I love the packaging. Again, I haven't tried this yet as I just unboxed it today. I love the packaging.

The brush is nothing spectacular, and the formula seemed dry when I swatched it, but time will tell. I am excited to have this because I've never owned a brown mascara! Did I mention I love the packaging? That slender, tall tube with the metallic pink writing is so pretty!

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzing Powder

First Impressions: The color seems lovely and matte. The texture is quite smooth. I like the box that the product comes in a lot. The brush is super cute, but it's already found it's way into my garbage can. Just for practical reasons, I'll use the makeup brushes I have. This product here is the whole reason I bought the collection!

Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer

First Impressions: This looks like a nail polish! It is a lovely pearly pink color and blends out well (see swatch below).

Benefit Cosmetics Gilded Tangerine Gold Highlighter

First Impressions: This is a lovely light copper/bronze color. The pencil is soft and I'm excited to give this a try. It claims to be a highlighting product that can be used on the brow bones or the lips. I think it's gorgeous!

The Swatches (L-R):

Gilded, High Beam, Hoola, and BADgal Brown Mascara

3 FREE Samples:

Betsey Johnson Too Too Eau de Parfum

Amika Oil Treatment

Sephora Collection Perfecting Cover Foundation in Ivory

What do you think of my haul? Did you take advantage of the $15 off $50 offer?  Would you like to see any reviews?

20 Dec 2011 Jesus Time

Word

Passage from the Bible:
John 7:37-39 "On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."' Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."

Passage in my own words:
On the final day of the feast, Jesus stood up and said that if anyone was thirsty, he should come to him and drink.  He said that whoever believed in him as the Scriptures described would have rivers of living water flowing out of his heart.  He was talking about the Holy Spirit.  Those that chose to believe in him would be receiving the Holy Spirit later.  The Holy Spirit hadn't been given yet because Jesus had not finished his time on the earth.

How I will obey this:
I want to cultivate that idea of having rivers of living water flowing out of my heart!

What I learned about God that I can share:
His Spirit has now been given to us.

Reflection

How I am doing today:
Good.  Busy, but good.

What recent things drew me closer to God:
Again, taking even a few minutes to be in his Word.

What recent things pushed me further from God:
My attitude toward certain people who are close to me.  I don't feel compassionate or patient.

What I am learning:
I need to focus on having that living water flowing out of my heart.  Not just to those who need to know Jesus, but even those who are close to me and already know him.  I should not be a brat! :o)

Prayer

What I hear God saying:
"I have given you my Spirit, so you have those things--compassion and patience--in the form of living water in your heart.  Let it flow.  But it takes work and commitment and effort.  Dont be lazy.  Be intentional."

People or issues I am praying for:
My attitude: compassion and patience.

Answers to past prayers:
We have yet another lovely place to live for the next number of weeks before we return overseas.  God has been more than faithful by providing not just a roof over our heads, but a wonderful roof over our heads!

19 Dec 2011 Jesus Time

Word

Passage from the Bible:
John 6:66-69 "After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."

Passage in my own words:
Many people who had followed Jesus for a time left him and no longer continued walking with him.  When this happened, Jesus asked his twelve disciples if they wanted to leave him too.  Simon Peter told Jesus that there was no one else that he would choose to be with because Jesus spoke of more than the temporary life.  He spoke of eternal life.  Simon Peter said that all of them recognized and understood that Jesus was the Holy One of God.

How I will obey this:
I will choose Jesus and try to discern the things of eternal value over those of temporal value.

What I learned about God that I can share:
Jesus is okay when people choose not to follow him.  He always gives us a choice.

Reflection

How I am doing today:
Good.  We have a move coming up, so it's a busy day.

What recent things drew me closer to God:
Kai McQueen's CD, "This Shimmering Blue." I especially like the song, "Arise, My Soul, Arise"

What I am learning:
God doesn't push himself on me.  He loves when I search after him.

Prayer

What I hear God saying:
"I love you and am glad when you come to me."

Arise, My Soul, Arise

words by Charles Wesley

music by Kai McQueen

Arise, my soul, arise

Shake off thy guilty fears

The bleeding sacrifice

On my behalf appears

Before the throne

My surety stands

My name is written on his hands

My name is written on his hands

He ever lives above

For me to intercede

His all redeeming love

His precious blood to plead

His blood atoned for all our race

And sprinkles now the throne of grace

And sprinkles now the throne of grace

Five bleeding wounds he bears

Received on Calvary

They pour effectual prayers

They strongly speak for me

"Forgive him, oh forgive!" they cry

"Nor let that ransomed sinner die,

Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"

The Father hears him pray

His dear anointed one

He cannot turn away

The presence of His Son

His Spirit answers to the blood

And tells me I am born of God

And tells me I am born of God

My God is reconciled

His pardoning voice I hear

He owns me for His child

I can no longer fear

With confidence I now draw nigh 

And "Father, Abba Father!" cry

And "Father, Abba Father!" cry

3 Revlon Lip Butters, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Disclaimer: Broke the cardinal rule again. Played with and used the products prior to photographing. I'll get better, I promise!

I know, I know everyone has reviewed/raved/hauled the "new" Revlon Lip Butters. I totally gave into the peer pressure and grabbed one for myself, too. Well, I grabbed one, and then I grabbed two more.

I own them in Berry Smoothie (050), Sugar Frosting (005), and Creme Brulee (09). These are definitely three colors that I would recommend to just about anyone. It's a nice berry color, a light wearable pink, and a lovely nude. You can't go wrong adding these three to your stash.

I feel like everyone has already said all the good things there are to say about these little dandies, and I have zero complaints.

I totally agree that the handy window is super cool, too. You can get a clear view of the color!

So, I can't really add anything to the exceptional reviews these little guys have gotten thusfar in the makeup world. I guess I just wanted to share that I have them in my family.

Any specific questions about these lovelies? Let me know!  

What colors do you own? Do I need more? (haha)

18 Dec 2011 Jesus Time

Word

Passage from the Bible:
John 2:1-5 "On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples.  When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."

Passage in my own words: 
Jesus' mom was at a wedding, and Jesus and his disciples were invited too.  During the party, they ran out of wine, and Mary went to Jesus her son and told him that the wine was gone.  (To quote Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean, "But why is the rum wine gone?!") Jesus replied, "How does this involve me? It's not my time." Mary then told the servants at the party to do whatever her son told them.

How I will obey this:
Listen to Jesus and submit to whatever he might (or might not) have planned for me (or others).

What I learned about God that I can share:
His plans are good.  It's notable that the outcome of this interaction with his mother brought about not only Jesus' first miracle, but apparently some pretty awesome wine!  His miracle was not just ho-hum.

Reflection

How I am doing today:
Tired. Looking forward to having some rest.

What recent things drew me closer to God:
This practice of just looking at a few verses is currently a fun thing. (I'm only on my second day, but...) I noticed yesterday that I was prepared to speak about what I had learned and heard from God, albeit just to my dear husband.

What I am learning:
God is.  God is.  I just feel like apparently he's all powerful, and good, and ultimate.  I need to submit to what he has for me.  This kind of submission goes above and beyond what I could want or desire.  It drives me to get to know God better.

Prayer

What I hear God saying:
"Pray and listen.  Notice that I didn't scold Mary for asking really.  I simply pointed out that it wasn't yet my time. I want you to ask, but then I want you to listen and watch for what good things I have coming up.  Be ready to then do whatever I ask of you."


People or issues I am praying for:
Renewing of my mind.  Lord, help me have fresh, enthusiastic thinking about the things you have asked of me.  What lies ahead will not be just a glass of ho-hum wine.

Answers to past prayers:
I enjoyed the Word yesterday.  It's been a long time.

Everyday Minerals Brush Haul

I'm new at makeup blogging, so I apologize for breaking a cardinal rule of makeup blogging: Never play with products before you take their picture!  I'll do better.  Sorry my brushes look used--they are!

So, Everyday Minerals was having a sale on their brushes not too long ago.  By far, this brand sells some of my favorite makeup brushes ever.  They are very soft.  Their bristles are good quality.  I never struggle with them falling apart or shedding.  It's easy to wash them and maintain them.  Not only were they on sale, but when I added five to my cart, off came another 25% of my total!  So, here they are:

Top to Bottom:

Blender Face Brush (I don't see this one anymore on the website!)

Eye Kabuki Brush

Dome Blending Eye Brush

Eye Blending Brush

Eye Kabuki Junior (I don't see this one anymore either!)

Their brushes are just so darn affordable, too!  My favorite of all time is their Everyday Eyeshadow Brush, but I don't see that one on the website either.  Humph!

What about you?  What are your favorite good quality yet affordable brushes?  Have you tried any of these?  Would you like a detailed review of any of them?

17 Dec 2011 Jesus Time

Word

Passage from the Bible:
John 1:1-5 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

Passage in my own words:
The Word existed from the very beginning and was with God and was God. Everything was made through the Word and God.  Any thing that was made was not created without him.  There was life and light in God and the Word.  That light presently shines so brightly that it wins out over darkness.

How I will obey this:
Acknowledge God as creator, the source of life and light.

What I learned about God that I can share:
It seems like God has several "parts" in him, or several attributes. He is creator, he is the Word, he is light and life itself. He must be very powerful to have created all things. He seems to be very ultimate, so to speak. Nothing exists without him. His light is so bright that darkness cannot be stronger.

Reflection

How I am doing today:
Okay.  I'm trying to prepare for once again following God in the calling he's given us.  I guess this points out the obvious: I feel as though I've been unfaithful in it, or at least somewhat distracted.

What recent things drew me closer to God:
A recent body of believers committed to partnering with us in multiple ways: financial, prayer, community, etc.

What recent things pushed me further from God:
Recovery from childbirth took its toll over the last month-ish.  With all the emotions it was at times hard to be sure what God was saying.

What I am learning:
God is faithful.  God loves me.

Prayer

What I hear God saying:
"You need my light in your life.  If you have it, the darkness can't win."