Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett

Last week was pretty stressful for me; Calculus exam, Biology exam, and Biodiversity Conservation quiz all stacked up one after the other. But I was fortunate enough to end the week on a very enjoyable note. Friday after classes, my friend and I were able to spend a few hours exploring the local botanical gardens here in our college town. It surprised me what a great time we had!

I was able to dig out my camera for the first time in several months, and do something I enjoy! I haven’t had the time to go out and photograph since starting school, so it was nice to finally make the time to do it. I was a little bit rusty but I got a few nice shots, I think. Also, going to the gardens gave my friend and I a chance to bond. We’ve both been through a lot this past few months and having someone to talk to was invaluable, for the both of us.

It’s weird how being able to step out of the hustle and bustle of life for just a few hours can have such a positive impact.

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I’m Back! …Maybe?

Hello all! It’s been over a year since I last posted here, but I thought I might take it up again… maybe? I know that I only posted here originally for about a month or so, but I really did enjoy it. My good friend decided to start a blog here, and to support her I thought I would show her mine! If you’re interested, click on over to The Gardenia Diaries.

Anyway, keep an eye out… there may just be a post or two coming your way.

Day 1: Disney’s Tangled Eye Look

Today I am going to post my first makeup challenge. My “model” chose a Disney Princess themed look based off of Rapunzel in the movie Tangled.

Here’s how it turned out:

Before I go on to telling you all how I did the look, I want to ask for your honest feedback. In my previous post I told mentioned that this challenge is actually a project for my creativity class. So, give me critiques; good, bad or ugly.

Now on to the steps of creating a Tangled eye look.

Step 1: Prime your lids. For this look I went with Urban Decay Primer Potion.

Step 2: I decided to give the colors of this look an extra boost by coloring in the lids with a basic white eye pencil by Ulta. I also lined the lower water line with this.

*All of the eye shadows used in this look are from Tarte’s Big Thrill Limited Edition Color Collection, just so I don’t have to constantly repeat that.*

Step 3: The first color I used was Giant Peach. I packed it all along the lids with my e.l.f. Studio Eyeshadow “C” Brush , careful to make an even layer.

Step 4: Taking the “C” Brush, I covered the outer half of the lids with Amazed by Amethyst, careful to blend and give a good gradient.

Step 5: Using the “C” Brush once again, I applied Pop of Pink to the center of the lids in order to give the look a more 3D feel.

Step 6: Next I took a basic pencil brush and applied Pumped about Purple to the outer third of the crease. I then used a semi-firm blending brush to blend this into the look, careful not to overpower the lightness of the previous three colors with this darker purple.

Step 7: Using the pencil brush and Pumped about Purple, I brushed a light amount onto the outer corner of the lower lash line. I did the same with the middle of the lower lash line, only this time, using Amazed by Amethyst. Be careful to blend the colors and watch for fallout.

Step 8: For the inner corner and brow-bone highlight I used my PALLADIO Shadow/Liner Herbal Crayon in Icicle.

Step 9: I decided I wanted to add one last detail, so I tight lined the upper lash line with an e.l.f. Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil in Plum

Step 10: I decided not to do anything with the lower lashes. For the upper lashes, I curled them then added a generous amount of Urban Decay’s Supercurl Curling Mascara.

I hope you enjoyed this look! Thanks for reading 🙂 If you have any suggestions for looks I can do over this 30 day challenge, feel free to leave them below 😀

STOP! I need your help!

Guys! I know I have very few followers, and I’m not in it for the likes. I blog to blog, just for fun, and I haven’t been very good at keeping up lately…

BUT. (Yes, there is a but)

But I NEED your help.

No, I don’t want you to spread my URL or anything stupid. All I’m asking is for some critical feedback.

Starting on Tuesday,  the 21st of January, I will be doing 30 Days of Makeup. This is not something I’ll be taking on lightly, as it is, unbelievably, an actual college assignment. We were assigned to spend 30 days developing a creative skill, to get feedback on said skill, and to write an essay based on this experience.

I don’t mind doing makeup, and I have this blog available… so I figured I could have a go at it.

Now, I emphasize that I need your help, I require your critiques, good or bad, in order to do this project. I mean, you guys want me to be a successful college student right??

Anyway, I hope I can count on you guys!! I’ve only got one shot at this x.x

Wish me luck! And thanks to everyone who has taken the time to have a look at this silly post ❤  

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Like if you sung that title 😛

So, short post. As predicted there was no internet at my grandparents house. I am back, currently en route to my campus. Tomorrow night will be my first night alone in my dorm! The others move in on the third.

I am very excited! I probably won’t post again until I am settled in though.

Wish me luck!

Stress and Holiday Hiatus

Hey all! Sorry I’ve been unable to post more. I have plenty to post, but not enough time. For the last week I’ve been non-stop.

I’ve probably mentioned before how I have slight anxiety; if I haven’t, well, now you know. I’ve had three breakdowns this week, two bringing me to hyperventilation. I’ve never felt this level of stress before. It’s to the point that my body is physically aching. I’ve done nothing to cause muscle soreness, yet my back and legs feel like I’ve run a marathon.

I was freaking out from a combination of finals, packing for the move, and having way too much on my plate. I tend to tell everyone I can work them into my schedule, until I’m back-to-back-to-back. I think the worst of it has passed, since I’m leaving for a holiday with my family. Even if I’ve forgotten something, there’s nothing to be done at this point.

If you’ve ever experience a lot of stress, what are your tips on relaxing? 

xo Amanda

I won’t be able to post again for a while, maybe not until January. I’m visiting my grandparents, and they don’t have internet. I think it might be good for me haha 

ikatehouse

Hi guys! Today I got a package in the mail:) I wanted to share it with y’all (y’all? What? I never say that in real life xD)

About three weeks ago I heard about ikatehouse, which is an online beauty supply store, on YouTube from NinkComPoop’s video. I went on the website almost immediately and didn’t buy anything at the time.

Last week I was up at about three in the morning, and the logical thing to do at this time is go online shopping with money you don’t have. And that is exactly what I did.

So I’m not going to go into a lot of detail on the products because that would make for a very long post. But here’s a quick overview.

The packaging was freaking adorable. It is clear that they put a lot of thought and time into the packaging and making sure that the products ship safely. I really appreciate this.

Packing peanuts and wrapping

More packaging inside the wrapping

It’s funny, NinkComPoop mentioned that the packaging smelled nice, and I have to agree with her. It’s smells very lightly like perfume, ha! Now here’s the products I bought.

e.l.f. Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara ($1.29)

S.he Smoked Matte Collection Nail Polish in NM24 Black Smoke ($2.79)

S.he Lipstick in 24 S.he Red ($1.79)

Stella Eye Lash Curler w/ 2 refills ($1.79)

Gel Eye Mask ($2.99)

Bangle Set ($0.89)

So that’s what I got! I am pleased with the products and service that ikatehouse provided me. I think you should go check them out:)

The total for all this was: $11.54 + $2.95 (S&H) = $14.49

I wanted you to know that I am NOT part of ikatehouse’s affiliate program. As with any of my other reviews I am NOT paid to say what I say.

I will probably get into the nitty gritty type review on some of these products, but if there is any you’re interested in leave a comment and I will get on it as soon as possible!

One last thing; go check out NinkComPoop on YouTube if you don’t already watch her videos. She’s so great, you won’t regret it 😀

Thanks for reading!

To Buy or Not To Buy: Naked 3

Before you read on, you should know that I’ve never owned a Naked palette. I’ve tried them in store, and I’ve used friends, but I’ve never actually owned one.

I’ve never owned one for a particular reason… I don’t understand a neutral palette from Urban Decay. I was just not stunned by Naked & Naked 2.

I love UD, don’t get me wrong. I especially love their shadow reformulation for the Vice palette. But to me, I can find other neutral palettes for cheaper.

Blackout is the only color I would use specifically from Naked 2 because it’s such a perfect matte black. I just could never justify buying the entire palette. And I know there is Naked Basics, which is actually not a bad deal and includes Blackout, but I have NYX Nude on Nude Look Kit and you can only have so many neutral colors.

Notice I didn’t mention Naked 3? That’s because it has me smitten; I love it!

The colors are so unique, all with the pinkish/rosey undertones.

If you would have asked me before the release of Naked 3 I would have told you I’d never own a Naked palette. But now, I’m definitely considering adding Naked 3 to my collection.

I also have been considering the Warm Neutrals eye shadow palette from Sigma’s Enlight collection. I almost feel as though this palette was Sigma’s version of the Naked 3. It is also full of pink undertones. Coincidence? I think not. Plus this palette has more mattes.

The Sigma palette: $39 for 12 shadows

The UD Naked 3: $52 for 12 shadows, a double ended brush, and 4 primer potion samples. (Plus $15 off for $50+ purchases from Sephora, making it $37 if they restock before the sale ends.)

So if you have Naked 3, let me know what you think of it. Is it worth the buy?

MIA!

I’m so sorry!I was trying to post everyday this month but I was at Orientation once again so I couldn’t post all weekend!

I bought a few things while I was out of town so expect a mini haul soon:)

Fabric Letters for Christmas

For Christmas  this year, I decided to give out handmade gifts to those who are important to me.

For my best friend!

I love these for gifts since they are so customizable; they don’t even have to  be a name. You can spell out  an important place, or a quote. And with so many fabric choices out there the combinations and styles are endless.

What I will do is add double sided Velcro so that they can stick the letters where they like; outside of their dorm room, above their bed.. anywhere!

Let me know how you like the idea:)