Monday, December 31, 2012

Essence Cosmetics Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2 (Limited Edition) Collection Review--SWATCHES!--Photos!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Essence Cosmetics Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2 ad.jpeg
Essence Cosmetics Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2

While the haunting vampire romance of the Twilight Saga may be coming to an end with Breaking Dawn Part 2, Essence Cosmetics recreates that surreal magic of dark eternal beauty  in this limited edition collection.  Let me help you explore some shimmering possibilities from among these products I was sent for this review.

A glimmering complexion like Bella's is possible with the Essence Breaking Dawn Shimmer Powder (01 Bella's Secret).  This illuminating powder floods your face with a subtle sheen of gleaming pale champagne colored radiance.  I think this one is excellent and quite comparable to some high-end brands. Dust your cheekbones with this fine-textured powder and gain a mystical gold-shimmering glow that lasts.

For cheeks, you can add a beautiful flush of Breaking Dawn Blush (01 Renesmee Red).  This is a finely milled, nicely pigmented natural looking red with orange tones that has a delicate shimmer.

To compliment that unaccountable glow, Essence has four dramatic Breaking Dawn Loose Pigment Eye Shadows.  Three are very dark and one is light with a touch to abundant glitter mixed through to help create mesmerizing eyes.

01 Jacob's Protection is nearly black with a slight sparkle to it.
02 A Piece of Forever is a light gold to cast your eyes with a sweep of seductive glitter.
03 Alice Had A Vision--Again is a spirited purple-black with lots of glitter.
04 Edward's Love is deep gray-plum with a subtle shimmer.

swatches of Loose eye shadow pigments.jpeg
Starting at my wrist in the photo below is 01 Jacob's Protection  followed by 02 Edward's Love then 03 Alice Had A Vision--Again and ending with 04 A Piece Of Forever.

For further impact, there are two Breaking Dawn Liquid Glitter Eyeliners.  01 Alice Had A Vision--Again is near black-purple with glitter while 02 Jacob's Protection is a dangerous midnight-blue with glitter.  The extra glitter in the formula heightens that somewhat magical twinkling effect of the eye shadows. 

Just as powerful are the four Essence Breaking Dawn nail polishes.  In keeping with that unearthly aura, all  sparkle within their dark depths of those polishes, ranging from dark to light.

01 Jacob's Protection is a glittering midnight blue and full of mystery.
02 Alice Had A Vision--Again is a sparkling deep purple bordering on mystical black.
03 A Piece Of Forever is a shimmering gold.
04 Edward's Love is glittery dark black.

The perfect mouth like Bella's calls for blood red lips like Essence Breaking Dawn Lipgloss (02 Renesmee Red).  This gloss has almost a fruity taste and will slick your lips with sheer red color with slight red glitter mixed through. 
modeling 02 Breaking Dawn Lipgloss.jpeg
Check out 02 Renesmee Red in the above photo.

The second Breaking Dawn Lipgloss is 01 Alice Had A Vision--Again is the dark metallic purple lip gloss in this collection.  It looks on the edge of black inside the tube, but it glides on as a sheer deep purple with multicolor sparkles through it to give it that not of this world quality.  
modeling 01 Breaking Dawn Lipgloss.jpeg
 Here is a photo of 01 Alice Had A Vision--Again.
Bella tempted Edward with kisses from her glittering gold supernatural lips.  And yet, you too can have just as inviting lips with Essence Breaking Dawn Lipstick (01 A Piece Of Forever).  This lipstick contains fine gold particles that once upon your lips will feel moisturizing while enticing with that seductive play of a shimmer.

If you want to unleash your own forbidden allure, I think you should check out this limited edition Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection from Essence Cosmetics before it's gone, especially the Shimmer Powder and Blush. You can have a lot of fun with these products as you make your own bewitching story!


Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection.jpeg
Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection
*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  Free products were provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Perk Up a New Year's Celebration With My Incredible Stuffed Mushrooms!


Regardless of how they are prepared, I adore anything with mushrooms.  In addition to their delicious taste and versatility when cooking, they are loaded with nutrients and are good for your health from helping you lose weight, increase your immunity, deal with high cholesterol levels, diabetes, and even prostate cancer.

One of my favorite ways to serve is to stuff the mushroom caps with a mixture of perfectly seasoned bread crumbs and cheese along with the reserved chopped stems delicately browned in olive oil with garlic. 

Of course, you can make these ahead of time, freeze, and keep your kitchen spotless.   All you need to do is later pull out and bake to reheat. 

The aroma of the basil, oregano, and garlic that will come from your oven will make mouths water as your guests wait anxiously for that tray of mushrooms to finish baking.  So let your guests admire your culinary genius as they dig in and enjoy because this recipe has always been a hit every time I served it.

My Incredible Stuffed Mushrooms

1-1/2 pounds of fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup of olive oil
3  cloves of garlic, crushed
1/2 cup of dried bread crumbs
1/3 cup of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
3/4 teaspoon of basil
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of oregano
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper


Remove the stems from your cleaned mushrooms and set the caps aside. 

Chop the stems.

Heat the olive oil in your skillet on medium heat and lightly brown your chopped garlic along with stems.  This takes about five minutes or so.

Cool this lightly browned mixture before stirring in the remaining ingredients.

Place the caps on a lightly greased pan and fill each cavity with that bread crumb mixture. 

Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes before serving immediately.

ENJOY!

Saturday, December 29, 2012

This Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge of Mine Is Sure to Please!


Of all homemade candies, I can think of nothing that outranks that sweet deliciousness and varieties of fudge.  Whether you want to impress guests or to savor when the mood strikes, this is the perfect recipe to serve peanut butter lovers because it always brings instant smiles once it touches their lips.  Trust me, but this light creamy confection will be the blond fudge you will want to make batches of year round once you sample it.

If you want to make your fudge nuttier with a crunchier texture, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts to this recipe.  However, I  am a purist when it comes to this one.  I usually just keep mine smooth so it can slowly melt into your mouth instead of chewing more quickly because of nuts. 

My Creamy Peanut Butter Fudge

2 cups of sugar
1 cup of milk
1--7 oz. jar of marshmallow creme
1--12 oz. jar of peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of chopped peanuts (optional)

Combine the sugar and milk in a 2-quart saucepan.  Slowly bring this a boil starting on medium heat.  Cook, stirring constantly to a soft-ball stage (234-degrees).  (If you don't have a candy thermometer, just get a cold glass of water and drop a little of the cooked mixture in.  Press that ball and if it does not become gooey between your fingers, it is the right texture).

Remove the mixture from the heat and add the remaining ingredients.  Pour into a buttered 9-inch pan; cool at room temperature.

When the fudge has set and is still warm, but into squares. 

This recipe makes about two pounds of fudge.

ENJOY!

Friday, December 28, 2012

Has Frizzy Hair Got You Down?


Are you doing everything possible to prevent your hair from frizzing?  Yet, despite our best efforts we can often end up with it.  So what are we doing wrong?

Take a look at the type of blow-dryer you have.  Chances are frizz will be less of a problem if you change to an ionic model.  The reason an ionic dryer is better is due to the far-infrared heat technology that helps create the smoothest hair.

Another suggestion you might want to explore is to pick up an anti-frizz cream.  Make sure you look for ingredients like silicone and vitamin E.  Those two ingredients are known to work the best to soften and hydrate blow-dried hair.

For further suggestions on how to conquer this problem, I hope you will read my other post on battling frizzy hair.

Check these simple tips out because you have nothing but frustration to loose and only beautiful hair to gain!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Hard Candy Cosmetics Review and BIG 10 Product Haul ($65) Giveaway!--Ends January 16, 2013

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**


four Hard Candy eye shadows.jpeg
Four Hard Candy eye shadows to help you get amazing eyes.



If you're looking for some spectacular cosmetics to get you ready for New Year's party going, then I know you'll want to dive into Hard Candy Cosmetics to help you get your glam on.  With their selection of fun and trendy products like the assortment they sent me for this review and giveaway, I'm sure you will outshine the competition and sparkle with your unstoppable, dazzling beauty.  

You'll turn up the heat in the room with sexy eyes with their Meteor-Eyes Baked Meteor Eye Shadows in Lunar Eclipse, a sultry olive-gold array with sparkles to help you shine and Supernova, equally enticing in glittering deep violet- purple.  These are very pretty.  

These Metero-Eyes Shadows blend together and appear darker when using straight from the compact dry with a random sprinkling of sparkles.  However, if you want the best effect from either, I found wetting my sponge applicator first made each bolder and more dynamic.  You can even line your eyes with this shadow if you dab a wet tip of an eyeliner brush into it for some interesting effects.

Kal-eye-Descope Eye Shadow in Bad Reputation is another way to catch male attention from this combo of glistening gunmetal gray and white.  With this compact, your eyes will instantly smolder.  I really loved this compact because it gave my eyes more of a charcoal type sheen with an illuminating white on my brow bone to set it off.  This stayed put for hours without any creasing to boot.

Split Personality Duo Eye Shadow  in Therapy is a cream shadow in two colors in one pencil.  You might have to work a little longer to get the shadow out, but once you do you will discover a softer green and a calming medium blue that will set male hearts a flutter.

three eye shadow swatches.jpeg
In the following photo, the closest shade to my wrist is Lunar Eclipse, then Supernova, and ending with Bad Reputation.

To banish dark under eye circles, I was sent Lite Bright Whipped Brightening Concealers in two different degrees of fair and light color. This comes in a twist up pen form where the product flows to the brush. Although it takes a few turns and disperses more than you need the first time, I found the formula was lightweight, blended easily, and provided decent coverage.  Both shades were useable with my light complexion.  

Lite Bright Concealer.jpeg
Lite Bright Whipped Brightening Concealer

For cheeks, I got the Blush Crush Baked Blush in Bombshell.  My first thought when I saw how dark brown with specks of pink this looked in the compact, I worried that it would be too harsh a shade for my light skin tone.  Then, I swirled my blush brush into it lightly and found it delivered a warm rosy-bronze that was very natural, slightly luminous, and hardly what I expected.  In fact, this could double as an ideal bronzer to perk up pale winter skin and does have great staying power.

Hide & Glow Cheek Tint Duo, Fox in a Box, So Baked Bronzer and Blush Crush.jpeg
Hide & Glow Cheek Tint Duo, Fox in a Box Blushing Quad, So Baked Bronzer and Blush Crush


So Baked Bronzer and Blush Crush.jpeg
On the left in the next photo is the So-Baked Bronzer (Heatwave) and on the right is Blush Crush Baked Blush (Bombshell).

I also tried the So-Baked Bronzer in Heatwave, which is a lighter glow than Bombshell.  This is also a very beautiful golden-bronze color with a subtle shimmer to gracefully warm your cheeks.  I think this one is gorgeous especially for light-complexions like mine to wear along with a blush and to dust on your face for some extra radiance.

The Hide & Glow Cheek Tint Duos caught my attention.  I got to try In Love #315.  This has a peachy side and another with a pinker one that leaves you with a fresh flush of dewy sheer color that wears nicely for hours without failing you. 

I was also curious about the Fox In The Box Blushing Quad in Hot Flash.  You get a duo with a light and medium peach shade and another pair with a lighter pink and a deeper bold fuschia pink.  I advise using a light hand if you're on the pale side, but if you do, you can produce striking results.  This blush has a wonderful texture, blends nicely, and has amazing staying power.

Finally, I received two shades of the Perfect Cover Up Skin Clarifying Concealer to save you from any last minutes skin problems that could ruin your beauty.  This comes in another pencil that you twist to release the flow of the product. 

Though both were light, one was slightly darker with more beige to better match my complexion over the paler shade.  Unlike a thicker spreading product in a tube, this gives enough lightweight coverage to mask the problem once you blend it with a few taps of a finger into your foundation, without settling into that dreaded zit you want to hide like some crater.


I know I'm still having fun trying my new stash of Hard Candy Cosmetics for different looks.  If you haven't tried any of these products, I think you are missing out because with them on you're bound to break a few hearts!

Thanks to Hard Candy Cosmetics, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States or Canada wins these 10 fabulous cosmetics:  Meteor-Eyes Baked Meteor Eyes Shadows (Lunar Eclipse and Supernova), Split Personality Duo Eye Shadow (Therapy), Hide & Glow Cheek Tint Duo (In Love #315), Fox In A Box Blushing Quad (Hot Flash), So-Baked Bronzer (Heatwave), Blush Crush Baked Blush (Bombshell), Lite Bright Brightening Concealer (Light), Perfect Cover Up Clarifying Concealer (Light), and Kal-eye-Descope Eye Shadow (Bad Reputation) for a value of $65!



Both Are Mandatory to Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then INCLUDE your ***EMAIL*** with name in a comment!

2. Go to Hard Candy Cosmetics and tell me what products you would love to try or something else you learned from their site in another comment.

 Extra Entries:

(Provide proof once with email when doing each form of entry and number the rest):

Tweet Get Gorgeous! #Win @HeresHardCandy #Cosmetics #Giveaway! ($65)  @Nuts4Stuff
http://bit.ly/TlDvTU Ends 01/16 (Tweet up to 3 times a day, but at least 3 hours apart for each tweet.)--1 to 3 extra entries to leave in separate comments with proof.

"Like" Hard Candy Cosmetics on Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Follow Hard Candy Cosmetics on Twitter--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Hard Candy Cosmetics on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me the proof) 

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments)

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--3 extra entries to leave in three separate comments
 
Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--3 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in three separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--3 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in three separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where with proof in one of them)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where with proof in one of them)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it with proof in one of them)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries to leave in two separate comments)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Enter the ENJOY Hair Care Hydrating System ($94.36) Giveaway--1 extra entry   

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada.

***Any entries that contain a link or website address for redirecting readers to your site to sell your products will be deleted when found.  I am giving you a chance to win, not advertise for free.*** Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends January 16, 2013 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipsticks (Airy Fairy #70, Dizzy #10, Just So #42, Paradise #50) Review + SWATCHES!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

four Rimmel Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipsticks.jpeg
Starting from the left is Airy Fairy #70, Dizzy #10, Just So #42, and Paradise #50 on the right in the photo.


Why is it that when you find a new perfect shade of lip color you can feel like a million dollars?   Maybe because you know that color gives you an advantage with the way it plays up your features, coloring, and hair unlike the hoards of lipstick mistakes every woman does make in her lifetime.  This is the way I feel about these four universally flattering shades of Rimmel London's Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipsticks.

All four of these lipsticks would easily compliment any skin tone and hair color because they possess just enough rich pigmentation to enhance without washing you out.  

Equally important, Paradise #50, Airy Fairy #70, Dizzy #10, and Just So #42 sent to me for review are also comfortable to wear with a creamy feel, smooth texture, last on your lips for at least four hours, besides being inexpensive. 

Paradise  #50 appears more of a browner shade in the tube than it does upon application. This is a gorgeous, shimmering pink-brown with just a tad of mauve to shake it up with a bit more color. 
modeling Paradise #50 lipstick.jpeg
Here I'm wearing Paradise #50.

Airy Fairy #70 is the ultimate nude-pink shade that seems to have just the right balance of pink to brown to make it innocent but sexy.  This one creates beautiful healthy natural looking lips just begging to be kissed.

modeling Airy Fairy #70 lipstick.jpeg
This is me with Airy Fairy #70.

Dizzy #10 is a stunning and perky pink that is laced with a bit of fuschia to give it a bold edge.  This is not a demure pink but a glamorous, self-assured one that is lively and can wake up a face without being over the top.  If you typically shy away from pinks, you really need to explore this one because it will surprise you.  This is one of my favorite shades!

modeling Dizzy #10 lipstick.jpeg
Dizzy #10 is also a lovely shade.

Just So #42 is a medium pink-brown that can effortlessly transform a face with instant radiance from how the rose shade seems to pop out when worn.

modeling Just So #42 lipstick.jpeg
This time I'm modeling Just So #42.

swatches of the four Rimmel lipsticks.jpeg
In the photo, Just So #42 is closest to my wrist, next is Dizzy #10, followed by Paradise #50 and ending with Airy Fairy #70.

Can you think of anything more tempting when lipstick shopping?

Honestly, I thought these four were winners on me with my light coloring with warm undertones, medium brown hair, and dark brown eyes.  For top spot in my heart is a tie between Dizzy #10 and Airy Fairy #70 followed by Just So #42 and ending with Paradise #50.  I highly recommend picking these shades up!

Have you tried these shades yet?  If so, do you have a favorite of the four?


Monday, December 24, 2012

Recipe: My No-Fail Choco-Marshmallow Fudge Can Brighten The Holidays!


Now is the perfect time when you can bake all those different varieties of fancy cookies to keep on hand for family and guests.  However, homemade fudge is also something easy to make and quite special to serve. 

The recipe that I want to share with you is for one of my favorites.  This fudge is velvety smooth and dripping with chocolate along with a crunchy trail of chopped nuts throughout its incredible goodness. 

I do hope when you get a chance that you will make a batch sometime because it is so utterly delicious that it would be a shame to keep this recipe all to myself!

My No-Fail Choco-Marshmallow Fudge

7-ounce jar of marshmallow cream
1-1/2 cups of sugar
2/3 cup of evaporated milk
1/4 cup of margarine (not spread)
1/4 teaspoon of salt
12 ounce package of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Combine the first five ingredients and cook them until bringing to a full boil over medium heat, stirring constantly for about five minutes.  (You need the sugar crystals to completely dissolve.)

Take off the heat and then add the chocolate chips and stir through. 

Next, add the nuts and vanilla and stir in to mix.

Pour into a buttered 8 x 8-inch glass pan.  Then chill until firm.

ENJOY!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipsticks Review (Heartbreaker and Mally's Look)--Photos--Swatches!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipsticks duo.jpeg
Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipsticks


Although it may be too late to have at your door in time for Christmas gift giving, you might have want to treat yourself with that gift of holiday cash to some wonderful Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipsticks

These are one of the best lip glosses ever that come in a pen form that you twist from one end for the color to flow to the brush.  Trust me, but you need to have these because they are so luxurious and the perfect way to glam it up.

Here's my take on the two I received for this review.  Mally's Look is a tender pink-nude while Heartbreaker will give your lips a slick of a sheer coat of ravishing red. Both choices from light to the more vivid are rich glosses with ample color and spectacular shine.  

In the photo, Mally's Look is on top and Heartbreaker is at the bottom.

Mally's Look Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipstick modeled.jpeg
Here I am modeling Mally's Look.

Heartbreaker Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipstick modeled.jpeg
This is Heartbreaker.

One thing that I want to mention is how extremely moisturizing these liquid lipsticks are with a creamy feel and almost a fruity taste. 

I also thought the vinyl like shine was gorgeous and they seemed to wear well for as long as five hours while staying within your lip line. 

Of course, the texture is ideal and the formula feels lightweight against your lips, which is another plus. 
Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipsticks opened.jpeg
Here is what these Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipsticks look opened.

Honestly, I intend on picking more shades up.  In fact, you can buy Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipsticks for $20 each or take advantage while it's available of the Slimline High Shine Liquid Library of ten in smaller sizes (0.04 oz.) for $44!  I know I can't resist a deal like that and sampling all those fabulous colors at such a reasonable price.  This is the perfect way to find the shades most flattering to you.


Thursday, December 20, 2012

Lip Liner Trick for Holiday Touch-Ups


The holiday season means lots of party going.  Of course, you must look at your glamorous best.

For those nights when you may be making the rounds from one party to another way into the wee hours, I have a suggestion when it comes to your mouth.  

If you want to keep the color in lips looking great, then remember to bring a lip pencil along to shape and color in your fading lips.  Pack your lip gloss and top off your work and you'll look perfect again!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Rimmel London's Glam'Eyes Mono Eye Shadows (Spicy Bronze #200, Dusk #33) -- Review + SWATCHES!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

two Glam'Eyes Mono Eye Shadows.jpeg
Dusk #33 Glam'Eyes Mono Eye Shadow is on the left with Spicy Bronze #200 on the right.

If you want to try some amazing neutral eye shadows without breaking the bank, you might like to check out Rimmel London and their Glam'Eyes Mono Eye Shadows.  I was sent two compacts to review and want to share my thoughts on those with you.

I will start with color.  Though Spicy Bronze #200 suggests a reddish tone to it, the shade is more gleaming golden-bronze peeking through a neutral brown than any coppery-bronze. 

Dusk #33 is a basic medium matte brown that is more on the cool side.   This one is completely void of a shimmer and is so versatile.  You can use it as a basic lid color or it looks awesome as a crease color.

The Glam'Eyes Mono Eye Shadows appeal to me in quite a few ways.  First off, and I liked how smoothly this powder shadow clung to the sponge applicator without creating any dust.

swatches of the two Glam'Eyes Mono Eye Shadows.jpeg
In the photo below, the darkest shade closest to my wrist is Dusk #33 followed by Spicy Bronze #200.

The pigmentation was wonderful and the color you see in the pan of the compact is what to expect.   However, you can make the colors more intense if you desire, just by applying the shadows wet.

These shadows also blend well.  Smudging and smoky out the two shades I received were so silky and worked nicely.

Another excellent discovery is how long this eye shadow  can wear.  I put some on in the morning without any eye shadow base and it was still looking great without creasing or fading by dinner.

I already have my sights set on several more compacts in this line of eleven shadows.  Have you tried Rimmel London's Glam'Eyes Mono Eye Shadows yourself yet? 

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  Free products were provided to facilitate this review.*

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Melvita's Roll-On Argan Oil Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Melvita's Roll-On Argan Oil.jpeg
Melvita's Roll-On Argan Oil 


Faces and hands never had it so good thanks to French beauty brand, Melvita's Roll-On Argan Oil.  Besides being fabulously loaded with essential fatty acids and sterols to help repair and moisturize skin, this form is extremely handy to pack in a handbag or excellent when traveling on flights.

I already am a fan of Melvita's Argan Oil and have used it to condition my hair and to richly hydrate my face, hands, and body.  Therefore, when the company had that brilliant idea to produce that product into roll-on form, I was excited when it arrived for my review because they made it that much easier to target those dry spots or chapped lips.

Their product is the first cold pressed unscented argan oil from organic farming, which means a purer argan oil that is also free of preservatives and any color.  

I found Melvita's Roll-On Argan Oil especially wonderful in healing chapped lips besides just for facial skin.  

My skin is dry and does have a tendency to flake in spots at times.  However, I found after cleansing and leaving my face slightly damp before rolling on some in those spots fixed that problem without any greasy look for daytime.  

Another trick after cleansing is to apply the roll-on to the dry areas, then spritz with a facial mist, and gently pat with the pads of your fingers will work the oil in and do wonders for your complexion in the process. 

For extreme dryness, I used this product straight after cleansing at bedtime to saturate the plagued area with that rich, lubricating moisture.  By morning, any flaking problem I had was resolved.  

I really am fond of this product for its performance and convenience.  I suggest looking into trying Melvita's Roll-On Argan Oil  for yourself because I know it can help with dry winter lips and any dry patches on your face that are hard to often heal.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided to facilitate this review.*

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Make Your Holidays More Merry With My Decadent Tahitian Brownie Pie!

My Decadent Tahitian Brownie Pie.jpeg
My Decadent Tahitian Brownie Pie

Besides all those fancy varieties of cookies, a festive dessert to serve family and guests over the holidays is my Decadent Tahitian Brownie Pie.  This delight is a velvety chocolate pie with not quite a custard or a pudding texture that is infused with sweet cherry vanilla that will make your mouth water. 

I used Nielsen-Massey's Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract, one of the five extracts from my review/giveaway yesterday so do enter after reading this.

When you take a look at my photo above, you might think this resembles more a pumpkin pie than the dark-brown of a chocolate one.  This is just outside deception because once you slice into it the dark-brown chocolate beauty awaits.

Also, I forgot that I made this recipe in the past in a smaller pie pan.  What you are seeing is the size of a 10" shell, which is the reason the filling looks thinner.

a piece of my Decadent Tahitian Brownie Pie.jpeg
This pie is sinfully delicious!

As always, I encourage you to try my no-fail oil pie crust recipe.  This is the only recipe that I use whenever I make pastry for pies, quiche, pot pies, and tarts because it is simply the best and easy.  Trust me when I promise you will make a flaky crust unlike riskier recipes with shortening that if you work the dough too much will result in hard crust.

Another thing I want to mention is to check the type of margarine you have on hand.  Whenever you bake, you need to have a margarine that specifically states it is a margarine and not a spread.  Spreads have more water in them and will spoil baking.  So if you blamed yourself for being a bad baker for something in the past if you happened to use a spread, it was not your fault.  You were a victim of spread.

We finished this pie already and the gang already demanded another.  If your family loves chocolate as much as mine, my bet is they would probably feel the same way so do try this one because it is a winner!

 
My Decadent Tahitian Brownie Pie

unbaked 9" pie shell
1 cup of evaporated milk
2/3 cup of sugar
3 eggs
1/4 cup of a margarine (not spread) or butter
2 tablespoons of Nielsen-Massey Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract
3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa


Beat the eggs and sugar together with your electric mixer until light. 

Cook the cocoa with one-fourth cup of the milk for several minutes to thicken slightly before slowly adding and beating to combine to the eggs and sugar in your mixing bowl.

Add your melted margarine or butter, the rest of the evaporated milk, and the vanilla.  Beat those ingredients together until everything is well mixed.

Pour the mixture into an unbaked 9" pie shell.

Bake in a 400-degree oven for ten minutes before reducing the temperature to 350-degrees for about 40 minutes.  Test with a toothpick to see anything sticks.

Cool thoroughly and top with whipped cream, if desired.   Plain is just as fabulous, but the whipped cream is a nice special touch for guests.

ENJOY!

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanillas & Assorted Extracts Review + Giveaway!--Ends December 31, 2012

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanillas and assorted extracts.jpeg
Pure extracts  like the Nielsen-Massey ones above make all the difference in your baking.


Holiday baking calls for special blends of pure extracts and extra flavorful exotic vanillas like the ones I was sent from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas when hoping to create memorable treats to share with family and friends.  This year, I am pleased to be working with them again with a review and giveaway of five of their extraordinary extracts.

Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract is cherry-vanilla decadence.

Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract gives vanilla a hearty kick.

Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract is a clove type of spicy, woody vanilla that gives an instant flavor boost.

Pure Almond Extract is sweet and nutty.

Pure Orange Extract is a power-packed dose of orange.

And if have never tried any of those world-famous Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, then you also will be pleased to know a tablespoon of any of those pure vanilla extracts are equivalent to one vanilla bean.

You'll really love how much more heightened the flavor of using pure extracts over any imitation ones will be once you try and compare.   The result of what you bake or cook is almost indescribable for bringing some tasty magic to the same recipes like the my Decadent Tahitian Brownie Pie that I will be sharing tomorrow so be ready! 

Honestly, you really can taste a huge difference with any of the pure extracts and vanillas from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas.  If you too want to look like a culinary star for the holidays, I recommend visiting their website for more information or finding where to buy.  

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.   I received free products to facilitate this review.*

Thanks to Nielsen-Massey Vanillas , one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States or Canada wins all five 2-fl. oz. bottles of the following Nielsen-Massey Vanilla extracts:  Madagascar Bourbon  Pure Vanilla Extract,  Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract, Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract, Pure Almond Extract, and Pure Orange Extract ($35 value)!


Both Are Mandatory to Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by with email  in a comment.

2.  Go to Nielsen-Massey Vanillas and tell me which product you would love to try first or something you learned from the site in another comment.

Extra Entries:

(Provide proof once with email when doing each form of entry and number the rest):

Tweet Experience Real Flavor! #Win  #Nielsen-MasseyVanillas #PureExtracts #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/VIjRhr Ends 12/31 (Tweet up to 3 times a day, but at least 3 hours apart for each tweet.)--1 to 3 extra entries to leave in separate comments with proof.

"Like" Nielsen-Massey Vanillas on Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Nielsen-Massey Vanillas on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me the proof) 

Subscribe to Nielsen-Massey Vanillas email--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments)

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--3 extra entries to leave in
three separate comments

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--3 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in three separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--3 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in three separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries to leave in two separate comments)

Enter the South Tex Organics Large Combo Citrus Box Giveaway--1 extra entry

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada only. 

***Any entries that contain a link or website address for redirecting readers to your site to sell your products will be deleted when found.  I am giving you a chance to win, not advertise for free.*** Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends December 31,  2012 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Friday, December 14, 2012

Melvita's Bio-Excellence Micellar Water Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Melvita's Bio-Excellence Micellar Water.jpeg
Melvita's Bio-Excellence Micellar Water


As women, we subject our faces to a multitude of different cosmetics daily.  And yet, in our rush to remove them after a long day, we might innocently be doing an injustice to our skin that we don't realize.  We could be leaving behind traces of makeup that dull your complexion and stay in your pores.  However, French beauty brand, Melvita's, Bio-Excellence Micellar Water that I have been testing could be the solution that you are looking for.

Unlike your typical toner that you rely on to rid you of any last bit of makeup or grime, you can thoroughly cleanse your face with a micellar water and cotton balls.  The number of cotton balls needed could depend on how heavily made up you are, but you never need water to rinse.

Of course, a toner also soothes and prepares the skin surface for your moisturizer so it can sink in better.  Micellar water does those things but also helps brighten the complexion as well.  

Therefore, after being impressed from my initial experience with Melvita's Rose Nectar Fresh Micellar Water, I welcomed a review of the Bio-Excellence Micellar Water as you might well understand.

This product uses floral waters such as rose water to revitalize, lavender to comfort skin, and orange fruit water to restore healthy balance and glow along with essential oils among the ingredients.

You will delight in the fragrant rose smell once opening the bottle.  That sensory pleasure heightens as you dab your cotton ball with Bio-Excellence Micellar Water and cleanse because the scent alone soothes your spirit just as much as the comforting feel of this gentle product against your skin. 

I preferred turning to this toner when I didn't have a lot of makeup on.  Although the product could handle removing it easily enough, I am lazy and hated going through how many cotton balls to do it. 

To sum it up, I noticed how beautiful my complexion looked the more times I used it.  My pores diminished and my skin overall had a rosier glow. 

Micellar waters are definitely the way to go if you ask me because the product does more than clean and tone with the renewed radiance that you will see. 

I gladly will keep using my Bio-Excellence Micellar Water.  The 6.76 fl. oz. bottle sells for $22.   Have you tried one yet?

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  A free product was provided to facilitate this review.*