pencil sketch with gold foil

Pencil sketch and gold foil in my moleskine. Its all in the eyes. 🧿 💞 One of my latest curiosities and applications to my mixed media pieces has been the inclusion of ‘gold foil’. Gustav Klimt is one of my favorite artists and I have always been inspired by his use of gold in his work. To affix the gold foil to paper, I use a glue stick and carefully sweep a paint brush over the top to adhere to the paper. This has definitely become a new obsession. #pencilsketch #moleskine #mymoleskine #goldfoil #goldfoilart #journaling #journalcommunity #artist #artistsoninstagram #sketchartist #sketchartistsoninstagram #eyesketch @moleskine @pentelofamerica

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handmade leather cuffs

One of many things that I make by hand with Love and intention are leather cuffs. I make them by word of mouth only as requests are received on Instagram and Facebook. If you would like a custom leather cuff or set of leather cuffs, please contact me by clicking my Instagram icon in ‘Social Me’ on the home page of my website. Thank you!

#artist #poet #poetess #poetrycommunity #leatherwork #leatherartist #setlife #film #onset🎥🎬 #onset #onsetlife #onsetlife🎥 #lifeonset #lifeonset🎥 #lifeonset🎬 #backgroundactor #alchemist #leathercrafts #renfaire #renfest #customleatherwork #customleather

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WEN Six Thirteen, Bamboo Green Tea and Bella Spirit hair care products.

Two of my most used and favorite WEN product lines/scents are Bamboo Green Tea and Six Thirteen. The cleansing-conditioners work wonders, but when I began using other WEN products in my hair care routine, I experienced the most positive transformation in my hair like I never thought was possible and receive more compliments on my hair now than I did when I was younger. The superstars for me, which I highly suggest you incorporate into your WEN routine are the Re-Moist Masks and Treatment Oils. Chaz’s products have been so good for my hair for almost 20 years, and I do not intend to ever give up my WEN products!

Then there’s Bella Spirit® Indigo Toning cleansing conditioner, which has become my new favorite! 💜 It gives you the ability to treat and control unwanted warmth or enhance and brighten cool tones in your hair. This universal formula combines the properties of Chaz Dean’s innovative, non-lathering cleansing conditioner with exclusive Herbal Botanical Waters, Amino Acids, Peptides, and antioxidant rich Four Tea Complex to help strengthen and protect your hair. –Please comment below and share your thoughts on WEN! I would love to know if you’ve used WEN products or not, what your experience with WEN has been, and anything else you would like to share. Thank you @chazdean for keeping my hair in such good shape over the years. Its only getting better!

*This is not an ad. All opinions are 100% honest, and photo is my own.

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Sage Goddess Crystal Eyes

Add some extra with “Crystal Eyes” liquid glitter in the shade Hologram. This is one of the first products launched in the @thesagegoddess cosmetics line. The color is a pearlescent white gel with gold, silver and lilac colored glitter. It is buildable, long-wearing and stays put until you wash it off. I am really looking forward to more shades of this product! Although I am a lover of traditional pan eyeshadows, you don’t have to worry about this breaking or fallout. I am a BIG FAN of multi-purpose cosmetics that do not require extra tools, such as brushes or sponges, etc. And… when it comes to travelling or when I am short on time, this product is fool proof!

It is playful, cute and sexy… However you want to work with this product is perfect. Even if you don’t wear makeup daily, this one thing will brighten your appearance, your shoulders, your hair, you name it!

Final thoughts and suggestions:

This is a very fun and playful product that can even be used in your hair or other parts of the body… get playful! If you have a “muggle job”, you may not be able to wear this product to work. The glitter is pretty chunky and isn’t a very blendable type of product. It does not work well with powder eyeshadows, etc. So, if you want to wear this, make sure it isn’t being placed on top of other shadows. It sets quickly once you place it where you want it.

This product is #crueltyfree and #vegan 💜🙏🏼 #veganbeauty#goddessglam#thesagegoddess

Disclosure: This post does not contain affiliate links. Product mentioned in this post was purchased by me. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are 100% honest and my own.

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FabFitFun Subscription Box

Spring 2022 FabFitFun Annual Member Subscription Box

It’s here! The Spring Box from @fabfitfun 🙌🏼🌸🌷As an annual member, I really Love the perk of being able to customize every single item in my box! Each subscription box is packed with ALL full-sized items valued over $200, but only $39.99 with my code: CHRISTINALOVES on www.fabfitfun.com

Some items I selected for my Spring Box are favorites that I have tried and LOVE, like @josiemaran body butter and @farmacybeauty Honey Halo Moisturizer. But, the first thing I had to open was the @patrickstarrr Visionary eyeshadow palette… OH. MY GOSH! These shadows are so gorgeous and I cannot wait to play with them! 🥰

Also included in my hand-selected Spring Box are:
@erincondren Stationery bundle
@earthharbor GLOW JUICE Refining Enzyme Mask
@thenue_co Topical C powder
@aliceandolivia Daisy Duffel and Bucket Hat
@yogawakeup Acupressure Pillow
@gemellijewelry Jenna Clips
@evenprimeandco Hypernova Dark Circle Eye Serum

Want to learn more about FabFitFun? check out the FabFitFun community: fabfitfun.com/community

#fabfitfun#fabfitfunpartner#fffgiveaway#dreamsresorts

FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I am affiliated with FabFitFun, but all products mentioned in this post were purchased by me. I was not compensated. All opinions are 100% honest and my own. 

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Banish Skincare

Banish Starter Kit 

About 13 years ago, shortly after celebrating my 30th birthday, I developed hormonal/cystic acne and did not know how to deal with the fast occurring changes in my skin because as a adolescent, I did not suffer with acne. I may have had an occasional blackhead or pimple around ‘that time of the month’ but it was mild that could be helped with a scrub or cleanser. I took good care of my skin from an early age, with a simple skincare regimen during the day consisting of a cleansing cream, toner and SPF moisturizer. At night I would cleanse, sometimes mask and moisturize. Never in a million years would I have foreseen that acne would become a nightmare for me in my 30’s… N.E.V.E.R!  I used to get compliments on my skin all throughout my teens and twenties about how lovely and poreless it looked… ‘flawless’ and ‘peaches and cream’ were some of the terms people would use in conversation.

Since using Banish Acne Scars’ Starter Kit containing Banish Oil (a.k.a. Vitamin C Serum), Vitamin C Beauty Elixir, Banisher 2.0, Fighter Gel, Vitamin C Creme and Pumpkin Enzyme Masque (pictured below), my skin feels more alive and the scars and pores have improved greatly. I’m so happy that this company exists! I still have a ways to go to help lessen the depth and discoloration of my scars, but I’ve never seen results as quickly as I have with Banish!

Imagine not having dealt with any sort of acne that needed special treatment (which many of you reading this can) then suddenly seeing these eruptions and deep painful sores pop up on your face, chin and neck! It was a real nightmare and I couldn’t wake up! I visited a dermatologist; I ravaged the internet for answers and read blogs online for hours, in hopes of finding clues that would help me… I started with topicals and also changed my diet. That helped some, but it wasn’t enough. It was during a search online for at-home treatments to treat acne scars and hormonal acne when I came across some information about dermarolling. One article lead to another, and Banish Acne Scars was mentioned several times, so I became more and more intrigued. I watched YouTube tutorials, read reviews on Instagram and was inspired, and convinced that these products were the answer to my prayers!

before Banish

after Banish

Banisher 2.0

And, as if the acne and acne scarring wasn’t enough to drastically alter my self-esteem, I suffered 2nd degree burns about 8 years ago after using an ‘at-home’ TCA chemical peel. I was so convinced that I could use a professional grade peel after watching heaps of tutorials on YouTube, reading reviews on social, and thinking that I could perform such an intense peel on myself at home without a problem whatsoever (which, some people can without an issue) but, my skin was not ready. So, now in addition to acne scarring, I’m also working on reducing the appearance of 2nd degree burn scars with the help of my Banish Acne Scars Starter Kit.

Before using Banish, I have spent more money on skincare and gadgets for the last 10 years that have promised to eliminate acne or claim to be anti-aging or acne-zapping. But, those other products still left me looking for the next latest and greatest product on the market to help bring my skin back to life, because the effects weren’t long lasting or unrealistic for the amount of time and money I invested in them. I realize that my skin will not be plump and juicy, flawless or peaches and cream like it used to, because there are things that just come with youth, that we can work at keeping in good shape as we age, but I can try to keep my skin healthy, which in turn will give me a youthful glow and appearance.

You know, as I sit here writing this, and I think about you, the reader…whatever skin situation you are currently in, I want you to know that there is help out there for your skin. Don’t look back at what you used to have. Instead, look ahead and educate yourself. Ask questions, read blogs online, join groups with people who are in the same situation(s) as you. And just feel good about what you’re doing for yourself and know that it will get better! I understand the struggles, and we all face issues with our skin in one way or another. Our skin changes as we age, sometimes quicker than we’d care for and/or in ways that we would have never thought it would change, such as larger pores, deeper wrinkles, etc.

 
FTC: This is a sponsored review. I received the products pictured and mentioned complimentary from Banish Acne Scars, in return for my evaluation and review. All opinions are 100% honest and my own, based on my personal experience with the products. My opinions are not influenced by the brand or its affiliates. 

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Quest Nutrition & Quest Squad

Quest Nutrition is an important part of my diet. In August of 2019, I began a Low-Carb / Ketogenic lifestyle and Quest Nutrition has been so helpful when it comes to snacking, in particular. I have a sweet tooth that I learned to curb with the help of Quest Nutrition’s Protein Cookies and Snack Bars that are perfect substitutes to unhealthy snacks!

The flavors are AMAZING, too! Its so difficult to choose a favorite, but if I had to suggest a few products and flavors to start, I would suggest the Snickerdoodle Cookie, Maple Waffle protein bar and Sea Salt Caramel Almond Snack Bar.

I’m also part of the Quest Squad, which is a team of Quest Nutrition members who Love Quest Nutrition and enjoy spreading the word about Quest Nutrition on social media. If you apply and are accepted to join the Quest Squad, you receive a Welcome Kit after posting a ‘Welcome Mission’ post. After that, you agree to participate in missions to complete and share on your website and/or social media platforms that will earn you rewards from activity participation like Quest Nutrition merchandise, Quest Nutrition supplements and other perks throughout the year!

FTC:

This is not a sponsored post. I received some of the products shown or mentioned in this post complimentary from Quest Nutrition as a Quest Squad member, in return for my evaluation and review, but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. My opinions and this post are based on my personal experience with the brand and is not influenced by the brand or its affiliates.

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FabFitFun Subscription Box

If you haven’t already heard or seen all over Social Media, the FabFitFun Subscription Box is a seasonal subscription box that is PACKED with FULL-SIZE Lifestyle, Beauty, Health & Wellness items, Home, Tech products and more! The founder and Editor-in-Chief, Katie Echevarria Rosen Kitchens, also @katieakitchens on Instagram and @KatieAKitchens on Twitter, always puts a lot of thought and Love into each subscription box, taking the time to feature an amazing lineup of brands. The Winter 2019 box contains products from the most female-founded brands in any FabFitFun subscription box to date! Among these amazing women are Rebecca Minkoff, Alli Webb, Kate Somerville, Jen Gotch, Cashmere Nicole and Ellen DeGeneres to name a few.

I have been a subscriber for several years and it is SO worth the $50.00 I pay every three months for the value I receive, which is always triple or quadruple the amount that I pay, which is so very generous of FabFitFun.

FabFitFun carefully curates each subscription box by partnering with brands and selecting products that they feel their subscribers will Love. Each box always includes a catalog, which includes detailed information about all products included in each subscription box, in addition to ‘add-on’ items and select member items. Also included in the catalog is information on the box artist, recipes, exclusive offers such as discount codes and more!

If you are interested in signing up or you would like to gift a FabFitFun box to someone for the holidays, birthday, Thank you gift to your boss, etc. click here and use coupon code CHRISTINALOVES for $10 OFF of your purchase.

Want to learn more about FabFitFun? check out the FabFitFun community: fabfitfun.com/community

FTC:

This is a sponsored review. I received this product complimentary from FabFitFun as a FabFitFun Partner, in return for my evaluation and review, but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. My opinion and this review are based on my personal experience with the product and is not influenced by the brand or its affiliates.

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Josie Maran Cosmetics – My healthy obsession, why mother nature’s argan oil is a miracle and more!

Argan Daily Moisture SPF47

No matter what time of year it is, or how much sun exposure you think you’ll get each day, its important to protect your skin with an SPF. For several years, I have been using the Argan Daily Moisture SPF47 by Josie Maran Cosmetics. It is loaded with skin-loving Argan oil of course, the formula is cruelty-free and there are no parabens, phthalates, artificial dyes or fragrances, etc.

This SPF contains physical-only sunscreens, which are natural, and the skin recognizes these ingredients. If an SPF is not physical-only, the ingredients can do more harm than good. So, if you hear or read that SPF is bad for you, that it causes cancer, etc. The sources are talking about sunscreens that are not physical-only.

NEVER skip sunscreen. Protect your skin! And, make sure you’re using a healthy SPF for you, your loved ones and to help protect sea life by using a cruelty-free and reef-safe formula like Josie Maran Cosmetics’ SPF47.

Argan Daily Moisture SPF47

Argan Reserve Healthy Skin Concentrate

Can you tell I’m just a little in love with Josie Maran Cosmetics?

On harvest three of Josie Maran Cosmetics Argan Reserve Healthy Skin Concentrate! Argan Reserve includes the press cake and leaves of the Argan tree, which are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, making it 11 times stronger than argan oil. I still use and love the original argan oil, but the reserve is so precious because they are only able to create a limited batch each year from the leaves and press cake (pressed argan seeds) that are rich in antioxidants, flavanoids, saponins and lipids.

I can personally attest to the health of my skin improving when using Argan Reserve, especially the fading of my sun spots and acne scars.

Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter

My favorite scents in the body butter are vanilla pear and tropical orchid… they are SO mouth watering and heavenly! At 42-years young, a big part of keeping my skin youthful in appearance is due to using Josie’s products. All of the products are powered by Argan Oil, of course, and other natural ingredients that our skin recognizes and easily utilizes to soften, treat and help loss of firmness, and have helped some people like myself, relieve skin issues like eczema. The scents in her body butters are derived from actual plant and flower extracts, which I am so fond of, being that I no longer use any products scented with artificial fragrance.

A few of my favorite Josie Maran products

Tanning Oil & Whipped Argan Oil Tan Extender

Josie’s award-winning Tanning Oil & Whipped Argan Oil Tan Extender are THE BEST! They are infused with argan oil, and DHA from beets to help the skin adjust naturally, which creates your own perfect tan shade! There is no mess, no fuss, and it is SO easy to apply! Ready to get your tan on!?

The self-tanner lasts up to 21 days with the addition of the tan extender!

Tanning Oil & Whipped Argan Oil Tan Extender

FTC:  This is not a sponsored post. I was not paid to write this content. All products shown and mentioned in this post were purchased by me. My opinion and this review are based on my personal experience with the brand/products and is not influenced by the brand or its affiliates. This post may contain affiliate links.

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‘Hair-Aware’ with HairMax: Featuring HairMax for Hair Loss Awareness Month

August is Hair Loss Awareness Month, and what better way to share my thoughts and experience with this topic than with HairMax, a brand I Love and trust when it comes to hair growth solution products.

When I was first introduced to HairMax last year, I began using the Ultima 12 Laser Comb, with HairMax For Density hair care products and dietary supplement (Click here for my Ultima 12 Laser Comb Review). The HairMax For Density hair care line has really helped to work with the laser device to help thicken my hair, with the patented complex (NRG8-pLEX) and the dietary supplement has been an essential addition to my daily routine also.

Because I have witnessed positive results with the Ultima 12 Laser Comb, I wanted to try the LaserBand 41. What attracted me to the LaserBand 41 first was the soft touch teeth (my favorite feature) and secondly, the amount of time for one treatment is less than the Ultima Laser Comb. So, recently, I began using the HairMax LaserBand 41 to continue preventing future hair loss and for hair regrowth. The LaserBand 41 also adjusts to fit most head sizes for the most comfortable treatment. I have had no issue with this, and I Love it! The band hugs my head so well, I only need to guide it with my hands after the device beeps, to let me know that its time to move to the next treatment area on my head. One treatment can be done in as little as 3 minutes, which I am usually able to complete while watching TV, scrolling through social media or reading a book in the evening.

To help you understand why the HairMax For Density hair care products are such a good companion to the laser devices: The Acceler8 Hair Booster contains a special ingredient that is light activated, which gives the ingredients a “boost” to do their job! This ingredient can be activated by natural sunlight or directed light from a HairMax laser therapy device. And, the RSN8 Pro Scalp Treatment focuses on anti-aging for your scalp and skin (fighting the signs of biological aging) and can be used on your face or hands. Using it on your hands helps to get a better indication of what it does for your skin, since its difficult to see your own scalp!

Currently, there is nothing like HairMax’s hair care and dietary supplement available on the market. With the help of HairMax products, I have regrown hair when I thought my hair would NEVER grow back, and my hair is so much healthier thanks to HairMax! Forget about all the gimmicky gummy bears and weekly ‘new and improved’ products popping up all over social media. HairMax is what you need if you are serious about scientifically proven results, and the customer reviews and photos prove that HairMax hair growth solution products really do work.

Compared to the expensive cost associated with hair transplant procedures by hair transplant doctors or plastic surgeons, HairMax offers more affordable hair growth solution products that can be purchased online.

You can trust HairMax’s dedicated team of hair growth experts, researchers and physicians to bring you the very best in hair growth science and technology. HairMax is such a good company that stands by their products and the customer service is excellent. Remember, to use the device as instructed and if you have ANY questions or concerns, contact HairMax customer service and they will be more than happy to help you.


HairMax LaserBand 41 in-use


FREE Gift offer:

For the month of August… elevate your Laser Hair Growth Treatment with a Limited time FREE Gift offer (outlined below) in recognition of Hair Loss Awareness Month!

FREE 3pc. Density Starter Kit: includes STIMUL8 Shampoo, EXHILIR8 Conditioner, ACCELER8 Hair Booster + Nutrients and the NEW Quick Dry Towel ($44 value) with EVERY laser device purchase on https://hairmax.com/hairaware Just use code: HAIRAWARE at checkout.


LaserBand 41 and Quick Dry Towel




HairMax laser device Benefits:

  • Laser Light Hair Growth Device – FDA Cleared for Men and Women in early to moderate stages of hair loss.
  • Clinically Proven in 7 Studies – Safe and Effective for Hair Loss and Thinning Hair
  • Average increase in hair count – 129 additional new hairs per sq. in. after 6 months
  • Fastest laser hair loss treatment available –as little as 3 minutes, 3 times a week
  • Move it over 6 areas of your scalp – sliding over the front, along the middle and to the back at 30 second intervals
  • Non-drug treatment – no harmful side effects
  • Stimulates hair growth, reverses thinning, energizes hair follicles, revitalizes damaged hair. Hair grows in denser, fuller and healthier.
  • Doctor Recommended
  • FREE U.S. Shipping
  • 6 Month Money Back Guarantee
  • 2-Year Warranty



About LaserBand 41

  • 41 Medical Grade Lasers (No LEDs)
  • Full scalp coverage equal to 246 lasers when moved over scalp
  • Fast treatment – as little as 3 minutes
  • Comfort-Flex band designed to fit all head sizes
  • Patented hair parting teeth
  • Cordless & lightweight

HairMax’s NEW ultra-absorbent microfiber towel dries hair quickly without the damage or frizz caused by most terry cloth towels. Give your hair some Love with the HairMax gentle dry plush towel!

  • Gently absorbs water without roughing hair
  • Significantly shortens air or blow-drying time
  • Minimizes heat damage due to blow-drying
  • Reduces hair breakage and frizz
  • Reduces split ends
  • Large size – 19 in. by 52 in.
  • Your hair is ready for leave-in products, laser treatments or styling in no time



Helpful facts about the HairMax Density System, which includes their own proprietary complex called NRG8-pLEX:

Unique targeted lipsome delivery system. This enables the active ingredients to penetrate the skin deeper and get directly to the hair follicle. Meaning this provides maximum results, because the ingredients are not just sitting on top of the outer skin layer of your scalp.

The ACCELER8™ Hair Booster also contains a special light-activated ingredient, this ingredient gets a boost when activated by light, including laser light. As a leave-in product this gives the active ingredients the time to do their job.

Unlike any other product currently in the market – the Density System has been specially formulated and scientifically innovated for thinning and lifeless hair

Density System: Step 1 cleanses (Stimul8 Shampoo) and moisturizes (Exhilar8 Conditioner), Step 2 treats and protects (Acceler8 Hair Booster), Step 3 (RSN8 Pro Scalp Treatment) helps fights the signs of biological aging.

Addresses multiple aspects of hair loss issues: density, diameter, and scalp health

Has a lower pH formula for gentle exfoliation and to strengthen the scalp’s natural protective barrier

Sulfate, Paraben, Silicone, and Gluten free. Also Vegan and Cruelty free.

FTC:

This is a sponsored review. I received this product complimentary from HairMax in return for my evaluation and review, but all opinions are 100% honest and my own. My opinion and this review are based on my personal experience with the product and is not influenced by the brand or its affiliates. The overall description of the product, benefits and ingredients were adapted or taken from information provided by HairMax.

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