:) Normal blogging will now resume.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
My Life in 8 Photos
Hey everyone! Long time no see! I've been in a sort of blogging rut, evidently, so I needed a little pick-me-up post. The title is pretty self-explanatory and there won't be very many words, but I thought this would be a nice little memory to look back on in the future. I picked this up as I was lurking through the archives of Zoella's blog, and she presented it as a sort of tag, so do feel free to steal this idea for a post :)
Friday, March 15, 2013
NOTD (Essie Fiji) + OPI Giveaway Winner
Hey everyone! I've got a quick NOTD for you all (finally! It's been so long since I've done one), and I thought I'd announce the winner of my OPI giveaway at the same time. But first thing's first...
Long story short, I absolutely love this color. As you know I was in Florida for a couple days and got a (very unnoticeable) tan, and I thought this polish would enhance it a little. Definitely a good choice. I foresee myself wearing this a ton during the summer. It actually reminds me of a shade I used to wear when I was younger, except that one was milkier and cheaper. This was definitely a three-coater, but the result was worth it, I think. Essie polishes are always great quality in my opinion. Worth the hype!
Next order of business: the winner of my OPI giveaway...
I also wanted to thank everyone who took the time to enter. I love having giveaways and giving gifts. I think it's so much fun to send people small tokens of my gratitude, especially on an international basis. And of course, thanks again for sticking with me and reading my blog. It means a lot!
Long story short, I absolutely love this color. As you know I was in Florida for a couple days and got a (very unnoticeable) tan, and I thought this polish would enhance it a little. Definitely a good choice. I foresee myself wearing this a ton during the summer. It actually reminds me of a shade I used to wear when I was younger, except that one was milkier and cheaper. This was definitely a three-coater, but the result was worth it, I think. Essie polishes are always great quality in my opinion. Worth the hype!
Congratulations to Danni Golding! I will be emailing you shortly so please do respond ASAP :)
I also wanted to thank everyone who took the time to enter. I love having giveaways and giving gifts. I think it's so much fun to send people small tokens of my gratitude, especially on an international basis. And of course, thanks again for sticking with me and reading my blog. It means a lot!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Target, MAC & BBW Haul!
Hey everyone! As you may know, I was in Florida this past week (which explains the lack of blogging haha)! Although I didn't pick up any of these items actually in Florida, we passed through New York where I had time to get some shopping done. Shockingly, I'd never actually shopped in Target before, so that was definitely a must. I also picked up one item at the MAC counter in Macy's, a few Bath & Body Works candles, and one nail polish at a beauty specialty store.
Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Mask (Target - $15): I have this on as I'm typing this blog post, and I must say I'm enjoying it! Very refreshing and clean-feeling. I bought this because I was itching for a good face mask and we don't have much of the Yes To range here in Canada (we only have the face wipes I think), so I thought this would be a good choice. Liking it so far!
St. Ives Apricot Scrub + Bonus travel size lotion (Target - like $3): I really like this scrub a lot, and although I don't use an exfoliator every day, this is definitely a nice one to have. Honestly I think this huge size cost maybe a dollar more than the travel sized one I got here... So cheap.
Elf eyelash curler (Target - $1): So these are kinda heavy-duty and not very gentle at all, but I needed a new eyelash curler and it was a dollar, you guys. A dollar.
Maybelline Gel Liner Blackest Black (Target - $8): Apparently some gurus like this gel liner more than the MAC one, and I've honestly never used gel liner before, so I thought I'd give it a shot. The brush it comes with looked pretty shitty so I also got an Elf liner brush for good measure which was also a dollar. Not much else to say about that!
MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle (Macy's - $30): I've been lusting after this product for sooo long now. Actually, I've been lusting after any powder highlighter because I don't own one, but especially this one. With tax, this baby came out to $32 as opposed to $40 I'd pay here. Not too bad!
Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara (Target - $7): Unfortunately I got this in brown (*facepalm*), but I really just wanted to see if it would clump or not. Verdict - no clumps! I might just go out and buy this in black, but don't hold me to it...
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder (Target - $4 maybe?): Repurchase. Hit pan on my current one. Love this stuff.
Essie Sand Tropez (Target - $8): I've been searching for a beautiful nude color far and wide and I thought I'd give this a shot. It's a little on the brown side but I'm eager to see how it fairs.
OPI Vant To Bite My Neck (Beauty Store - $7.50): This is an absolutely gorgeous eggplant creme that I've looked up countless swatches of, so when I saw that OPI is under $10 in the States I jumped at the chance to get it! I would have also picked up Bubble Bath if they had it but, alas, they didn't. :( Swatch to come!
Carmex (Walmart - $1): My lips were feeling a little dry so I went ahead and got this while we were doing grocery shopping at Walmart. It does the trick.
Bath & Body Works Pear & Market Peach Candles (2 for $22): These smell so so so yummy! I love them!
So that concludes the beauty & candle portion of the stuff I bought while in America! Just as a side note - I got a pale blue denim polka-dotted shirt and maroon leggings from Target, dark blue jeans and a pink shirt ($15 vs. $40 here...!!!) from Old Navy, and some new Nikes from The Shoe Dept. :) I also got some other bits & bobs before leaving but those will be featured in a later collective haul. Hope you enjoyed!
St. Ives Apricot Scrub + Bonus travel size lotion (Target - like $3): I really like this scrub a lot, and although I don't use an exfoliator every day, this is definitely a nice one to have. Honestly I think this huge size cost maybe a dollar more than the travel sized one I got here... So cheap.
Elf eyelash curler (Target - $1): So these are kinda heavy-duty and not very gentle at all, but I needed a new eyelash curler and it was a dollar, you guys. A dollar.
Maybelline Gel Liner Blackest Black (Target - $8): Apparently some gurus like this gel liner more than the MAC one, and I've honestly never used gel liner before, so I thought I'd give it a shot. The brush it comes with looked pretty shitty so I also got an Elf liner brush for good measure which was also a dollar. Not much else to say about that!
MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle (Macy's - $30): I've been lusting after this product for sooo long now. Actually, I've been lusting after any powder highlighter because I don't own one, but especially this one. With tax, this baby came out to $32 as opposed to $40 I'd pay here. Not too bad!
Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara (Target - $7): Unfortunately I got this in brown (*facepalm*), but I really just wanted to see if it would clump or not. Verdict - no clumps! I might just go out and buy this in black, but don't hold me to it...
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder (Target - $4 maybe?): Repurchase. Hit pan on my current one. Love this stuff.
Essie Sand Tropez (Target - $8): I've been searching for a beautiful nude color far and wide and I thought I'd give this a shot. It's a little on the brown side but I'm eager to see how it fairs.
OPI Vant To Bite My Neck (Beauty Store - $7.50): This is an absolutely gorgeous eggplant creme that I've looked up countless swatches of, so when I saw that OPI is under $10 in the States I jumped at the chance to get it! I would have also picked up Bubble Bath if they had it but, alas, they didn't. :( Swatch to come!
Carmex (Walmart - $1): My lips were feeling a little dry so I went ahead and got this while we were doing grocery shopping at Walmart. It does the trick.
Bath & Body Works Pear & Market Peach Candles (2 for $22): These smell so so so yummy! I love them!
So that concludes the beauty & candle portion of the stuff I bought while in America! Just as a side note - I got a pale blue denim polka-dotted shirt and maroon leggings from Target, dark blue jeans and a pink shirt ($15 vs. $40 here...!!!) from Old Navy, and some new Nikes from The Shoe Dept. :) I also got some other bits & bobs before leaving but those will be featured in a later collective haul. Hope you enjoyed!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
A Few Updates
First off, I made a page listing my favorite YouTube channels. This is a question I'm asked quite often so I thought it would be handy to compile a list for you guys. I've included beauty & non-beauty channels so there's quite the variety! Check it out if you're looking to add some new YouTubers to your subscriptions.
Second, I made a page where I wrote down giveaways currently going on in the beauty world. Instead of creating blog posts about giveaways I will now simply list them on this page. I'll give you guys a heads-up on my Twitter whenever I update the page. PS. I also have a post on how to win a giveaway! Click here if you haven't checked it out yet!
I now have a button that you can grab on the left-hand sidebar of my blog. Buttons are a nice way to showcase your favorite blogs on your page! So if you like Abundance of Erica, I would love for you add my button to your blog!
Also, in case you somehow missed it, I am giving away OPI Euro Centrale minis! CLICK HERE if you're interested!
And finally, I wanted to tell you guys that I won't be updating for a little over a week because I'm going to Florida! I might do a "What's in my Travel Makeup Bag" post and there will definitely be a haul up once I come back.
Talk to you soon! :)
Thursday, February 28, 2013
February Favorites
Hey everyone! Can't believe my birthday month has already come to an end. Sad, sad. However, that means it's time for February Favorites! I'm adding non-beauty favorites to this post because I don't actually have that many beauty favorites, so here goes...
TRESemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protectant Spray: I got this as a Klout perk at the beginning of the month and have been really loving it. I got it with the shampoo & conditioner from this line so I'll be reviewing the trio soon!
Bumble and bumble Surf Spray: You guys probably could have predicted that this would be in my favorites this month because I gave it such a positive review. Seriously though, it does great things for my hair.
Soap & Glory Hand Food: My hands have been soooo soo dry this month and this has been my go-to hand cream. Do I think it's particularly life-changing? No, it's a hand cream. But it smells nice and does the job, so I'm happy with it.
MAC Lustre lipstick in "Syrop": I got this as a birthday gift and have been wearing it everyday since. It's such a nice, subtle color and I think it matches my skin tone really well. It's pretty sheer too since it's a Lustre finish, making it really easy to reapply throughout the day. Love!
OPI Liquid Sand in "Get Your Number": Guys. This stuff is SO cool. I haven't been on my NOTD game lately so I haven't photographed it (unfortunately), but I did snap a quick Instagram - CLICK HERE to see it. The application is just unreal and the texture is awesome. I really would love to purchase another one but I've been going a bit nail polish-happy this month, so unfortunately I'll have to refrain...
Bath & Body Works Candle in "Winter": This is my only "empty" for this month, and for good reason. This was such an amazing candle and I'm so sad to see it gone. It was the perfect combination of sweet and spicy with a little bit of fresh pine scent. It wasn't overbearing whatsoever and made the house smell fresh and cozy.
iPhone 4: I got this in the middle of the month and of course, it has been my number one favorite. It's so much more user-friendly compared to my Blackberry so I've been really happy with it. That also means I've got a few app favorites this month...
Apps Gone Free: This is an app that offers paid apps for free on one-day-only promotions. I've gotten some great games and utility apps out of it so it's definitely worth the download. It's awesome for iPad too!
Instagram: Of course, I had to get an Instagram. (Link to follow me is in the left sidebar). I actually much prefer Instagram for my NOTDs lately so if you want a sneak peek of what I've been wearing on my nails - check it out!
Icon Pop Quiz: I had this app on my iPad for a while now and actually beat all the levels, but they seem to have updated it and added some new ones. Basically you have to guess what each image corresponds to. All of the themes are pop culture-related. It's really had me hooked!
This has been my absolute favorite YouTube video this month - Tyler Oakley featured on You Deserve a Drink. It made me laugh so hard, I must have watched it at least 7 times.
If you are interested in the whole YouTube phenomena, I highly suggest ninebrassmonkeys' documentary series on the topic. This week's video has proved to be incredibly controversial (I too have some issues with it - especially his opinion on makeup gurus), but the core argument is valid in my opinion. Have a look for yourself!
Bumble and bumble Surf Spray: You guys probably could have predicted that this would be in my favorites this month because I gave it such a positive review. Seriously though, it does great things for my hair.
Soap & Glory Hand Food: My hands have been soooo soo dry this month and this has been my go-to hand cream. Do I think it's particularly life-changing? No, it's a hand cream. But it smells nice and does the job, so I'm happy with it.
MAC Lustre lipstick in "Syrop": I got this as a birthday gift and have been wearing it everyday since. It's such a nice, subtle color and I think it matches my skin tone really well. It's pretty sheer too since it's a Lustre finish, making it really easy to reapply throughout the day. Love!
OPI Liquid Sand in "Get Your Number": Guys. This stuff is SO cool. I haven't been on my NOTD game lately so I haven't photographed it (unfortunately), but I did snap a quick Instagram - CLICK HERE to see it. The application is just unreal and the texture is awesome. I really would love to purchase another one but I've been going a bit nail polish-happy this month, so unfortunately I'll have to refrain...
Bath & Body Works Candle in "Winter": This is my only "empty" for this month, and for good reason. This was such an amazing candle and I'm so sad to see it gone. It was the perfect combination of sweet and spicy with a little bit of fresh pine scent. It wasn't overbearing whatsoever and made the house smell fresh and cozy.
iPhone 4: I got this in the middle of the month and of course, it has been my number one favorite. It's so much more user-friendly compared to my Blackberry so I've been really happy with it. That also means I've got a few app favorites this month...
Instagram: Of course, I had to get an Instagram. (Link to follow me is in the left sidebar). I actually much prefer Instagram for my NOTDs lately so if you want a sneak peek of what I've been wearing on my nails - check it out!
Icon Pop Quiz: I had this app on my iPad for a while now and actually beat all the levels, but they seem to have updated it and added some new ones. Basically you have to guess what each image corresponds to. All of the themes are pop culture-related. It's really had me hooked!
This has been my absolute favorite YouTube video this month - Tyler Oakley featured on You Deserve a Drink. It made me laugh so hard, I must have watched it at least 7 times.
If you are interested in the whole YouTube phenomena, I highly suggest ninebrassmonkeys' documentary series on the topic. This week's video has proved to be incredibly controversial (I too have some issues with it - especially his opinion on makeup gurus), but the core argument is valid in my opinion. Have a look for yourself!
So that concludes the February favorites! Please leave links to your "favorites" posts in the comments below, and please recommend some good apps for me to download!
Friday, February 22, 2013
OPI Euro Centrale Collection GIVEAWAY! [CLOSED]
Hey everyone! So I was at the mall yesterday and decided to pick up the OPI Euro Centrale collection minis for a little giveaway. I've been really happy with my blog lately and I expanded my social media a bit (Instagram and Facebook), so I wanted to call attention to those as well.
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
 |
| The shades include (left to right): Can't Find My Czechbook, Suzi's Hungary AGAIN!, You're Such a Budapest, Oy-Another Polish Joke |
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
1) Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY
2) Must be 18+ years of age or have your parent's permission to enter
3) Must fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter
4) Must be willing to provide a shipping address if won
5) The winner will announced in a separate blog post and will be emailed
6) You are only eligible to win if you have not won a previous giveaway on Abundance of Erica (including this, this, this, and this)
7) If the winner does not respond to my email within 48 hours, another winner will be contacted
8) All prizes will be shipped in pristine condition (none have been removed from their original packaging), but I cannot be held responsible for damages that occur in transit
9) GIVEAWAY ENDS ON MARCH 15TH
2) Must be 18+ years of age or have your parent's permission to enter
3) Must fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter
4) Must be willing to provide a shipping address if won
5) The winner will announced in a separate blog post and will be emailed
6) You are only eligible to win if you have not won a previous giveaway on Abundance of Erica (including this, this, this, and this)
7) If the winner does not respond to my email within 48 hours, another winner will be contacted
8) All prizes will be shipped in pristine condition (none have been removed from their original packaging), but I cannot be held responsible for damages that occur in transit
9) GIVEAWAY ENDS ON MARCH 15TH
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