Thursday, March 30, 2017

Product Review: Wet & Wild Megalast Nail- Private Viewing

This post contains affiliate links

Wet & Wild Megalast
“Private Viewing- 204B”

Spring its finally here and so are the many different kind of ‘spring’ and ‘summer’ nail polish shades at our local stores. 

I’ve been feeling out of sorts the last few weeks and when I saw this neutral (nude) shade at my local Rite Aid Pharmacy, it really called out to me. Today, I am reviewing another fantastic color by Wet & Wild Megalast-“Private Viewing- 204B” which I’ve been wearing for the last 8 days.


Their Claim:

·         A revolutionary resin polymer system for exceptional color adhesion
·         Calcium and mineral fortified to help prevent nail discoloration
·         3-Free: No Formaldehyde, Toluene, or Phthalates
·         Our ManiCurve Pro Brush is absolutely incredible - The rod is flat so the liquid drains down to the bristles equally, and the rounded bristles hug your nail curves perfectly

All the end results of going to the nail salon, but without the hassle. The driving, the sitting, the waiting, the forced small-talk, and especially the pricey manicurist bills - forget it! Looking salon pampered just got easier! These 5-day, chip-resistant formulas are just so darn great, delivering a professional, yet far more accessible, look. Ever wonder what actually makes a "salon" formula? Read the features!


Ingredients

Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid/Phthalic Acid/Tricyclodecane Dimethanol Copolymer, Dimethicone, Citric Acid, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Talc, [+/- (MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR): Mica, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891, Yellow 5 Lake/CI 19140, Iron Oxides/CI 77491, CI 77499, Manganese Violet/CI 77742, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide/CI 77510, Ultramarines/CI 77007, Red 6 Lake/CI 15850, Red 7 Lake/CI 15850, Red 30 Lake/CI 73360, Red 36/CI 12085, Blue 1 Lake/CI 42090]



My Thoughts:

As I mentioned before, as soon as I saw this polish I felt the need to have it.  The “Manicurve Pro Brush” does make the application process easier as it covers the entire nail bed in just one stroke. 


In order to acquire the desire shade, I applied a total of three coats.  Please allow a few minutes to pass in between coats in order to reduce the length it would take for the polish to dry and it will also reduce the amount of air bubbles that may appear.


Pros:
 
The company claims that the polish may last up to five days before you start seeing any chipping on the tip of your nails. 
This polish actually lasted 8 days before I noticed it was time to re-do my manicure.

It was fairly easy to remove the polish from my nails;
The Pro Brush really makes the application easier and faster;
The low price it’s perfect for those (like yours truly) who have a very limited budget.

Cons:

Can’t really find anything wrong with this product at all!!

Sadly, I have to say that this color was not “Hubby Approved”.  He kindly told me that the color was too close to my skin tone.  But I think that’s what I like about it..

I loved this color and I will probably wear it more often during the spring and summer days.  The natural and glossy salon like finish was perfect and easy to accomplish.
Where to get it:

I found this little gem at my local Rite Aid Pharmacy or you can purchase it here:



Thank you for stopping by and stay tuned for our next nail polish review!

Have a great week!


Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Product Review: SinfulColors Professional- Jade Kat

SinfulColors Professional
Jade Kat #2196 Review

Today we are reviewing Jade Kat, a perfect color for the upcoming St Patrick’s Day Celebration.

Jade Kat by SinfulColors Professional is a shimmering emerald green shade with a nice smooth finish. 


As always, I found this little gem at my local Walgreens for only $1.99! 

This weekend our beautiful city of Savannah will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.  As is the tradition, the celebrations will begin with the parade followed by other equally fun events.  

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Friday, March 17th and for the very first time, our children have asked to go, therefore guess where we will be?   


With our Masks, shirts and the traditional necklaces ready, the only thing we were missing were our manicure and I was so excited when I found this amazingly vibrant color. 

Their product description:
  • This simmering emerald green shade is definitely not jaded.
  • Bold, Vibrant, Must Have Color.
  • Toluene, Formaldehyde & DBP Free.



My Review:


One coat is definitely not enough to reach the full potential of this polish.  I applied a total of three coats in order to get the true bold color of this polish. 

Allow 3 to 4 minutes (or longer if you can) in between coats in order to experience a smoother finish and less chances to see air tiny bubbles. 


I highly recommend you add this bold and vibrant color to your collection!



 The Pros:
Good quality polish at a low value... 
Smooth finish...
Does not stain your nail...
The brush makes the application easy


 The Cons:
Chips off easily around the tip.. usually between 7 to 10 days.

... yeah, can't find anything else wrong with this... I really find this vibrant color fun and perfect for St Patrick's Day Celebration!  

Monday, March 13, 2017

Product Review: Wet and Wild: Under Your Spell

Wet n Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color:
Under Your Spell 216B Review
  
Welcome, what I have for you today is another nail polish review!!  I am reviewing one of the deepest color I have ever own.  This magnificent color is from the Wet & Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color collection. 

My son described this color perfectly:  “216B Under Your Spell” [mom, this color] reminds me of the color of a “coffee bean” because of its deep brown color with a touch of a red [shimmer]”.


If you follow us on Facebook page, Caramel Curlz N Swirls, then you probably remember the video I posted a few days ago in which I shared some great “sales” from the RiteAid Pharmacy.  I posted this video six days ago Two New Polishes.
                 
Their product description:

All the end results of going to the nail salon, but without the hassle, the driving, the sitting, the waiting, the forced small-talk, and especially the manicurist bills- forget it!  Looking salon pampered just got easier! These 5-day, chip-resistant formulas are just so darn great, delivering a professional, yet far more accessible.

Their claim:

·      A revolutionary resin polymer for exceptional color adhesion;
·      Calcium and mineral fortified to help prevent nail discoloration;
·      Formaldehyde, toluene and phthalate fee!
·      Our ManiCurve Pro Brush! It’s absolutely incredible! The rod is flat so the liquid drains down to the bristles equally and the rouded bristles hug your nail curves perfectly!

My Review:

As I stated in my last video, I was hesitant about purchasing this polish [despite the low price of $1.99] because of the type of brush, but I decided to give it a try anyway.  I fell in love with this deep bold color and since it really matched my mood, why not step out my comfort zone. 



“Under Your Spell” has definitely made my ‘favorite colors’ list.  I love the deep color base with the red shimmer which gives a vibrant and smooth finish.

I applied three coats to reach the full capacity, of course, I applied each coat every 10 minutes in order to allow the polish to dry evenly [and without forming any bubbles].   Its quick drying formula was highly convenient.


However, the only ‘con’ of this polish is that it does chip off easily around the tips but it does last 6 to 7 days!


I highly recommend this brand and color, the “pro-curve” brush works wonderfully and provides great coverage in just one swipe.   

Friday, February 3, 2017

Love Your Curls Giveaway #2!


Good Morning!

The winner of our last giveaway has been selected, CONGRATULATIONS DIANNA! 
Now it's time for our next giveaway!!

This is a very simple and fun giveaway, but first you have to head over and LIKE our Facebook Page: Caramel Curlz N Swirls

HERE ARE THE DETAILS

****GIVEAWAY TIME! GIVEAWAY TIME! GIVEAWAY TIME*****
Please read the rules carefully, the name of the participants who submit the correct answer will be added and only one winner will be selected.

RULES:

LIKE this image;
SHARE SHARE SHARE this giveaway; and
COMMENT below with your answer.
****************************************************************************
Well ladies and gents, it's that time again for our annual Black History Month.... let's do a Fun Trivia!!

Today's QUESTION is:

Who doesn’t enjoy a fresh scoop of ice cream on a hot day? This gentleman invented the ice cream scoop making it easier for people everywhere to enjoy their favorite treat. He studied at a seminary, worked as carpenter and then became interested in mechanics. He was first black man to receive a patent in Pittsburgh.

Who was he?
****************************************************************************
Do you know the answer?  Great... go to our Facebook Page and follow the rules!! 

GOOD LUCK and hurry, this ends TODAY at 11:59 PM (EST)

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Sinful with a Kiss Giveaway!



Ladies and Gentlemen... 

It is time to begin our 7 Days of Giveaways

Sinful with a Kiss Giveaway is open now and here is what you need to do in order to enter this fabulous and colorful giveaway: 

RULES are simple.. 

*FOLLOW our Instagram Page: Caramel Curlz & Swirls
*LIKE "Sinful with a Kiss Giveaway" Image; and
* TAG five friends that would love to win this as well...

Didn't I said it was simple... 

But hurry, this giveaway will end today! 

Giveaway ENDS today, February 1st, 2017 at 8:00 (PM EST)
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖


PRIZE: 

Your box of goodies contain: 

8 nail polishes (shown on the picture) from our favorite brand, SinfulColor Professionals plus 1 surprise color personally picked by Ms. Bree. 

2 Pack Buffers;

Stencils from Kiss so that you can create salon-worthy nail art designs right at home. 

Plus more surprise goodies! 


Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Protective Style- Dark & Lovely Au Naturale Products

(Affiliate links are included in this post)



Here we have another protecting style using my favorite hair products from Dark & Lovely 'Au Naturale' Line. 

If you missed our review on these amazing products, you can find our full article here: Dark & Lovely- Au Naturale Product Review.

Ms. Bree's hair was washed and blow dried a few weeks ago and has been kept in one long braid.  While blow drying and keeping her hair in one simple braid made things easier for me, it's definitely not healthy for her curly tresses in the long run.  Bringing me to the decision to style her hair into this simple and protective style.  

Now, just because her hair is in this style doesn't mean I won't have to touch her hair for the next few days.  Contrary to everyone's belief, her hair still has to be co-washed, moisturized and her scalp needs to be protected from the elements by applying oils.   


Ms. Bree's hair was washed and dentangled.  Due to the length and thickness of her hair, styling her hair requires two days.    

Here are the products I used: 



1. D&L- Moisture L.O.C. Super Quench Leave In Spray;

2. D&L- Au Naturale Moisture LOC Soak It Up Oil Cocktail 
    (or your favorite oil)

3. D&L Au Naturale Anti Shrinkage Coil Moisturizing Souffle

3.5. Eco Styler Gel Argan Oil
      (just a small amount, adding a bit of gel at the same time you apply the souffle will 
      create a better hold and the style will last a bit longer)



As Ms. Bree gets older, her schedule is getting busier and busier.  She wore the above hair style for a week. 



After a week of sporting half of her hair in box braids, it was time to finalized her style.  Using the same products and following the same steps, I braided the top part of her hair. 

























I also took advantage and re-moisturized some of the ends on the bottom braids and now her hair it's completely styled and ready for the next few days.  

Please remember and I cannot say it enough, protective styling too often can be detrimental to curly hair (give your scalp and hair a break in between protective styles) and make sure you continue to keep your hair clean even when it's in a protective style, co wash and re-moisturize your hair and scalp as often as needed. 

Friday, January 6, 2017

My First Recipe of the Year: Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

        Hello everyone and welcome to our very first post of 2017 🎇🎆


Bacon... bacon... bacon... now say the word four times really fast!   (now you sound like the "Beggin Bacon Strips" commercial.. 😆

In our home everyone is a big fan of bacon... from the oldest to the very youngest and that includes our three fur babies!  

Bacon it's so delicious when cooked on its own but it's even better when you create different "drool-worthy" recipes using bacon as your main (or key) ingredient.   

In this recipe, we paired some nice thick slices of bacon with fresh asparagus covered in a rich sweet soy sauce.

The Ingredients....

*1 to 2 lbs of fresh asparagus
*1 lb of your favorite bacon

The Steps

wash and pat dry your asparagus;
gently bend the bottom of each spear to determine the breaking point;

Why are you doing this?   
The bottom of the asparagus is a bit woody, definitely not tasty and it's not something you want to serve your guests.  The woody part and natural breaking point varies from spear to spear, but it's really not that time consuming, so don't worry too  much about this part.   Just remember to bend and snap!  

Let's continue...

While your oven is preheating at 400 degrees, let's get to the "wrapping" part... 

*carefully place a slice of bacon on your cutting board (or counter);
*place from 2 to 3 spears of asparagus and wrap the bacon;
*place each wrap on your baking sheet. 


All about the sauce....

* 1/2 of dark brown sugar
* 1/2 of teaspoon garlic powder
* pinch of onion powder (optional)
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1 stick of butter (or margarine)
             conversion note: 1 stick of butter = 8 Tablespoons 
* about 1 (to 1.5) tablespoon of soy sauce

Combine all of your ingredients in a small sauce pot and bring it to boil and simmer for about five to ten minutes.  (mixing your sauce every few minutes until it's nice and thick)


Pour your sauce on top of your bacon wrapped asparagus; (use as much or as little sauce as you want)


Bake for about 20 to 30 minutes- (checking every so often to make sure the asparagus doesn't over cook)

and the results are tooooo die for.... 

Make sure you share this recipe with your friends and family especially during International Bacon Day!!  

Friday, October 28, 2016

Adventures at the Pumpkin Patch



Awww an adventure at the Pumpkin Patch… Fall is my favorite season of the year and I think my kids like it too!

What a better way to start our weekend than visiting our favorite farm, Holiday Farms in Ridgeland, South Carolina and just like they claim, "Just not a Holiday... an experience!"

Our family has visited this farm for a couple of years now and there are a few things I truly love about this farm, for example, they are family owned and operated, they transform the farm on each holiday and you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks.  We all now how expensive purchasing food and drink can be when visiting the local fair.   They also have a covered picnic area for all the visitors to enjoy. 

Holiday Farms offer many activities and my kids take advantage of every single one.  Well, let me take that back, they can no longer do the speedway since that activity is only for toddlers… 


As soon as we arrived we were able to see the welcome signs, the "fall" decorations and hay rolls sprayed painted with funny images of animals. 


 My favorite decoration was this perfectly shaped pumpkin painted in red... it looked so shiny!  


Not far from the entrance we were able to find a large group of colorful "mums".  Last year my best friend gifted me with some of her "orange" mums. I know, they don't last very long but they just look so festive!


And who can say no to their new Jumppad!  and guess what?  Adults are also allowed to jump on it too!!! Not that I got on it or anything... 

Our kids spent a good amount of time jumping and chasing each other on this pad.  Energy zapper at work!


Then we enjoyed some time playing with the cornhole boards!  This is when I realized my daughter has an amazing arm and aim.  Yes, they had 4 different sets of boards and they had to play on each one.  So we played this game for a w-h-i-l-e!





After playing with the conrnhole game, they moved towards the next game, "ring toss".   

When they realized the wagon was coming, they forgot about the ring toss game and ran towards the "Barnyard Zoo" in order to board the wagon! 

See, they ran.. we didn't.. because we knew that once they got closer to the barn, they were going to pet every animal before they actually got on the wagon.   And petted, they did! HAHA!


Their new covered wagon actually takes you around the farm to the back field which is where all the pumpkins are.  Another great thing about this adventure, everyone got to pick a pumpkin from the patch which was included in their $10.00 admission fee.


Pumpkins everywhere... big pumpkins, medium size pumpkins, tiny baby pumpkins, and it was so much fun trying to find that perfect pumpkin to bring home.  


Our only rule for the day was, if you can't carry it (pumpkin) then you can't take it. After all parking was at a good distance away from the grounds, so it made sense to put that rule in place, especially if you have to carry a pumpkin of your own.  But when you have daddy wrap around your little finger, who cares what mommy says! 


And we couldn't just leave without seeing a "pig race", that would have been an incomplete experience for them! 



It was fun to see all those little piglets running!



These are the faces of some tired and hungry kids!  Unfortunately, our kids waited too long to decide it was time for them eat.  

If you know me, then you already know that when I take the kids to places like this, I only go for one thing and one thing only, FOOD!  So, as soon as I got there I went straight to the extremely long line that promised to provide me with some good old fashion Funnel Cake, ribs and perhaps some good BBQ chicken.  Our children had other plans, they insisted that they were not hungry and there was no need for me to stand in line, so we decided to forgo the food and go straight for the activities.  

Let me say this, what a GIGANTIC MISTAKE that was! Since they waited until the last minute, all the greasy and delicious food was GONE and they had no other choice but to settle for snow cones and a small basket of french fries!  

But they had so much fun that not been able to get a funnel cake was totally okay with them.

We highly suggest you make plans to visit Holiday Farms.  Your little ones will enjoy participating in the many activities like barrel racing, duck racing, corn grinding, steer roping, cow milking and getting to know the animals at the Barnyard Zoo.  

Every Saturday you will be able to enjoy the food from their concession stands as well as live entertainment!

Don't forget to stop by their General Store while you are there and check out all of their items like their local honey, jellies, jams as well as soaps, candy and toys!

But our adventures are not stopping there... today we will be putting our costumes on and having some fun with the officers at SCMPD Precinct 5!