Julep Maven April 2014

The Vivid

This subscription box is one of my favorites. At 19.99 a box, this service offers a combination depending on your survey results. My initial results where It Girl, which means I receive three polish. Each month you can go in, preview each box, and choose the box you would like to receive. This month some of the boxes included makeup brushes, blush, or bronzer depending on your box selection. This is my third time receiving this service. When the reveal opened up for me to select a box, I was faced with a huge dilemma... I couldn't pick which colors I wanted. Easy solution: upgrade my box to include all the polish colors offered for April.

Below I will include close ups of each set of three, the name of the polish, and which box it would have originally come in.

From left to right: Phoebe (Boho Glam), Sunny (Boho Glam), 

Kayla (Bombshell)

From left to right: Tatum (Bombshell), Caitlin (Classic with a Twist), Mariska (Classic with a Twist)

From left to right: Flora (It Girl), Bailey (It Girl), Maren (It Girl)

This is by far my favorite Julep box. The colors are magnificent. I even like the pink shades, which is my least favorite color. "The Vivid" is a wonderful name for these colors. I am looking forward to sporting these gorgeous colors on my nails for spring and summer. Here is a picture of all nine shades in natural outside lighting:

Is Julep Maven something you would be interested in? If so feel free to use my referral link to check it out. I will disclose that I do benefit from you signing up under my link. I receive Jules for every person that I refer that can later be used towards my box or add on's. If you would rather not do that feel free to visit Julep.

Day 3: Why Is The Rum Gone?

Day 3: 

Your Views on Drugs and Alcohol

I like some rum in my coke and whiskey in my sweet tea. It is just that simple, darling.

I hate medication. I cry when I am forced to take it. Do I believe that some people benefit from it; sure. As far as drugs, I am not a big fan. I have tried marijuana once. Do I think it should be tried for medical uses; in a very strict and regulated manor. I can not begin to understand why some people love to misuse drugs, but it hold no appeal to me.

Want to see other opinions from the girls doing this challenge? Check them out here:

Hunter

Mary Ann

Odette

Carolina

Maria

Lillian

100 Questions No One Asks

QUESTIONS: BONUS JONAS QUESTION: something that happened to you in middle school.

My crush dumped me because I wouldn't hold his hand and then kissed several of my friends.

1:Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?

Closed

2:Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?

Guilty

3:Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?

Out

4:Have you ever stolen a street sign before?

Nope

5:Do you like to use post-it notes?

Yes

6:Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?

On occasion.

7:Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?

Can we just go with neither.

8:Do you have freckles?

Tons

9:Do you always smile for pictures?

Not really.

10:What is your biggest pet peeve?

I honestly cannot think of anything that I can readily explain, except when people touch cars that are not theirs at shows.

11:Do you ever count your steps when you walk?

Only when stairs are involved or I am somewhere unfamiliar

12:Have you ever peed in the woods?

Yes

13:What about pooped in the woods?

Nope

14:Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?

Sometimes

15:Do you chew your pens and pencils?

Used to

16:How many people have you slept with this week?

Zero

17:What size is your bed?

Full

18:What is your Song of the week?

Happy by Pharrell Williams (it will not get out of my head)

19:Is it okay for guys to wear pink?

Sure

20:Do you still watch cartoons?

Occasionally

21:Whats your least favorite movie?

Napoleon Dynamite

22:Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?

In books

23:What do you drink with dinner?

Varies. Mostly Tea, Water, or Sprite

24:What do you dip a chicken nugget in?

Honey Mustard or Ranch

25:What is your favorite food?

Chinese and chicken

26:What movies could you watch over and over and still love?

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Pocahontas, The Avengers, The Dark Knight, Rent, The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Avatar, Rise of the Guardians, Van Helsing

27:Last person you kissed/kissed you?

I have no clue. It has been a very long time.

28:Were you ever a boy/girl scout?

Sadly no

29:Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?

This is comical to me...

30:When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?

Last month

31:Can you change the oil on a car?

I've never tried, but I have been shown how.

32:Ever gotten a speeding ticket?

Not in the handful of times I have driven before.

33:Ever ran out of gas?

Nope

34:Favorite kind of sandwich?

You can never go wrong with ham or turkey

35:Best thing to eat for breakfast?

Fruit and waffles/pancakes

36:What is your usual bedtime?

Whenever I fall asleep

37:Are you lazy?

I can be.

38:When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?

I always remember dressing up as a witch

39:What is your Chinese astrological sign?

Snake

40:How many languages can you speak?

1 fluently 1 very little (this needs to change)

41:Do you have any magazine subscriptions?

No

42:Which are better legos or lincoln logs?

Legos!!

43:Are you stubborn?

I can be

44:Who is better...Leno or Letterman?

Leno but Jimmy Fallon will be the best! ---- I agree

45:Ever watch soap operas?

I have.

46:Are you afraid of heights?

Only when I can still see the ground

47:Do you sing in the car?

Yes

48:Do you sing in the shower?

Sometimes

49:Do you dance in the car?

Not a lot

50:Ever used a gun?

Yep

51:Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?

High school

52:Do you think musicals are cheesy?

Some

53:Is Christmas stressful?

Not really

54:Ever eat a pierogi?

Not that I am aware of.

55:Favorite type of fruit pie?

Cherry

56:Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?

Librarian and a nurse

57:Do you believe in ghosts?

I believe in spirits

58:Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?

Yes

59:Take a vitamin daily?

I should start doing that...

60:Wear slippers?

Just flip flops

61:Wear a bath robe?

Nope

62:What do you wear to bed?

Tank top and shorts or a big shirt

63:First concert?

Some small local thing. No real concerts... yet.

64:Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?

Target if I can

65:Nike or Adidas?

Nike

66:Cheetos Or Fritos?

Cheetos

67:Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?

Sunflower Seeds

68:Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?

Never

69:Ever take dance lessons?

I have two left feet

70:Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?

Anything that he loves to do

71:Can you curl your tongue?

I sure can

72:Ever won a spelling bee?

Never tried

73:Have you ever cried because you were so happy?

Yeppers

74:Own any record albums?

I do, but they are in storage

75:Own a record player?

I do believe there is one in storage

76:Regularly burn incense?

Not anymore

77:Ever been in love?

A long time ago

78:Who would you like to see in concert?

Halestorm, Shinedown, and Luke Bryan

79:What was the last concert you saw?

Local

80:Hot tea or cold tea?

Both

81:Tea or coffee?

Tea

82:Sugar or snickerdoodles?

Either/or

83:Can you swim well?

Yes

84:Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?

Not really

85:Are you patient?

Mostly

86:DJ or band, at a wedding?

Not sure

87:Ever won a contest?

Once I think

88:Ever have plastic surgery?

Never

89:Which are better black or green olives?

Black

90:Can you knit or crochet?

I want to learn

91:Best room for a fireplace?

Family Room

92:Do you want to get married?

I would like to, yes.

93:If married, how long have you been married?

N/A

94:Who was your HS crush?

Josh and Mark

95:Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?

Rarely, but I did when I was younger

96:Do you have kids?

No

97:Do you want kids?

God willing

98:Whats your favorite colors?

Green, Blue, Black

99:Do you miss anyone right now?

In a sense



I tag:
Nathaniel (if you want)

March Favorites 2014

These are a few of my favorite things...

Beauty 

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser w/ Red Clay

I received a sample size of this in my first Ipsy bag in February. I am in absolute love with the cleanser. It really helps get my face squeaky clean (literally). I am excited to try other products by this brand. I do notice that it is a bit drying on the skin. I would make sure to follow up with a moisturizer.

Not Your Mother's: Way to Grow Shampoo / Not Your Mother's: Way to Grow Conditioner

I am now on my second set of these and I love love love it!! It really gets my hair clean without leaving it striped. My hair is so lightweight after each use. I have a very sensitive scalp, so to try this on a whim with such good results, I am pleased. I have noticed some growth, but time will tell if it helps with growth any more than usual.

Nail Tek II: Intensive Therapy

This base coat is intended for daily use on thin, brittle, weak, and flimsy nails. I have now been using it for a few months. I have maybe a fourth of the bottle left. I have seen a dramatic improvement in my overall nail health. I still have the occasional break, but I have never been able to grow my nails out  and keep them long for any length of time before now. My nails are a lot stronger as well. I have tried similar products previously with no results. The polish claims to help with peeling; however, this is the only thing that I do not see an improvement on. With that being said, I would still recommend this product and I will be repurchasing.

Zoya Dream

Dream is a gorgeous blue jelly polish with tons of shard holographic glitter. With blue being my favorite nail polish color, I have seen it all. This is very unique and so lovely. I have used this several times this month. It even went on vacation with me. The formula is dreamy and easy to work with. I use two or three coats depending on the depth I want within the polish. This glitter polish was not terrible to remove either.

Face Secrets Cotton Rounds

These were bought on a whim to use for polish removal. Typically I use four to five cotton balls per manicure for removal. With these I can remove all of my polish with one round. Yes I said one round. The pad is easy to saturate and does not break apart as easily as cotton balls.

Onyx Professional Remover

With this acetone formula, polish removal is quick and easy. My bottle is lavender scented. I am not wild about the smell; however, it does conceal the traditional remover smell. Cleanup around nails and cuticles is so much easier with this versus the non-acetone nail polish remover I have used in the past. Since acetone can be drying, I mix 1/3 acetone and 2/3 non-acetone remover for creme or easy to remove polish and always follow up with cuticle oil and a good moisturizer.

Crafting

Tape Works Washi Tape - Teal / Tape Works Washi Tape - Green

Teal Chevron washi tape... What more do you need? That's right, the same pattern in green! I have been loving using these on all sorts of projects. I was able to find this at my local Walmart.

Books

Divergent Series by Veronica Roth

A constant emotional roller coaster ride. I was wishing for more with Allegiant, but I love Divergent and Insurgent. If you are a fan of dystopia fiction, stop reading this and go to the book store. This series is taking the world by storm. I will be reading more from this author as she continues her career in writing.

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

You know that one book that you can never put down? Yep this is it for me. I had to be forced to put this book down and leave the hotel while on vacation. The story is well written and flows freely. I do not read many fairy related books, but this one is outstanding. I am looking forward to the other four in the series.

Food/Drink

Twistos Baked Snack Bites

With three flavor options at my local store, I just had to try them (Bruschetta, Parmesan and Garlic, and Asiago). Each flavor had a unique taste to it. I love the crisp of these as well. I found myself grabbing for these over my usual potato chip snacks. The asiago is my personal favorite.

Starbucks Refreshers

I have tried the Strawberry Lemonade and Orange Melon. The later of the two is my favorite so far. The taste is good. I try to stay away from energy drinks due to the crash, with these, I don't have that issue.

YouTube

Vintageortacky

I love her style!! She has amazing beauty tutorials and reviews. When she loves a product enough to buy a duplicate for her kit lets you know it is a product worth trying. I love that she is not afraid of color and doing something bold!

Eleventhgorgeous

Alabama love!!! They do amazing reviews, tutorials, and unboxings. With a focus in drugstore beauty products, they are able to find good products that are available to everyone. Not to mention that they are comical!!

Young Wild and Polished

For the love of all things polish!! This is my one stop shop for beauty, nails, and laughter. Just a few moments of her bloopers at the end of her videos and I have tears from laughing so hard.

Day 2: 10 Years

Day Two:

Where you'd like to be in

Let's take a moment to pray to look like we did in our teens. Now let's more forward.

Relationship Status: I should be annoying the crap out of someone by then. I will be chasing you around with nerf guns, water balloons, pillows, etc.

Family and Friends: Children hopefully! God willing, I want to keep my friends. I have never met such an amazing and inspirational group of people.

Career: Hopefully still a Librarian. Who wouldn't love to get paid to read every day!! Using my creativity...writing, making jewelry, etc.

Health/Fitness: I want to be healthy and fit. 

Cars: To have conquered my fear of driving completely

Pets: I am afraid Nala and Baby will not make it tens year, but I would love to have hedgehogs again.

Places I have traveled: Ireland, Scotland, London, Australia

Check out these lovelies doing this challenge with me as well:
Hunter
Mary Ann
Odette
Carolina
Maria
Lillian

Day 1: Relationship Status

Day One:

Your current relationship, if single discuss how single life is.

Several of my friends and I will be doing this in the coming days, I will include links to their blogs below. Let's get this ball rolling!

Relationship Status: Single and Crushing

For the better part of six years now I have been single. I have had small relationships (if that is what you would call them) throughout this time. The last of which were close to two years ago. Several of those years I was single intentionally. Whether from heart breaks, shattered dreams, or abuse, I took the time to repair my heart and better myself for the heart that is meant to love me. During these years I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned to love myself for whom I am, more about the type of man I want to have in my life, and that God has a plan for me. 

Now to the fun part of this post. Yes, you read that right... Crushing! As of late, there is a very sweet gentleman that has my attention. He and I was introduced by a mutual friend of ours, +Hunter. At first I was scared to death since I am so shy; however, the more and more that we talk, the more I smile. I am starting to relax now and just enjoy having someone to talk to, of which just happens to be incredibly handsome.

Also doing this challenge:

Hunter

Mary Ann

Odette

Carolina

Maria

Lillian

Book Review: Wicked Lovely

What do you do when you just finished the emotionally packed Divergent trilogy? If you said throw yourself into another series, you are precisely right!

Usually I take a day or two after something that traumatic to repair my heart. This time I just wanted to forget I had suffered trauma at the hands of a hardback.

What I didn't realize is that I would become so engrossed in the next book that I would spend most of my days on vacation reading it. This book was mentioned to me by +Mary Ann and +Hunter. I had already purchased these a while ago, but I am forever grateful for their insistence that I read them.

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr is the first novel in the series. The story is centered around fairies and the rare humans that have "the sight". As the different courts are in upheaval, one king is setting his eyes on the human he wishes to become his queen. What happens when she does not have the desire to be his, unlike so many before her? Will her mortal life be changed forever? How about the lives of the ones she holds dear? If he is not successful in winning her acceptance, what will happen to the fey under his rule?

With an ending you will never see coming, this book is a must read for anyone who loves the fantasy world and all the tales it holds dear. I gave it a 5 out of 5 stars. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

Sally Beauty Mini Haul!! March 2014

While out and about yesterday, I found myself in Sally's. They have several great deals going on at my local store. Am part!

Nail Polish!!

I behaved myself a little and only stuck with the two I went in to purchase. China Glaze polish is currently buy one, get one free. Here are the two I purchased:

Wish on a Starfish
-I was excited to get this one after trying Seahorsing Around (not purchased in this haul). This is a gorgeous pink texture with a gold flash. It was slightly lighter than I anticipated; however, three coats and you have the beautiful color shown in the bottle.

Flip Flop Fantasy
-Gearing up for spring and summer screams this color. As with their neons, it takes a little finesse to apply smoothly; however, the color pay of is gorgeous. I am currently wearing it as an accent to the Galactic Gray holographic polish.

Random Beauty Essentials!!

Face Essentials Cotton Rounds

-Sally's also had all Face Essentials products on sale: buy one, get one free. I have not tried these previously. I am going to use these to remove nail polish versus using regular cotton balls. We will see how these perform in the next few days and the following weeks.

Styling Tools!!

Near the front I was marveling at the gorgeous colors that they have for various styling tools. Low and behold Plugged In had a wonderful deal!! When you purchase one of their full size tools, you get a mini tool of your choice. I am rather new to styling. The tools I purchased are the first of their kind for me.

Plugged In Neon 1 Inch Cone Wand

-This wand features a tapered design made with tourmaline ceramic. I have not tested this product outside of a few strands. It does come with a heat protective finger glove, of which I obviously need. With four temperature settings, I am optimistic that it will curl my sometimes stubborn hair.

Plugged In Neon Mini Triple Barrel Waver

-I also tested a few pieces of hair to see the results. I was impressed by the depth of the waves. I look forward to a more in depth look at how this does with my hair.

All products mentioned above were purchased myself. I have not been provided with any endorsement or reimbursement for these products.. I do not ensure the quality of each product or the availability of products, sales, and services.

TMI Tag

Today I will be doing the TMI Tag that has been floating around for a while. I have been tagged by +Hunter and +Mary Ann. So here we go lovelies!

1: What are you wearing?
-Black tank top from Old Navy and Gray gym shorts.

2: Ever been in love?
-Yes (Not Currently)

3: Ever had a terrible breakup?
-Yes

4: How tall are you?
-I am 5'2

5: How much do you weigh?
-More than I should

6: Any tattoos?
-Several

7: Any piercings?
-Just my ears

8: OTP?
-Tessa and Jem or Damon and Elena

9: Favourite show?
-Out of the shows I watch, it is a tie between Reign and Starcrossed

10: Favourite bands?
-This varies tremendously based on my mood. Right now: Halestorm, Shinedown, Luke Bryan, and Pink

11: Something you miss?
-My Grandparents

12: Favourite song?
-If I had to pick one, which again it varies greatly, right now it would be: Shinedown-I'll Follow You

13: How old are you?
-24

14: Zodiac sign?
-Cancer

15: Quality you look for in a partner?
-Sweet, Honest, Loyal, Loving, and Communicative

16: Favourite Quote?
-I have so many. I will keep it simple. Que Que Na-To-Ra

17: Favourite actor?
-Tom Hiddleston

18: Favourite color?
-Green, Blue, and Black

19: Loud music or soft?
-Both depending on mood and the situation

20: Where do you go when you're sad?
-Anywhere there are books or water

21: How long does it take you to shower?
-Typically 30 minutes or less

22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
-15 to 20 minutes without makeup

23: Ever been in a physical fight?
-Only once

24: Turn on?
-Kindness and someone who reads actual books

25: Turn off?
-Arrogance

26: The reason I started my blog?
-To share the things I am most passionate about

27: Fears?
-Crowded elevators, heights to an extent, losing everyone I care about

28: Last thing that made you cry?
-Worrying about my mother

29: Last time you said you loved someone?
-Yesterday

30: Meaning behind your blog name?
-It is a mix of my love for sparkly polishes, jeweled nail designs, and my jewelry making

31: Last book you read?
-Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

32: The book you're currently reading?
-Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

33: Last show you watched?
-Starcrossed

34: Last person you talked to?
-Hunter, Mary Ann, and Nathaniel

35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted?
-She is my mother

36: Favourite food?
-Chinese food and chicken

37: Place you want to visit?
-Disney World, Ireland, Scotland, and many more

38: Last place you were?
-Other than my house, the park.

39: Do you have a crush?
-Maybe...

40: Last time you kissed someone?
-About a year ago

41: Last time you were insulted?
-Yesterday

42: Favourite flavour of sweet?
-Cherry

43: What instruments do you play?
-Flute

44: Favourite piece of jewellery?
-My steampunk necklace I made

45: Last sport you played?
-If only reading was a sport. Probably catch with my nephew.

46: Last song you sang?
-Icon for Hire-Iodine

47: Favourite chat up line?
-I don't really have one.

48: Have you ever used it?
-If I did, I would be too shy to use it.

49: Last time you hung out with anyone?
-One person: Friday, Large group: Yesterday

50: Who should answer these questions next?
-+Odette, Nathaniel (If he reads this)

Welcome to All Jeweled Up!

First a little about myself. My name is Jessica and I am close to turning 25. I am on the verge of starting a new and exciting point in my life of which includes moving, a new job, and a completely new perspective. I have a passion for a multitude of things, some of which will be discussed in this blog.

You may be wondering why I am here exactly. I am here to talk openly about things I love, activities that I do, and other various topics. I find joy in creating things, whether it is crafts, jewelry, or writing. Part of creating is sharing with others.

What will I be talking about? That is a good question! I currently do not have a set schedule or topic range for this blog. Posts will be eclectic and varying in topic. Some things that you can expect from me is the following: Books, Nails, Crafts, and occasional Personal blogs such as this one. I am open to any requests or comments.