Fifth Of A Farm Creations Spruce Hill Blackberry Lavender Jam

Today I went to my local farmer's market hoping to pick up some herbs and jam but alas the herb stand was not present at the market that day.  I noticed there was another Jam seller than I had never seen before so I decided to get my much needed jam from there instead.  I don't usually review a lot of food products but I was really impressed with the owner, presentation, and taste of this product I felt like this brand deserved a little recognition!

So this company is called Fifth of a Farm Creations and I believe they are a fairly new business. As soon as I walked up to take a peek at the flavors the owner greeted me joyfully and made some quick small talk.  He also said hello to almost every person that walked by, he was definitely a really sweet guy. After I browsed for a bit he went on to tell me all about his company and the products.  His excitement and pride for his business was apparent and I knew right away I was going to be buying something.  They make their jam is small batches at a community kitchen where other small business owners can produce the items they love without spending a fortune to rent out a city property all on their own.  I think this is a grand idea as it allows prospective small businesses to get started with their dreams without having to take as huge of a financial risk.  So far they only sell in Philadelphia by going from market to market and also selling in local stores. However they do have a website where you can order online, so anyone can buy and enjoy these jams!

The next thing I noticed about these Jams was the packaging.  Every jam has a different colored label that matches the ingredients. The design is bright, efficient, eye catching, and just all around beautifully designed. I decided on the Spruce Hill Blackberry Lavender Jam as I love both of those things!  

Additionally every jam is named after a different neighborhood in Philadelphia, an idea that I thought was a really nice touch.

There is also a bit of history about the neighborhood printed on each jam label, once again a really neat thing to add! 

So I've established that the owners are nice and friendly and the label design is well thought out, but I have yet to comment on the most important part.....the taste!!

All the flashy outsides won't do any good if the product is mediocre, right?  Well thankfully there is nothing to worry about as this jam is DELICIOUS. It isn't too sweet or too tart it is literally just perfect.  The blackberry flavor is so lovely and there are nice large chunks of berries in there too, I could eat this every day.  My only complaint would be that the lavender taste could be stronger, but I love lavender and I know not everyone is as crazy about it as I am.  Regardless, this jam has everything going for it and I will definitely be a return customer.

Here is a picture of the brochure I took that lists all their products and prices.  See anything you like? I know I want to try the prickly pear eventually!

I hope you liked this review as much as I like this jam, enjoy!

www.fifthofafarm.com

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick Weirdo

I do own some decent black lipsticks but nothing that I would feel 100% comfortable wearing for an extended period of time.  Therefore I figured Weirdo would be a good investment for me.  I don't wear black often, but when I do it is a color that I definitely want to last for as long as possible.  Black can get EVERYWHERE....on your teeth, on your chin (darn you sandwiches!), and on your boyfriend. 

What makes this black even better is that it's matte! Yay! I was in a bit of a rush to take this picture so it is not quite at its full matte potential in the swatch or close up lip picture.

As far as application, I feel this lipstick could be better.  The doe foot applicator is much more difficult to use than Kat Von D's. I have a hard time getting a smooth sharp line, which is very important for a lipstick as dark as this.  It definitely takes me a while to apply this lipstick as I have to be very careful and take time to correct the mistakes I will inevitably make.  It also gets all over my teeth, but a simple clean off will fix that.  After the lipstick dries though, you are set!  It is transfer proof and smudge proof!  It does take a few minutes to dry, but once you get over the hassle of applying and drying it really stays put!

Do I think this lipstick is worth $18? Yes, I think the staying power makes it worth that, especially since there aren't too many awesome matte blacks out there.  It is a little cheaper than Kat Von D's brand which makes sense to me as I do feel the application is a lot more difficult. Overall I love this lipstick and even though I won't wear it super often, I can feel secure whenever I do.

The website says it can also be used as a liquid liner so I will definitely have to try that out as well!

Where to buy: http://shop.jeffreestarcosmetics.com/

price: $18

Jamberry Lace Noir Over Zoya Odetta

I went to the Franklin Institute's Science After Hours Speakeasy event and wanted to do my nails in a fancy and classy way, so naturally I reached for my Lace Noir wraps!  These have a gorgeous black lace pattern that is clear so you can put it over top of any nail polish color that you wish! I chose Zoya's Odetta because its a really nice mauvey purple shade.

I really liked how my nails looked over this color, however I think the next time I use this wrap I will put an even lighter color underneath to bring out the lace pattern even more.  The nails looks really cool up close however from farther away they just looked dark.

Regardless I definitely enjoyed this manicure and am already trying to decide which color to put under this wrap next!

DIY Picture Frame Jewelry Display

Hello everyone! So since subscribing to Black Box Subscriptions I've greatly increased my jewelry collection both because of the box and because the box has inspired me to make my own jewelry as well. As a result my little jewelry pouch was just not cutting it anymore.  things were getting tangled and lost and thrown around and it was just a mess.  Therefore I began researching DIY jewelry displays as I did not want to pay a ton of money for one if I could make one.  Eventually I found one that used a lot of items that I already had, and those that I didn't were fairly cheap to purchase.  

After browsing I decided to use this display from Duct Tape and Demin as my inspiration and guide.

This post is to show you how I made my own jewelry display, so beware this is very very picture heavy as I hope anyone reading this could make their own afterwards.

This is a pictorial overview of every item you will need. To begin with I already had the black picture frame, as my mom had it left laying around, the chicken wire as I had bought it to try and unsucessfully patch up my old rat cage, the acrylic paint and brushes, and finally the staple gun, glue, and drill were all items my dad had on hand in his toolbox.  Therefore the only things I had to spend money on were the little wooden nobs, the dowel pins, and the felt, making this frame put me back less than $10!

So the first thing I did was cut down the felt and chicken wire to be just a bit smaller than the frame.  I also forgot to list some sort of device to cut the wire with in my initial needed items, sorry! These scissors were also something I found in my parents house.  I also painted the wooden nobs a light purple.  The frame was already black but if it wasn't I definitely would have painted it myself.

Here is a close up of my painted pegs. I gave them only a single coat, and then once they dried patched up any sparce bits.

These pins may not be necessary depending on the kind of nob or hook you buy, but mine needed these 1/4 inch dowel pins to go with them.

I didn't want to make my dad feel awkward by taking pictures of him while he worked so there aren't any in action shots, but here is what the back looked like after stapling.  First we placed the chicken wire down against the frame and stapled 2-3 per side.  Then we placed the cloth over top and stapled around the frame, being careful not to staple over the chicken wire staples.  You can absolutely stop here but I wanted nobs to hang necklaces and rings from so I went a step further.

So next I had to insert and glue all the dowel pins into the nobs, which was harder than it sounds because not all the pins fit into the nobs so it was a lot of trial and error to dig through and try to find ones that fit.

So this is after the very first drill hole was made.  My dad used a drill bit slightly larger than 1/4' so that they fit in a little easier.  After drilling we then glued the nobs into the holes. This bit was also pretty tricky as my frame has a curved rim, so it was hard to drill straight down, therefore some of my nobs are a little off.  Also the pin ends were so long that we had to drill the whole way through the frame to get them to fit, which is why I'm thankful my dad was there as the drill kicked quite a bit if it went through and hit a wire or staple. It probably would have been better to make these holes before stapling on the felt, but hindsight is 20/20....

The drill wasn't always kind, so there was some chipping, so I took some black acrylic paint and painted over all chipped areas as well as any other areas on the frame that were showing any brown at all, such at the intersections.

And here is the frame right after getting everything glued and stapled on! I am very happy with how it turned out!

Here is a close up of some of my dangle earrings hanging from the chicken wire.

I used the top nobs to hang bracelets, rings, and some earrings.

And the bottom nobs for my necklaces.

Overall I am very happy with it, and I think it looks very lovely hanging in my room.  Plus it makes picking out my accessories so much easier in the morning.  I'm also hoping my lesser worn jewelry will get a bit more use now. To hang it I just punched a hole through the felt, hammered a nail into my wall and put the nail through the hole and under the frame itself.  It came with a hanging notch on the back but I'd have had to hang it vertically, which I didn't want to do, so I improvised. I am considering adding some more hooks to the side, as I am already running out of room for necklaces! 

I hope you enjoyed my process, and if you decide to make your own display, I wish you luck! :D

Black Box Subscriptions December 2015

I really can't express how much I adore this subscription box.  I honestly was expecting to subscribe for 2 to 3 months and then quit, but I just can't bring myself to because every month I keep getting more and more stuff that I love!

I can't believe I've already been subscribed for 4 months, with my 5th box soon on the way. This box has made me wear jewelry more often and also helped me be more confident in expressing myself by trying new things.  It really is a joy every months to see what Vixx has picked out this time.

I can't believe I've already been subscribed for 4 months, with my 5th box soon on the way. This box has made me wear jewelry more often and also helped me be more confident in expressing myself by trying new things.  It really is a joy every month to see what Vixx has picked out this time, and this month was no exception.

I didn't take an individual picture of the nail polish as it was one I already got and review, so go here if you'd like to see it!

BeautyTreats Green Tea Facial Mask

This month's makeup item isn't exactly makeup but instead a beauty product.  This is the first time I've gotten something like this, its a green tea facial mask.  I LOOOVE moisturizing masks like these and use them whenever I get my hands on one, so I was definitely pumped to see this in the box. 

Bat Sticker

This month's random goodie was another bat sticker.  I definitely liked the last one better as it was a bit 3D and sparkly but this one is cute too! I actually really hope I get a bat necklace or earrings in a future box.

Strange Omens Pumpkin Pin

This month also included a little handmade goodie from Strange Omens.  It is a clay disk inside a bottle cap with an engraved and painted pumpkin on the outside. Not 100% sure what I'll be doing with this but if nothing else it will make a cute addition to my book bag when Halloween roles around next year.

This little pin also came with a 10% off coupon for the website.

Red Scarf

Up until now all the accessories I've gotten have been clips, either for my hair or for my bag.  I was SO EXCITED to see this beautiful dark red scarf sitting on the top of my box when I opened it up.  I love scarfs and have been trying to collect more solid colored ones to wear with patterned tops.  Also I did not own a red scarf so this was absolutely perfect.  I've worn it twice now and Its just so lovely.

It is made of a warmer material so it is definitely a fall/winter scarf.  It is also pretty short, which is what I prefer.  I hate super long scarfs as they tend to get in my way when I'm working in the lab.

Beaded Bracelet

The first jewelry item this month was a handmade beaded bracelet.  Vixx had posted on facebook that she had a ton of beads and was planning on making things so I was expecting something like this.  This is the first time I've received a bracelet and...not going to lie I just don't wear them often. Whether I'm doing research in the lab or typing on my computer they tend to just get in my way, but for a bit I was determined to make it work.

That was until I happened to just hold it up to my neck and fell in love with the way it looked.....so alas it is no longer a bracelet.  I turned it into a choker length necklace because my goodness it just look so stunning, and to be honest...makes me feel like a princess.  This will be perfect for days I'm feeling a bit more girly!

Filigree Gem Earrings

The second jewelry item I received was definitely something unique.  I got these gorgeous stud backed decorative earrings.  They have a beautiful swirly metal design to them with a faceted white gem in the middle.  They feel so vintage and classy, I just love them.  Things like these are the reason I'm such a huge fan of this subscription box.  I don't think I'd personally buy something like this but after seeing them and trying them on, I just adore them.

I think these also go very nicely with the red scarf. 

I've actually been working on making some jewelry displays to keep my jewelry organized since because of this box I have so much more than a few pieces now!

Fancy Paperie Raven and Rose Victorian Stationery Letter Set

The special item this month was a mini set of stationary from the company Fancy Paperie.  This is a really really cute idea and the artwork is so gorgeous. Unfortunately my handwriting is absolutely terrible so I am so afraid to deface the beautiful artwork with my atrocious scribbling. But as I say in my unboxing video, these look nice enough to frame, they're so lovely.  Maybe I can write really slowly and carefully with a pencil and then ink over it so that I can actually use these and make someone's day! :)

And for anyone interested here is the business card with all the info included!

Did you like what you got in your Black Box this month?

Want to watch me unbox it?

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Ayesha

After owning and loving the red liquid lipstick Outlaw by Kat Von D I knew I needed another one of these.  Before I even get to the color can I just say that her packaging is so perfect, its probably one of my favorites.  I love the floral design on the cap and the tube, its so elegant and beautiful, and really makes the lipstick all that more special.  

As for the lipstick itself, I unfortunately have to say that it is not as good as the Outlaw red shade I have.  The one rivals Russian Red for its ability to just not budge no matter what.  However, Ayesha has trouble lasting through a meal.  Don't get me wrong it is a gorgeous color and worth every penny I believe but it just cannot survive the eating test.  The outer lipstick stays perfectly but it suffers from heavy fading in the middle.  If you are going out for a meal, definitely bring it for reapplication.  Otherwise, if you are just sipping beverages or eating a light snack, you shouldn't have to worry!

Where to buy: Sephora

Price: $20

Jamberry Broken Arrow

Well after Eerie Nights beginning to lift after 24 hours and Tannenbaum needing to be completely taken off after only 4 days, the satin finish was really disappointing me again and again.  I had loved the design of Broken Arrow and was really bummed to see that it was also in a satin finish, but I really wanted to wear this manicure for New Years so I gave the satin finish another go.

And I'm glad I did!  I really don't know what makes some wraps work better than others even when they have the same finish but by the time I actually am getting around to posting this, I've had these on for 7 days and they aren't showing any signs of wanting to come off any time soon. I did have some lifting at the base but not very much at all and not near enough to affect the integrity of the wrap.  The design itself is so gorgeous.  It is a matte base with random zig zags in a gradient of colors for yellow to orange to pink. These look so cool when they catch the light. Definitely a fan.

I'm glad these are working so well for me, but I am definitely hesitant about buying satin finish in the future because 1 out of 3 isn't that great.  They need to make more designs in the matte finish!

Gamer Girl Monthly Treasure December 2015

I just subscribed to a new subscription box!! Yay! I am so excited! I am just a bit obsessed with subscription boxes......

Anyway I loved the idea of Gamer Girl Monthly, a monthly box that contains 3-4 pieces of geeky jewelry and accessories.  It costs $13 a month plus $4 shipping so as you can probably agree that I was a bit nervous to jump in, especially considering that based on a few unboxing that I saw, I am not familiar with all the games.  However I decided to ask for 1 to 3 months for Christmas, that way I could give it a try without a monetary risk for myself.  My mom is an angel and ended up getting me 6 months worth, which means every box is $12 plus $4 shipping.  

This month's theme is Treasure, so I was definitely expecting something Legend of Zelda themed or Spyro, as the cute purple dragon was pictured on the back of the insert card, however this box definitely took a different (but good) and unexpected turn.

Here is an overview shot of everything in the box!  As you can see I got 3 pieces of jewelry, a pin, and a scarf. With my boxes costing $16 total, each item would be about $4, which honestly is pretty worth it in my opinion for the quality everything seems to be, except for the earrings but the other items definitely make up for it.

Crown Stud Earrings

These earrings are the only thing from the box that I not only don't like, but also won't use.  I don't wear gold jewelry, and even if these crowns were silver they still aren't really my style.  The one downside of this box is it is not personalized at all....something which I'm a bit spoiled with because of Black Box. I kept them in the packaging so they will be either be sold or regifted.

Sorry earrings!

Minecraft Diamond Necklace

I personally have never played Minecraft however I have watched others play and know enough about the game to recognize what this is supposed to be.  I have seen these online and honestly I like the coloring of this specific one much better, it is overall darker and therefore much more suitable to my taste.  Even though I don't play nor do I plan to play Minecraft I really like the look of this necklace and will definitely be wearing it, right after I shorten the chain by about half.

D-Pad Ring

I LOVE  this.  This ring is so cute and adorable and subtly geeky. It is a bit bigger of a ring than I would normally wear but the simplistic design still makes it very wearable for me.  It fits perfectly on my ring finger so I'm guessing its a size 7.  It appears to be adjustable but the metal is so stiff I don't see it being done easily.  I've worn this every day since I got my box.  I adore it!

Controller Scarf

Oh my goodness I literally gasped when I saw this in the box.  This scarf is hands down my favorite thing.  It is a nice dark blue color with various controllers printed on it.  It has Xbox...Playstation...Super Nintendo...a little bit of every controller for every fan. It is also sheer making it perfect for summer or anytime really.  

I LOVE LOVE this scarf and can't wait to wear it out.  So cute and perfect! <3

Overall I think my first box went very well!  I like that they put two non specific geeky things in, which is nice for the people that may not play every single video game out there.  However the crown earrings related to nothing nerdy at all so that was a bit disappointing. 

I'd say I'm excited for next month but after reading the content themes I'm not sure I'm going to be a fan.  It contains items from games I've never played and shows I'm not that into, so hopefully I still like the look of the jewelry like with the Minecraft necklace.  I loved what was in the November box, that was definitely more my style, so I'm a bit bummed I missed that one.  I want Pokemon and Legend of Zelda everything!! 

www.gamergirlmonthly.com

Watch me unbox it!