Essence Beauty Box...November? Yep.

Well, it has finally arrived.

    There is so much I could say about my experience with Essence Beauty Box, but I won't. To regale the whole encounter would not serve anyone, so...yeah.

     I not only received one November box, but two. Yes, about that...

     The contents of the box for November were ample, considering October was its inaugural launch. The second box is substantial, with products that are not too pricey and easily accessible in neighborhood retail and grocery stores.

While I was more excited by the contents in the October box, this month's box was still filled with clever surprises. I did find one sample that peaked my interest: the Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara. With its obscenely large brush, and its reputation for creating a 104% increase in lash volume, I honestly believed that I had a find. When I tried it, however, it under-delivered.  At 22.00 for the full size product, I expected a lot more.

     I was pleasantly surprised by the Black Opal Color Splurge Luxe Matte Lipstick. They included a red sample, that was bright, but still complementing for my skin tone.  I did have to reapply after my meal, but the color did not run and lasted through the evening. And at 7.50? A great buy! I really liked it.   

For more about the products in the Essence Beauty Box for November, check out my channel, AlvinVision and if you'd like to become a subscriber, click here.  It is important to note that funds are withdrawn as early as the 20th of the month for the following monthly delivery... just speaking from experience.
   

Solstice Slumber

  Winter has a magic all its own; as our hemisphere leans away from the sun, everything goes into a sleepy mode. The days are short, and night comes fast. It is the time for closeness, warmth, and light from within.

My View

A comfy spot for reading.

When the obligations from work are done, a free afternoon is a time to unwind. Since dinner is usually a pot of something--soup, stew, chili, greens, chowder--it is usually made ahead. So, while it bubbles on the stove, waiting for hungry bellies, I like to spend time being cozy. There is often a book or magazine to dive into, and a cup of something hot and sweet to enjoy
under a warm blanket, with feet propped up in front of the fire. My favorite playlists softly play on the speakers, melting away the chill of the season. A winter afternoon, for me, is one to two hours of a peaceful time to do nothing but take in the sound of the rain while snuggled on the sofa, either alone or with someone to while the afternoon into evening.  

A cup of white hot chocolate can easily become a new favorite!

     white chocolate chips

     1 cup of almond milk

     1/2 teaspoon vanilla

      pinch of salt

      whipped cream

      dash of cinnamon

Heat almond milk in a saucepan until warm, and add chips, vanilla and salt. Stir until tiny bubbles form. Pour into your favorite cup and top with whipped cream and cinnamon, if you wish. 

Zen in the afternoon.

 This zen garden was made from a small picture frame, spare sand and stones, and a chop stick. I found the rake at the craft store in the miniatures section.

Cold weather is a perfect time for making cookies. I made Linzer cookies with some of the best butter I've ever tasted. The cookies went well with the hot drinks we had for the afternoon. Whether it is tea or white hot chocolate, a well-made shortbread makes a great side snack!

Feet up, fire roaring...could there be a nap on the horizon? Who knows? As a great playlist fills the air with my favorite tunes, Mr. Sandman can't be far away. 

How do you spend a winter afternoon?