What’s In My Sample Room #Inspire Bag?

My dad handed me the package that arrived here and he was also curious to find out what could be inside, so he stood there while I pushed all the contents of the bag on my bed and he was pretty impressed. How’s that for a supportive father? He even suggested getting me a side table for all my cosmetics to be situated in my room. He likes the fact that I’m spending time bonding with him here at home because I’m taking a break from work. 

Fun fact about my Dad: he is an avid user of the Physiogel moisturizer also from #sampleroom.

This is Sample Room’s second goodie bag with the theme Inspire. Do the contents inspire? You will find out. 

The tools included in this bag are the ReveN Natural Cleansing Sponge for the face which I’m really pleased with. It should be great for cleansing in the evenings. There’s also the Charm Pro Flat Liner Brush, I was hoping to get something similar to an eyeshadow blending brush but this will do. I’ve felt the bristles and they’re really soft. The only downside is that the ferrules were disattached from the wand when I tried to realign it, but that’s something a little super glue can just handle.

Sample Room has been all about discovering new beauty products and I like that it’s all natural. Could you believe that I haven’t heard of AHAVA and probably would not have paid attention to it? But because of Sample Room including this set in my goodie bag, I’m learning to love this brand. It looks all so high-end, and I like that the Comforting Cream is really intense with its moisturizing properties. The Hand Cream has a subtle scent which I am fond of. Just the other day I was worried that I would be running out of Eye Makeup Remover, having shared the rest with my Mom and I’m really glad I got another from my loot. There are a couple of Gentle Body Exfoliators in sample sizes so I’m going to test it out against my local body scrub brand. 

I’ve reviewed the Pevonia Enzymo-Spherides Peeling Cream some time ago, and now I have a travel size bottle with me! Hurray! I’m not so fond of brightening masks but this one from Shisheido just says “try me”. And so I will.

As for cosmetics, I have a ZA Perfect Action Mascara; the tube is a little too bulky but it’s still manageable. There’s also a lipstick from Collection Cosmetics in Sweet Tarte that has a sweet scent and comes in an intense pink color. The NYX Butter Gloss is very convenient and comes in a Cherry Cheesecake label though it looks like an orange-coral shade that’s just perfect for the summer. 

Lastly, here’s another one for an On: Fragrances post for Raisie Speaks.This has got to be a sweet treat. I was meaning to keep my eye on United Colors of Benetton's Let's Love Woman when it hit availability on Sample Room but it required so many points. I'm just happy that it's included here in the bag. 

 

I didn't take photos of the printed brochures included in the bag. 

I would say that the contents are pretty inspiring, not to mention, the loot bag has a good selection and mixture of skin care products, cosmetics, tools and fragrances. It's a good to start to inspiring someone who needs some much needed boost. 

Diolch Yn Fawr Sample Room!

That's thank you in Welsh. =)

On Fragrances: Bella Belara by Mary Kay

 

It took about a few years for me to finally get my hands on this scent. This has got to be my unicorn scent which I have encountered for the very first time during my college days. The only obstacle to this being my signature scent is the fact that it was so expensive for me, especially on a student budget. Now that I'm earning for myself, it finally falls on my lap and I get to enjoy the fruits of my hard work.

"More than a fragrance, Belle Belara Eau de Parfum is an exuberant floral fruity scent that evokes a beautiful feeling.

Top note: Nectarine and Apricot

Middle note: Rose Petals and Jasmine

Bottom note: Blonde Woods and Cool Moss

"You live to your fullest potential knowing that it makes you confident, happy and attractive. For the woman who lives life to the fullest, loves feeling beautiful and knows how to show her beauty with confidence and joy."

Thanks to the thoughtfulness of Ms. Epie from Mary Kay Zamboanga, I received this for my Christmas-New Year gift together with a Mary Kay @ Play Lip Gloss tube in Berry Me.

 My Observations

The bottle is sexy and it has an ombre effect of red from the top transitioning to black at the bottom- I do recall that it's the same bottle design from when the scent was launched even before the ombre effect became popular. It's simple in shape and very elegant that suits an old-world memento- the cover resembles a top hat.

As for the scent, simply describing it as fruity floral is not enough. It exudes a feeling of confidence and ambition, it is suited for the woman who believes in possibilities, it makes one realize that anything can happen and that all it takes is one moment filled with the elements of magic- that it's all just there.

The scent lasts for many hours  from initial spray- 8 hours to be exact. It starts off strong and then still leaves a subtle fragrance. It's great for formal evenings where one can hope to have a glimpse of a fantasy world that's magical and romantic. 

 I've also fancied the script font on the box.

Don't you just find women with top hats absolutely sexy?

The Week That Was- Love, Arista

Hi friends! It was quite an eventful time since the last post I made here. I sure read and appreciate comments from Mommy’s close and online friends alike on my first post. So to all those who have read, thank you so much. Mommy is beginning to think that Love, Arista will be a regular contribution here. (Does it mean that I am a better writer than Mommy?) Sssh! Don’t tell! 

So the photos here go back to the week before when Mommy went to visit her old campus and also had lunch with my Auntie. Don’t the desserts look yummy? You can see our Papa relaxing on a Sunday afternoon at the poolside of a local hotel. Also, Mommy went on a photo walk during the Dia de Zamboanga parade. Yep, that’s my hometown.

  

 

 

At night, Mommy engages into a little sketching, no matter how primitive her skills may be just to let off some stress. As for me, I do get to enjoy Italian Coffee Affogato Ice Cream.

 As for the doggie side of things, Mommy got me another silicon bone since the first one got lost and I am still not an expert in my retrieving skills (to my shame). I also have a bag of doggie treats and I also received a replacement leash which is not in the photo, the reason behind being I kind of gnawed on my old leash because Mommy had to go to work and I didn’t want to be left behind. So yeah, I admit I was being such a baby then. 

Let me introduce you to my brother Axle who is possibly the laziest baby boy in the whole world. He’s a black Labrador and we’re the same age but it’s obvious who the smarter and sweeter baby between the two of us is it? (I’ll share with you some treats if you agree that it’s me.) 

So I guess that’s it for our week. Mommy is looking to finally get me that bed because she hates to see me just stretching on the floor or on concrete. I’m pretty excited. I hope you’re having a fab weekend. Don’t forget to join our latest giveaway and I wish you luck! 

Love, Arista  

#Win Wire Jewelry From Christine's Books and Baubles Giveaway!

  

The beauty of wearing handmade items is that you know it's unique, that nobody else has the same accessory because it's one of a kind.This is one reason why Raisie Speaks likes to support creatives like Ms. Christine Fabian-Ruste, a lady with the passion to turn beads and wires into inspired colors and forms. 

In Christine's Books and Baubles, there are also Argain Oil based beauty products and secondhand books for sale, (I'd go over there asap if I were you). That's not taking for granted the beautiful wire jewelry such as pendants, bracelets, rings and necklaces.My favorites are chunky beads and choker necklaces, as my Mom likes to call them, and varying hues of green, blue, pink and purple. You can choose your own favorites and you will be assured that owning a work of art handmade from Ms. Christine herself is surely affordable. 

The generous shop owner has also decided to give away some of her creations. But first, a look at the prizes:  

 

 

Prize A

The focus against the lilac beads is balanced out by the coral diagonal pendant on the charming bracelet. The three tone wire ring is a part of her New Year Collection and can be worn with a stack of silver rings to produce a layered look. 

The tangerine, emerald and metals bracelet is great when worn with a gray or brown shirt, complete the outfit by wearing complementing earrings and a ring making use of the same tangerine beads-great for summer and winter season!

Prize B

I don't think anyone has thought of combining colorful wooden beads and neutral beads to create a bracelet that has a character of its own, but Ms. Christine dared-and succeeded! Can't afford a sapphire? Not to worry, you can still sport this cute cut blue bead ring and see the way the light disperses- at least it's handmade!

Discs and rounds are the theme of the pink, red and disc bracelet, just the perfect pair to the red bead set in gold wire ring (a personal fave-shame I can't join my own giveaway). 

Hint: guys can still join and gift these prizes to their Moms, sisters, aunts and girlfriends or best friends.

There are two lucky winners for this particular giveaway, and if you happen to be one of them, be sure to take very good care of these, they're surely bound to be the start of conversation between wire jewelry aficionados! Good luck! 

Entry-Form