The Sunday Haul

Hey everyone, Eva here. Lindsay didn't buy anything this week but I think I went a little crazy at Victoria's Secret this week. I made a couple of stops before work and did a little bit of damage each time that just kept adding up. This is the only Victoria's Secret store I like shopping at out of the three I can get to easily because the associate are so freaking friendly and wonderful.

I live in upstate NY but and a NJ native. I often go back to visit and I have had more than a few experiences with snotty associates back home, hence why I probably stayed away from trying VS products. It's unfortunate, but it's true. But this once store, every single time I go in, no matter who is working, they are always so nice and helpful. I'm not a regular at that store, but you can bet I will be.

Also, in a few weeks, I'll be headed back to NJ for a short vacation to see my family and Lindsay! You can most definitely expect for good hauls from us because we are self-proclaimed shopaholics.

Anyway, on to this week's haul!

Eva

I went to Victoria's Secret and did some massive damage.

All of the Fantasies were on sale for 3/$25 or 5/$30, as they almost always are. I got the scent Sparkling Sun (lemon chiffon and sun kissed orchid) from the Beach Dreams Collection in fragrance mist and lotion, as well as Ocean Bloom (ocean breeze and apple blossom) in fragrance mist and lotion. From the Brights collection, I got Love Rush (wild currant and bright lily) in lotion, shower gel, and fragrance mist, as well as Lemon Escape in the eau de toilette and body scrub (I LOVE this scent so much). In the scent Pure Seduction, I got a shower gel and fragrance mist. Then in Love Spell, I got a fragrance mist, lotion, shower gel and scrub.

From the PINK line, I got Sweet & Flirty fragrance mist, Ready To Party fragrance mist, and Wild At Heart body scrub / body wash.

Then Lindsay sent me some presents via my mother, who was in NJ for a few days, and she gave me another Sweet & Flirty mist, which my mother took off my hands, as well as Fresh & Clean fragrance mist and Wild & Breezy fragrance mist.

I also picked up some stuff from Victoria's Secret that I found on a sale table for 75% off that I picked up for Lindsay - Midnight Dare lotion, body wash, and fragrance mist (which was a good guess because she only has it in the body cream and really wanted it). I do believe Midnight Dare went on sale for Semi-Annual but some stores may have some left over. I'm not sure why it isn't discounted online though. I got each piece for $2.50 or $3.00. I also found a fragrance called Berry Kiss and when I saw the notes were raspberry and praline, I knew that had Lindsay's name all over it so I got her a lotion and fragrance mist. I can't even find that one online, so check your local VS clearance section!

By the way, I know I went a little overboard, but I am justifying it because I am taking a huge BBW Semi Annual Sale bag full of unused body products that have been collecting dust to Vera House tomorrow morning before work. If you haven't heard about Vera House and what they do, you can check them out at http://www.verahouse.org/. But in short, they do amazing work for women and families affected by domestic violence in the Syracuse area. So if you are ever looking to clean out your stash, instead of giving it away to family or friends, keep your local women's charities in mind.

If you are in an abusive or harmful relationship, don't endure it, speak out. Get help and keep reaching out until someone listens - you can always go to the police, to a hospital, to a doctor or anyone in a position of authority. There are people out there who care about your health and safety, I promise you, because I know I do. And please, if you know someone in an abusive relationship, don't stay silent or stand idly by and hope someone else takes action. Say something, speak out. You may just be what saves that person's life.

I'll talk to you all tomorrow,

Eva

Lindsay Reviews: BBW Venice Dolce Berry

So since our summer favorites series is over, Eva and I have decided to do a review for any fragrance on Tuesdays and Thursdays, even including fragrances from other popular brands like Victoria's Secret or designer perfumes. As for today, I have chosen Venice Dolce Berry. Prior to this, BBW's berry scents were quite boring and unoriginal in my opinion. I was not a fan of Berry Vanilla or Berry Flirt, which is surprising considering I love most anything sweet and fruity. Even Be Enchanted was too musky for my liking.

Venice Dolce Berry is a sweet, fruity fragrance with a dark, but tolerate undertone. The notes include the following:

Top Notes: Pink Plumberry, Apple Blossom, White Iris

Mid Notes: Venetian Raspberry, Red Apricot, Frosted Magnolia

Dry Notes: Blackberry Musk, Sandalwood Sugar, Vanilla Biscotti

Straight from the bottle, the only notes I can distinctly pick up are plumberry, apple blossom and maybe biscotti. It's actually blended very well and none of the notes really over-power the rest. In a way it reminds me of Midnight Dare from Victoria's Secret, which is also very dark and sensual, but still kind of fruity scent.

When it settles on my skin I smell mostly the blackberry, musk and sandalwood. With that said, I personally believe this is more of a nighttime scent and might be too strong for the day time.

Knowing that it was a limited edition scent, I purchased three lotions and two fine fragrance mists. Considering I have enough shower gels to last me for the next five years, I chose not to purchase any  from this line. I wouldn't consider it one of my absolute favorites but would still rate it a decent 7/10.

Venice Dolce Berry was part of the limited edition Italy collection this past spring and went on sale for the Semi-Annual Sale, but there is still some left online here.

Did you try Venice Dolce Berry? And what are your favorite berry scents? Let me know in the comments.

- Lindsay

The Sunday Haul

Hey y'all! It's been an exciting week round these parts but somehow Lindsay and I both found some time to go shopping ;)

Eva

I ended up taking home this adorable acorn tart warmer from Yankee Candle because they were running a coupon for $20 off a purchase of $45 or more. I also decided to get my mother some cabin themed accessories for her anniversary, including the Lodge Crackle candle shade and the candle plate that matches it. I also couldn't pass up this faux antler jar holder because my stepfather is a hunter and it matches the cabin perfectly.

I also stopped over to Bath & Body Works to pick up some candles that were on sale for $12 (and still are!) and ended up getting another Summertime S'mores because I just finished my other one. I also got  Paris Daydream, which seems very similar to a holiday candle BBW made called Sparkling Icicles, and  Meet Me In Tahiti, which reminds me very much of Yankee Candle's Sun And Sand (which is currently on sale in store buy one get one 50% off, along with Mountain Lodge and Beach Walk).

Disclaimer: I do work for Yankee Candle as a part time sales associate but I do NOT make commission or any kind of compensation for mentioning their products in this post or anywhere on this blog, and would not accept such commission if it were ever offered. My job here is to be completely honest, no matter what.

Lindsay

I went to Bath and Body Works this week and picked up a 2-Pack Wallflower refill of Mint Chocolate, which came out for the Semi-Annual Sale. My store still had some left, so if you want this fragrance, I encourage you to go check your store for any left ASAP. I also grabbed Sugar Berry Smash in the lotion, shower gel and fragrance mist and it is currently on sale for $5 each, so if you're interested, go check it out!

I also went to Victoria's Secret to pick up another set of Love Spell in the fragrance mist, hydrating body lotion and daily body wash. This fragrance is an absolute classic.

Did you guys get anything this week? If you did, share your haul in the comments!

Eva & Lindsay

Collection Update: Fall Accessories

Hey everyone! I have some links to new fall home accessories. Right now I only have the soap holders, but I'm keeping my eyes peeled for the candle sleeves and anything else that might be coming soon!

Soap Covers

Geometric Pattern: Deep Cleansing or Foaming


Owl Pattern: Deep Cleansing or Foaming


Leaves Pattern: Deep Cleansing or Foaming


Pumpkin Pattern: Deep Cleansing or Foaming

I will definitely keep you all up to date in this post for the new accessories coming out! Anything catch your eye yet?

Eva.

Eva's Summer Loves: Beautiful Day

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't done a Summer Loves post in a few weeks; it's been hectic around here with work and I prioritize getting new collection info out over doing my regular posts. Oh well! Either way, I'm going to tell you about my second favorite fragrance from Bath and Body Works - Beautiful Day!

Let's start with the notes, shall we?

• Top Notes: Sun-kissed Apple, Dewy Pear, Sparkling Cassis
• Mid Notes: Wild Daisies, Lily of the Valley, Fresh Pink Peony
• Dry Notes: White Peach, Blonde Woods

Straight from the bottle, I was very excited because I love anything with apple and/or pear, and this fragrance definitely has both of these in excess. And then there it is in the mid notes, that awful "lily of the valley" that always turns me off from a fragrances. Good news for me though, because it is virtually nonexistent. There is a complexity to this fragrance from the other two florals (daisies and peonies) that is very complimentary. I don't get a lot of the woodsy-ness, but there is something slightly musky to this which I will contribute to the woods.

On me, this is absolutely fantastic. I pick up the apple and pear and the floral gets accentuated a bit, making it more of a maturing fragrance on me. But thankfully, not so mature that I should maybe be wearing an Elizabeth Arden fragrance! It is very fresh and the fruit isn't as sweet as it is in the bottle so it isn't at all overwhelming. I always get compliments whenever I wear this fragrance no matter where I go.

I give this fragrance a solid 10/10 and two thumbs way up. I just finished up the shower gel I had in this fragrance, but I still have the lotion, fine fragrance mist and super-fruit body scrub. I fully intend on getting another shower gel when it comes out in the new packaging and definitely in the Eau de Toilette. 

To the best of my knowledge, Beautiful Day is going to be around for a while because of its popularity (hopefully becoming permanent!). Beautiful Day is available in stores and online here!

Hey BBW, can you make this in candle form like you do for Twilight Woods or Japanese Cherry Blossom? 

Sincerely, Eva.

Upcoming Collection Information: Amber Blush

Sup y'all! I have some information about the next single fragrance release that Bath & Body Works will put out. The name is Amber Blush, and here's the fragrance story:

"Against a gorgeous backdrop of beautiful mountains, your cozy lodge is an oasis of luxury. Take a deep breath. The crisp mountain air is warmed by a glowing fire. Amber woods are sweetened with brandied apricot and a hint of rich merlot. Soft suede is touched with smooth silk. Surround yourself with supreme comfort and ultimate luxury with our sumptuous new fragrance, inspired by the perfect autumn getaway where rustic meets refined."

The notes are: 

• Amber Woods, Brandied Apricot, Rich Merlot, Raspberry Cordial, Gardenia Petals, Magnolia Blossom, Vanilla Suede, Crystallized Amber

Amber Blush will be available in: body lotion, shower gel, fine fragrance mist, triple moisture cream, shimmer mist, golden sugar scrub, golden shimmer body soufflé, eau du toilette and sheer perfume mist.

Amber Blush launches on September 9th!

It sounds like Amber Blush is going to be a very grown up and complex fragrance! I'm excited! Are you? Tell us in the comments.

Eva.

Collection Update: Fall Home Fragrance!

Hey everyone! I know it's still summer but things in the retail world are already cooling down for fall. I have some more solid release dates on the fall home fragrance lines. To my knowledge, these scents will be available in both candles and wallflower fragrance bulbs, with select fragrances that will be released in car portables and room sprays. Some of these are already available online so I will link to them next to the fragrance if available now, if your little heart so desires. Also click through to the website for full descriptions! If the item has a line through it like this, it means that it has been rumored that the product in question may not be coming out.

Pumpkin Collection (to be released on 7/29 with the Pumpkin Preview)

- Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Available online now

- Pumpkin Caramel Latte Available online now

- Pumpkin Cupcake Available online now

- Blueberry Pumpkin Patch Only available in Wallflower Bulb for now

- Pumpkin Apple Available online now

- Pumpkin Carving Available online now

- Pumpkin Pecan Waffles Available online now

- Roasted Pumpkin Butter

- Pumpkin Carrot Cake

- Pumpkin Hayride

- Creamy Pumpkin (This one may not be coming out as home fragrance but is available as hand soap and anti-bac gel)

Sweater Weather line (out on 8/5)

- Sweater Weather Only available in 3-Wick candle for now

- Applewood Bonfire

- Cider Donut Available in 3-Wick 14.5 oz Candle

- Tailgate

- Harvest Gathering

- Pumpkin Woods

- Leaves Only available in 3-Wick candle for now

- Cider Lane Only available in 3-Wick candle for now

- Autumn Available online now

- Marshmallow Fireside Available online now

- Autumn Day Only available in 3-Wick candle for now

Fresh Picked line (out on 8/19)

- Fresh Picked Lemon Mint Leaf Only available in Wallflower bulb right now

- Fresh Picked Spiced Cider Available online now

- Fresh Picked Apple Ale Available in 14.5 oz 3-Wick Candle

- Fresh Picked Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin There is a large array of SCP available here

- Fresh Picked Farmstand Apple Available online now

- Fresh Picked Heirloom Pear Available online now

- Fresh Picked Blackberry Spice Only available in 3-Wick Candle for now And mason jar candle

- Fresh Picked Harvest Coffee Available online now

White Barn line (out on 9/9)

- Sandalwood Citrus Available online now

- Bergamot Woods

- White Barn #1 Nutmeg and Spice Only available in 3-Wick candle for now

- Cranberry Woods Available online now

- Fresh Balsam Available online now

- Cinnamon and Clove Bud Only available in 2-Pack Wallflower bulbs for now

- Black Pepper Bergamot Available online now

- Flannel

- Cedarwood Trail

- Sage & Cedar

- Pinecone

- Vanilla Vetiver

- Coconut Wood

That's it for now, everyone! See anything you're excited for? I sure do!

Evamarie.

Home Fragrance Monday: Sensual Amber

So I know it's not really the season for it, but I have decided to do my review on the Sensual Amber fragrance bulbs! I currently have this one burning in my room and find it very relaxing.

So the notes are quite different from the signature line and include bergamot, fresh plum, lotus flower, and powdery vanilla. I find it quite ironic that it does not include amber in this list. I can't really smell a difference between the two even though lotus flower is the only note they share.

I have been using the same bulb for two weeks and find that it still fills my room better than most scents I've tried. I don't agree with the  BBW website that the bulbs last up to eight weeks, however. I usually find that they lose their strength after one month.

I would have to give this a 10/10 and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes cozy and warm scents. Sensual Amber is available in two-pack Wallflower bulb refills here.

-Lindsay

New Offer Added: $9 3-Wick Candles!

Hi all! All 3-wick candles from Bath & Body Works are now on sale for $9. There is no code necessary for in store purchases, but online use the code SHINEON.

Are you picking up any candles? I am!

Eva.

Home Fragrance Monday: Summertime S'mores!

Howdy! Eva here, with your home fragrance review for the week! Today I'll be talking about my all time favorite candle from Bath & Body Works, Summertime S'mores!

Photo credit: bathandbodyworks.com

So the description on this candle is "A gooey & guilt-free treat! Toasted marshmallows, crackling campfire and creamy, rich vanilla capture all the sweetness of summer's most loved sweet!" 

I think if I were to become a candle, I would be this. This candle is absolutely perfect. It is sweet and smoky and delicious. It doesn't have the artificial smell that some "campfire" or "marshmallow" candles can get. It is incredibly authentic and the fragrance fills a large room very quickly.

Now, you may be wondering; 'Hey, BBW has a candle called Marshmallow Fireside. That sounds pretty similar. Are they the same?'

If I worked for BBW, I would be inclined to say no. But I am an independent consumer, so having owned and burned both candles, I say yes. This is good news for me, because that means this scent is around almost all year (or at least it has been, because it is returning this coming fall as Marshmallow Fireside).

Summertime S'mores gets an 11/10 from me. All time favorite home fragrance ever. Summertime S'mores is available here!

Now go make yourself a gooey marshmallow treat. It's summer!

Eva.

Wishlist Wednesday!

Hola everyone! Every Wednesday from here on out, we're going to let you in on some products we have our eyes on. It might be stuff that's already out, or coming out in the near future!

Eva:

I've got my eyes on a few PINK body mists from Victoria's Secret (Fresh & Clean, Sweet & Flirty, few others). I did these fragrances are very neutral and clean, and work approriate for my job. I guess for the record I'll tell you I won at my local Yankee Candle, so I can't wear anythig super fruity or in your face. I've been loving PINK Summer Daze for work because it doesn't take away from the fragrance of the products.

I'm also excited for some of the new Victoria's Secret Fantasies scents from the Beach Dreams collection, but that isn't available in store yet. Also, excited to see te new BBW collections that will be coming out July 8th (info on all that here)


Lindsay:
I am excited for the new signature fall scents at BBW. Eva and I compared 
notes in Napa Blackberry and Caramel Aspen Woods to Sparkling 
Blackberry Woods and Dreamy Vanilla Woods, and they seem to be 
pretty similar but we'll see. I'm sincerely hoping not, considering I didn't
like either scent. But I am excited for Vermont Honey Apple and hoping it 
might be Warm Harvest Apple (part of the line two years ago) renamed.