Clone of Perfumes+Dupe Perfumes are SO GOOD, You Don't Need The Original!

This is a review of Clone of Perfume, perfumes that I was gifted for my review.  * There are affiliate links in this post.  I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made. (Sponsored.)  This review is my opinion.  

I received Naked Cherry No. 33.  Initially, the spray was intense, then a warm aroma lingered.  The scent of fresh cherries remained, but it was fainter. I wore this fragrance all day, and I received compliments about this perfume. Some people said that they could smell the cherry fragrance, but some said that they could smell a bit of jasmine in the perfume.  Just a little spritz of this perfume will do.  I loved this perfume!  It is very inexpensive and of a great quality just don't spray too much of it when you first apply it.  Naked Cherry No. 33 is inspired by Lost Cherry.

The next perfume that I was gifted is Rouge Veil No.13.

Initially strong, the perfume's intensity lessened.  It wasn't too strong, but it was perfect.  This perfume has a little bit of a bite.  It is definitely unisex and can be used by men or women.  To me, it smelled a little bit like lime and then it had a woody kick to it.  I would also say that it smelled like an expensive musk oil perfume.  With this perfume you only want to add a little bit because you don't want to overdo it.  I have fallen in love with this fragrance.  Baccarat Rouge definitely inspired it.  

I want to thank Clone of Perfumes for sending me these fragrances for my review.  If you would like to try these perfumes; You can use this code to get 15% off of your purchase. SASHAMONIQUETALKS  https://cloneofperfume.com/SASHAMONIQUETALKS

My final analysis regarding these perfumes; they are strong going on but these perfumes lasted all day on my skin.  They have such a luxurious fragrance. This company does not use harmful fragrances. The Clone is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. The low price for these perfumes is really unbelievable for the quality of these products.  These perfumes would definitely make exceptional gifts for birthdays or Christmas. 

"Bold Frames & Bright Fits"

 

                     There are affiliate links from LTK in this post.  I will get a small commission if                          someone makes a purchase. 

If you know me, you know I adore cute eyeglasses, colorful tops and sweaters.  I generally choose black pants, jeans, or skirts, and I combine them with a pretty printed top.  

I feel like fall enhances my personality.  You see folks flaunting sassy boots and hats these days.  Completing the look with a fashionable coat.  

I often buy eyeglasses; they offer a put-together look, particularly on days I skip makeup.  Blue, green, purple, and red are my preferred colors.  

My fashion choices often get noticed.  Even when it is a day that I don't feel like I look my best.  

I buy my clothes from a lot of different retailers.  This gives me variety in my wardrobe.  Some of my clothes are very inexpensive.  There are some items that I will pay a little more for and that is timeless clothing pieces, watches, and other jewelry.

I am a plus-size influencer, so my appearance is very important to me.  I am now with LTK, so I will be challenging myself to bring different clothing styles to my social media profiles.  Please follow me on my LTK and check out my post.

                     

In 2026 you will no longer be able to use your SNAP benefits for candy, soda, and prepared sugary snacks

I read an article today, and it said that in 2026 some states are banning SNAP benefits for being used for candy, soda, and sugary prepared snacks.  A lot of people are upset about this because they think they should be able to eat whatever they want on their SNAP benefits.

 Over the years, I have seen so many overweight people and overweight children.  I am overweight myself.  Food is really expensive, but the candy and snack foods are being used to pacify our cravings.   I have seen people giving their kids so many snacks, and the kids are extremely overweight. 

Sometimes I like snack food more than anything, and I know this isn't healthy.  Some people do not cook for their children, or their kids are latchkey kids. I think this new law could be good for people who are low income. It will make people be more responsible for feeding their families healthy food.  

They are not totally banning sugar, so you can still make your own cookies, candy, and sugary snacks. It will take a little more planning. 

You can make food in your crockpot before you leave for work so your kids will have a healthy meal when they come home from school. You can also make meals in advance and freeze them. 

 Teach your kids how to make simple meals and make sure that there is always bread and sandwich meat available for them to make sandwiches. On the days that you are off from work or if you do not work, prepare cakes and cookies that you can make for your kids.

Make iced tea, lemonade, use fruit juice since you can no longer purchase soda.   This is a good time for all of us to get healthy.  Maybe this generation will be a lot healthier than the last.

How to save money at the supermarket

 

Hello everyone, I know I have been gone for a while. Today, I decided to show you how I save money at the supermarket.  Food prices are sky high!  

The other day I went to the supermarket and was planning on spending $150.00 for food, and when I placed the items in my cart, there were hardly three bags of groceries.  After I added up the price and the items came to $160, I put the items back and went to another store. 

The store that I went to was Aldi Supermarket.  Their prices went up a lot, but it is still cheaper than some of the other stores in my area.  I could get fresh fruits and vegetables, boxes of cereal, and a big pack of chicken, juices and soda, and my bill was $70.  

They still didn't have the variety of meats that I wanted, so I went to a local supermarket, and they have a meat counter.  I could get pork chops, beef stew meat, chicken legs, chicken breasts, and pork neck bones to make a delicious dish. 

I forgot to get a bag of rice when I was at Aldi Supermarket so I included it with my order.  My bill was $74.  I was so happy because these items filled my freezer up.  

When you are on a budget, you may have to go to two or three supermarkets to get food at a cheaper price. 

If I want to get more meats or vegetables, I usually get a box of tea bags and lemon juice and sugar or sugar substitute and make big containers of iced tea.  It tastes good, and it lasts me a long time.   You can do the same with using fresh lemon and lemon juice to make lemonade. 

If you like coffee, you can make hot or cold coffee with ice.  This will save so much money!

For snacks, I buy cake mix and make a big cake.  I cut it into slices and freeze some of it.  If you cannot afford all fresh fruit consider using frozen fruit or can fruit.  

These are the best ways to save at the supermarket.

"🔥 Ultimate Plus-Size Fashion Haul: Camouflage Dresses on Temu! 💃🛍️ #TrendyCurves #PlusSizeStyle"

Plus Size Colorblock Print Slim Dress, Casual Short Sleeve Dress For Spring & Summer, Women's Plus Size Clothing

This post may contain affiliate links.  I may receive a small commission if a purchase is made.

Hello, my friends!  Today I wore my plus-size camouflage dress that I purchased on Temu.  It was so comfortable, lightweight, not too hot, and not too long.

I was nervous when I saw this dress because I feared it would be too long.  I ordered a 4x which is size 20 on Temu.  I was told that Temu clothes can be too large or it can fit too small so I took a chance on this order.

The camouflage on this dress is very vivid and beautiful.  The price was very inexpensive and the material did not feel like it was really cheap. 

Temu prices go up and down and when you see that the price is low, that is a good time to purchase your plus-size clothing items.

If you are looking for inexpensive clothing to go on a trip; Temu is the place to shop. They are very good with accepting returns if you have a problem with your order.

I have also been taking advantage of their costume jewelry because it is good quality, and extremely affordable.

Temu is also a good site for buying your kid's clothes to go back to school.

If you are a first time customer, you can save money off your order by using my code= fav34086.

 

My Vibe

       My Vibe

This post may contain affiliate links.  I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made. I am also an Amazon Associate.  I earn from qualifying purchases.  This is at no added cost to you.

My Vibe is anything that smells good, like candles, aromatherapy, diffusers, and fragrance oils.   These are the things that really make me feel relaxed and happy.  I have a nice collection of these products to ensure I have enough.

Sometimes, I go to Bath & Body Works, but their candles and other products can be expensive sometimes unless they have a sale.  But they do have some great-smelling products.  I love the smell of their candles.  I always catch a sale on their body sprays.

I love the Home Sick candles from Amazon.  They give a nice throw of fragrance all through your home.  About two or three years ago, I went to a party at my nephew's home and his wife had these fabulous diffusers.  

She had about three of them going at the same time.  I asked her questions about the diffuser, and she told me what kind to get and that you only had to add a couple of drops of scented oil and water to it.

Finding a bargain is what I am about so, I go to Temu to look for oils and candles.  This way I can stock up and save at the same time.  

Some shops only sell candles and I check them out sometimes when I am looking for something specific. 

The best times that I use my aromatherapy products are Mornings, late Afternoon, and Evenings.  This helps me to sleep a lot better.

When buying aromatherapy products, make sure that you aren't allergic to these products.  When you find a good product that doesn't bother your allergies stock up on them.

Aromatherapy is a good mood lifter.  Diffusers are perfect to use in the house while someone is sick because they will keep the air fresh.

Candles, oils, and diffusers help with stress and depression.   Aromatherapy is my vibe because it makes me happy.

If you want to learn more about Aromatherapy please check out https://freshmommyblog.com She has a lot of knowledge in this subject.  You can definitely learn a lot more concerning oils and aromatherapy from her.

Peony perfume from Zara

 Peony perfume from Zara

*This post is not sponsored.  I purchased this perfume with my own money.

I purchased this perfume from Zara.  The bottle is a nice size, and I only paid $17.90 plus tax.  I had been looking for a perfume that did not smell cheap.   After the holidays, I only had a little money after buying gifts, so I was searching for a nice-sized bottle of perfume that didn't break the bank.

I had never shopped at Zara because I thought their clothing would not fit me.  When I went to Zara, I went in there with an open mind.  I walked around the store and I saw a nice display of perfumes.  There were so many to try, and most of them I really liked.

  Sometimes I go to department stores, and I love their perfumes, but they are expensive, and sometimes you will buy a big bottle of perfume, and you will start to get tired of the fragrance.  This time, I took a chance, and I am glad that I did.

This perfume smells a bit like pear, amber, floral, and a hint of berry.  You only need a little, and it goes a long way. 

Perfumes from Zara would make a great gift because you are getting full-size bottles that are affordable.  Yet, you are getting a product that is top of the line in their presentation.

Zara's perfumes are suitable for women of all ages.  See, I am middle-aged, and I found one that is perfect for me.

This Peony perfume makes me feel and smell pretty.  I spray a little after my bath or shower, and the fragrance lasts throughout the day.

Next time you go to the mall, stop in Zara and smell this perfume and the others that they sell.  I am sure that you will find a fragrance that you will fall in love with.

I love to do my own nails at home

*There are affiliate links in this post.  I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.  This is at no added cost to you.

I love polishing my nails at home. I used to get my nails done at the nail shop, but not consistently.  I didn't like how the nails felt on me, and they would break very easily. 

 I am a cheapskate; I don't like to waste money.  Also, I am allergic to a lot of chemicals.  This means that I have to be very careful so I don't have a negative reaction.

For many years, I have been polishing my nails at home.  Once in a while, I will go to the nail shop to get a basic manicure with only nail polish. 

 There are so many nail polish brands.  I used to buy nail polish that cost one dollar, but I found them not to last very long.  For about three years, I have been using more expensive nail polish, and I love the results that I am having.  The polish lasts about a week or so.  

Even if the nail polish is 10 or 30 dollars, it is still cheaper than going to the nail shop. And you will have a more expensive-looking manicure. 

Now, I like to shop online at Beyond Polish because they carry all of the major brands, but they have some amazing prices, and they also have gift cards if you want to give nail polish as gifts.  I love going to my mailbox to get my nail polish without stepping foot in a store.  

I have a large collection of nail polish.  Actually, I do not need any more nail polish but I am constantly browsing for more.  I like that I don't have to stop by the nail shop to go and fix a broken nail.  

Most of the time I paint my nails about three or four hours before I go to bed to make sure that my nails are fully dry.  This helps the polish to set. 

After I get tired of a certain shade of nail polish, I donate it to Goodwill or an organization that deals with battered women.  I used to be in a battered women's shelter. I and the other ladies loved to polish our nails with nail polish that was donated.  That was such a self-esteem boost.  

If you have items to donate, contact a battered women's shelter in your area.  They will not allow you to come directly to the shelter, but they usually have donation boxes that they use.  This is such a blessing to women who have been displaced because of being battered.  

Beyond polish has other products besides nail polish.  They have hair products, makeup, jewelry, and tools, and they constantly have sales on their products. 

Check out my beautiful dreadlock wig.

* This post may contain affiliate links.  This means that I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.  I am also an Amazon Associate.  I earn from qualifying purchases.  This allows this site to earn money to keep bringing you great product reviews.  I pay for these items with my own money and this review is my own opinion.

Hello everyone, Happy New Year.  Well, I have been experimenting with new wigs.  I have Alopecia and I am experiencing more hair loss.  It seems like my dream of having thick luscious hair is just a dream.  I got stuck on wearing just one hairstyle when wearing wigs and I started getting bored and I needed to see if there were any other styles that would fit my style and lifestyle. 

 I started searching all over the Internet and I stumbled across this dreadlock wig.  I saw that a lot of sites had different variations of this wig.  Frankly, I was afraid to try it.

I went on YouTube to look at videos of women wearing dreadlocks wigs and I was really impressed at how natural they looked.  I saw a few that looked like a birdsnest, but a great deal of them really looked cute.  I said (this might work for me.)  I usually wear straight or curly wigs so this was a good change.  I looked on Amazon and I saw some in nice colors in a tight dreadlock or a soft one.  The soft ones are for me.  

I decided to try this wig in these pictures.  It looks like it is growing right from my scalp.  It is thick without being too much.  For so many years I wanted to wear my hair like this but my hair is too thin to make it look the way I want it to look.  This wig has combs in the back and both sides so I can make it stay secure on my head.

Boy, is this wig comfortable, and it is well made.  I am so glad that I took the chance to try this wig.  I was in McDonald's last week and the gentlemen behind me were saying how well defined that my locs were.  It doesn't look like a wig at all, and the longer I wear it the better it looks.  

They also sell these wigs on Temu and they are so affordable.  I plan on getting these wigs in different colors, to change up. If you are thinking about getting dreadlocks and you are not sure how it will look; you can try the dreadlocks wigs to experiment and to see if you want to get your dreadlocks done permanently.  They even have some nice ones for men.

 

Zeelool has the best online prescription eyeglasses

 

* There are affiliate links in this post which means that we will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.  This is at no added cost to you.

I have been shopping online at Zeelool for about seven months now.  They have a wide selection of prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses that are very stylish.  Their eyeglasses are well-made, and they offer affordable prices.  Getting started requires only your prescription from your eye doctor.  You no longer have to pay the outrageous fees that the eye doctor charges for their glasses.

With Zeelool, you can try on the glasses online to see what glasses accentuate your face shape.  I have a heart-shaped face, so wide glasses with a cat eye or square eyeglasses are perfect for me.  I always take advantage of the sales that they have so I can get the best deals for my money.

They have glasses in beautiful colors.  I have been on a buying frenzy with Zeelool lately.  I have a nice collection going on.  I have nice glasses to match my cute outfits.  The pair that I am wearing right now is called Dalton.

The eyeglasses in the above video are called Alfred.  These eyeglasses are gray, but to me, they appear to have a slight purple color to them.  They are so cute.  These glasses go with just about anything. I am on a budget, so it feels good to get the kind of eyeglasses that I want without them costing so much.

Right now, Zeelool is having a Black Friday sale going on.  You can get eyeglasses for an even lower price right now, so it is a good time to get multiple pairs of glasses that are very inexpensive but that look and feel like expensive eyeglasses. 

What is the difference between Swap and ThredUp?

What is the difference between Swap and ThredUP?

There may be affiliate links in this post.  This means that I will receive a small commission if a purchase is made.  This is at no added cost to you.

I have been thrifting for a very long time but sometimes I like to go to Swap and ThredUp.  I have been using their site for about 12 years.  They have very nice clothes, but both of them are kind of different. 

I find that ThredUp is a little more expensive than Swap.  They have a wide variety of tops, dresses, sweaters, jeans, shoes, etc.   I save my favorite pieces, and when they have a sale, I get the items that I want if they are still available. 

 ThredUp measures the clothing items and then you can determine whether it is big or small enough for you.  You will also know how long a dress, skirt, or pants are.  This is helpful because I don't really like sending clothing back to ThredUp.

When the clothes come, they are packed nicely in a cute box.  I feel as if I am shopping at a boutique. Since I compare my measurements to theirs, I haven't had to send anything back in a while.

What I don't like about ThredUp- I think that some T-shirts and plainer clothing items could be a lot cheaper.  I have also been seeing a lot more fast-fashion items that are cheap to begin with and some items cost a lot more on ThredUp than they do on the online sites who sell these throwaway fashions.

ThredUp does give you a chance to bundle your items, and they give you days to add to your bundle without additional shipping cost.  I always think that I am finished shopping, but when I find an extra item or two that is on sale, I add that to my bundle.

ThredUp also sells some designer items.  Some are cute, but in my opinion some look a bit worn-out for the price they are selling the item for.  I do have some Michael Kors clothing that I will be sporting for the fall and winter.  The amount of time that it takes for them to ship your clothing items is reasonable.  I am always excited when I receive my new box.

I have been shopping at Swap for a very long time.  I think I started shopping with them first before I started with ThredUp.  Back in those days, they had a lot of sales.  Sometimes I would get five clothing items for $25.00, and I either had to pay for shipping, but a lot of times I scored free shipping with them. 

 Their clothes are nice, but sometimes they will say that an item looks like new and it will come with pilling, or the item looks old.  I used to send some of their clothes back because Swap doesn't list the measurements of each item. 

 I mostly had a lot of problems with dresses, skirts, and pants or jeans.    I have bought a lot of really cute clothes on Swap.  I am plus-size, and they are really good with having a large variety of plus-size clothing.  I still have a lot of cute dresses and clothes that I bought many years from their online store.

They sell some designer items, and I have received cute clothes, but like ThredUp, sometimes they sell designer items that are worn out.  

Now, let me address the elephant in the room.  Swap has a big problem with shipping its items with one or two items missing.  This comes without an explanation.  It has happened to me so many times.

  I usually email them, and they claim the items are lost.  How are they lost when you have placed an order and they don't let you know right away that they lost your item?  They will refund the items that are (lost, but this isn't a good practice at all.

I used to work as a picker and when an order comes in, the workers go and pick all the items to include in that order.  I could be wrong, but I think they are giving these items to someone else who wants them. 

Also, I have waited two months to receive my clothes in the mail.  Swap. needs to look at all the complaints they have received over the years and make some drastic changes.  Their shipping fees have gone up drastically!

They also receive clothes that people consign on Swap, and they literally give these people a few dollars or cents for their expensive, good-quality clothing. This is a very unfair practice.  This has been going on for years!

If they make some changes mentioned, they will definitely gain more satisfied customers.