Subscription box review- Birchbox vs IPSY

I know these reviews are OVER done, but I still enjoy reading (and watching) them.  I've said in the past that Birchbox reignited my love for make-up. Finding the make-up/beauty blogger community has sort of been like coming home! There are other make-up nuts out there also?! Its been so fun to experiment and see whats new.

This month marks my twenty-second Birchbox. I feel like I've been with them long enough to understand the concept, I've faithfully done reviews, and fine tuned my profile- but my boxes have gotten worse and worse. I'm just not seeing the value in the boxes and I haven't found a single holy grail item in about nine months. This was the heritage box celebrating Birchbox three years in business. Really? This was the best they could do?! Major disappointment.

Beauty Protector Shampoo & Conditioner- Smells nice and works just like a drugstore shampoo.

Ruffian Nail Polish | Fox Hunt- I didn't try this because I didn't care for the metallic rust color- It seemed very 90s to me.

Juice Beauty | Green Apple Peel- I got this in a Haute Beauty Bag and it is a great product.  Very good for sensitive skin.  If you are careful you will have enough for two applications. 

Soak Laundry Detergent for Delicates- This tiny small foil packet is meant to be used in a sink. This product does not need to be rinsed after washing. I didn't try this.

Birchbox is $10 a month (shipped) and gets you a delivery of high-end beauty, grooming and lifestyle samples customized for you. I haven't received a make-up sample in four months, but they do have them. If you prefer make-up over skin care and shampoo/ conditioner I wouldn't recommend Birchbox.

This is my fourth IPSY bag and they just keep getting better and better! I think this is a better fit for me because I love to try new makeup brands and skin care.  IPSY never disappoints with make-up and every month when my IPSY bag arrives,  I get that excited feeling inside! This month I was over the moon to see the paper masks in my bag- I've been wanting to try paper mask for quite awhile!

Starlooks Kohl eye pencil | Obsidian- Very creamy with moderate staying power. I didn't notice any pulling or skipping when I applied it.

NYX Eye Shadow | Rock- I love NYX eye shadows. They are very affordable and have good pigment. You do need to use a base and anticipate a little fallout. I actually think the best way to apply NYX shadows is with your index finger.

Cailyn Cosmetics Tinted Lip Balm | Big Apple- This tinted lip balm comes with a built in brush and applies like a dream. This is part stain | part lip balm very long lasting and works great as a base. I can't wait to try other colors.

Elizabeth Mott | It's so Big Volumizing Mascara- This is my new holy grail mascara. The mascara is light enough to hold a curl, but gives you major volume. The thing I like best is how soft it leaves my lashes even after multiple coats. Love it!!

Freeman Beauty | Facial Paper Mask- I tried the blue agave hydrating mask and was so pleased with the way it left my skin.  I will be purchasing it again as it is a great way to hydrate the skin between facials.

Subscribe to the IPSY Glam Bag and you get 4-5 beauty products every month delivered to your door, for just $10. You build a profile with them to ensure you get products suited to you. I've enjoyed every bag I've gotten so far and can't wait to see what October brings.  * The link above is an affiliate link, but it should help you pass the wait list!

Which do you prefer? I didn't think I would ever stopped being a Birchbox fan, but my boxes are such disappointments I rarely even open them. I have two more months on my subscription so hopefully Birchbox turns it around- if not I will be an IPSY girl!

Fall Fashion for curvy girls

On my curvy girl Pinterest board I try to find fashion pieces that are affordable, fashionable and fit the more curvy girl.  Like most women I am never happy with my weight and work continuously to find the right balance of healthy eating/exercise, but I find that I am most motivated to continue my journey when I feel good about myself.  The majority plus size clothing is horrible, tent like with lots of sparkles when what a curvy girl really needs is structured pieces that flatter the shape instead of hiding it.  I learned of eShakti sometime last year and I am always excited when they release a new line for the season because there clothes are 100% customizable. This isn't a paid review I just like their clothes and the choices they offer! If you are a new customer the first customization is free & you can save $30 off your first order.  The fabric quality is unmatched and the workmanship on the clothing is fantastic.

*Tip* If you are going to customize your clothing you should try to have someone else measure you (a tailor will do it for free) this will assure you get the best fit possible! 

Find at www.eShakti.com // Georgette dress / Dress / Top / Jersey tunic

Shoes for that little black dress with Dr. Scholl's® For Her High Heel

I'm attending a good friends wedding in August and to say I'm excited is an under statement. I haven't really had a chance to see my best long distance friends since Elly was born. I also haven't had many reasons to get dressed up so my fancy clothes are in short supply. In looking through my closest I found a "little black dress" (similar) that fits well and can be dressed up and down with the right accessories. Shopping from your closet means splurging on shoes right? I love the booties trend right now, but not sure I am confident enough to pull it off.  I have a gift card to anthropologie from last Christmas ( I know, right?!) and I am thinking about investing in a pair, but I'm just not sure. Anyway,  I'm really like the nude heel trend lately and I think that will probably be the winner. I truly love the Kate Spade wedges below, but my budget not so much.

//Jessica Simpson leather ankle boots / Report wedge heels / Chinese Laundry high heels / Kate Spade studded wedge heels / Jessica Simpson tall high heels

It's been a LONG while since I've worn heels for any amount of time and I favor wedges because heel wise they are the most comfortable, but even with the wedge by the end of the day/night the balls of my feet are throbbing.  In my most recent Influenster VoxBox I got Dr. Scholl's High Heel insoles. I was interested because the gel heel works to take pressure off the balls of your foot.  I slipped them into my highest non-wedge heels and was pleasantly surprised.  Will they let you run around on heels pain free? Doubtful, but I did notice they they helped my foot from sliding into the toe bed and that made the heels more comfortable. They are also discreet enough to wear in strappy heels. I will give them a proper test at the wedding, but I think any bit of extra comfort is worth it. All Dr. Scholl's products have a money back guarantee! Go here to get info and a coupon (not an affiliate link.)

What are your thoughts on booties? Yay or Nay?

//disclaimer- I received the Dr. Scholl's complimentary from Influenster for review purposes, but the opinions are my own

Make-up Product Budget Makers - Budget Breakers No.4

I have always been a fan of MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation.  It gives nice even coverage that stays matte, but doesn't make your face look cakey thanks to the velvet texture.  Its long wearing, doesn't oxidize on me and still lets some of my natural skin shine through.  I've gone through more compacts than I can count (thanks for all the "free" lipsticks MAC) but, at $27.00 I started thinking there has to be an alternative.

I am a newish convert to NYX.  I've gotten a few products in various beauty boxes/bags and the quality has impressed me.  ULTA always seems to have NYX products BOGO 50% so I've be able to try/experiment with the brand and find what works and doesn't.  While looking for a setting powder from the brand I stumbled upon NYX stay matte but not flat powder foundation and swatched a bit on my hand (thanks for the testers ULTA.) The coverage was great and the texture felt silky, similar to the MAC Studio Fix. I've worn stay matte but not flat for around a week and I definitely think it compares.  It last all day, keeps me shine free, doesn't oxidize has no scent, and goes on effortlessly.  The only issue I have is that it seems a little heavier and does leave me cakey if I use a heavy hand.  After a mist of rosewater it knocks the powder down and makes for a great base.

Great tip -----> to choose a foundation with coverage swatch a bit on the back of your wrist and see if it covers the blue veins and blend in to your skintone. This is easier than using your neck/ face where you already have some foundation applied! 

At first glance the NYX foundation is a great savings, but in reality you are only saving a little over $8.00 choosing NYX over MAC. I still felt it was a budget maker because NYX often goes on sale and you can use coupons on top of the sale.

If you try this foundation out I would love to hear about it! Any budget makers of your own?

Summer make-up with Olay Fresh Effects

So I am not a huge fan of the "selfie" but the other morning everything came together.  I got a good night sleep, my hair was looking good, I felt super happy about the easy summer make-up look I did so I took a selfie and uploaded it to Instagram. I seriously hoped my friends wouldn't eyeroll at the pic and went about my morning.  WHOA! I was surprised and happy all day with the really nice comments I got!  I see why people love taking selfies!

above mentioned selfie

Don't worry friends I won't be taking them daily, but I do think it was a great way to get the word out about Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream.  My sister even commented that I looked fresh faced! This stuff is AMAZING.  I have tried a billion BB Creams (who hasn't) but this is legitimately a good one from the drugstore.  For me the most important thing in a foundation or BB Cream is coverage.  Will it cover-up splotches and even tone? I personally like to see my own skin show through with foundation and this includes my freckles.  Fresh Effects evens my skintone, but still lets my skin show through. I'm using the light-medium and it works even with my summer skin.  The second thing that's most important to me is sun protection. Does it contain SPF? Living on the coast means sun rays year round and having a product that does double duty is worth it. Olay Fresh Effects has skin benefits including SPF.

• Refreshes skin instantly 
• Brightens for a radiant glow
• Evens tone with a splash of sheer color
• Hydrates for 24 hours
• Smoothes for softer feeling skin 
• Protects against UV damage with SPF 15 

You can find it at most drugstores, Amazon, or online for around $9.00.  I have been using this as part of my morning make-up since early July and it has streamlined my summer make-up to just the following products:

1- Simple light moisturizer
2- Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream in light medium
3- Pixi eye brightener for under eyes and darkness in corners.
4- NYX eyebrow shaper wax
5- Benefit Hoola bronzer
6- MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
7- Bare Escentuals Big Tease mascara
8- Tarte lip tint in amused
*not pictured NYX stay matte not flat powder

And that's how I get my fresh face in the summer.  Are you a fan of BB Creams?

//disclaimer- I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes, but the opinions are my own. 

A Father's day idea

I've been trying to think of a gift to give John for his second Father's day.  I had the best Mother's day which involved me cooking brunch for my Mom, a nap and a trip to Barnes & Noble complete with coffee! (I realize I have been on a bit of a blogging hiatus, but I have had things going on that I couldn't share here and I am a bit of a blabber mouth so I had to refrain from posting...)

John is just as simple as I am and has a few loves (beyond his family) that include vintage episodes of Star Trek, new music and ice cream(!)  So when I saw the Father's day menu pop up on emeals this week complete with this recipe for caramel brownie milkshakes I knew I found his Father's day gift.  I think a couple of uninterrupted hours of Star Trek and this milkshake will make a great Father's day for him!

Ingredients: Milk, good quality vanilla ice cream, your favorite brownies, and caramel for drizzling.

If you haven't tried emeals, now is the time.  Use the code DADS for 15% off- and if you sign-up now you will get access to the special Father's Day menu. I use emeals to plan out our weekly eats and since I started I have gotten our grocery budget down to about $80 a week for my family of three. We eat the Paleo plan and have lots of fresh produce and meats to work with.  Share your thoughts about this recipe on twitter with #emeals or join us on at facebook.com/emealz for more conversation!

//disclaimer- This post contains affiliate links, but the honest opinions are my own. 

uncomfortably comfortable

Today's theme in "Blog Everyday in month of May!" is to talk about something that makes you uncomfortable.  There are only a handful of things that make me uncomfortable like clowns, wet hair stuck to objects (think school bus windows- ugh!), and those character/mascots with their big giant hands.  I don't know what I am going to do when Eleanor gets older and wants to run up and hug those things. Shudder. So with all this talk and thought about being uncomfortable it seemed like this would best time to share a new bra review with you. I did it, I said bra on my blog - sheesh talk about uncomfortable! 

I was given a chance to test out a new bra from Playtex called, the Playtex Secrets Balconette bra and it was actually a really comfortable bra which is hard to come by if you have a ahem larger chest! The Playtex Secrets bra is designed to fit and flatter every curve and figure! It has wide-set straps, a deep V which is perfect for open necklines, and seamless, contoured cups for a smooth look under clothes.  It also has a very supportive underwire and is available in cup sizes B through DDD (bonus!) 

I found the band fit to be accurate and was comfortable enough that I wore it on a trail hike with my family.  I do suggest going down a cup size as I felt compared to other bras I own the cups ran large. Playtex is really stepping up their game and releasing several new styles & COLORS Fall 2013.  The new colors are all hue based to give more variety.  I normally don't buy my bras at department store retailers like Kohl's, but I was pleasantly surprised with the fit and have already bought another (in a smaller cup size) to add to my rotation.  After several washings the bra still looks good as new.  I tend to wash my bras in the washing machine and then hang them to dry I know its not the preferred method, but its what works for my lifestyle.  For 37.99 this bra is equal to the quality of my more expensive bras and you can also usually find Playtex bras BOGO.  I would suggest trying them on if you can or visiting the Playtex website to find your fit as I do think the cup size is off.  So there you have it,  this bra made my normally uncomfortable end of the day a little more comfortable.  Let's be real though...nothing feels as good as pajamas at the end of the day. Am I right?

If you are interested in trying this bra for your self leave me a comment I have several $5 off coupons from Playtex and I would love to share.  Do you look for comfort in a bra or looks? I am all comfort. No shame!  

If you are a new reader from, " blog everyday in May" hello + welcome! Please consider following me on bloglovin- I don't always talk about bras!

//disclaimer- There are NO affiliate links in the post, but I did receive this product from BzzAgent to review. The honest opinions are my own. 

Everyday make-up brushes every women should have

Welcome to "Blog Everyday in month of May!" Very excited to join Jenni in this challenge. You should join in also!

I am no beauty guru, but I have a passion for make-up and love to experiment.  Over time I have developed a "kit" of brushes that are an essential part of my everyday make-up routine.  These are ten brushes that every women should have and most can be purchased at your local Target/Wal-Mart. Synthetic hair brushes are best for wet products like foundation, cream eyeshadow, cream blush and I find synthetic brushes are easier to use when blending out eye shadows.  They are also super easy to clean. Which brings me to my next point- brush maintenance is a must.  You can use brush cleaner between uses or if you are switching a color out, but at least twice a month you should give them a good shampoo. I use baby shampoo and then run water over them until it runs clear, reshape and lay them flat to dry on a towel.  With proper care a good brush can last you a few years. So let's take a look at the top ten everyday make-up brushes.

1.  Spooley Brush- This brush is a must for shaping and defining your eyebrows.  I usually give mine a comb through, apply my eyebrow pencil and then comb through again to remove any extra product.

2. bareMinerals Heavenly liner blending brush- Having a way to smudge your eyeliner makes applying it fool-proof, but this brush does double work under the lower lash line too.  

3. MAC #213- If you only can purchase one brush for your kit, this is it.  This brush is multi-purpose for applying color to the lid, crease, brow bone  and it can even be used for blending.  The soft dome shape makes it very versatile.  This is my favorite brush!

4. Smashbox #30*- I use this brush for applying my cream shadows   It almost has a pencil tip that allows you to really get into the crease and work the cream shadow.  I usually follow up this brush with a swipe of my finger to blend out. * Linked brush is similar.

5. Blending brush- This is part of a kit of brushes I got from Walmart called, "Essential Tools Ultimate Hi-Def Face Set." This brush is the mini powder brush, but it is just the right size for blending.  Plus the synthetic hair is super soft, dense and makes quick work of blending away shadow lines.

6. Foundation brush- This brush is also part of the, "Essential Tools Ultimate Hi-Def Face Set." I use this brush to set my under eye concealer with a powder.  The brush is flat and dense and it allows me to pat the powder under my eyes and the pointed tip gets right under my lower lash line.  

7. bareMinerals Heavenly Blush brush- This isn't your traditional blush brush but the perfectly flat top makes applying blush to the apples of your cheeks super easy.  It usually only takes one or two swipes and you have full blush coverage.

8. Angled brush- Part of the, "Essential Tools Ultimate Hi-Def Face Set" this brush is best used for contour work with bronzer.  The angle is just right to get into the hollows of your cheeks while the brush is thin enough to deliver a fairly precision contour line.  I love this brush and think I will be purchasing another to use for blush as well.

9. e.l.f studio Stipple brush- This brush can be used wet or dry and gives you the most flawless finish when you apply your finishing powder.  Using circular motions buff on your powder and the finish is light to medium coverage. It looks amazing.

10. e.l.f studio kabuki brush- The kabuki brush is a final step brush for me.  I run it along the perimeter of my face to blur any foundation or powder lines and work inward. It will remove any eyeshadow fall out or built up powder.  The synthetic hairs are so soft and with some work you can almost get an airbrush finish from kabuki brushes.

So that's it- my ten essential everyday brushes! Do you see any in here that you will be adding to your brush kit? In the next couple of weeks I will be doing my foundation (bb cream), blush, bronzer routine so you will get to see these brushes in action.

If you are a new reader from, " blog everyday in May" hello + welcome! Please consider following me on bloglovin!

Garnier Skin Renew Overnight Peel- Review

I have always tried to take good care of my skin. This inlcudes regular facials, proper hydration and constantly searching for the right skin care that works for me. I am horrible about two things. 1- I hardly ever take my make-up off at night and 2- I rarely do weekly masks and peels. Usually by the time bed time rolls around it is amazing if I am able to go up the stairs and get into bed! About four weeks ago I started using the Garnier Skin Renew Clinical Dark Spot Overnight Peel ( keyword here is "overnight!") I was skeptical at first because I don't really have any dark spots, but it promised a few things that intrigued me.

Overnight: See smoother, hydrated skin
In 1 week: See brighter skin
In 4 weeks: Spots and imperfections are significantly reduced

I really needed help with skin hydration and wrinkle reducers- especially along my forehead and between my eyes. So with the added benefit of Glycolic Vitamin C Complex and a built-in buffer that helps skin maintain a healthy pH level I figured I had nothing to lose.  This product is a simple serum that you apply to CLEAN skin before bed and then rinse off in the morning- That's it! It absorbs remarkably fast and doesn't leave the skin feeling sticky.

I realize the lighting is different, but after 4 weeks of use you can see a difference in my skin tone especially around my eyes and forehead.  So while I can't speak to the direct benefits of the "dark spot removal" I can speak to the hydration, skin buffer, and brightening properties of this overnight peel.  Some facts straight from Garnier's website- the Garnier Skin Renew Clinical Dark Spot Overnight Peel is noncomedogenic, won't clog pores and is safe for all skin types/ethnicities.  This product is available at most mass retailers for $16.99- and that's a true steal in terms of skin care.  If you want to try this easy peel for yourself there is a coupon here (Garnier's facebook page.) Let me know if you try it. If your not doing anything for your skin before bed- this would be a great start!

//disclaimer- I received this product from BzzAgent, but the honest opinions are my own. 

  

A little me time: Review

If you have any children under the age of 18 then you probably can relate to the bare minimum of me time you actually get.  I love Eleanor, but I love 8PM as well because I get to eat dinner, talk to John, watch an episode of something on Hulu and have roughly an hour or so to just be me.  Usually I blog, draw, or watch YouTube videos.  After the craziness that is my 10 hour + workday I usually do all of this with a cup of something warm, yes even in the summer.  I am a sucker for both the drink and the experience.  Luckily I have a Keurig that is capable of brewing all sorts of delicious things in just moments (read: that's all the time I have anyway) and lately I have been enjoying Cafe Escapes Chai and Cafe Caramel before bed.

Not your Grandmas Glade: Review

I love candles, especially really expensive candles because I feel like they burn cleaner, longer and the fragrance is exceptional.  For the most part this is true, but there is a brand you can buy at the grocery store, Target, Walmart, etc. that will fill your home with long lasting scent.  Before I get to the adjectives that describes the brand, I have to tell a little story.   When I was in college I dated a guy who's Mom was a Glade fanatic.  She had the plug-ins (generic ones too) all over the house.  If I ate dinner there by the time I got home I actually smelled like a Glade plug-in.  I have no idea what scent she used, but after that experience I developed an aversion to any fragrance you could buy at the grocery store.  A few years ago I was given an Apple Cinnamon Glade candle in a Christmas gift and fell in love with the warm apple scent.  Since then they are one of my go to holiday candles because they are so warm and inviting. Best thing about a Glade candle is the way it fills your house with true to life ingredients, I think that helps the fragrance not overwhelm the house.


Recently I got to try two new products from Glade, "Glade Expression Fragrance Mist and Oil Diffuser." Both products come in stylish and reusable holders that blend effortlessly into your home decor. I chose the Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice Oil Diffuser which is described as a ripe, spicy blend of sweet pears and crisp apple with a dash of cinnamon and clove that warms and invigorates.  Also the Pineapple Mangosteen Fragrence Mist which evokes a tropical paradise with the blend of freshly cut pineapples and hints of tangy mangosteen, creamy coconut and passionflower. I love the ease of the oil diffuser as it doesn't require any plug and actually looks quite good in the house.  The fragrence isn't as noticiable as the candle, but you still get a hint every now and then.  The fragrance mist is a no brainer for the guest bath and works just like any other air fragrance I've tried, but looks nicer (btw- the label peels off to leave just an all White holder. Sleek.)

Glade Expression Oil Diffuser

See this isn't your Grandma's Glade! Want to try some for yourself? I have lots & lots of coupons so leave me a comment and I'll drop some in the mail to you. What types of fragrances do you like to fill your home with?

//disclaimer- I received this product from BzzAgent, but the honest opinions are my own.

February Birchbox & Beauty Army

Is anyone else addicted to getting sample boxes? I have limited myself to three a month and one of them is always Birchbox (and another is always a box for Eleanor.)  Birchbox (BB) was one of the first sample box companies and have been one of the best when it comes to innovative and small brand cosmetic companies.  Their points program is top notch.  You get 10 points for every review and most boxes have at least 5 samples.  When you reach 100 points you have $10 dollars to spend in the Birchbox shop.  I save my points, wait for a coupon code and buy my favorite items! They do 15-17 box configurations every month- these are based on your profile so you usually don't get the same box as someone else and that can be frustrating if you see something you love in someone else's box. Search  #birchbox on Instagram to see many of the different boxes out there. I continually change my beauty profile in an effort to eliminate the dreaded perfume sample that comes every single month.  No luck yet.

(starting top left)

1. Votivo Candle | Pink Mimosa

2. Dr. Lipp | Original Balm for lips- I was excited to try this as I heard lots of good things about it, but my sample was nearly empty.  This wasn't the first time this has happened with a seal BB sample.  I was disappointed.

3. Ghirardelli Chocolate | Caramel

4. Juicy Couture | Couture La La- BORING this is the fourth Juicy Couture perfume I have gotten in a BB and they all smell exactly the same.

5. Beauty Protector | Protect & Detangle- Smells nice and helped with the after shower hair comb through.

6. Dermablend | Smooth Indulgence Concealer- Love it! This is a very nice size sample and the product works better than MAC long wear concealer.  Creamy, but sticky (not a bad thing) I was able to blend this under  my eyes for nice coverage.  Happy with the product and if the sample continues to preform I will definitely be purchasing.

Birchbox is $10 a month, ships free and contains 4/5 samples a month.  For more information visit Birchbox.com (disclosure- this is an affiliate link.) 

Beauty Army

(starting top left- clockwise)

Beauty Army was my other sample box choice for this month and I actually really enjoyed the process of this box.  When you join you take a beauty profile and choice up to 6 of the samples revealed.  Don't like the choices, take your profile again adding or deleting to see different products.  They add new samples everyday at 9AM PST and you are welcome to revise your box while your sample window is open.  I checked it out over three days and refreshed my profile a few times to get the items above.  It was fun and I picked things I have been wanting to try.  Jonathan hair products for the win! They also offer a rewards program, but not as generous at BB.  For every six review you get $6 off any full size order in their shop.  I was happy with this first box and will be trying Beauty Army again next month.

1. Mark | Scanda lash- this was a bonus this month to celebrate Beauty Army's birthday.

2. Suntegrity | 5 in 1 tinted moisturizer- I like moisturizer with an SPF and in the South it is essential to wear an SPF everyday.  I haven't tried this yet, but will update when I do.

3. Jonathan | Dirt- LOVE!! Great product and this sample will last a long while.  Not sticky and allows your hair to move once applied.

4. Macadamia | Deep Repair Mask- there isn't a single person in the beauty world that hasn't talked about how amazing this product is.  I am looking for any hair repair I can as my hair it what has suffered the most following the birth of Eleanor and return of hormones. My hair is always so dry.  I am looking forward to enjoying this sample.

5. Karuna | Renwal Eye Masks- Yes, very much looking forward to using these.  Tonight in fact! I have been suffering with bronchitis and the coughing hasn't been kind to my sleep.

6. Whip Hand Cosmetics | Loose Pigment Eyeshadow in Medal of Honor- This is an exciting sample pick.  The color is beautiful and looks nice when paired with MAC paint pot in Painterly.

Beauty Army is $12 a month, ships free and contains six samples a month.  For more information visit Beauty Army (disclosure- this is an affiliate link.) 

Budget makers and Budget breakers

 

 



I love to try out new products- doesn't everyone? The thing is once I find a product I like,  I tend to be very loyal both to the product and the brand.  I love to mix together high end and low end products for makeup, face and body care.  Many time the store brand of something is just as good as its name brand shelf mate (I am looking at you Walgreens!) Recently I received several samples of the dermalogica skin prep and scrub and was BLOWN AWAY- my skin was soft and glowing for several days following my first use.  The second & third use was no different- I was sold.  I went to order the product and it was on back order- UGH! In the meantime I was browsing the samples aisle at Target preparing for a weekend trip and found a sample size of the St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub.  It was almost a dupe for the dermalogica skin prep scrub.  My skin feels smooth, hydrated and glowing. So this product is a "budget maker!"  

I have normal to oily skin so if yours is the same, I suggest using this only twice a week.   Use about a dime size amount of product and really work it into your face and neck area for about 45 seconds. There is no lather, but you will almost instantly feel the effects of the micro fine grains.  Avoid your sensitive eye area.  Moisturize as normal and enjoy this "budget maker" product!

Do you look for product dupes? What is your favorite?

How to & review: Palmolive Fresh Infusions

Sorry for the delay in post.  My house has been a non-stop sick zone.  Oh my goodness I feel like the coughing, colds, flu, sore throats, and pink eye (read: not pink eye) will never leave.  Here is to hoping that we are all on the mend.  I never knew that my luscious little baby bug would be such a hot bed of virus. Anyhoo....

In the last year there are a few things that I feel I have a good handle on when it comes to raising an infant and I wanted to share them in case any of you are struggling with some of these issues.  Now, there are plenty of things that I didn't have a handle on (and still don't) but I think that is where we can learn from other Mom's out there.  Early on I realized that I would be tied to my sink washing and sanitizing everything. Even though I was breastfeeding I still had to wash and sanitize pump parts, bottles, pacifiers, and now we have to wash and sanitize her bottles and nipples that she uses at school.  Its a nightly ritual that has become a habit.  I created a little system that streamlines this process and actual makes it an enjoyable part of the night.  You only need four things:

Review: Birchbox points

If you are interested in subscribing to Birchbox please feel free to use this link.  Any questions? Let me know.  There have been some dud months, but overall I have received some awesome products.

//These are my own opinions and I was not asked by Birchbox to provide them. In fact I am pretty sure they have no clue who I am.

The Christmas gift that keeps giving

Guys if you don't already have one- you MUST get a Keurig.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE mine.  John got me the basic Keurig for Christmas a couple of years ago and it is still going strong.  I always make a 10oz cup of coffee in the mornings (tip: I usually add a little more water after it drains into the chamber and it always brews a larger cup.) Sometimes I also sneak an extra one in at the end of the day.

Over the last several years the variety of K-cups has been fantastic and I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you. Right now on Keurig's site you can get 20% off K-cups using the code BYE2012. Woohoo!

1. This is my go to in the morning. It makes for an easy cup of coffee that you can drink Black but, it also holds up to creamer and gives you an authentic diner taste. One more cup please!

2.  Bold is the best way to describe this coffee. It will wake you up in the morning for sure.

3. Another easy drinking coffee.  Green Mountain Breakfast Blend is the best thing to have on hand if you have guest and you aren't sure of their coffee preference. 

4. Oh My Goodness.  I got this coffee as part of a sampler pack and I was so surprised by the flavor. It is like drinking a blueberry filled doughnut.  So, so good.  Perfect afternoon pick me up and it gives a little something to your sweet tooth.

5. Got me through my morning commutes while pregnant.  So warm and spicy.

6.  Starbucks Blond.  Tastes like it was brewed at the store.  Lots of caffeine in the Veranda roast so probably not a good choice for late in the day if you have a caffeinated sensitivity. 

Green Mountain Coffee also has a wellness collection. I had the opportunity to try both the Focus Blend and Antioxident blend and was mostly pleased.  While sick a few weeks ago I really beefed up the vitamins and was happy to getting the added antioxidants with vitamins C and E.  If you are looking for a coffee that you can feel good about drinking.  The Antioxident Blend is a good alternative during these winter cold/flu months. As for the other wellness blend,  I wasn't a fan of the focus blend.  It contains 50mg of L-Theanine and I thought it gave the coffee a very bitter taste and I didn't feel any more focused then when I drink a couple of regular coffee.  It would have been the perfect Momma super power drink, but alas.

   

Want to try a sampler pack of green mountain coffee? Leave a comment below and I will be happy to share the "wellness" with you! If you haven't gotten a Keurig do you plan to?!

 

 

//disclaimer- I received this product from BzzAgent , but the honest opinions are my own.

 

Influenster 2012 Beauty Blogger Box- Review

Influenster.com 2012 Beauty Blogger VoxBox

I like to wait until the very end of a VoxBox campaign to do a full review of the products I received.  I think it makes the review authentic and real.  I've had time with the products and have worked through my likes and dislikes. If you have questions about Influenster please visit this post.   OK, now that the business is out of the way...let's review!

1.  Goody | Spin Pins

I have been a long time fan of these spin pins, but since I have had my hair layered in the back I was unable to get these to lock together.  I checked out Goody's website and they make a mini spin pin that I will have to check out. For just $4.99 these help create a quick updo and I think they would be fantastic to have around for the holidays.  If you have shorter hair like me check out the website for the mini pins.  I'll pass these larger ones along to a friend with longer hair!

2. NYC Color | Individual Eyes

I reviewed this well loved product here on the blog a couple of weeks ago. Check the review out for more information!

3. Kiss | Ever Pro Lashes (Starter Kit)

Ok, these lashes are easy to apply, but I prefer  MAC lashes and duo adhesive.  I am not sure I would trust that these lashes would last all day (or evening.) These lashes are very full and made of quality human hair.  They don't have any odor and are easy to shape if needed.  As I said I prefer MAC lashes, but in a pinch these are easy to use and easy to obtain from your local drugstore.  

4. Bath and Body Works | Mini Candle

I picked these as my first great gift of the season.  There fragrence fills the house and the candles burn clean.  BBW candles are always a favorite!

5. Not your Mother's | Smooth Moves

I also did a blog review of this hair serum and I am still very happy with the product.  In fact, I will be purchasing the full size.  The greatest thing about this frizz product is the lasting quality.  Next day hair will still be smooth and that is really saying something.

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