Wednesday, March 14, 2012
NOTD - Nail of the Day
"OPI Cancun Fiesta" with "OPI Pink-ing of you" accent. So pretty and fresh for the Spring. Bright colors are going to be all the rage!!!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
February 2012 Birchbox
So I've been totally slacking on the blog lately. The month of February was just so busy I felt like I didn't have a moment to breath let alone, sit down and write a blog. So here is my February Birchbox that I never posted about. Since I've had the chance to use my February box I can do a mini-review on these items.
So here's my February Birchbox
February's birchbox was all about changing the way we feel about familiar products.
First item was the BLK DNM Perfume 11 - "New York's hippest denim brand created this spicy perfume. Wear it for a dose of downtown cool." Full size $110
Basically I don't care how "New York Cool" I might be by wearing this product, because it STINKS. It smells absolutely horrible. It's so strong and I am not a fan of strong scents. It's smells more like a man's cologne then a women's. This product is NOT for me.
Next up, Exude Lip Creme in Red No 1- "Buzz Alert: Mega stylist Rachel Zoe swears by this bold lipstick, which has an innovative crystal applicator that dispenses the exact amount of lipstick you need." Full-Size $29
I love that this is a full-size product. I don't love the color I got. The red is just a little too much for me especially with my Auburn hair. The applicator is really cool though. When I first got the product I literally woke up my Mom because I could not for the life of me figure out how to use the lipstick. Then I realized you have to twist it. Apparently, the company also makes lip glosses like these which I might have to check out. I'm more of a lip gloss kind of girl.
Eye Rock Designer Liner - "Stop wrestling with the liquid liner and achieve a perfect cat eye with these single-use stick-on liner strips." @ pack of 4, $13
I was so excited to get these in my box because I am absolutely horrible at making a cat eye look. I just can't do it, so I thought these would be my answer to finally achieving a perfect cat eye. Boy was I wrong. These were really hard to use and just looked like I had a sticker on my eye. I only tried one set, so I''ll have to try the others, but this might be something I'll only use for special holidays... like Halloween.
La Fresh Eco-Beauty Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover - "Leave the cotton balls and acetone behind. These convenient pads dissolve polish with a natural mix of botanical, plus soothing aloe vera." 18 wipes, $9.99
These wipes were actually just okay. They smelled really strong like oranges, so it made me feel like I was cleaning my nails with some sort of household cleaner. And they left my hands feeling really greasy afterwards, because they have some kind of conditioner in them. I wouldn't spend $9.99 on these at all. E.L.F makes some nail polish remover pads, that are cheaper, work just as well, and don't make you feel like you just dipped your hands in a vat of olive oil.
And my last item was a Nail File - "There's no shame in filing your nails in public with this heart-shaped, neon looker." No price
This nail file is cute , but nothing extravagant. It will probably break at the bottom of my purse within the next few days.
There was also the same Digital Download that C had in her Birchbox, and honestly I just want nothing to do with that.
Overall, my Birchbox this month wasn't all that bad, but it wasn't all that impressive. Although, I can't complain because obviously, I got a full sized item which is worth more than I paid for the whole box. I was just bummed because I saw some people got a Beauty Blender in their box, and I really wanted one. But I'll stop being a brat about that.
I just received my March Birchbox, and I can already tell you that I love what I got, but I think I will wait till the end of the month, so that I can give you a mini-review on everything. I think I like this style of showing off my box better. Or I might upload a video if I have the time. Videos are just a lot of fun for me.
Until next time - A
So here's my February Birchbox
February's birchbox was all about changing the way we feel about familiar products.
First item was the BLK DNM Perfume 11 - "New York's hippest denim brand created this spicy perfume. Wear it for a dose of downtown cool." Full size $110
Basically I don't care how "New York Cool" I might be by wearing this product, because it STINKS. It smells absolutely horrible. It's so strong and I am not a fan of strong scents. It's smells more like a man's cologne then a women's. This product is NOT for me.
Next up, Exude Lip Creme in Red No 1- "Buzz Alert: Mega stylist Rachel Zoe swears by this bold lipstick, which has an innovative crystal applicator that dispenses the exact amount of lipstick you need." Full-Size $29
I love that this is a full-size product. I don't love the color I got. The red is just a little too much for me especially with my Auburn hair. The applicator is really cool though. When I first got the product I literally woke up my Mom because I could not for the life of me figure out how to use the lipstick. Then I realized you have to twist it. Apparently, the company also makes lip glosses like these which I might have to check out. I'm more of a lip gloss kind of girl.
Eye Rock Designer Liner - "Stop wrestling with the liquid liner and achieve a perfect cat eye with these single-use stick-on liner strips." @ pack of 4, $13
I was so excited to get these in my box because I am absolutely horrible at making a cat eye look. I just can't do it, so I thought these would be my answer to finally achieving a perfect cat eye. Boy was I wrong. These were really hard to use and just looked like I had a sticker on my eye. I only tried one set, so I''ll have to try the others, but this might be something I'll only use for special holidays... like Halloween.
La Fresh Eco-Beauty Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover - "Leave the cotton balls and acetone behind. These convenient pads dissolve polish with a natural mix of botanical, plus soothing aloe vera." 18 wipes, $9.99
These wipes were actually just okay. They smelled really strong like oranges, so it made me feel like I was cleaning my nails with some sort of household cleaner. And they left my hands feeling really greasy afterwards, because they have some kind of conditioner in them. I wouldn't spend $9.99 on these at all. E.L.F makes some nail polish remover pads, that are cheaper, work just as well, and don't make you feel like you just dipped your hands in a vat of olive oil.
And my last item was a Nail File - "There's no shame in filing your nails in public with this heart-shaped, neon looker." No price
This nail file is cute , but nothing extravagant. It will probably break at the bottom of my purse within the next few days.
There was also the same Digital Download that C had in her Birchbox, and honestly I just want nothing to do with that.
Overall, my Birchbox this month wasn't all that bad, but it wasn't all that impressive. Although, I can't complain because obviously, I got a full sized item which is worth more than I paid for the whole box. I was just bummed because I saw some people got a Beauty Blender in their box, and I really wanted one. But I'll stop being a brat about that.
I just received my March Birchbox, and I can already tell you that I love what I got, but I think I will wait till the end of the month, so that I can give you a mini-review on everything. I think I like this style of showing off my box better. Or I might upload a video if I have the time. Videos are just a lot of fun for me.
Until next time - A
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Pinterest... not just for crafts and funny quotes
I'm sure everyone has heard of the fad to hit social marketing and copyright infringements.... Pinterest. Thanks to several friends, I had a Pinterest account months ago..... now all of my Facebook friends follow me. Well lucky for them, I "pin" good recipes and hot nails.
I love my fingernails. They're not perfect, I wish they were longer, and damnit I wish that I could refrain from putting them into my mouth when I get stressed. That being said, I still love them.... I especially love to DIY. My first Pinterest board I ever created was titled "Nails, Hair, and More Fun Things". The first thing I ever pinned was "Giraffe Nails"...
I know those are seriously hot. And when I tried to recreate- DISASTER. Seriously, it looked like my brown bottle of polish threw up on my yellow fingernails. So I kind of laid off the recreating pinterest nails and just kept pinning stuff I wished I could do.
I'm in a pretty ideal situation. One of my best friends is a stylist and loves doing other people's nails. I could easily get her to do the giraffe nails for me... but I would never want to admit failure to her. Instead I challenged her and another stylist at their salon one day upon stumbling upon "marbleized nails." I made myself sound really cool to them and said "So do you guys do marble nails? Cause that's the new thing." Silence.
I've been sitting on this pin for months. I've been trying to figure out the logistics of doing this myself. As it turns out, you can't do it yourself. So I turned to my bff- the stylist- for assistance. We used OPI's new Nicki Minaj collection for inspiration.
Step 1- Remove old nail polish (I ALWAYS have a fresh coat of polish on my nails)
Step 2- Basecoat baby. I used Zoya (which you can purchase at Birchbox!)
Step 3- We used Zoya Purity (its white). 2 coats of it, no need to be stingy
Step 4- Get a glass of water, room temperature
Step 5- Pick 3 colors (or do more). We used OPI Fly, Pink Friday (thanks Miss Minaj!), and Blue My Mind
Step 6- Drop each color into the water and swirl with a pencil/ toothpick/ etc
Step 7- Quick dunk your fingers into it. Warning* you will only do about 2-3 fingers before you need to redo the water
Step 8- Now you have to take the pencil or pick and scoop out the hardened strings of polish. And no I had no idea that it did that in water!!!
Step 9- Repeat until all nails are complete!
Step 10- Top coat!!! I love Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat, although today I used Out The Door, and I must say, not bad.
Ta- Da!!!! Every nail is different but its so fun to do!! And just a forewarning- you will need someone to go over your fingers with nail polish remover, as it does get all over your fingers. But all in all- 10 for funness!!!
I love my fingernails. They're not perfect, I wish they were longer, and damnit I wish that I could refrain from putting them into my mouth when I get stressed. That being said, I still love them.... I especially love to DIY. My first Pinterest board I ever created was titled "Nails, Hair, and More Fun Things". The first thing I ever pinned was "Giraffe Nails"...
I know those are seriously hot. And when I tried to recreate- DISASTER. Seriously, it looked like my brown bottle of polish threw up on my yellow fingernails. So I kind of laid off the recreating pinterest nails and just kept pinning stuff I wished I could do. I'm in a pretty ideal situation. One of my best friends is a stylist and loves doing other people's nails. I could easily get her to do the giraffe nails for me... but I would never want to admit failure to her. Instead I challenged her and another stylist at their salon one day upon stumbling upon "marbleized nails." I made myself sound really cool to them and said "So do you guys do marble nails? Cause that's the new thing." Silence.
I've been sitting on this pin for months. I've been trying to figure out the logistics of doing this myself. As it turns out, you can't do it yourself. So I turned to my bff- the stylist- for assistance. We used OPI's new Nicki Minaj collection for inspiration. Step 1- Remove old nail polish (I ALWAYS have a fresh coat of polish on my nails)
Step 2- Basecoat baby. I used Zoya (which you can purchase at Birchbox!)
Step 3- We used Zoya Purity (its white). 2 coats of it, no need to be stingy
Step 4- Get a glass of water, room temperature
Step 5- Pick 3 colors (or do more). We used OPI Fly, Pink Friday (thanks Miss Minaj!), and Blue My Mind
Step 6- Drop each color into the water and swirl with a pencil/ toothpick/ etc
Step 7- Quick dunk your fingers into it. Warning* you will only do about 2-3 fingers before you need to redo the water
Step 8- Now you have to take the pencil or pick and scoop out the hardened strings of polish. And no I had no idea that it did that in water!!!
Step 9- Repeat until all nails are complete!
Step 10- Top coat!!! I love Seche Vite Quick Dry Top Coat, although today I used Out The Door, and I must say, not bad.
Ta- Da!!!! Every nail is different but its so fun to do!! And just a forewarning- you will need someone to go over your fingers with nail polish remover, as it does get all over your fingers. But all in all- 10 for funness!!! Tuesday, February 14, 2012
BIRCHBOX..a monthly suprise you actually look forward to!!
Here is what I got in my box this month:
 |
| February 2012 Birchbox |
Stop wrestling with the liquid liner and achieve a perfect cat eye with these single-use stick-on liner strips.
2 packs of 4, $13
• JUICE BEAUTY | Blemish Clearing Serum
Pesky zits are no match for this high-performing serum. Salicylic acid purges pores, while organic botanicals purify skin. Full size, $29
• KIEHL'S | Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
Don't let dark spots keep you from a flawless complexion. This brightening serum evens out skin tone with vitamin C and white birch extracts. Full size, $49.50
• SHU UEMURA | Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil
Stylists call this luxurious oil 'liquid gold,' and we agree. It keeps strands soft and silky, with plenty of high-watt shine and volume. Full size, $68
LIFESTYLE EXTRA
• Supersmile | Powdered Mouthrinse
Just add water to this powder-filled pouch to create an on-the-go refreshing mouthwash that will sweeten your breath and naturally whiten your teeth. Pack of 24, $16
• Birchbox Digital Download
Six free tunes from Green River Ordinance, an indie rock band poised to hit the spotlight
Dont forget to sign up for your monthly Birchbox subscription HERE.
And check back to see what the other girls got this month!
And check back to see what the other girls got this month!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
A New Obsession
QVC. Quality. Value. Convenience. Growing up, I never really understood why women obsessed over QVC. I didn't understand all the hype about it. I remember as a little girl, I would be playing at my aunt's house as she would watch QVC for hours. At the time I didn't understand what was so great about it, and I couldn't fathom watching hours of people showing you these items over the television. Part of my love of shopping has always been about the experience. I love swatching new makeup items at a store, or feeling the burst of excitement when I find a great deal on an item. So I never understood, how any shopping addict could satisfy their shopping needs by seeing items shown to them on the television.
However, I will never forget the glazed over look my aunt would get as she watched the television. She was absolutely mesmerized by the people and items on the TV, as she clutched her telephone in her hand, ready to call in at a minutes notice if she found something she just had to have. And when the mail man arrived at her house every day, it was practically a celebration. The excitement that grew as we anxiously awaited the mailman to see what goodies he would bring that day. But still, although seeing all the packages the mailman brought was really exciting, I just didn't understand the whole television shopping experience.
I didn't understand the experience... until recently.
I'm an avid beauty blog reader, and youtube watcher. One of my favorite Beauty Guru's is "emilynoel83." I absolutley love her videos, and her blog www.beautybroadcast.net. She has amazing videos, and gives great reviews. After watching her videos, I saw a couple of items that I "NEEDED" to have. (I say "needed" because just like every other makeup junkie, I really don't "need" any more makeup.) Unfortunately, the needed items that Emily was raving about were only on QVC. So I figured, what the heck, I'll give it a try.
First up this amazing Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette. Look at this beauty.
These photos do not nearly show the amount of BEAUTY that is in this palette. This is the ultimate palette that should be in every girls beauty arsenal. It's the only thing I take with me when I travel, because it is literally the size of a small clutch and has an unbelievable amount of color options for any look you want. This baby has 56 eye shadows, 4 lip glosses, 3 highlighters, 2 blushes, 8 cream eye liners, 4 brow powders, and a brow wax. This is the ultimate palette. It's still available on QVC's website, and although pricey... it's totally worth the price.
This single purchase from QVC has lead to my unbelievable obsession with watching QVC any chance I get. As I type this post, it's currently on my television. I have added the QVC app on my phone as well. It's unbelievable how addicting this channel. I now understand the glazed over look my Aunt used to get. As I lay in bed, phone clutched in my hand, waiting until midnight for the next item I want to purchase to come on air, it dawns on me... I am officially QVC obsessed.
Until Next time ~ AVC
(PS I am not affiliated in any way, shape or form with QVC. Also, the product mentioned in this post, was paid for my me, with my cash.)
However, I will never forget the glazed over look my aunt would get as she watched the television. She was absolutely mesmerized by the people and items on the TV, as she clutched her telephone in her hand, ready to call in at a minutes notice if she found something she just had to have. And when the mail man arrived at her house every day, it was practically a celebration. The excitement that grew as we anxiously awaited the mailman to see what goodies he would bring that day. But still, although seeing all the packages the mailman brought was really exciting, I just didn't understand the whole television shopping experience.
I didn't understand the experience... until recently.
I'm an avid beauty blog reader, and youtube watcher. One of my favorite Beauty Guru's is "emilynoel83." I absolutley love her videos, and her blog www.beautybroadcast.net. She has amazing videos, and gives great reviews. After watching her videos, I saw a couple of items that I "NEEDED" to have. (I say "needed" because just like every other makeup junkie, I really don't "need" any more makeup.) Unfortunately, the needed items that Emily was raving about were only on QVC. So I figured, what the heck, I'll give it a try.
First up this amazing Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette. Look at this beauty.
These photos do not nearly show the amount of BEAUTY that is in this palette. This is the ultimate palette that should be in every girls beauty arsenal. It's the only thing I take with me when I travel, because it is literally the size of a small clutch and has an unbelievable amount of color options for any look you want. This baby has 56 eye shadows, 4 lip glosses, 3 highlighters, 2 blushes, 8 cream eye liners, 4 brow powders, and a brow wax. This is the ultimate palette. It's still available on QVC's website, and although pricey... it's totally worth the price.This single purchase from QVC has lead to my unbelievable obsession with watching QVC any chance I get. As I type this post, it's currently on my television. I have added the QVC app on my phone as well. It's unbelievable how addicting this channel. I now understand the glazed over look my Aunt used to get. As I lay in bed, phone clutched in my hand, waiting until midnight for the next item I want to purchase to come on air, it dawns on me... I am officially QVC obsessed.
Until Next time ~ AVC
(PS I am not affiliated in any way, shape or form with QVC. Also, the product mentioned in this post, was paid for my me, with my cash.)
January Birchbox Review
Now that I have had some time to try out my new products I thought it would be a good time for a review: (Sign up to get your own Birchbox Subscription Here: Birchbox!!!
The Borghese Moisture Intensifier I have used quite a few times mixed in with my other moisturizers as suggested however I have not noticed much of a difference. Not enough to pay $67.50 for 1.7oz!!
Viva la Juicy is a nice scent but I'm too busy being obsessed with LIV GRN C2C to bother with this at the moment...but will keep it in mind for a future purchase!!
The Jouer Body Butter seems like a very good product. I for once (maybe due to the mild winter) am not suffering from really dry skin so I cannot see the full benefits of the product but will try it out again when the time comes.
Stila smudge stick eyeliner breaks my heart!! I got the moray color. And it looks fantastic!! But even though it claims to go on easy and "not migrate all over your eyes", it has ruined two pairs of my contacts. It finds it's way all over my lenses and it doesn't come off. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know because I love the color!
Larabar- I had the peanut butter cookie flavor. It had a decent taste to it, but was very greasy! (nutritional comparison below) I recommend the Peanut Butter Pretzel Mojo Cliff bar!
Cliff Bar = 190cal (80 from fat), 9g fat (2g sat, 2.5g polyunsat, 3.5g monosat) 220mg sodium, 125mg potassium, 20g carbs, 2g dietary fiber, 9g sugar and 9g protein
Larabar = 220cal (110 from fat), 12g fat (2g sat, 6g monosat, 3g polyunsat) 70mg sodium, 360mg potassium, 23g carbs, 4g fiber 18g sugar and 7g fiber
I also make my own bars with crushed almonds, oats, agave nectar, dried cranberries, some unsweetened coconut and some dark mini choc chips!! What is your go to healthy snack??
That is my January Review. The other girls should be posting theirs soon too. Enjoy!!
And @Wendy.. Book Reviews are coming up next!!! Stay tuned and share our page with your friends.
~CLM~
The Borghese Moisture Intensifier I have used quite a few times mixed in with my other moisturizers as suggested however I have not noticed much of a difference. Not enough to pay $67.50 for 1.7oz!!
Viva la Juicy is a nice scent but I'm too busy being obsessed with LIV GRN C2C to bother with this at the moment...but will keep it in mind for a future purchase!!
The Jouer Body Butter seems like a very good product. I for once (maybe due to the mild winter) am not suffering from really dry skin so I cannot see the full benefits of the product but will try it out again when the time comes.
Stila smudge stick eyeliner breaks my heart!! I got the moray color. And it looks fantastic!! But even though it claims to go on easy and "not migrate all over your eyes", it has ruined two pairs of my contacts. It finds it's way all over my lenses and it doesn't come off. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know because I love the color!
Larabar- I had the peanut butter cookie flavor. It had a decent taste to it, but was very greasy! (nutritional comparison below) I recommend the Peanut Butter Pretzel Mojo Cliff bar!
Cliff Bar = 190cal (80 from fat), 9g fat (2g sat, 2.5g polyunsat, 3.5g monosat) 220mg sodium, 125mg potassium, 20g carbs, 2g dietary fiber, 9g sugar and 9g protein
Larabar = 220cal (110 from fat), 12g fat (2g sat, 6g monosat, 3g polyunsat) 70mg sodium, 360mg potassium, 23g carbs, 4g fiber 18g sugar and 7g fiber
I also make my own bars with crushed almonds, oats, agave nectar, dried cranberries, some unsweetened coconut and some dark mini choc chips!! What is your go to healthy snack??
That is my January Review. The other girls should be posting theirs soon too. Enjoy!!
And @Wendy.. Book Reviews are coming up next!!! Stay tuned and share our page with your friends.
~CLM~
Monday Mail
Let me introduce myself.... I'm that person that small town post offices hate. I have a mailbox in the front of my house. My post office offers PO boxes. We've been getting our mail held at the post office for as long as I can remember. Approximately 3 times a week my loving Mother makes her way to the post office to pick up our mail... is it the social connection that drives her to the post office? Does she not trust the mail lady to deliver our essential mail, which includes bank statements, catalogs from Bass Pro Shop, Christmas cards and baby shower invites?! One may never know.... But I know that I can trust the post master of the Dornsife Post Office with my essential mail-- My monthly subscriptions to Birchbox, Bazaar, and Marie Claire. And yes, I'm convinced she reads the magazines during her lunch. The ripped open perfume samples gives her away... but I'm not mad.
This brings me to my stack of Monday mail...
-Bills (boo on adulthood)/ automatic payment reminders (thank you adulthood)/ student loan nonsense (thousands of dollars for 4 years of Natural Ice and cheap vodka)
- February Bazaar - SCORE
- January Birchbox- Double SCORE
- And this interesting bit of mail- a bankruptcy notice for bankruptcy court?! What the hell?!
One of my best qualities is that I'm childless and alone... aka single. Like 100%. I've found my life is much more complete when I'm happy then trying to make someone else happy. Things that make me happy- make up, skin care products, candy, money, and tanning. In August 2011, I was the darkest I've ever been in my life. I had a great tanning salon that I visited almost daily.... partly for the social impact it caused on my life as I was able to keep up with the dramatics of high school and the "who's sleeping with who's husband" dramatics of "the nice part" of Harrisburg. My skin glowed and was the color of a light skinned Moroccan, I barely had acne, and I swear I looked 15 lbs lighter! Then a friend of mine received news *gasp* of a potentially cancerous mole.... No no no! It was just a scare, but nontheless, I decided to cool it on the tanning and switched a self tanners and bronzers.
Remember that bankruptcy notice from Monday? It was my great tanning salons way of informing their clients that they're infact, bankrupt. Do I fault myself for not supporting my local business? What kind of "loyal" customer, am I? Did my lack of $60 a month really contribute to the loss of another small business? One may never know, but I know one thing, I'm the color of a Scandanavian with the acne break out of a 15 year old....
To my tanning salon... Good Luck and thank you for keeping me beautiful xox
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