This is my second box from Birchbox, and this time I calmed myself and took pictures from start to finish. I don’t get many subscription boxes, but I love the packaging.
ok, THIS box isn’t necessarily anything special, though it is a pretty and eye catching pink!
THIS is the box! It’s such a fun print, and so sturdy! Roy actually cleaned up the vanity in our bathroom (yes, my husband is amazing!) and he put all my little stray bottles of makeup and lipgloss in it-fits perfectly and looks so cute.
Opening the box, this is what I see. This is the little card that details what samples I received, and I also got a coupon for Benefit. I didn’t use my coupon this month, but only because I didn’t need any makeup at the moment. I usually buy makeup twice a year-once in the Spring and once in the Fall, I don’t wear much, so I don’t update too often.
Opening up the tissue paper, these are the samples I’m greeted with! Can’t wait to check them out!
The full size version is $15, so I am guesstimating on the cost, but a little really does go a long way. The color on it’s own (Bam) is a rose pink, and it’s a little light for me. However, I put it over a red lip balm I wear often, and it looked great! It gave my lips a bit of shine, and added a bit of sparkle to my matte red.
The full size version is $72, but I think this sample will last awhile for one reason-not a fan. I have used other Juicy Couture scents (Viva La Juicy) and I liked them. But for some reason, I just didn’t vibe with this one. It says there are notes of candied apple, white petals and cashmere wood, but I found it heavy and rather cloying.
This sample is about a quarter of the full size, but you don’t need much so I think this will last me awhile. I don’t break out often-not that I consider this a great feat mind you, I am in my 40’s-but when I do I tend to get one or two white heads that are red and very sensitive to the touch. In the past, I’ve just waited them out and done my best to cover them up, but I’ll be darned if this product didn’t seem to speed along the recovery process! Paula’s Choice is new to me, the brand that is, but I like it-alot. They are made in the USA products that offer a 100% money back guarantee and NO animal testing. There are also no fragrances or dyes, which is nice as my skin can be weird sometimes.
This is shower gel-what else can I say? The scent is nice, I will say that. Last month’s body wash was rather masculine in my opinion, and I think this one has a more unisex scent to it-clean and fresh is the best way I can describe it.
This was the product I was most excited to try, and while it isn’t a complete disaster, I will say I will NOT use it one damp hair with a hair dryer again. It certainly added volume to my hair, but my hair looked more like bed head-and not the sexy kind-than Caribbean Vacation head. I like sea salt, my hair is heavy and rather straight, so anything to give me some waves that doesn’t involve a perm or hours with a curling iron is welcome in my morning routine, but this just didn’t work for me. I have not tried it on my hair when I let it air dry, perhaps that will have a better out come.
Over all, I’m loving my Birchboxes! It’s so much fun to get a pretty box in the mail and open it up to find all sorts of little things. This box has about $20 worth of samples, not bad for a ten dollar investment. And while I was not thrilled with a few of the samples-the Paula’s Choice and theBalm are great discoveries and worth the price of the box on their own.
I love getting this little box in the mail, and this box was a total winner for me as I found three products that I LOVE!
I do love these boxes! They are nice and sturdy, and have great little designs. You can’t see the bottom, but it looks like an old school composition book.
I picked the curated box this month, so I knew what I was getting ahead of time, still it’s fun to actually get it and try the products. The theme for this box is Beauty solutions-fixes for common problems: Flat hair, dull skin, etc.
Here is the flip side with a list of the items included, along with the prices for the full size items.
Dear Clark Volumizing Hair Tonic-$4.34 cents (Full size is $26)-I was very excited to try this sample. I have thin hair, but A LOT of it, so I’m always looking for products that will give it a boost. The fact that these are natural ingredients designed to help ‘stressed hair’ made it sound perfect for me! I wasn’t impressed. I LOVE the scent, a light rose scent, but it made my hair feel sticky and heavy.
derma e Evenly Radiant Brightening Day Creme SPF 15-$5.40 ($26.95 for the full size) I absolutely LOVE this! LOVE IT! This is a big sample, and will last a few weeks. I have already ordered the night creme, and can’t wait to add it to my routine. This creme is thick without feeling heavy, and the addition of SPF in the creme means I can skip a step. There is no scent and it’s a natural product. I think I have found my new skincare line!
Laura Geller Beauty Baked Blush -n-Brighten-$6.85 (full size $27.50) Another product I was excited to try. I also really like the little sample. It has a mirror in it! It’s a tiny mirror, and not effective for applying brush, but it shows an attention to detail that I appreciate. This is a wonderful neutral color and it gives a nice, light flush with just a hint of shimmer. I have a Nars Blush that I like right now, but when that’s a goner, think I will be replacing it with this lovely color.
SupergoopAdvanced SPF 37 Anti-Aging Eye Cream- $6 (full size $45) I wasn’t sure about this, but I gamely decided to try it out anyways. And it’s AMAZING! It’s supposed to help conceal dark circles and protect the delicate undereye skin. I’ll be darned if between this and the derma e my face doesn’t look brighter and more even toned. This stuff is amazing and I will be ordering more!
Whish Body Butter in Almond=$3.50 (full size $24)-I tried the Lavender scent in my first BirchBox, and it was nice. This is a nice lightly scented lotion. Not my favorite, and I probably won’t be rushing to buy it, but I might pick it up at some point. The almost scent is nice and subtle, and it isn’t too thick which makes it nice for warmer months.
For ten dollars, I got about $26 dollars worth of samples! (That’s my own math, but I don’t think I’m too far off) I found three amazing products, and got a lovely sample of lotion. I didn’t really like the hair tonic, but since I was intrigued by the product I at least now know it isn’t for me. If you are into makeup, haircare products, or skincare you just can’t go wrong with Birchbox. Since this is my third month, I also got a coupon for 20% off a purchase of $25 or more, which I used to get the derma e night cream. Can’t wait until next month!
As I mentioned yesterday there is a subscription box for everyone - including me!
I love to try new products, especially bath products. Lotion, body wash, shower gel, you name it. If it smells good, I’m game. Birchbox for Women is a little bit of all things beauty, and for ten dollars I had to give it a try.
This is the little box everything comes in. SO CUTE! It’s well made, and honestly would make a great box for a small gift. I’m keeping it just for that purpose.
Opening the box, I see this little postcard, and when I turn it over, there is a detailed list telling me what to expect in my first Birchbox.
And there you have it!
Along with the Whish Three Whishes Body Butter, you get a wonderful shot of my kitchen floor. (I canNOT wait to get ride of this vinyl!) This sample is valued (and I’m approximating here, based on the price of the full size version) at around $3.60. I will say, I don’t think there is anything special about this. A butter to me is going to be a bit thicker than a lotion, but this has the consistency of a lotion. Fine for warmer months, but not thick enough for the cold here in Virginia. This is their lavender version, and it’s a bit mild for me. I love the smell of lavender and with this you barely get that, and truth be told, I’m not even sure what you do get is a lavender scent. But, it is a nice size for traveling.
I have never heard of this brand before, but after getting this sample of Key West Aloe Gentle Aloe Facial Cleanser ($2.75), I looked them up, and I WILL be purchasing some of their products! Aloe Vera is wonderful for sunburn-soothing and moisturizing, so it makes sense that this would be a great product for sensitive skin. This a great sized sample, and the product is wonderful! Put a nickel sized amount in your hand, lather it up and massage your face. The scent it nice and light - maybe a hint of citrus. And it left my face feeling clean, but not stripped of oil.
Mirenesse Mattfinity Cream Lip Stain (or rouge) ($7) is another new brand to me. Lip stains, what I would call this, are not new to me. Benefit makes a great one, but I’m not sure what to make of this one. I will say this product is more moisturizing than many stains I have tried, but the color. WHOA! I like a good strong red, and I’m not afraid of color on my lips, but this one called New York had a very Crayola Neon Crayon feel to it. Great idea, bad color.
Sorry for the blurry photo. This is the Harvey Prince Hello Liquid Loofah exfoliating shower gel ($1). I’ve heard of the brand, but never tried their products. It says this scent has Sicilian lemons, Spanish mandarin and plumeria botanicals - sounds great, but for me it’s a decidedly masculine scent. It’s not overly so, and I would use it in a pinch, but I think I will be giving this to Roy, who said he liked the scent.
I read about these facial masks in one of my magazines a few months ago, so I am anxious to try it. I have not used the mask yet - hopefully will find some time tonight - but I like the idea. The bio-cellulose When Travelmate Sheet Mask ($7) is just that, a mask/sheet that you lay over your face while you relax. Ideally you leave this on for 30 minutes, and simply remove it and massage any leftover product into your face. Seems easy and simple. If this works (it says this mask is designed to soothe skin as you recover from sun, wind or dry air), I will be keeping a stock of these on hand!
I am thrilled with my first Birchbox! For ten dollars I got about $21 worth of product to try. I like that these are products I have not heard of or are not very familiar with as it gives me a chance to discover new brands. My favorite in this so far is the Key West Aloe Cleanser, but I can’t say I’m truly disappointed with anything. Even the Rouge/Stain - perhaps a different color would be more flattering. Shipping is free in the US, so for ten dollars I got some great samples and a few new things to try!
I’m not watching really, rather the younger boys are, and I am sitting here working on my story.
I put the movie on, and it had a preview for The Lion King. One of our favorite Disney movies. I think Corey would say Hercules is his. Joe likes The Lion King, and I am partial to Sleeping Beauty.
I don’t write many posts like this for one simple reason-makeup for the most part is not my thing.
I like lipstick, I figure it at least makes me look a bit more dressed up, but I usually wear tinted chapstick. I usually wear nail polish, but I do it myself, and one of my main reasons for doing so, is because I have big man hands, and I’m convinced that nail polish makes me look a bit more feminine.
I am RELIGIOUS about washing my face and using moisturizer, but I think it’s just a habit as opposed to a beauty ritual.
So here, my friends are a few of the products I love:
-Shampoo-YES this is a beauty product, and I like my hair to look clean, with bounce and fullness. (Ok, I’ll settle for clean) And so I like John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo and conditioner. And then I noticed that my hair felt limp, and my scalp was itchy. Of course, Lice was my first thought, and as I was making Roy check me for the fifth time that day (ok, not really five times in one day, but still) it dawned on me that this shampoo MUST be depositing something in my hair to make it look fuller. I asked Roy if he thought that might be it. "DUH!“ he told me and I went in search of some Head and Shoulders. It even has a yummy apple scent to it! That stuff is amazing at getting my hair clean, and it smells awesome to boot!
-Facial Cleanser-I started reading about Josie Maran cosmetics a few years ago, and let’s be real at 35, she looks at least a decade younger. So, I was curious to try her stuff, but put it off for some reason. Anyways, I was ordering something from Sephora when I noticed a little gift set with a few of her favorite products. I decided to give it a shot, and LOVED IT! So, I asked Roy to grab me her Cleansing Oil when we were at the mall last week. Now, I’ve only been using it for a week, but it works! or at least I think it does. My face feels clean, but not tight, and it washes right off. Yes, it’s an oil-an amazing smelling one at that-but it doesn’t leave a greasy film.
-Facial Moisturizer-and that leads me to my moisturizer. At one point, I would use whatever I had on hand. But, I’m getting older (about to hit the big 4-0!) and I’m vain enough to say that I want to keep the crow’s feet at bay for as long as possible, so I started looking into what I put on my face. And for the past few weeks, that’s been Josie Maran’s Light Argan Oil. Not sure what it does, but I’m convinced my skin has a dewy look and feel, and that’s good enough for me! Plus it sinks right in and is just heavy enough to feel like it’s doing a good job, but light enough to not feel funky and sticky-big no thanks for me when it comes to face stuff!
-Lip Gloss-I have a lot, a whole lot! Probably because its something I can put on my face to feel pretty, but not mess up a whole lot and end up looking like a street walker. I often use Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Cherry. Yes it smells like Cherries, yes it gives your lips a lovely muted color. 'Nuff said. Buxom Lip gloss in Brandi is nice, and there’s even something in it that is supposed to make your lips temporarily fuller. I don’t know what it is, and I’m not sure if it works, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t dig the tingly feeling I get after i use it-on my lips people! Don’t be pervy!
-Lip Stick-I usually use whatever color speaks to me at Target. Revlon and Cover Girl seem to be my go too’s. Lots of colors to choose from at great prices.
And finally, nail polish. My favorite!
As I said above, my hands are big. My fingers aren’t long and thin, they way I’m pretty sure women’s should be, so I try to grow my nails a bit and use nail polish. I’m convinced without it, I look like a man with women’s wedding rings on from the wrist down. And I’ve tried them all-OPI, Revlon, Cover Girl, Julep, Essie, SAlly Hansen, you name it I’ve tried it. And then I found it….
While placing my Josie Maran order on Sephora I needed only 10 more dollars to get free shipping. Never mind that the nail polish cost more than paying for shipping-I wanted free shipping dammit! So, I decided to try a bottle of Sephora’s Formula X-and I am so glad I did! It’s amazing!
I don’t know how many colors they have to choose from, but I can tell you it’s a whole lot. But the best thing-ONE COAT! Yep, one coat is all you need, of even the darkest colors. Roy and Dean bought me a dark blue color-Desire-and one coat was all it took to give my nails a beautiful rich shine. I will ONLY be using this from now on.
So, if you are in VA and want some free, only slightly used nail polish let me know, I can set ya up!
Tess Holliday is all over the news lately. The plus size model-she says she wears a size 22-is breaking down walls and barriers. She is the first plus sized model to be signed to a mainstream agency, but it’s her attitude that seems to be causing the most uproar.
“eff your beauty standards.”
That seems to be her catch phrase, and her confidence is admirable, maybe even something to aspire too. But is she here to stay?
MOST women aren’t model thin. Even women that wear a size four might not have perfect abs, or gorgeous breasts. No, we are all different. On a good week, I’m a size 8-10. Sometimes, especially when it comes to jeans, I wear a 12. I have HUGE calves, and though the waist and hips are a bit big, I simply wear a belt and cover the waistband. I have a large chest and I have hips and a behind. A few years ago, I worked my butt off-literally-and lost a lot of weight. I had to be meticulous about everything I put in my mouth, and I worked HARD at the gym- not just “time to do my cardio” hard, but hard! I lifted heavy weights, many times as much as Roy or Corey did (with my lower body, Roy’s upper body is much stronger than I will every be). I did twice as much cardio. And I was toned! I was thinner, but was I happy?
Ultimately, right around my 40th birthday, I locked the bathroom door, and took off my clothes. I took a good long look at myself in the mirror.
Breasts-not as perky as they used to be, for sure! But they look ok with a good bra.
Stomach-I have a pooch, it’s not flat anymore.
Behind-I’m pretty happy with it! It’s held up ok after five kids.
I’ve always had broad shoulders, thick arms and thick legs.
And then I looked at my face in the magnified mirror Roy uses to shave, “Crap my face is big!” was my first reaction, but I soldiered on. I have some freckles across the bridge of my nose, but wait a minute…I look…pretty?
No, I don’t think I’m the next Kate Beckinsale (I love her!) or Jennifer Aniston (also love her!), but I took a good long look at myself and wait a minute? I was happy with what I saw.
I’m not as thin or toned as I was three years ago, I put on about 15 pounds, but I’m happy. I earned my stretch marks, and the little lines that pop up around my eyes when I laugh-they’re there because I’m laughing! Because I’m happy. After 40 years, I was finally ok in my own skin.
And I think that’s all Miss Holliday is saying. I don’t think, or at least I’ve never read anything, she is telling people to be her size. I don’t think she is knocking people that are smaller, or go to the gym more often. Rather, I think she’s saying I don’t have to be a size 4 to be beautiful.
No, she isn’t traditionally beautiful, but she’s a beautiful woman, and I think a lot of that comes from her attitude. Her struggle to believe in herself and to understand that just because she’s heavy it doesn’t mean she’s inconsequential.
That’s something to aspire too, no matter what size you are.
No, I’m not saying pull a Playboy Centerfold move-I’m talking a naked face. Now let me explain my reason for this post. If you’ve followed me for any length of time you might notice that I rarely post about makeup. You might have even read some of my posts saying I’m not a make up person at all. My reasoning might be a bit different-it isn’t that I have anything against it, it’s-to be honest-that I don’t really like/know how to apply it!
I love a sexy smoky eye and I think I’ve worn it (well, worn it so it looked good!) twice in my life: My wedding and to a formal office party Roy’s work had. Both times I had my makeup done professionally. Oh, I’ve played around with it. One memorable time I tried to use liquid eyeliner-and one eye was looking good! And then I slipped and got eyeliner all over my cheek-not a good look. I just can’t apply it so that it looks sexy as opposed to overdone, so I rarely bother. If we are doing a nice dinner out, I might put on some mascara, but that’s about it.
On the other hand, after 41 years, I’m happy with my skin. I apply sunscreen daily, and moisturize every night. I wash it and exfoliate, and I’m pretty happy. As a result, I don’t see much of a need for foundation. I MIGHT use a bit of concealer around my eyes if it was a bad night, but I use my favorite pressed powder, a bit of blush and I’m good to go.
I also like my lips-they are full and nicely shaped, and I do love lipstick! Probably because it isn’t hard to apply. But I will play them up.
Ok, back to the reasoning behind this post. A dear friend has a very sweet daughter. She’s a great kid-smart, funny and outspoken in a good way. Today she made a Facebook post talking about makeup and how it’s used to hide our natural self. She challenged people to post a naked selfie. Now, for me-no problem! All of my selfie’s are barefaced, because that’s just me, BUT it got me thinking.
Her message is a great one. Strong and powerful, but perhaps missing a few key points. When you are 17-you’re still young! Beautiful, firm skin is still something you might not appreciate. You have a natural glow-so dismissing makeup as camouflage or armor is easy-most young girls don’t need it!
BUT, what about the new mother that can’t get any sleep but has an important meeting the next day? Or the 41 year old mother of five that looks pale, because she’s been inside all day cleaning?
But most importantly, makeup isn’t about armor or camouflage-it’s about enhancing what you feel good about. My mom is a wiz with makeup-the brushes come out, a few strokes here, a dab there and she looks made up, but natural. She always told me, makeup is about making you feel good about stepping out. Period. She never told me it was about hiding flaws. So, that’s how I always approached it-play up what you like, and feel good about yourself.
THAT IS expressing your natural beauty. THAT IS showing what makes you feel good. IF you use makeup as a means to hide your flaws, but that allows you to walk with your head up and a smile on your face-well, why are we saying that’s a bad thing?
Now, I’m not suggesting you pull a Tammy Faye Baker and put a drag queen to shame, but if a smoky eye and some red lipstick makes you feel like you can take on the world, why is that a bad thing?
At 17, I teased my friends for wearing foundation.
“Come on! We’re going to miss the movie, all because you need to put on your face?”
My friend rolled her eyes at me, and yet when she was done she had a smile on her face. She had (and she was the first to admit this) bad acne, and a scar on her cheek. She had learned, at that young age, how to hide them a little bit, enough so that she was not self conscience. At the time, I was just annoyed because I had to sit around and wait for her, but looking back I kind of wonder why I cared? IT made her feel good about herself. That little bit of contouring made it so she didn’t find excuses to hold her hand to her cheek to hide her scar-it made her feel beautiful. And when she FELT beautiful, everyone got to see just how truly beautiful she was.
There will always be women that feel uncomfortable going out of the house without their armor, but many women use it to enhance the features they like about themselves, and by doing so that allows them to show the world their most beautiful self.
When I was younger, I plastered my walls with photos from fashion magazines. My dad was actually surprised that I didn’t have boys all over my walls. I loved clothes, loved the beautiful pictures, and this is one cover that I still love to this day. Paulina Porizkova was just beautiful.
I had read about the FabFitFun* box on another site - My Subscription Addiction - and I wavered for a few weeks before I decided to jump in.
A few things first…
1) I am sure Roy is regretting showing me the other site, as I LOVE it. I look at it constantly and want 85% of what they post about. As you can tell, I’m sort of addicted to subscription boxes right now. But they are fun, and I figured I’d share the ones I’m willing to spend a few dollars on.
2) My husband saw me eyeing this box and wanted to get it for me. I said no, don’t worry about it, and two days later I ordered it for myself. Now I see why Roy hates shopping for me!
Anyway, I knew what I was going to get in this box, but that didn’t stop my excitement. When I got it in the mail, I ran into the house and rivaled Dean in ripping everything open. Luckily, Roy works fast and got a shot of it before I tore through it all!
As you can see, you get all kinds of goodies in this box!
Here is the little booklet detailing what comes in the box, and it does a good job explaining what each item is, a bit about the brand, and approximate retail value. So let’s dive in…
I was initially a bit worried about this peel. My face is wonky, and sometimes things I wouldn’t expect to bother me end up causing issues. The box said to expect a bit of redness, and a slight tingly sensation. I decided to try this on my day off, that way if I had issues, I didn’t go to work with a red, hivey face. The directions are simple. You simply slather it on clean skin, leave it on for ten minutes, and rinse it off. So, that’s what I did! I did get a bit of a tingly sensation, but my face wasn’t red when I rinsed it off! I can’t say for sure if it did anything, but I thought my face looked… brighter? More radiant? I don’t know. Either way, I thought it gave me a bit of a dewy look, and I can appreciate that.
I LOVE this necklace. About five years ago, two siblings (Carmen and Christian Black) came up with the idea of using recycled bullet casings, and the idea to “Fight back against hunger” was born. Not only does this contribute to a worthy cause (it says the necklace gives seven meals to a hungry child) but it’s a damn stylish accessory as well. Looking at the website, there are a number of different styles, and again it’s a worthy cause. Think I’ll be purchasing a few more, and I believe they would make nice gifts as well.
Zumba 60 Minute DVD “Max”- The insert from FabFitFun (FFF from now on) says this is worth $30. I couldn’t find the exact figure on the site, but there are other single DVD’s for $22.50, so I’m leaning toward a lower retail value here.
I haven’t tried this DVD out to be honest with you. I’ve done Zumba a few times at the gym, and I prefer hip hop classes, as I like the music better. BUT, we decided to stop our gym membership, so who knows - this DVD might come in handy. Zumba is a fun and energetic workout, and I like that.
We also received a $25 gift card, and the tank in the picture is what I bought with mine. I have a larger chest, and I don’t like tanks that are too tight, so I got a large. Unfortunately, it is HUGE! I like the bright colors, and it’s a great style, but it’s just too big for me. On the other hand, using the GC was simple, and I got my tank in two days.
I got the Pomegranate scented candle, and while I like the scent, this is no different than any other candle you can buy at your local Target or Walmart. In fact, I like Yankee Candle better, as the scent in this Daniel Stone Candle is so light, I simply smell nothing as it burns. According to the website, the Coconut Wax they use in the candles provides the cleanest burn available. Meaning no toxins released into the air. I certainly like that… but I want to SMELL the pomegranate!
Whew, that’s a mouthful! I have no problem, much to Roy’s chagrin, with paying for proven work horses. If this worked, I’ll shell out almost $100 for it. Since turning 40, I’m a bit paranoid about the skin on my face. I search daily for lines, wrinkles, etc. Well, I used this for about two weeks and saw no difference.
“I see no difference!” I complained to Roy one night.
He sighed and picked up the bottle. “You have no wrinkles, silly. What’s it going to do?”
Maybe he had a point, I don’t know. But I can’t say for sure if this did anything, and for the price I want some results!
The two colors I received are Glistening Grey and Swedish Winter. Listen, I’ll be honest - eye makeup is not my thing. NOT because I don’t like the way it looks, but because I’m inept when it comes to applying it. I did make an effort with these two behind a locked door. I LOVE the grey color, and if I can figure out how to do a smokey eye, this would be perfect. Just a hint of shimmer, but not enough to make me feel like a 15 year old rocking some glitter. The Winter is a bit too light for my complexion, but again maybe it’s my inexperience when it comes to applying it. They were easy to remove and a little seems to go a long way, but for me this is expensive when it comes to eye shadow. I just don’t use it enough to want to spend that kind of money on one little pot.
This seems like a great idea. But I would venture it’s more for a beginning cook. I consider myself a fairly experienced cook, and my preferred way of dealing with a recipe is to look at it in a magazine or cookbook if I’m trying something new. However, I think this would be a wonderful gift for someone just starting out! So, I’m going to pass it on to my sister.
This is wonderful! Not too thick, which I have found some hand cremes to be. And there is a lovely, subtle scent. I am not sure what Evening Primrose smells like, but I get a nice rose scent here. I love this, and look forward to trying more products from Lather.
This is a wonderful idea! The site takes some gently worn, and some new things with tags still on it, designer brands, sells them at a steep discount and donates a portion to a specific charity. This is what I bought with my GC. This is from J.Crew, and it’s a lovely burnished gold blouse. It is sheer, but I figure with a tank under it, it will look great with jeans or I can dress it up a bit with black pants. There is a larger selection if you are smaller (4-6). For me, I’m all over the place - some things I wear an 8, some a ten, and some a 12 (I like a more flowing silhouette, so sometimes I go up a size). I’m usually a ten, but anyway. I was pleased with my pick, though I haven’t worn it yet, but some people that ordered a purse or shoes said the items were beyond ‘gently used’ and they would not wear them. So, I would say that perhaps this site is hit or miss. Great cause, but if I am going to get something that was pre-owned, maybe seeing it before I buy it is a better option.
FabF itFun* is sent out four times a year, and is $49.99 a box. I had a coupon and saved ten dollars on mine. This is a wonderful box. I wasn’t thrilled with everything in the box. If I was going to buy these items, I would purchase the necklace, the hand creme, and the Juice beauty peel. Those three items alone would run me about $91, so with just those three items I got my money’s worth. I might not purchase from Fashion Project again, but I got a lovely blouse (though I can’t find it anywhere online, so I don’t know how much it initially retailed for). I might not purchase the eye shadow again, but if I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll use them. And the candle is lovely, and we will use it.
FFF does include some items from sponsors. In this box, I got Organic Valley Balance Milk Protein Shake, Justin’s Classic Almond Butter, and a Special K Snack Bar. I don’t know if the snack bar is any good. I left it on the counter, and Addi ate it. He liked it. The Almond Butter was very gritty, but I am not sure if that’s normal. The Protein Shake was ok. I didn’t finish it as I found it very sweet.
All in all this box is worth (and this is based on what I saw on the websites) almost $371! FFF says $383, so I’m not too far off. I did include the value of the gift cards, as I made sure to use them, rather than let them get lost on my desk, which I have done in the past.
I think I’ll stick around with this membership, as the box is just a joy to get!
*Link with the star is a referral links, but you can save too using the code “NEW5”
Sooo, I make a pact with myself to spend more time giving in to my feelings of restlessness when it comes to writing…and than I don’t write for four day? Go figure!
It could be because our timeline got moved up.
What timeline you ask?
Well, I’ll tell ya, Hayden is a Freshman this year, Dean is in fifth grade-so he’ll start middle school next year, and Roy works about 60 miles from home. NOT horrible, until you factor in rush hour traffic. Sometimes, Roy gets into the office in an hour an a half, sometimes it take twice that-my goal was to move the summer before Hayden’s junior year. That would give him two years at a new high school, Dean would have two years at the middle school before moving into HS, but my husband is beat. With the new position he accepted, he’s going in almost daily-and I know it’s hard on him. So, we’re looking to move in just a few months!
Ugh, I said it out loud
We’ve been here so long, I forgot why I dislike the process. Getting the house ready, finding a new house…and than there’s THE PURGE.
I decided to start small, something no one could have any say over-my closet. I listed items on ebay, I put aside items for a yard sale-and felt accomplished until I looked at my closet. Pretty sure it looks no different. When did I accumulate so much stuff?
To be fair, Roy’s side of the closet looks similar. I tell the man he needs to purge and he gives me two t-shirts-out of the 50 he owns-though he only wears about 10. He has a t-shirt that he wears constantly (I wash it, he wears it-vicious cycle) that I can see through-I kid you not. It didn’t start out like that, he just wears it constantly! To boot-it says Grooveshark (does anyone even remember what that is?) and he got it for free! Not that there’s anything wrong with promotional swag-I love my pens, but when it’s starting to disintegrate, maybe it’s time to move on?
Now, for my case I realized I have way to many shirts with goofy sayings. Some I bought for the specific purpose of basketball games-I have a few with sayings, or Hayden’s number, etc. But most say ridiculous things like, “More Tacos please.” I’m not sure why I need three shirts that say that-especially when all are just different shades of grey.
And you’d think when the shirts hold no real sentimental value it would be easy to let go of-apparently, it is not. You never know when you might find yourself in desperate need of tacos and maybe you’ve lost your voice? I don’t know…
And let’s not even get in to my legging collection. Now, in the winter I do wear them-daily for the most part. I wear tunics and leggings, or a sweater and leggings, etc. They’re warm and cute-the more colorful the better! But I’m short, so specific brands fit me best-so why do I have pair after pair that are too big?
I think there was a time when I bought clothes to make myself happy-I was feeling out of sorts, sad-and when I worked through that-I was left with a packed closet. And so, THE PURGE commenced.
I truly hope the kitchen isn’t like this-or you’ll find me crying in the shower…
