Birchbox: Heritage

     October eve...and the time I have deemed for my September Birchbox post. I love Autumn weather and I'm always anxious to see what products I'll find and love. I always seem to put in much more effort outwardly than any other season. That being said, this box has things off to a good start.

*amika Blow Up Spray...a lightweight must that adds lift and shine for a polished blowout. This can be used on damp hair before you blow dry or lightly on dry hair for a light hold. I work at a blow dry bar so I'm particular about what I use. I prefer, as far as blow dry sprays go, the 450 spray by Sexy Hair. It is perfect for taming frizz and getting the perfect amount of polish and shine. I thought this spray by amika was a little heavy oil-wise, so it really needs to be used sparingly. I also feel like it didn't give a lot of lift as it claims to. It's $24 for the full size bottle, so Sexy Hair is still a better deal!!

*Caudalie Make-up Remover Cleansing Water...I love a good makeup remover, I use them everyday!! This remover isn't a wipe though. You soak a cotton pad/ball and apply it wherever you need to take your makeup off. It contains botanicals to soothe the skin do it's really gentle, yet effective enough to remove mascara gently.

*Coastal Scents eye shadow...I think at this point we have all used, or at least heard of Coastal Scents. They have affordable palettes and the colors are really buildable and blendable. Plus, coupled with the right base you get great pay out and longevity. They sent me 4 mini colors that are great for fall (sn: I still don't know how to get pictures from my iPhone to the blog without using Google+)

*Ruffian Nail Lacquer in the color Hedge Fund... This was my first run in with Ruffian and I love it. The bottles are so cute and unique (please Google !!). I got a really pretty metallic green color (Hedge Fund). Ruffian is actually a fashion label and this polish is from their first lacquer line. Full size is $10...so more expensive than Essie and OPI but cheaper than, say, Butter.

*Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream... I love my Origins so now I'm starting to be a little bit of a skin care snob, even more so since the melanoma. This cream is supposedly sworn by celebrities and health professionals for its all natural properties. It is marketed to moisturize, fight wrinkles and treats burns and bruises. So, in theory it seems pretty spectacular, and I think I'll do more research and maybe give it a try to see if it is as all purpose as it says.

Everyone gets a slightly different Birchbox each month so if you get one and want to share, leave a link or comment below. I hope everyone is enjoying this Autumn weather even though some days have been quite hot!!

XO,
J <3

Birchbox: Finishing School

     It really is no secret that I have been anything but friends with technology lately. I still can't figure out how to upload pictures from my new phone to my blog posts, my new camera takes rad pictures but I have no clue where the cord is to connect to the computer, and my old point and shoot camera keeps acting up and despite having the warranty, Best Buy is not being too helpful in getting it replaced. However, I can load to Facebook, so if you visit my business page (Pretty & Clever by Jacqueline Clark) there are pics from the AUGUST Birchbox there, along with a lipstick swatch. I'll get it all together soon and hopefully for the September BB (which I got in the mail yesterday) I will be back on track. So, regardless, here is the breakdown for the August Box.

Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation

This is sitting right on my makeup table ready to try. Several shade samples were included too. It's a lightweight foundation that is supposed to have a sulky texture to brighten, perfect and soothe the skin with ejitsu rose. So, obviously there are some natural ingredients in this, but rose is one of those that, for me, is really hit or miss when added to products. This Becca foundation is also supposed to be buildable, which is good if there are days you need a more full coverage application. Full size retails for $42, so as far as foundations go this is on the higher end price point wise.

ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick

I really don't have anything bad to say about ModelCo. I like their lipgloss, even though it is sticky compared to others I use, and their mascara is actually pretty good for getting that ultimate combination of length and volume. ModelCo now has these Party Proof lipsticks ($24 for a set of 3), that have a semi-matte finish that hydrates your lips and provides a lasting pigment. As for hydrating, my lips have been really dry lately so I still put on a lip balm first regardless. But I do feel that the pigment does last a fair amount if time, longer if you are finishing with a gloss top coat.

Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect

This is a sulfate-free leave- in conditioner that protects color and blocks UV Rays. I believe everyone can benefit from a leave-in conditioner and this one retails full size for $32. My favorite is 7 Seconds by Unite, which is a slightly less expensive salon product. Comparable would also be the leave-in by Healthy Sexy Hair, which has a moderate price point.

Whish Exfoliating Body Wash

My extent of use for this one so far is to pop the top and smell it...which, it smells amaze; most likely due to the fact that it is a coconut-rich scrub that brightens and exfoliates with sugar cane and bamboo powder...pretty much everything I look for in a quality exfoliator, so I will be using this bad boy in the next few days. Full size retails for about $20

And finally...

Whish Hair Inhibiting Deoderant Swipes

Now this is certainly something I've never seen before!! These are wipes that not only fight odor like a Deoderant, but also slow hair growth. I really don't know how I feel about these, haha. You "sweep" a wipe across your arm pit in the morning, or whenever you need a refresher throughout the day. Personally, I would just much rather have my Degree take care of that department, but if something works, it works!! We shall indeed see.

Hope everyone had a fabulous summer and is enjoying September so far!! Since I didn't post yesterday I just want to take a minute to remember all those we lost on September 11, 2001. Always in our hearts and never to be forgotten. Stay safe all. Peace and Love.

XO,

J <3.  

Fight Like a Girl Pt. 3

For those of you that have been following my journey with melanoma this is part 3 of 3 of the story I had originally set out to share. Recovery at home after surgery was thankfully pretty comfortable. After day 2 of the excision procedure I was okay when I first came back home, then again I was also still numb from the local anesthetic. My best took off work to take me since the permanent roommate had a whole to do at work and they wouldn't let him leave, but that is a long story in itself and I'm over it at this point. So we watched Silver Linings Playbook and crashed on the couch. My pain level was okay and I believe I did take a dose of pain meds. Hours later when my husband was getting home he walked in to find me kneeled in the floor hanging onto the couch, pretty much writhing in pain. Needless to say, more pain meds, as would be the trend for the coming week. I took about a week off work to recover. My job involves a lot of up and down arm movements and my incision is on my upper left side towards my back, I needed to make sure I was able to function well enough to go back . Even after returning to work I had moments where I felt I just couldn't lift like I used to. Over the coming weeks it subsided but I still feel a burning sensation over the scar area from time to time, which only calls to mind Harry Potter and his lighting bolt scar that burned whenever he-who-must-not-be-named was near.

About a week after my surgery I went back in to have that top layer of stitches out, as the bottom 2 layers would dissolve on their own in those coming 6-8 weeks. Removing the stitches was actually painless, although I hear that can vary person to person.

I'm left with this scar now, about 6 inches in length. The doctor compared its healing to that of a cat scratch. It looks more like a lion got of hold me, but a lion is a cat indeed. I look in the mirror at that scar time to time and I can feel the tears building in my eyes. It is a flaw, and I think of how in attractive it must appear to others, as it did to me. I say did rather than the present tense of does because I look at it now not only as a reminder of everything it represents but also it's just plain bad ass, really, you should see it. I earned that scar, I pretty literally fought for it. I beat cancer. And you know what, I've never seen my husband ogle at it or even give the slightest indication it bothered him in any way shape or form. That's amazing to me. And if anyone else thought it as unappealing then that's solely their problem. It's a mark of survival and a mark of pride, which are some of the reasons I've opted not to have any laser treatments done. I might try some drugstore products meant to lighten scars and such but that would be the extent of that.

I had my second body check (first one since the surgery) last month and they didn't have to biopsy anything and the dermatologist wasn't concerned about anything this visit. My next scheduled visit is in December so I'll just keep hoping for more great results!!

And just to be 100% clear, I actually haven't tanned at all since January!! I haven't even spray tanned. I just again want to urge everyone to avoid tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure before you have to learn your lesson the way I did. Opt for sunless tanning or bronzers. Your skin will thank you now, 10 years from now and for life!! And in reality I'd rather be pale and look young into my years, than be tan, leathery and aged!!! I always feel like I'm missing a talking point or two when I tell of a story over extended time, so if there seems like a big blank exists in my account just let me know so I can accommodate any answers to other questions.

I do hope everyone had a fabulous summer now that fall is upon us. Autumn is my favorite season, which comes as no surprise to those who know me personally. Starbucks seasonal drinks, cute clothes, boots, Halloween, my anniversary...and so much more!!

XO,
J <3.

Review: Ernest Supplies Cooling Shave Cream

     The permanent roommate (aka my husband) decided finally to offer me feedback on a product from one of his Birchbox Man boxes!! This product came from his August box: Cooling Shave Cream by Ernest Supplies. It's a low-lathering formula that protects the skin with jojoba and macadamia oils, then cools the skin with menthol. I asked my P.R. to give me his thoughts on the product so I could put a little posty post together, and here's what he had to say...

"I shave every other day and I have dry skin sometimes because I have to work to get a close shave. I also get a lot of razor burn and bumps. I liked that this shaving cream still let me see the hair on my face so I could get a nicer, cleaner shave. My skin looked and felt smooth after using it, and looked and felt really healthy too. I also liked that the oils in the shave cream smelled really good, so that was nice. I would use this more often if it cost less".

So there you have the man's opinion and it looks like this product is a winner!! The full size is $25 so it is a little pricy compared to stuff you find at Walgreens and Target. But if your man is like mine, or you are a man like mine, then the price is worth it to not have to buy extra bump creams and aftershave and moisturizers I suppose.

Look for more PR Reviews, because I'm going to force them out of him, haha. Hope everyone is off to a great start this week, and look for my August Birchbox post soon!!

XO,
J <3
(& J!!)

Birchbox: Power Play.

POWER PLAY: Noun. \'pau(-e)r 'pla\

A move that puts an individual in a position of victory and strength...and/or maximizes one's happiness or confidence...and allows for extreme freedom.

((ok, so the phonetics may not have worked out correctly as I typed them, but I do fancy that definition))

Do you ever think you are starting to be on top of things...work, cleaning, organizing, what have you?? I totally had that moment and then when my August Birchbox came in today I was going to write my open box thoughts/review and realized that I never posted anything on July. I blame the Royal Baby...oh Royal Baby.

Then I remembered that I did in fact take pictures of the July open box, but that they were on my android and I now have the iphone...so the best I can do is offer my thoughts on this one, guys.

**CONTENTS**

*Kerastase Fondant Chroma Captive-Treat.Hair products...oh my indifference yet snobbiness to them. This one claims to use ionic technology to keep hair color shiny and vibrant for up to 40 days longer than if you didn't use it. Sorry, but I am a pretty much a creature of habit and already gave this to my mom.

*ModelCo FIBRE LASHXTEND Lenghtening Mascara

Mascara. Sweet, sweet Jesus I am a mascara whore. Yes, whore. This fiber mascara is actually really nice, and they sent me the full size which retails for $24. The formula is a little wet in comparison to my other daily mascaras, but it is also quite buildable and workable to get that separation and lengthening effect. I do like this better than Maybelline Falsies for the record.

*theBalm cosmetics InStain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush

I am forever smitten with theBalm cosmetics, so I always love seeing them in my Birchbox. This one is a long wear blush that really does last all day, even if you don't set it with setting spray!! A little goes a long way too, so a $22 full size price isn't too too crazy considering that. Oh a swatch, a swatch, my kingdom for a swatch. Check out their site to see all the radness...believe me, all of their products are amaze.

*BENTA BERRY G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream

This is a french brand, so I was excited to try, although I haven't yet. I actually just tossed it in my bathroom drawer to be next in line for use I do believe. It is supposed to both hydrate and purify because of the ingredients of blueberry and dead nettle...interesting combination, huh?? Full size is $22 so I may do further investigation on this. Right now I am so in love with my Origins Vitazing moisturizer.

*BIRCHBOX bobbypins

They're fun and glittery and who doesn't need extra bobby pins. ::especially ones that sparkle::

There you have it. I have already unboxed the August box and taken photos. My husband received his second Birchbox man box this month and let me tell you, the male boxes are incredible...so much good stuff and he uses almost all of it!!!! It's $20/month vs. the $10/month for BB classic, but seems so worth it so far. I'm hoping he will give me some reviews on some things too so I can post from a male perspective!!

Hope everyone is set up for a fabulous weekend.

XO,

J <3.

"Keep your head up, or else the crown falls"

The Royal Baby.

     I have been pretty exciteable, shall we say, over the birth of the Royal Baby pretty much since Kate's pregnancy was announced. If you know me, or follow my business page on Facebook, then you know I try to stay on top of my Royal news and kept everyone updated, whether they wanted to be or not, on the Royal Bump/Baby watch. So the day before yesterday when my royal baby app ((yes, of course there is an app) went a buzzing with news that Kate gave birth to the new Prince of Cambridge (4:24pm London time, 8lbs 6oz) I was markedly smitten and we all began the loose countdown until Kate & Will would appear on the steps of the Lindo wing of St. Mary's debuting their son (whose name will be announced later).
     I was watching E! for a good portion of yesterday afternoon since they were live streaming the event and I'm not going to lie, I was slightly emotional when Kate walked out holding that precious little baby. If you didn't have baby fever before, you surely do now!!
Sidenote: typing a blog post from your cell phone in the middle of a thunderstorm does not help upload all my Royal Baby photos!! I'm quite sure we have all seen them by now, they're pretty unavoidable.
     Anyway, the moment that Kate appeared carrying that baby, Will at her side, I was glued. She looked so beautiful and happy. I was surprised that they held a little impromptu press conference but it was refreshing to see them outside the royal light as just new parents. Kate's polka dot Jenny Packham dress was perfection, as was she and Will both wearing pale blue in honor of the new prince. Then when Will put the baby in his own car and actually drove it himself, I thought that was super presh!!
     Everyone continued to speculate when we would hear the baby's name. Charles and Diana waited a week to announce William's name and Elizabeth and Philip waited a month to debut Charles's name, so I was surprised when we all learned this morning that the baby was named George Alexander Louis, which I find to be quite a regal name. A lot of people were of course quick to offer their opinion of the name, and I don't want to get all historical but the name is quite significant!!
     So, I think we all are beginning to see the hype wind down, which I find to be a bummer because it was nice to have good news in the headlines. I will, however, remain a royal family follower. There are just a few more things I wanted to add to my royal baby write up: Kate went through natural childbirth as planned (and I haven't come across a source saying otherwise as of now), which I find to be quite admirable. I haven't given birth yet so I can't speak from experience, but this certainly speaks as to part of why she is my role model. Also Kate has been buying several nursing gowns/dresses pointing at the likelihood that yes, she is breastfeeding baby George. Of course she is! She's amazing!! Seriously though, it's really lovely to see her already being such a hands-on mom, especially when you look into the history of children born into the monarchy.
     News stands are going to be plastered with all of this this weekend, so you know I'll be all about that!! Call me a nerd for the things I fan girl over, but I can't help what I'm drawn too, haha. I've always been highly interested in British royalty, all through college and now, so my love of the royals, Kate in particular, is actually pretty fitting. I could go on and on, but I really did try to condense this post for my own sanity over attention to details. If you actually haven't seen the royal baby pictures so far released, they are on my business Facebook page (pretty and clever by Jacqueline Clark) and on my Instagram (jacquelinecxo).

Hope everyone is having a lovely week thus far!!
XO,
J <3.

Fight Like a Girl, Pt. II

   If you haven't read part 1 you might want to read that first... Picking up where I left off... On May 24 I had day 1 of 2 of my excision procedure. I went in full of anxiety despite the valium I had taken prior. My sister works at the office, as I mentioned before, so luckily she was able to come back with me and take me home that day. The first day was not as bad as I expected, they referred to it as a "glorified biopsy". They used local anesthetic injections and removed what appeared to be a silver dollar size amount of skin from the melanoma site. That sample was rushed to a pathology lab to check for clear margins and other things. They cauterized the area and packed it with bandaging to last me until the next morning when part two of the procedure was to be performed. To be honest I was not in a great deal of pain that day, just nervous for day 2.
   My best friend took off work to come with me day 2 ((because of my husband's new work contact they wouldn't allow him the time off to come with me either day)). We got three and they told me all the margins from the area removed came back  clear, meaning they got all the melanoma from the site. Good news. I had taken 2 valium before this procedure, but being numbed with the local anesthetic is still no walk in the park. Its lots of multiple little behind sticks that burn!! They even played John Mayer on Pandora to help relax me. When she began to make the incision (they have to remove an additional perimeter of the area as precaution), part of the anesthesia didn't take so I actually felt the scalpel!!! Yes, it hurt. I cannot express that enough. So, more anesthetic sticks. So, forthe rest of the removal I got along fairly well. Then as she went to cauterize I started feeling the burn again, and that combined with the smell of burning flesh... No good. So, more anesthetic. Next was the stitches, I hadvs row of 7 and a 2nd row of 9 stitches that would dissolve in time. I also had to have a third row of stitches... The long continuous stitch kind, that would be taken out about a week later. Again, when she started the last line of stitches I was feeling things again, cue more anesthetic. But, I did make it through. Thank you Jesus.
     After a lot of bandaging and administering of after care information and scheduling of follow up appointments I was able to go home, cancer free!!
     Luckily I have an amazing best friend who was able to keep me company the rest of the day, because the road of recovery was just beginning.
((part 3 coming soon))

Be safe in the sun guys!! You'll be doing yourself a favor, believe me!!

XO,
J.