Birchbox: Transformations

     My October Birchbox came in the mail today!! (also packages from eBay and Urban Decay, so yeah buddy)...I was good about posting my first impressions on the September box last month, so I figured why not post on the same day again! There's lots of exciting stuff coming up, exciting to me anyway, so I want to make sure I start managing the blog more regularly; make sure to subscribe to this blog to be updated! Let's see, I've had Birchbox for about a year, if not already a year now, and there's only been one or two boxes I wasn't amazingly thrilled by. At first I thought this box was going to be less than ideal, but 2 little products salvaged those thoughts so I will label October's box as a winner!

Box contents.


*Lucy B Pink Frangipani & Wild Jasmine Roll-On Perfume Oils ...These perfume oils are made from the essences of Australian flowers, and you can wear them separately or blend them together.  I haven't tried them yet since I'm already scented up for the day, but I used to work in a custom scent shop and I remember liking the way frangipani smelled when blended with other aromatics.

*Ouidad Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel ...I've heard of this brand but I've never actually tried it. This is actually a frizz fighting gel to keep hair manageable. You put in on your hair while it's damp, and it enhances hair's natural texture. I don't have lots of frizz problems, just the occasional day or two, but this problem made me think of my mom since we try several different products when I do her tri-weekly blowouts and style, so I'm thinking I might try this out and update later.

theBalm cosmetics Mary-Lou Manizer ...I had a total MUA OMG (Makeup Artist's Oh-My-Gaw) moment when I saw this. First, I have seen and heard amazing things about this makeup line and have been wanting to get my hands on it for sometime. Now I finally have my chance with this 3-in-1 highlighter, shadow and all-over shimmer. I'm already in love with the champagne shade (I should have swatched this!). Plus, look at the packaging, it's adorable! All of their packaging is amazing and I can't wait to try and write about more from this line!



theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer.

*Vivita Pro: Vitamins A15 and C10 ...These are little capsules you twist open and smooth over your face and neck. The concentrated Vitamin C brightens your skin tone and the Vitamin A refines your pores. I will be trying these because I think my skin needs a little extra dose of something to keep it healthy and radiant during this shift into cooler weather.
*LUNA Protein bar: Chocolate Peanut Butter ...this was actually the other redeeming quality of the box at first glance, before reading into the other products. I love LUNA bars, and I was hungry when I opened this up this morning so it was a good on-the-spot snack fix. The flavor was yummy, I can vouch for that right now, and I recommend LUNA bars 100%. SN: you can usually get a good deal on boxes at Target!

Hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather, aside from sinuses and dry skin/hair. I'm looking forward to getting my new hair extensions this week and Melting Pot on Saturday with my husband to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary. Right now, CSI is on and Nick Stokes (played by George Eades) is calling my name!
XOXO,
J.



It's a love story, baby just say yes.

     7 years ago today my husband proposed to me under a gazebo at one of our favorite little beach spots (which has since been built up for tourism purposes). When I recount the day for others I always talk about how my husband called me an "ass" during our proposal. Yes, an "ass"!! But, it is actually a wonderfully cherished part of the proposal that we laugh at everytime we talk about it. And since not a lot of people know much more than that he called me such, I wanted to make a post about the proposal so everything can be put into context.
     We had been dating for 6 months and decided to get each other a little gift to mark the occasion. It was a little chilly out, I mean it was October, but we went down to the beach to sit and exchange gifts. Now, in my heart of hearts I knew he was going to propose, not necessarily on this day, but I knew it was coming because I knew he had asked my dad for my hand (chivalry is not dead ladies!). So, we spent a little bit hanging out at the gazebo, enjoying the view and what not. He gave me a really beautiful card and I thought that was that. The air was getting cooler so as we got up to leave he just turned to me and said "You didn't read my poem you ass!". I had no clue what he was talking about, I thought he just meant I didn't read the card and what he had wrote in it, so I explained to him that I had read it and proceeded to read it out loud to him. He was still unsatisfied, and said he didn't mean that, he meant his poem. The card was composed of layers of transparent paper, a thicker paper, and a card stock like paper. One of the papers was adhered down to the cardstock base of the card (for decoration), and I noticed it was peeling up on the edges. He said he wrote his poem under that. I was confused as to why he would disassemble a greeting card to write me a poem, but I peeled back the edges and it said "Will you marry me?"...I was floored. So when I looked up at him, I actually had to look down because he was on his knee, hand shaking, holding a ring box. I of course immediately said yes!!
     We left the beach and I called my mom and my best friend and we headed to the hospital (where my dad was since he just had surgery) and I showed off that ring!! So, that's the brief story of how I was called an ass during my marriage proposal...hey, who's to define a fairytale.
XO,
J.

Why We Buy Organic.

     So, apparently the concept of buying organic food has been of some debate, with the main argument being that there really isn't a significant difference in whether you buy USDA certified organic food or not. My husband was even one of these skeptics, that is, until I let him in on some of my personal research. I'm glad to say that he now stands behind our organic purchases, as well as the healthy eating lifestyle we're developing! I don't want to make this post into a big debate, I just want to share why I (we) choose to buy organic versus mass-marketed foods. If you find it insightful, great!

     It might be beneficial to actually talk about what "organic" means in this context...using the label of organic means that the farmer has grown and processed their produce, meat and dairy without the use of chemicals to fertilize, kill weed/insects or prevent disease. Natural approaches are instead used to tackle such tasks. The U.S. department of agriculture has three tiers of organic labeling.

1.    The green "USDA Organic" label (which is what we primarily look for)...this seal is placed on items that are certified 100% organic.
2. Any food labeled "organic" is usually around 95% organic, meaning that for the remaining percent of ingredients the farmer has used approved non-agricultural substances on the USDA approved list.
3. The third level basically consists of processed foods that may contain some organic ingredients, at least 70%. It is also important to note that just because a package says "hormone free", "free-range", or "all natural", this does not mean the item is organic!!

My husband and I do most of our shopping at Trader Joes, but of course there are countless number of options; ie...Whole Foods, for one.
     The main issue my husband bought up was that there was no significant difference in buying organic produce versus whatever else may be on the shelf. Well, conventional farmers who don't adhere to USDA organic standards and practices typically use pesticides. Now, peeling or washing fruits and vegetables may rid the produce of some of those pesticides, but by peeling the produce you are taking away significant nutrients and vitamins that are what's best for you. Take a peach for example: a peach has really soft skin. If a farmer is spraying pesticide or what not on the peach, the skin is soft enough to allow the pesticide to penetrate...so, your body is still taking in that pesticide. Why not save yourself from all that and pay the $1 or 2 more for the basket of organic peaches, that you know you can eat all of, allowing your body to soak in all those important nutrients. Also, if the pesticides and chemicals used by conventional farmers aren't "so bad", then why when we see these farmers spraying are they decked out head to toe in protective coverings, gas mask and all! That image is enough to steer me away from such produce. So, let me now just switch to bullet points to talk about a few other reasons we buy organic.

• Organic farmers are helping the environment by reducing pollution, and even by the conservation of water and soil.
• Although I already touched on pesticides, I want to readdress it again in terms of kids...children come into most of their pesticide exposure through eating fruits and vegetables that are not organic (and this is from a study by the Environmental Working Group). Personally, I don't want my nieces and nephews exposed like that, or my future babies! Further more, a 2005 study showed that sampled umbilical cord blood contained up to 21 different pesticides that crossed the placenta...Pregnant mamas...keep those babies safe as possible!!
• Organic foods contain no hydrogenated fat, which has been linked to heart disease! Organic= heart healthy!
• Not only does organic farming aid the environment but it is more animal friendly as no cages are used and animals are fed an all-natural diet. Now, this could be a whole second article/post for me. I was a vegetarian for a solid 2 years until I began researching organic and paleo diets. Now I don't eat red meat. But I have incorporated some organic chicken back into my diet until I can figure out just what my ultimate healthy eating plan is. I did notice that the occasional meal with organic chicken has given me that protein boost I need, as well as helping in jump starting weight loss, go figure.

     Those are some pretty valid point in my mind. A lot of people also argue that organic foods are more expensive. This is true, but 2 counterpoints come to mind: 1) you get what you pay for and 2) the extra money your spending finds its way back to organic farmers, who actually spend a lot of their own money to adhere to USDA organic standards and submit all the proper paperwork to be considered organic.
     If you live near stores that carry organic products I urge you to look for that little green label and do some research of your own. For us, the next best thing is a farmer's market (which we are lucky to have a few nearby). Buying from a farmer's market is your next best bet because you know the produce is coming from a local source, and sometimes the farmers are on hand so you can ask questions.
     It wasn't a hard switch for us to start buying organic, it just made sense to us. I make smoothies everyday with spinach, apples, coconut milk (all organic), which are great for detox and overall health!! I never thought my husband would drink a green smoothie, but he does!

I am still a novice, I guess you could say, when it comes to organic, so if you have links to any great resources post in the comments below. Or if you know of any great paleo information (that's my next endeavor...gotta eliminate that soy!).
Hope everyone is having a great October (my favorite month!)...My husband and I will be celebrating our 5 year anniversary at the Melting Pot in 10 days!!! So much to look forward to for us.
XO,
J.

Birchbox: The September Issue. (and thoughts).

     My September Birchbox came in the mail today, AND I'm posting about it today!! Never have I ever been more on time. Or maybe punctuality is just a part of this "new me" people always seem to be rambling about (not rambling about me, just the concept of "new me" in general). But I do believe that I am at the moment where change is seeming inevitable. For instance, I have always lusted after long, beautiful hair; I've worn extensions for years, but what did I do today?? Cut it off...a short, yet amazing bob done by one of my favorite stylists, whom I happen to work with now. People were skeptical as to whether I would do it or not, as I have been talking for months about growing my hair out. I used to cut it whenever my husband and I were fighting, as if to say, haha, I'll show YOU by cutting MY hair. Well, my husband and I were working through a challenge in our lives, but I don't feel that's why I made this decision. A lot of people say "it's only hair", but to me it's always been more. I've always felt like I couldn't be happy unless I had those ideal long locks...it was as if I was seeking perfection and solace in something so material. But, when that thing that once seemed so perfect begins to feel imperfect, it's time for change. So maybe hair length isn't at the top of everyone's list of happy life qualifiers. But in the world of Jersey Shore trending, and the like, it somehow fell into being mine. I am going to embrace this change though, as there are others I am endeavoring to make. The husband has yet to see this haircut, but the guilt of doing it without telling him (not that I need his consent, just the priciple of it all) prompted be to go buy several bottles of new OPI and Essie nail polish and a new Sam Villa round brush...little treasures.
     I have also been slightly obsessed with home modification lately...organizing, painting, remodeling, updating...all that jazz. Oh, there's so much to be said of this and my thought process, I'm a therapist's dream (just ask her, ha). It's been said it could be nesting (no, I am not currently pregnant, but a baby is in the cards I can say), and part could be said that I am finally trying to cleanse in some sort of way in dealing with the passing of my father on January 1, 2011. Cathartic?? Who knows...A fit lifestyle is also happening with me and the husband...calorie counting, smart eating choices, limited sugar intake, fitness regimines, dare I  throw the word(s) crossfit in the mix...It's like I'm 27 and ready, just ready.
   Enough of that, sometimes things just need to be said, regardless of whether another soul reads or not. But about this Birchbox...this oh so punctual Birchbox!! It's titled "The September Issue" and it's basically a kickoff to Fall fashion and such. New season calls for an updated beauty routine, an updated look...changing seasons...change...it all comes full circle, huh? So without further rant and delay, let's discuss:

Contents!



* Benefit Cosmetics foamingly clean facial wash + refined finish facial polish ...I've been looking for some new skin care products, particularly a good wash, so I am really excited to try this one out. (Benefit products are pretty amazing!). This duo is a glycerin-packed cleanser and natural clay exfoliator. The full size version is only $21.22, which isn't too shabby for a good quality cleanser/exfoliator.

* Color Club nail polish ...this is a custom color collaborated on with the Birchbox team, inspired by Fall 2012 collections. The color I received was called "Status Update", but I couldn't help but notice the spelling error on the color name label, "Status Udpate"...ooops!! The color is a warm purple-blue-gray based shade, which I see looking good on a pedicure.

*Nexxus Pro-Mend Split End Treatment System ...we've all come across these little shampoo/conditioner/treatment packs...I have a copious amount of them. It's supposed to mend split ends, which professionally speaking, is not really feasible using product alone, so will these samples get used?? Possibly. I always keep them when I get them to give to others or pack for travel.

* twistband Birchbox Custom Lace Hair Tie ...a hair tie, imagine that...the day I cut my hair I get a really cool hair tie! haha. These are actually really hot this season. They are little elastic-y bands (pic above...bottom center...the purple tie), constructed in such a way they don't snag or pull your hair. I believe Jennifer Aniston gave these ties some good press, and we've also started retailing these ties and headbands in the salon where I work.

*Youngblood Mineral Primer ...Youngblood is a brand I came across while I was in cosmetology school, and from a makeup artist's standpoint I regret to say that I was not impressed with the pigmentation of the eyeshadows/blushes, or the coverage of the mineral foundations. Granted, we did not carry the entire brand line, and when looking through the catalog there were some products I saw I wouldn't mind trying if given the opportunity, and this primer falls into that category. It's a clear gel primer containing skin-soothing vitamins and minerals...pretty self-explanatory as far as face primers go, but I will try this one out!

*Mighty Leaf Tea Company tea ...who doesn't love a nice cup of tea, especially in the Fall/Winter season?! I got chamomile citrus and green tea tropical as my samples (love green tea!). This tea line is made from natural, ethically sources ingredients. Visit mightyleaf.com for more details!!!

*Digital Download ...these pop up frequently in the boxes, and this is a download for Tristan Prettyman's newest single.

The September Issue, there you have it!! Make sure to check out Birchbox.com if you haven't already, to get details on all the products and subscription information.

XOXO,

J <3.

Check the Savings.

I thought this might be a fun post to do; something a little different than what I usually put up. Lately my husband and I have tried to be more conservative with our money. Now, I say try because let's face it, there's always a pair of shoes calling to one of us!! We are both equal opportunity shoe lovers, call it an addiction if you will. And with pinterest being as popular as it is, home projects have become more DYI and affordable than ever. He works in auto body, so car issues don't usually set us back, I do hair and makeup, so we're covered there (not the makeup for him, of course, and I do spend a lot on makeup FOR WORK PURPOSES, haha...so, we save in general hair maintenance let's say). So, we asked ourselves, how else could we be saving...ummm, how about coupons?!! We've caught our fair share of Exteme Couponing episodes enough to know that a) some people are straight up crazy and b) saving money at the grocery store is possible. Now, we didn't want to be the people who had the abundant stockpiles of canned soup, toothbrushes and paper towels, to each his own though. We just wanted to be more economical and "thrifty" if you will, about what we do spend.

We prefer to shop at Harris Teeter, I'll go ahead and say. Not that there aren't amazing deals to be found elsewhere, we've just had the most luck at HT. On an everyday basis they will double your coupons up to a 99cent face value, but every month or so they do Super Double coupons, where they double up to a 2.00 face value...that's incredible, if you haven't already guessed. So a couple weeks ago we went up to HT, coupons in hand, and what totaled to about $150, we walked away with for a little under $50!! Here's our haul:

* (1) IHOP at Home stuffed french toast

* (2) Bertoli Microwaveable pasta meals

* (2) Chow Mein noodle meals

*(1) Smart Start canola butter spread

*(1) 1/2 gallon International Delight Iced Mocha Coffee

*(2) boxes True Lemon raspberry lemonade drink mix

*(2) Met-RX protein bars

*(1) Zone Perfect bar

*(1) Colgate Advanced toothpaste

*(1) package Nonni's biscotti bites

*(1) 4-pack V-8 Fusion Sparklers

*(2) 2-liter Dr. Peppers

*(1) 2-liter Sierra Mist

*(1) 2-liter Diet Pepsi

*(1) Ocean Spray Blueberry Cranberry 64oz.

*(1) Woolite + Oxygen Pet Stain/Odor eliminator spray

*(1) 40oz Purex crystals

*(1) Clorox2 Stain Fighter/Color Booster tabs

*(1) box Mott's fruit snacks

*(2) 2-pack Yoplait light yogurt w. granola

*(1) pack Yoplait Greek yogurt w. honey

*(1) Yoplait single--vanilla

*(2) Silk 1qt. Fruit & Protein juices

*(1) bottle tabasco sauce

*(1) Kraft honey bourbon barbecue sauce

*(1) Kraft sweet teryaki marinade

*(1) box Kellogg's Krave

*(2) boxes Eggo waffles

*(1) Smucker's raspberry jam

*(3) cans Dole pineapple (chunks and crushed)

*(1) package Toll House refridgerated cookie dough

*(2) boxes Barilla pasta

*(1) Bisquick Shake n Pour

*(2) packages Friskies cat treats

*(4) Silk Almond Mocha singles

*(1) Almay 25-count makeup remover wipes

*(1) package Poise liners

AND

*(1) box U by Kotex pads

See!! You don't have to end up with a zero balance (although, admittedly, that would be rad to accomplish once or twice) to have great savings. We save every week at HT, whether it's this amazing or not. Like the past 2 weeks they had Buy 2, get 3 free on 12-packs of soda ( Coke one week, Pepsi the next), so we stocked up on that for sure!! I know soda isn't amazing for you, but we get our Dr. Pepper and Cherry Coke cravings...plus, I was able to pass a few things here and there off to my sister. Now if I can just get my desk officially organized and my bill pay system and check, that would be aces!!

Hope everyone is having a good week and loving the fact that it's September and the first official day of Fall is just around the corner!!

XOXO,

J <3.



Birchbox: Beauty School

A Birchbox post on time?! Yes, yes I do believe so! It's still August and I'm posting my August Birchbox overview! And since I'm not being apologetic for my tardiness, I do wish to apologize for the fact that the pictures I took from my Android for this post aren't of the best quality, which given the fact that I have so many photog friends, well, let's just say I should be able to take a decent picture from my cell phone at best!

This month's box was titled "Beauty School", so without further delay let's break this down:

Cover.

The Goods.

On Display.

Okay, you can see (above) all the little treasures that came in this month's box, so let's discuss...

* Dr. Jart Waterfuse BB Cream ...who doesn't love a good BB cream, they do so many wonderful, fantastic things for your skin (detailed post coming soon)! I haven't tried Jart's as of yet, since I've been using other things, but this product is advertised as a 4-in-1 moisturizer, serum, sunscreen and skin-perfecting tint. They compare it to "the beauty version of a Swiss Army knife"...well, we'll see about that Dr. Jart, we'll just see about that!

*DDF Brightening Cleanser ...this is a foaming gel cleanser loaded with skin brighteners that help to fade any skin discolorations you may have and even out the skin's tone. This one sounds like a winner, and they were pretty generous on the sample of this guy! You can buy the full-size bottle for $38.



DDF Brightening Cleanser.



*Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur Perfume Sample ...it's Juicy Couture; who hasn't heard of Viva la Juicy, or at the very least witnessed it's bright, spunky packaging?! This scent is a blend of wild berries, mandarin, and waterlily. It is really more of a spring, early summer scent in my opinion...I tend to go for a warmer, deeper fragrance (anything with amber) for the fall/winter season. P.S...Fall, excuse me, "Autumn" is my favorite season, so this gal is stoked!!

*LiQWd Professional Volumizing Catalyst ..."volumizing catalyst", that sounds pretty legit, right! This is a weightless mist that is supposed to add body to your hair. I'm a bit picky when it comes to hair care, so this might be a good giveaway prize for someone else to scope out.

*LARABAR uber bar... pretty much within the same scope as a Lunabar and the like, this little guy is made of fruits and nuts and is a super healthy treat.

Well, that pretty much sums things up. I do have some posts planned up that will be debuting soon, so, you're welcome ;) I will also finally be posting information/details about my 100 Followers Facebook contest, so definitely stay tuned for that. I hope everyone has a rad Wednesday, and rest of the week. As for me, I think I foresee a Target run in my future. Peace and Love.

XOXO,

J <3.

Birchbox: Glamour

I actually thought I had posted July's Birchbox already! Alas, I did not, but the box casually sitting next to my computer prompted me to check. So, I will give my usual on this. I am not sure how many people actually read this, and yes I know I can do google analytics to track these sort of things, but I have honestly been dealing with so much, more than my usual "just don't seem to have the time" sort of mentality. But fashion, styling, makeup, hair, it's my bliss...I never thought I would find my niche in the adult career world, and maybe I still haven't, but I know I'm on the right path. I made a huge decision to get my cosmetology license after having already matriculated (yeah, big word, oooooh) from college with my Bachelor's Degree. Now, I'm beginning to realize I am more of a free spirit than I ever thought, maybe I am meant to have all this particular education for a reason...still figuring out what that means in the grand scheme of things. What prompted this "soul searching", shall we call it?? Well, I have recently had someone try and steal my bliss. Not that they were out to intentionally do it, but it happened and it's puzzled me. I am smarter than so many people give me credit for, and perhaps some people shouldn't underestimate as much. I truly do not like being in a situation were I am made to feel stupid, or less than what I am. That's all I've come up to say about that...not very poignant, I know, but hey this is a Birchbox post so here we go...

This Birchbox (July) was put together through a partnership with Glamour magazine (oohs and ahhs may be inserted here if you feel the need for additional effect)...It also has to do with the senses: smell, touch, taste, hear and see...it was actually a great little box! SN: When I got home August's box was here and I haven't opened it yet, but I've been hearing good things ;)


Box Cover.

Off with the lid!!

The Contents!!



 So, unfortunately my little contents card is now M.I.A, so I don't have the legit product descriptions with all their benefits and what not...soooo...I will do my best. If you are a BB member, you know every box varies, and if you're not a member, well, you probably should be...
Here's what I got in my box:
*An Eyeko London Skinny liquid liner in black...this looks full size to me, or very close (but like I said I lost my content card so I'm wingin' this...sorrry)...It's a felt tip liquid liner, and it goes on really smooth. A few "mehh" things about it...I thought the application lacked in pigment when applying over shadow, but on it's own or with nude/neutrals it was great. The lasting power, well, it was ok, enough to get through a standard workday with no smudging I suppose...when I layered it over my Urban Decay 24/7 in Zero, that was the golden ticket of pigment and lasting power right there!!
*AHAVA Time to Clear Purifying Mud Mask... .9 oz sample size. This is a dead sea mud mask good for sensitive skin, which actually, I think I may use today...I need some purifying.
* mintease Regroup tea mints...flavor--ginger pear...this is pretty self-explanatory, yes...
*Earbuds...mine are neon blue and pink...so pretty colors are always a plus in my book! Glamour's beauty editors out together a "getting pretty" playlist that can be found at glamour.com/spotify.
*Harvey Prince "You had me at Hello" fragrance sample...this smells soooo good, I was pleasantly surprised. You can go to harveyprince.com to read up on the brand and check things out. It's a cool company they started in dedication to their mother, and all their ingredients are natural and high quality. This particular scent is made from meyer lemon, mandarin, grapefruit, forsythia (a floral) and plumeria. They use the citrus because "it's nature's way of saying 'Good Morning'", the forsythia because it's an early Spring bloom that is a welcome sign of new beginnings and possibilities and the plumeria because the flowers are traditionally used in Hawaiian leis, given to greet old and new friends. Rad!

Harvey Prince



Earbuds


As usual, leave comments and suggestions below, and if you have a link to your blog share that below too!! I'm always up for a good read. Have a good rest of the week guys, and don't let anyone steal your bliss. In fact, if you have any good motivational posts, links, pinterest pins, link them below too!!

XOXO,

J <3.