Birchbox: Women's Health

Birchbox + Women's Health = tiny tweaks, big results.
The last day of May and I am on my phone typing a blog post about the April Birchbox. I know I'm not the most punctual person as far as blogging goes (I haven't even opened May's box), but this type I have a highly legitimate reason for putting all this on the backburner, which I will be doing a series of posts about and I encourage everyone to read them when they're up and really think about things. This is one of the review posts I hate because I don't have my pictures to go along with... The other day, out of no where, all the pictures from my camera disappeared... Gone!! Now you see me (want to see that movie, sn), now you don't. I was emotionally distraught and livid... There were nearly 300 pictures from like 2 years. The best that verizon could conclude was that my sd card went bad and my phone wasn't reading it, therefore my backup assistant wasn't backing up the images. ::sigh:: I wanted to throw up, maybe I did. Pictures are quite the big deal to me, but moving on from that.

Let me just talk about this April Birchbox before it falls completely to the wayside...
***THE CONTENTS***

*NEXXUS HYDRA-LIGHT LEAVE-IN
CONDITIONING FOAM... This one came in my box as a full-size product,
which normally retails for about $17, so that's rather exciting. On the flip side, like I always say, I'm super picky about my hair products, especially since I have extensions and color treated hair. These sorts of things I usually pass on to family members (hey, Mom), or I use them in different giveaways. About the product... It's a glycerin infused styling foam, and I am loving foam hair products lately actually, that aims to tame frizz and reflect light to give hair a boost of shine. The science behind the hydra-light formula is a blend of deep sea minerals, antioxidants and hydrating
polymers, which work to nourish hair without weighing it down. Not sure how this would bode for color treated hair, but it sounds promising.

*SUMITA EYE SHADOW PENCIL... Another full size product!! Retails for $11. It's a glide-on eyeshadow pencil that can create versatile looks. The color I received was a deep Lilac color, which doesn't suit me with my red hair right now. I love eye shadow pencils as bases though, and this one by Sumita seems highly comparable to a NYX jumbo pencil.

*SUPERGOOP! ADVANCED SPF 37 ANTI-AGING EYE CREAM...I am a skin care lunatic now so I'm super excited to try this little gem out.  They just sent me the sample size but the full size retails for $45. This is an eye cream with some serious SPF in it...I love already!! The product's formula has an oat peptide complex cream to firm skin. I will be trying this out really soon, as I am more readily getting back into my daily skin/makeup routines.

*YES TO CUCUMBERS FACIAL TOWELETTES...I love all the YES TO lines and these towelettes are great. The cucumber acts as a skin brightening agent, and the wipes themselves also gently exfoliate and detoxify. And for all you eco-friendly folks, they are 100% biodegradable. They make my skin feel refreshed, even more so after I've washed my face at night. The full-size towelettes retail for like $5.99, and you can get them at Walgreens or Ulta, to name a few places.

*YES TO GRAPEFRUIT DAILY FACIAL SCRUB AND DARK SPOT CORRECTING SERUM... I actually haven't tried these, they were two little bonus jonases in the box. THE SCRUB is a milder one as far as exfoliators go, so it is gentle enough should you want to use it for everyday use. It contains lemon balm and grapefruit, which clarify the skin. THE SERUM (and I do love a good serum) works to reverse spots caused by acne, aging and sun damage, and let me just say you can totally have sun damage and not be able to see it just by looking in the mirror. Everyone should get an annual check at the dermatologist, after all our skin is our largest organ!! These products retail
between $10-$20, and you can pick them up wherever YES TO products are sold!!

Hope everyone is well!! Make sure to follow this blog for upcoming posts. You can also check out my facebook page (pretty & clever by Jacqueline Clark), my Twitter (@JalinMarieC) and my instagram (jacquelinecxo).

XO,
J.

Review: Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo.

This is the time of year when dry shampoo is a must have for me. In the summer, especially, I like to go as long as I can without washing my hair, so I need a good dry shampoo to keep everything looking fresh until I really get in there with shampoo and conditioner. I still don't get why some people think they have to wash their hair everyday; in fact, sometimes doing so can actually work against your hair, depriving it of natural oils because you are constantly shampooing. That being said, I've tried several different dry shampoos over time, both salon and drugstore, and the Not Your Mother's brand is the closest drugstore one I've found to be comparable to salon quality brands. Actually, it's my favorite right now of all brands.

If you are not familiar with how dry shampoo works, you spray it on your roots and basically all throughout your hair. It will show up white on your hair (like a powder) and as your brush it through the white color dissipates as it absorbs any excess oils. Now, I have dark hair so I really have to brush thoroughly so my hair isn't left looking gray!! BUT, with the NYM brand I don't have to go so hardcore working it through because there isn't a gray cast like with others. It does leave a matte finish to your hair, so I always make sure to follow up with with a hairspray that adds shine, after I've finished styling.

PROS:

* COST EFFECTIVE.

    I paid under $6 for mine at CVS, so it's definitely an affordable product.

* REFRESHES

    It not only smells refreshing, but it gives my hair a refreshed look and feel between washes.

* NO GRAY CAST

   Like other dry shampoo products I've tried, this one doesn't leave my hair looking gray after combing the

   product through.

*STYLE FRIENDLY

    After you've used the dry shampoo you can go on and style your hair as your would normally.

Like any review I have to throw in the "cons"...

CONS:

*MATTE FINISH

    This may not even be a con to everyone, but I should mention again that this does leave a light matte finish

    to your hair. I like shine to my hair, so that's why I always follow up with hairspray that also has a shine

    effect.

*OVERUSE CAN BE MESSY

     Like with any product, overuse can have a downside. If you are really pushing it and constantly using the

     dry shampoo when it probably is time to go ahead and wash it, then you'll start to notice your hair

     looking a little greasy, especially on top. At this point, Wash your hair!!

Hope this little review was helpful/informational/what have you...If you have any review suggestions or have opinions on this or other dry shampoos comment below!!

If you are reading this make sure you are following me on Blogspot, and my other social sites too!!

Twitter: JalinMarieC

Instagram: jacquelinecxo

XO,

J.

Royal Teeth

I cannot lie, I have been "fan-girling" over a few things lately. I can't help it, I'm smitten with so many great things lately and on that list is the band Royal Teeth. I had heard their first radio single "Wild" months back; it always seem to come on when I was on my way to a mua job, so it quickly became my official car jam. The more I looked into the actual band and their music, the more I began to adore. They had performed locally a couple times before but this past Saturday I had the opportunity to see them at a local club/restaurant. I will try not to go into mounds of details, because believe me I could and would, but it was all amaze!!

I got tickets a month or so in advance, and then a few weeks prior to the show found out that there was an opportunity to win passes to go into soundcheck and meet the band, so I was naturally all over that. I tried and tried and after what seemed like endless "bartering" my husband was able to get me on the list with the help of a local dj. I was ecstatic. We get there for soundcheck, and there was only a handful of people (surprising to me since one, this band rocks, and two, they had given away a considerable amount of passes). When I walked in there they were, on stage, sound checking away. I had the most stupid grin on my face, and I'm sure my husband thought I was out of my mind. Like I said, I am smitten by these people, particularly the 2 main vocalists, Gary and Nora. (pics are on my facebook that I took on my phone, but I'll post a few from my camera with this post). So we listened to the soundcheck and ate some dinner. Well, when I happened to look up, Nora was over at the bar just hanging out. After my husband convinced me I was stupid to not go over and talk to her, that is just what I did. She couldn't have been any nicer and we talked for like 10 minutes before she offered to sign a poster for me.

As she was signing it, the other lead vocalist (**swoon**) Gary appeared. I got to talk to him as well, and I just felt totally in awe.

Eventually the whole band was over and they signed my poster and CD, and I got to get a group photo with everyone.
The show itself was also amaze. There was one guy who opened, but to be honest I don't remember his name, he was local talent. Then The American Authors (another great band discovery) played there set, and then Royal Teeth. I was glad to be right up front in the action, singing along with the songs I already knew and then hearing new songs off their soon-to-be-released album. Of course, when they sang "Wild" that was their biggest hit, with confetti cannon and all!! Gary even came down into the audience with his drum, he was literally so close to me my camera wouldn't focus!



see how close!! Ahh!! xo

He was playing so hard he was breaking drumsticks left and right, so I was lucky enough to also take home a drumstick. I legit felt school girl giddy. Really the only other band I adore adore adore is 311, and they always put on a great, energetic show. Royal Teeth is definitely not short on the energy, or the normalness as people. I am thankful that before the show I got to meet them and talk with some of them; it only solidified my love for them even more. Their EP is out now, and the full length is anticipated to be released in June. They also have great designs on their merchandise, in fact, Nora does a lot of the design work so that's a bonus jonas personal touch you get!!
I'm excited for more music from them and definitely to see them again. If they ever come to your area check them out, or at least pick up a few of their tracks on iTunes. My top 3 right now are: "Stay", "Wild" and their cover of the Knife's "Heartbeats".
Happy Hump Day!!
XO,
J <3.





Pretty Little Liars: S3 Finale Top Ten

     I thought about this and thought about this, and ultimately thought about it so much I had to write about it...the Pretty Little Liars Season 3 finale from Tuesday night. I was totally going to write about this yesterday but my husband whisked me off to a surprise date to the Melting Pot (my fave) last night...totally sweet right?! Gold star for hubs. So, the finale definitely had me glued to my television screen, I couldn't have helped it if I wanted to. I was tweeting with others, and even my husband was watching avidly, haha. I figured I would go ahead and do a Top 10 to merely satiate my desire to talk about it all!! So in no particular order I present my PLL S3 TOP 10:


1. Troian Bellisario
In case you didn't know, she plays Spenser Hastings on the show. I love her. I'm smitten. Her character this season, amaze. She became so complex outside the scope of the "liars" and when she had her breakdown in the woods and entered Radley, wow. I was totally impressed with Bellisario's scope of acting, more so than any of the other girls this season. I love a character that is capable of such a range of emotions. Oh, and we all realize it was Spencer who picked up Malcolm before he dropped the dime on her right?!!
2. Toby
Ahhh!! He's alive! I kind of felt that he was, but didn't want to put my money on it at first. Twitter was a buzz with #TobyIsAlive. And the look on his face when he realized he was sitting across from Spenser, priceless. I figured Spenser had known he was alive,but to see them together again, YES!! In the hotel, when Toby cried and one thing led to another...YES. A lot of people were still questioning if Toby was genuine in saying he only joined up with the A Team to protect Spenser, but I do believe those were his intentions. He was too concerned and upset with Spenser for lying about A in the past. Love them together.
3. Mona
They have really set Mona's character up for an interesting next season. I was surprised when Mona said she didn't know who red coat was. I mean we all had pretty much figured that red coat was running the show, but I really thought Mona knew. And when Mona got the text at the end from A with the other liars it opened up the possibility that she is now a victim of A too. As whacked out as Mona had been, I personally don't think she would set herself up as a victim in this particular way. Thoughts??
4. Red Coat
Do we really think that Alli is red coat?! Mona saw her. Hannah saw her. Spenser saw her. It stands to reason that yes it is, but I feel like it is oh so much more than that. Now, let me preface this by saying I have not read the books, and I am content watching this all play out via the show. Here's my theory...it is Alli, but it isn't. They were so focused on seeing Alli's face, but we never heard red coat talk or anything. Now, Alli has appeared in dreamlike states to the girls before but she even eluded to herself as being dead at those times. Soooo, what if someway somehow Alli had a twin. It makes sense that it could be written in like that. Maybe it's too predictable, maybe it's too far-fetched and twisted to the story that already exists. Either way, I'm writing it off as red coat still unknown til we see more.
5. Who is in the Trunk?!
The question that is at the forefront of all questions after the finale. The last scene ends with all the girl's looking into the trunk of Wilden's car, which mysteriously found it's way out of the lake. So, who was in the trunk. I have ventured my own guess, but I shall refrain from putting it on here. I read an article, which I believe was an interview with Troian Bellisario, that said the trunk mystery will be revealed in the first seconds of the Season 4 premiere in June.
6. Who is being pulled out of the ground?!
Who was pulling who out of the ground at the end?! I don't even want to venture a guess I just want to know!!
7. Aria & Ezra
Other than the arrival of Malcolm into Ezra's life, and the whole debacle with Spenser being the one who picked him up and took him to the carnival, there wasn't much going on with Aria & Ezra. Still, let's discuss. Her parents aren't particularly thrilled with the whole baby mama thing, Ezra wants a teaching job (and let's face it, we all knew he would end up subbing Aria's class), and it took Aria two separate times to break up with Ezra before he accepted it. They are forever breaking up and rekindling their love, I have a feeling this will continue.
8. Eddie Lamb
Remember him??! Spenser's nurse at Radley...the one who told her about the problems with the badges (Toby had Lamb's name on his badge, remember). He knew a lot about Mona's time at Radley and was responsible for leading Spenser to Mona's game board map, and he obviously knows something is going on with Wren. Now, I know that this wasn't referenced anywhere in the finale, but I feel it is still obviously pertinent to things to come early on in Season 4. I was actually surprised that Wren, or Eddie, didn't surface in any way in the finale. Definitely curious about what's going on with all of that!!
9. Jenna
Let's handle this with some rapid fire questioning: Why was Jenna meeting with Shawna? Did Jenna know Toby was alive this whole time? Why didn't she clean all the mail and newspapers off the porch?!! This girl is a hot mess of motive questions already.
10. The Clothes
As always, can I just say how I love pretty much every single thing worn by the PLL closet. If only I could have my way in their wardrobe department. Want. Love. Swoon.

So, that is my "piece" on the PLL Season 3 finale. Who would have thought I would care so much. Not really care, in true sense of the word, but it simply entertains me and that's as good a reason as I need to have my mini fan girl moment. It provides me a nice little break from the stresses of the day you could say.
If you are a PLL fan and want to discuss or add to my Top 10 thoughts, then please comment!!
XO,
J.

Birchbox: March Madness

     How does time always seem to get away from me. Granted, I have been busier than usual, but sometimes I don't even know how I lose track of things the way I do!! I was trying to pull up the pictures from this month's box that I took when I was taking my first impression photos, but the program I use to upload pictures from my cell phone is not cooperating, thus no photos shall be attached. Sad face, especially since there was an eye shadow I swatched and some fairly cool packaging. So, if you truly are interested in something mentioned just think of lack of photo as more of an incentive to actually go and check out the product for yourself. This month's theme was March Madness (an all too common theme for this month as I'm sure you know), and it's supposed to feature products from "veteran all-star" brands and some from "up-and-coming rookie" brands. Without further adieu let's discuss the contents:

*MAKE Eyeshadow... This is a new brand, and one I have not heard of until receiving this box. Supposedly this shadow has mega staying power. Now, when I swatched this shade (mine was a really pretty chocolaty brown) it dusted right off. So, that being said, I'm hoping that with aid of a good eye primer, which is essential regardless of what shadow you are using in my book, that it at least has some longevity to it. Something super rad about this particular line (MAKE) is that 1/3 of all sales are donated to charity. I, personally, adore a company that gives back, so gold star to MAKE right away for that. Full-sized eyeshadow runs at about $18, so it's right along the price point of MAC or Urban Decay.
*MAKE Face Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30... this primer by MAKE is a winner.One, who doesn't love a good primer?! Two, it contains SPF 30, and I love my face products to have right around that level. The primer itself is not greasy, it is fairly lightweight. The full size is around $30, so it is definitely worth checking out, especially considering 1/3 of that 30 dollars would be going to charity!!
*Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Color-Saver Sulfate-Free Shampoo... So, I'm assuming most have heard of Nick Chavez, especially if you are in the industry or have interest in; Nick is definitely a veteran player here. I always feel "mehh" when it comes to talking about different shampoos and conditioners I'm given opportunity to try, mainly because I'm picky about my hair care to a point, as I know I've said time and again. This is a sulfate free shampoo, which of course is one of the key things I look for in a good color shampoo. If you didn't know, sulfates are what strip your hair!! This shampoo also claims to boost the hue of your color and add volume. Now, from what I've seen out of most volumizing shampoos is that they tend to dry out your hair a little bit. (Too much moisture plugged in weighs the hair down and doesn't allow it to achieve super volume). I'm actually curious to see if a shampoo that in my mind could be drying, could also brighten your color. I'm very interested in the science behind things (take note of future posts to come), so perhaps I shall make a note to give this a try to see how it all balances out. The volumizing properties are supposed to come from the apple and lemon extracts in the shampoo, so that too makes me curious.
Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream... never heard of this line either!! This is an organic shea butter-based foam-free shaving cream. Claims to allow for a close shave and soft skin, and has a blueberry scent. Immediately this called to mind the eos shave cream, so I have a feeling they are justifiably similar. A Full size is $20, which for shave cream seems like a little much, right?! eos is way more affordable, but since I was given a trial I will add it to my growing collection of bathroom toiletries.
Madewell for Birchbox Emery Board... these are always good to have on hand! It has a cute print on it that is from Madewell's Spring Collection, and you can pick up one of these guys for like $5.

There you have it guys! Now that summer is around the corner (I have a feeling here in VA we are going to skip over Spring and jump straight into the Summer months...I mean, yesterday was the first day of Spring yet today it is snowing) I am curious to see what new products will be coming out, especially with regards to skin care. I did get all my samples in my box this month and last month's little snafoo has been handled greatly by customer service over at Birchbox. The only mild let down I had with this box is that some people got Benetint in their box, the lucky dogs!! Hope everyone is having a great week so far, and here's to warmer weather!!
XO,
J.

Birchbox: Red Carpet Ready

          February, oh February. Little Updates: My Birthday was on the 7th, then there was Valentines on the 14th, and that's February thus far. I do start a new job tomorrow: stylist at Rocks Blow Dry Bar, so that's some exciting stuff. The rest of this month will be filled with training and their grand opening is the first of March. Still been doing some redecorating around the house, and I am STILL on my couch for suitable (at this point somewhat suitable would do) throw pillows. I've given up on going out of my way to find cool art work. We actually ended up framing some fabric (well, pieces of fabric, as I destroyed a Target Nate Burkus curtain in doing so) to hang above the couch...it works. I'm also coloring my hair back dark, because the burgundy was starting to feel "mehh" in general to me. So, Birchbox, Birchbox. Tis Birchbox that was late this month, not my post! With all the snow they were having at the BB headquarters, the box was snowed in for a bit, but it is here and I am ready to talk about it.
     Normally, I try not to give bad reviews on things. If I try something that's not so good I just won't use it or give it the public praise, unless I've been specifically asked to try and review a particular product, which happens time to time. But I was all excited about the February box, how could the Feb. box not be brilliant. I opened it with my usual "can't wait to see" mindset and boy was I disappointed. I'm sorry Birchbox, I do love you, but what happened this month. The contents were not only seemingly minimal compared to past boxes, but the quality also seemed a little questionable. And the fact that the box's theme was "Red Carpet Ready"....oh, such a let down. Mehh.
Here's what I got:


BB box contents

* Color Club Nail Polish... in the shade Mamba. It's a glossy red nail polish, what more can I say. I'm not a red nail polish wearer on the daily, so this is most likely going to mom. It's just a little sample size bottle and I'm not familiar with the brand.
*Ghiradelli chocolate square... this was called a sweet treat in the product description that came with the package...since our house is still recovering from all the Valentine's chocolate and what not, I had no interest in partaking in this little guy. Once again, Mom.
*Ojon Thickening Spray... ummm, hello!! This wasn't even in my box!!!!!!! I need to email them or something, because the fact that this little guy is m.i.a. is probably why my box looks so sad. I like Ojon products too!! Oh Birchbox.
*Juicy Couture Couture La La...another fragrance sample, which doesn't particularly bother me or anything. Juicy Couture is always coming out with something new. This one is a blend of mandarin, red currant, lily and orange blossom.
*twistband Thick Headband... I'm sure by now everyone has seen these elastic ties made with soft elastic and no metal pieces or anything that will crease or pull at your hair. It's a pretty simple concept. This is actually a headband (pictured in green above). The only thing that made me go "mehh" about this was the fact that when I gave the headband a little tug, the knot began to come undone, so I stopped messing with it.

And that's it. Not anything else to say, describe, or recommend this time. Hope everyone is having a great February thus far, and that everyone got what they were hoping for out of Valentine's Day!!
XOXO,
J.

Bonus Jonas:
check out this precious little Valentine gift (one of) from my husband!!------->

YES!! It is a pebble...and if you know anything about penguin habits, or if you've seen "Good Luck Chuck" then you know why this is the best. **proceed to google if you have no clue**...now everyone saw "AWWWWWWWW". xoxo.





The Industry of Change.

     Seldom to I write to "vent"...Journaling went out of "style" for me when it was forced upon me by as a way to let off steam or deal with stress. I am not fond of being made to do things; I am, admittedly, a stubborn person, almost to a fault. And just as I am a stubborn person, I am a person of heart...I can be over-sensitive and emotional. I mean well with almost everything I do. 2 years ago I did not see myself working in the makeup/hair industry...dreamt of it, you bet; predicted it would be my job, hardly. It was something I explored with, something I dabbled with. When it became the rabbit hole I was falling down I was scared, who wouldn't be. It was new...it was a position I was putting myself in to be easily judged by others. Growing up that was always a top fear of mine, being judged. I sat through all my years of high school and college fearing that all eyes were on me, constantly judging me with what could only be another person's best assumption. So, I sought out the training I needed to become a professional in this industry. I worked for free, I worked when I didn't want to work like any professional in any field typically does. I learned in my training to one day expect that one piece of negative criticism that didn't sit well with you, that you are supposed to take what you can from it and still walk away knowing you are capable of the greatest things. Well, today when I heard that piece of criticism, which almost read as insulting in a way to me, I immediately felt defeated. All day I have walked around almost sick with disappointment that someone walked away feeling like they did as a result of something I did. No amount of positive thoughts generated was lifting the feeling of defeat from me, I couldn't even cry, and if you know me, I am a crier!! So, I decided to look for the catharsis that has always supposed to come with writing. Why I chose to put this in a blog post I don't know...especially considering the abundance of blank notebooks and journals that continuously find their way into my possession. Maybe it will be one of those situations where someone else who has ever felt defeated could perchance upon this and realize, yeah, we all have that moment.
     Ever since the new year I made a promise to myself, not a resolution, a promise...you break a resolution and there is no personal accountability associated with it I feel, you break a promise...you have to hold yourself accountable. I don't like when others break their promises to me, so why would I want to break one to myself. Whenever summer ends I almost immediately always fall into a hot mess funk, and it's been this way ever since my dad unexpectedly passed away on 1-1-11. This "hot mess funk" usually lasts until the first week in January ends. Yes, it is depression. True sadness. I have sought help for this. Feeling sad and abandoned is a terrible feeling. I bottle it up as long as I can, then there's usually a meltdown around Christmas, a lull, and then my "usual" self kicks in. My husband climbed on the "lets make a change" bandwagon with me, and when the first of the year kicked in, we made the changes. We've redecorated the house, we donated a TON of our clothes and are replacing them with better ones. My husband got a new job. I am slowly, but oh so surely, buying new, better product to give me clients the optimal experience with the most fantastic results. And the fact that change isn't always instantaneous is unsettling for me, but things are changing for the better. I can only thank God up above that he is granting me the patience (although the patience wears thin at times) to allow these changes to take place. Change is scary, but when you know that it's all for the better, you accept it.
     So the criticism I received today, unsettling yes. Do I know that it's a past incident? yes. Am I accepting it? I am. Does it still make me a little sick to my stomach? it does. It may be affecting my night (especially considering the week we've had around here), but I cannot let it affect things to come. I chose to do what I do, and I am choosing to make the changes I am making. I want to know I am doing things that my father (may he rest in peace) would be proud of. I could've taken my Bachelor's degree, sat behind a desk and fiddled with spreadsheets all day, but that wasn't the creative position I wanted. So, I cannot let anyone dull my sparkle now, considering I am guilty of diminishing my own sparkle at times. The warmer weather brings on change, and it was quite warm today. There are so many seminars, webinars, conventions, trade shows coming up. I want my sparkle to be quite luminescent (all cheesiness aside). I cannot confess all the changes that are being made, and some are certainly more exciting than others, but I have a great man to hold my hand in this journey, and God is good to let us have it together.
Here's to falling further down the rabbit hole...

XO,
J.