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.





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.

Birchbox: Teen Vogue Beauty Picks.

Soooo, the March Birchbox is here! I always love getting these every month; the whole "grab bag" concept of what you'll be finding inside the box is pretty exciting, haha. This box features items that are hot picks by the folks at Birchbox and Teen Vogue and I have to say although I was pleasantly surprised by most items, a couple were kind of "mehh" for me. Let's discuss...

March 2012 Birchbox contents.

*First thing that caught my eye when opening this box was the bottle of essie nail polish (rad!). It's their glitter luxeffects polish and is perfect for layering on top of solid colored polish, or worn alone for a little sparkle. There's actually some chillin' on the tip of my thumb nail right now and I'll have to say, I don't hate it. What girl doesn't love a little bit of sparkle!

* a sample of Kate Spade's Twirl fragrance...smells delightful...notes of fruits and florals, which is pretty perfect for spring.

*Keratase Elixir Ultime...this is a hair oil that is supposed to hydrate, smooth and "sleekify" your strands. Personally, I am a fan of the MoroccanOil line, but I'd be interested to see how this compares.

*tarte LipSurgance lip tint...I was stoked (yes, stoked) for this one. I adore tarte lip products and this one is certainly no exception! For one thing, it's cruelty-free (not tested on animals) which is always aces in my book. It's a long-lasting lip stain that also has moisturizing effects. You also get that nice little minty refreshing feel/smell too. The color,"lucky", is also really pretty for spring and summer (see where I swatched it below!)

tarte's LipSurgance in "Lucky"

Sorry the photo is blurry!!


*also in the box was a twistband hair tie. Okay, so honestly I don't know how I feel about this one. It's the little blue tie depicted in the contents picture up above. It's supposed to be a little snag-free elastic to give your ponytail some flair. I was pulling on the little guy and he was pretty much unraveling, so I don't know if it's supposed to come apart like that, but I assumed it was to be like any other ponytail holder and stay, circular, in so many words. A 12 pack of these is $18! I'd much rather run up to Target and pick up a pack by Goody and just have at it that way. But, to each his own!
*There was also a discount code to ModCloth included, so I might just peruse the site later and see if I come across anything must-have.

So that was March's box. I am curious to see what the boxes will hold with the spring and summer months quickly approaching! My top 2 picks from this box though would have to be the essie polish and the tarte lip stain. Do you guys have a favorite Birchbox find thus far (or Glymm box, or what have you?), share in the comments below! Also, if you're a follower recruit another blogger/blog reader to climb on board to this blog; that too would be rad!! I am also about to set up my facebook fan page for my Makeup artistry so that is a little something something in the works ;) Hope everyone is enjoying this nice weather and appreciating the life and love each day holds.

XOXO,

J.