Birchbox: October 2013

This month's theme is "Beauty Buzz", and they're sampling products that have been creating a lot of hype and excitement during 2013.  Let's take a look at what I received:

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser- "UK favorite that uses a two-step ritual to purify and exfoliate. A Birchbox exclusive!" Full size: $21.50, Sample size: $6.52.

This could come in handy since I'm almost out of my current face scrub. And this is a nice-sized sample; I'm sure I'll get multiple uses out of this.

Liz Earle Pure Muslin Cloth- "Ditch your harsh exfoliator and use this pure muslin cloth, which gently polishes the skin." Full size: $6.00 for 2, Sample size: $3.00.

The first of many pictures that aren't rotated. Sorry.

Neat idea, but I'll probably only use it with this specific cleanser. 

POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Flowering Fuschia- "A British makeup pro created this sheer gloss, which plumps and hydrates with jojoba oil." I received a full size of this product, which is worth $14.00.

I don't want to complain because this is a full-size product, BUT: Birchbox, please stop sending me lip products that are either: A) vibrant in color or B) lip gloss.  I just don't like them.  This one claims to be smooth, not sticky.  Truth--it's less sticky than most glosses, but it's still somewhat sticky because... it's a gloss.  Therein lies the stickiness.  It does sort of tingle, and while that's kinda cool...I'm just not feelin' it.

Benefit Fakeup- "Brighten tired-looking eyes with this hydrating under-eye concealer and moisturizer combo." Full size: $24.00, Sample size: $2.00.

Haven't tried this out yet, but I'm excited to. Especially with the dryer months coming up, I know I'll need some hydration under my eyes.  Though, I wish the sample contained just a little bit more product. That picture on the bottom is laughable.  It's twisted all the way up!

BIRCHBOX FIND
ChapStick Hydration Lock- "Clinically proven to moisturize lips, from 9-5. It also doubles as a lip primer and comes chock full of damage-defending antioxidants like CoQ10 and Vitamin E." I received a full size of this product, which is worth $3.29.

(A "Birchbox Find" is typically something subscribers can get at a drugstore that isn't quite in line with Birchbox's high-end aesthetic but is so amazing that Birchbox feels the need to let subscribers in on the secret.)  Now, THIS is a lip product I can get behind.  Give me all the ChapStick, please. 

I'm happy with the size and quality of samples I received this month, but with the cloth counting as a sample on its own, I feel like I didn't get much. Nevertheless, the total monetary value of my Birchbox this month is $28.81, so it IS higher than the $10.00 price tag. 

If you're interested in signing up for Birchbox, click here!

Oh, How I Love Autumn

Y'all.  I love fall so freakin' much.  And it's weird--I always forget how much I love it until it's here.  But, by then it's too late, and I'm overcome with the need to wear scarves, burn candles, and consume all things pumpkin (like, basically everything in this Buzzfeed list).  And, college football season is in full swing, too!  So. Many. Great. Things.

Though, I will say my fantasy football team is absolute garbage this year.  I don't even care anymore.

I painted my dresser this weekend, and the weather could not have been more perfect.  I still want to paint my nightstand and freshen up my vanity table/bench.  I think I'll need to save that for another weekend though, since this upcoming one will be quite busy.  The Black Crowes are playing Bulldog Bash on Friday, and my parents are coming up for the LSU game on Saturday.  AND, I think some people might be staying at my apartment for the weekend?  Probably Definitely need to clean before then.  Yep.

But who has time to clean when there's so much good television on??  Honestly, my Hulu queue is out of control.  With all the new shows premiering and my returning favorites, I think I'll just keep letting them pile up until each episode's expiration date nears.  It's just hard to keep up with TV and try to have a life, too.  I don't know how TV critics do it.

This post really has no point other than expressing my excitement for autumn. Yay.  :)

And, here's some music I've been enjoying lately (yep, still into The 1975...)--

Wandering

Hey,

J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote, "Not all who wander are lost."  You'll figure things out.

You are enough.


____________________________



I've officially been doing this project for a month now!  I'm probably going to take a break from posting these every weekday and just post as needed.  I do think it has helped me work on some issues, and I hope that it may have helped anyone who's been reading along the way. 

Attitude

Hey,

You did a really good job today not losing your cool when others were displaying bad attitudes.  Let it roll off your back, and continue to try to be a positive presence.

You are enough.

Hope

Hey,

Stay hopeful.  

You are enough.

Birchbox: September 2013

Oh, how I love Birchbox.  This month's theme is "Heritage", which I adore because it makes me think of vintage flea market finds and family heirlooms.  The theme is also appropriate for Birchbox as a company, with September being its 3rd anniversary.  It's cool to be a part of its journey and growth.  If you want to subscribe to Birchbox, check the company out here.  Now, on to this month's goodies!

Davines This is a Sea Salt Spray: "This styling spray gives you beachy texture and megavolume without any stickiness." Full size- $27.00, Sample size- $10.80.

This actually arrived leaking a bit, but nothing else in the box was ruined by it.  To me, sea salt spray is more of a Spring/Summer product.  I know it's still technically summer (I'm so ready for fall weather!), but I don't know that I'll get much use out of this product in the coming weeks and months.  Nevertheless, I am excited to try this since it's supposed to be moisturizing.  Most sea salt sprays I've tried leave my hair feeling parched, so it will be interesting to see if this does the opposite.

Ruffian Nail Lacquer in "Fox Hunt": "Vibrant orange from the fashion label's first lacquer collection. Exclusive to Birchbox!" I seem to have received a full size lacquer, valued at $10.00.

Gotta love nail polish. Of the crowdsourced shade selections, this would not have been my pick.  It is a nice shade for autumn, though, so I'm sure I'll be using this soon.

Paula's Choice RESIST BHA 9 for Stubborn Imperfections: "Whopping 9% salicylic acid spot corrector for everything from blackheads to wrinkles." Full size- $40.00, Sample size- $3.95

Isn't that just the tiniest little vial you've ever seen?  Lately, Birchbox has been sending me skincare items that are supposed to be do-it-all products (see the Vivant cleanser in this post).  Maybe it's because I have my profile set to "Low Maintenance"...perhaps I should look into tweaking that.  I guess most people would think these kind of products are convenient, but I just find them slightly confusing, honestly.  I don't know, I guess I'm weird.  I'll definitely still try this out, though. 

Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Luminous Lip Gloss in "Precious Petal": "Long-lasting, vibrant color and shine that moisturizes and plumps the appearance of lips." Full size- $18.00, Sample size- $11.08.

Oh, lip gloss.  I'm generally not a huge fan of this product category as they are usually sticky.  Any girl (or guy?) who has ever felt the struggle of getting strands of hair stuck in goopy lip gloss feels my pain.  I just prefer to stick to lip balm or lipstick.  As soon as I got my box, I tried it out to see if this one would be different, and unfortunately, I was not impressed.  Pretty shade, though.

Lifestyle Extra:
Borracha Pearly Wipes: "Peppermint-infused wipes that whiten teeth and freshen breath with hydrogen peroxide." Full size- 15 wipes for $7.95, Sample size (2 wipes)- $1.06.

What a neat idea.  I feel like everything comes in wipe form these days, and Birchbox is, once again, surprising me with these innovations.  Last month, it was a deodorant wipe (which worked well, by the way!), and this month we have wipes for teeth.  I feel like these will be like those Colgate Wisps, just in wipe form.  On Birchbox's site, they are also selling a variation of these specifically to be used after a night of drinking red wine.  Pretty cool.

And, that's all!  The grand total value of my Birchbox this month is: $36.89--definitely worth the $10.00 paid for the box.  And, even though these things aren't products I'd necessarily pick out for myself, the whole point of Birchbox is to try new things! 

Expectations

Hey,

The best way to avoid disappointment is to lower your expectations.  This article sums you up pretty perfectly right now.  Happiness is achievable--simply adjust your assumptions.  You may not be special, but you ARE unique.  And ...

...you are enough.

Timid

Hey,

Aren't you so glad you're not as shy as you once were? 

You are enough.

Focus

Hey,

You're head has been in the clouds lately.  There's nothing wrong with daydreaming--just don't let it pull focus from the tasks at hand.

You are enough.

Growth

Hey,

Remember that there is always room for improvement.  Don't strive for perfection; instead, open your mind to the possibilities for change.

You are enough.  

Introversion

Hey,

It's perfectly acceptable to need some time to yourself every now and then.

You are enough. 

Friendship

Hey,

You have a few really awesome friends.  Nurture those relationships, and don't let them fall by the wayside.

You are enough.

Good Music

A few songs I'm loving lately:

 

 "The City" by The 1975

Yep, I'm still very much into The 1975.  To see another song of theirs that I like, click here.  Their debut album came out this week (finally), and I'm so excited to get it!

"Royals" by Lorde

I've been hearing about Lorde for several months now and even bought this song on iTunes a while back, but I've just recently started listening to it.  Can y'all believe she's only 16?!  

"I Remember You" by Rilo Kiley

Love Rilo Kiley.  Love this song.  Just...love.

"Bleeding Out" by The Lone Bellow

Discovered this band by listening to the local college radio station, and I'm loving them so far.  This song is like going to church, especially by the end.

That's it for now, but I hope everyone has a good weekend!  (Hail State!!)

Willpower

Hey,

Getting back on the "dieting" wagon is difficult, but you're trying--that counts for something! You can do it!

You are enough.

Tenacious

Hey,

You're stronger than you think.

You are enough.

Jealousy

Hey,

I know it's so, so easy to look at those around you and be jealous of their successes.  But, you have to remember that you are meant for something great.  It will all be revealed to you in time.

You are enough.

Falling for Fall

The internet at my apartment is out at the moment, so I'm blogging from my office.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!  I visited my parents and friends in Hattiesburg, and despite almost having a heart attack after losing my keys (I later found them--thanks to a good samaritan), it was a lovely weekend.  You know when you're feeling kind of down, and you see good friends and have the kind of conversations and those laugh-til-you-cry moments that just feed your soul?  That was my weekend.  I'm coming back after the holiday feeling somewhat refreshed and renewed.  I also went shopping with my mother, and we got clothes for the fall, even though it's still hot and miserable outside.  I'm just ready for that crisp feeling in the air.  Got a bunch of fall candles at Bath & Body Works, too (2 for $22 right now!), so I'm just going to start early. 

And hey, guess what?  We are enough. :)

Perfect

Hey,

Forgot to post yesterday!  Don't sweat the small stuff.  Nobody is perfect, but...

you are enough.

Faith

Hey,

Spoiler alert: It's all going to be okay.

You are enough.

Bravery

Hey,

Have the guts to go after what you want in life.

You are enough.

Patience

Hey,

You were in such a bad mood today, you really probably could have strangled someone.  Luckily, you avoided possible jail time by practicing that little virtue called patience.  Proud of you.

You are enough.

Awareness

Hey,

Someone was a bit of a jerk to you today. At first, you were mad because he doesn't know you or anything about you.  Who was he to make a snap judgment about you?  But, then you realized that you don't know him or anything about him either.  Be glad that you have the awareness to recognize that everyone has a back story that makes them the way they are.

You are enough. 

30 Questions

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops?
Nope. Cops terrify me even though I've never done anything wrong.

2. Do you close your eyes on a roller coaster?
Of course not! I like to see all the flips and twists.

3. When's the last time you've been sledding?
January 2011--it doesn't snow very often here.

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone?
I like to sleep alone, but I also like to cuddle.

5. Do you believe in ghosts?
I've never experienced anything supernatural, but I do think there are some things in this world that can't be explained otherwise.

6. Do you consider yourself creative?
I do, but I also have a very logical, practical side.

7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?
Yes.

8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?
Jennifer Aniston. Always.

9. Can you honestly say you know ANYTHING about politics? 
I try to keep up with current events and form my own opinions on topics. 

10. Do you know how to play poker?
 I did at one time, I'm sure I could pick it up again.

11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?
NO. I've barely stayed up for 24 hours before haha. Love me some sleep.

12. What's your favorite commercial?
I like SportCenter's commercials, they're usually pretty funny. 

13. Who was your first love? 
AGM

14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around you, do you run a red light? 
No. See also: Question 1.

15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you?
Probably so .

16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees?
Neither of these teams are my favorite, but if I'm choosing...Red Sox.

17. Have you ever been Ice Skating?
Yes, and it was super fun and scary all at once.

18. How often do you remember your dreams?
Maybe once or twice a week.

19. What's the one thing on your mind?
Just general confusion about where my life is going.

20. Do you always wear your seat belt?
Always.

21. What talent do you wish you had? 
I wish I could play guitar. 

22. Do you like Sushi? 
Ohmygosh, yes.

23. What do you wear to bed?
Depends on the season. Summer: tank top and shorts, Winter: all the clothes ever.

24. Do you truly hate anyone? 
I try not to hold grudges, I really do. But there are a few people I'd be cool with never seeing ever again.

25. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be? 
I don't really know. My answer for this would have been Adam Levine, but I feel like he's been a sellout in the past year or so.

26. Do you know anyone in jail? 
Can't say that I do.

27. What food do you find disgusting? 
Grapefruit and any kind of melon. I'll eat pretty much anything else.

28. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back? 
Unfortunately, yes. But who hasn't? We're all flawed.

29. Have you ever been punched in the face? 
No, I like to avoid conflict.

30. Do you believe in angels and demons?
I'm not sure, I think this reverts back to my answer for question 5.

Stress

Hey,

I know today was slightly stressful, but you handled it as best as you could.  Tomorrow's another day, and it will be better.

You are enough.

Complimented

Hey,

Someone paid you a huge compliment today.  Didn't that feel awesome?? :)

You are enough.

Leadership

Hey,

You're more of a leader than you think you are.

You are enough.

Unhealthy

Hey,

So, you didn't feel so great about your body today... so what? You've come a long way on your weight-loss journey. You should be so proud of yourself! You're beautiful.

You are enough.

Unmemorable

Hey,

Don't let the fact that a former acquaintance didn't recognize/remember you today.  You two didn't really know each other that well, anyway.  I know this happens too often for your liking, but you ARE memorable. You are special and unique.

You are enough.

"The Wire" by Haim

We are enough.

Anybody who really knows me knows that I struggle with anxiety from time to time.  I'm constantly feeling less than perfect.  I know perfection isn't possible, but I'm my own harshest critic.  And, I know that I'm not alone.

We all go through things that make us feel knocked down a peg or two.  So every week day, I'm going to post about a situation that really just sucked and remind myself (and whoever is reading) that we are enough.  

I'm so excited about this project.  Not only will it be a great reminder for myself, but I hope to put some positivity out into the universe.  Create a little good karma, if you will.  However, it's also scary to make myself so vulnerable.  I just hope I can help others work through these struggles as I try to help myself.  Join me, won't you? :)

Birchbox: August 2013

Man oh man, have I been in need of a pick-me-up.  So, I was pumped to get my Birchbox in the mail today!  Birchbox is a subscription service that sends out beauty and lifestyle samples once a month.  It's super fun, and only $10.00 a month!  If you're interested in subscribing, click here.  Some people wonder if it's actually worth $10.00 a month, and honestly, some months are better than others.  Luckily, you'll see below that, for me, this month is a great one!

For August, Birchbox collaborated with Ann Taylor to provide products and accessory inspiration to go along with the theme "Finishing School".

derma e Hyaluronic Hydrating Mist: "This all-natural anti-aging mist restores skin with green tea, vitamin C, and aloe. Spritz face to refresh skin antime, or use in the morning to set your already-applied makeup." The full size is $13.50, and I did receive a full size product!

Sorry the picture isn't rotated!

Holy smokes, the first product has already paid for the monetary value of the box!  And then some!  I like the idea of a setting/refreshing mist.  My only hope is that this isn't too "refreshing" for my oily skin. 

EVOLVh Ultrashine Moisture Conditioner- "Made from 20 different herbs, this nourishing formula delivers silky, obedient strands." Full size, $25.00, sample size $5.88.

I'm so glad to be able to sample a conditioner NOT in the form of a single-use foil packet.  This way, I can actually test it over a period of time.  And y'all, considering how GOOD this stuff smells.... I already know I'll be sad when it's empty.

Whish Exfoliating Body Wash- "A coconut-rich scrub that brightens and exfoliates with sugar cane and bamboo powder. A great way to prep skin for self tanner." Full size, $22.00, sample size $2.75.

Another really good-smelling product!  Good timing, too, since I'm about to run out of my current Aveeno exfoliating body wash.
 
Beauty Extra: Whish Hair Inhibiting Deodorant Swipes- "From the shaving pros at Whish, these wipes tackle odor and slow hair growth in one swipe."  Full size $16.00, and I'm just going to assume this sample is $1.00. 

Who in the world thought of this product?  Don't get me wrong, it's kind of genius--just really random.  I only received one of these, so I don't know how it smells since I haven't used it yet. Definitely interesting concept.

stila stay all day liquid lipstick- "Longlasting liquid lipstick in a wearable red that glides on like a gloss but stays put like a stain." Full size, $22.00, sample size $6.60.

I don't know how they can describe this shade, "Beso", as wearable...it's actually pretty bold.  I generally love stila as a brand, and I'm excited to get to test this product out.  But honestly, I wish I'd received a more wearable color.  I don't have many occasions to rock a bold red lip.

Birchbox also threw in an Ann Taylor accessory guide, along with a coupon code for anntaylor.com! For 20% off 1 item or 30% off 2 items, simply use the code "BIRCHBOX". You're welcome! :)

I know there were 60-something box combinations this month, but I'm officially deeming my Birchbox to be awesome.  Not only are the sample sizes huge and the products interesting/exciting, but the box's approximate total value of $29.73 far exceeds the $10.00 price tag.  If you haven't looked into Birchbox yet, I highly recommend it.

By the way, an idea hit me today for a new blog series.  I may write more about this over the weekend, but I'm still playing around with it in my head for now.  Could be exciting.  :)

Guns Hidden Under our Petticoats

Does anybody know what a panic attack feels like?  I think I might have had one today.  I did pilates to try to calm myself down, and that worked, but I still have a massive headache an hour later.  Also, my body is trying to develop a cold, so there's a lot of sinus pressure going on that Sudafed doesn't seem to be helping.

One reason for the panic attack is that one year ago today, this world lost the man who was like my second father.  While I've thought of him and wept on countless occasions in the past year, today hit me like a ton of bricks.  We all miss you so much, Mr. Randy.  And, I need to stop typing before the tears start rolling again.

We think Eno the cat has a UTI, so we'll be taking him to the vet in the morning.  The fun never stops.

Does anybody else ever question their purpose in life, or is that just me?

A few days ago, I stumbled across a new band that I really like so far: The 1975.  Check out the video for their song "Chocolate" below.

 

Birchbox: July 2013

Two posts in one day!  New record for me.  Earlier this week, I received my July Birchbox, and I'm very pleased with its contents.  The theme this month is "Power Play", with an emphasis on finding products that become your go-to products in any situation.

Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner:  "Direct from the UK, this user-friendly liquid liner features a velvety smooth formula." 

Birchbox has been sampling this product for so long, I've almost broken down and bought it without sampling instead of waiting until it turned up in a box.  Well, the wait is over!  I received the purple shade, and I've been really liking it so far.  From far away, it just looks like black eyeliner, but up close, you can really see the pop of color.  I think it accentuates my blue eyes nicely.  I have received the full-size of this product, which is worth $16.00.

Kerastase Chroma Thermique--Protect: "A silky leave-in treatment that combats dehydration, deterioration, and dullness with ceramides."

In addition to hydrating dry hair, this is supposed to serve as a UV protectant for color-treated hair.  I've already been using one of the packets I received, but I haven't really formed an opinion yet.  It doesn't seem special so far.  Full size $42, sample size $5.60 for 2 packets.

Vivant Skin Care Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash: "Derm-developed formula that clears up blemishes and hyperpigmentation with alpha hydroxy acids."

I haven't used this yet because...honestly, I'm not quite sure what it is.  The directions say to use it on trouble spots on face, body , and even scalp.  Why would I use a face/body wash on my scalp?  What the hell is mandelic acid?  Must be potent because you're only supposed to use it every other day.  Who knows.  Full size $31, sample size $0.59.

purminerals CC Cream Broad Speum SPF 40: "This clinically proven anti-aging formula moisturizes, brightens, and evens skin tone."

I'll be trying this today.  Really though, I have low expectations for products like this.  Most of the BB creams and CC creams I've tried have left my skin way too oily.  I received the light shade. Full size $38.00, sample size $7.60. 

Birchbox Bobby Pins: "We designed these patterned pins to add style to summer hair with minimal effort."  

These are cute!  I prefer my bobby pins to blend in with my hair, but it'll be fun to try these out. Set of 6, $5.00, sample size of 2 pins $1.67.

I love my box this month! And, it's worth $31.46.  If you're interested in subscribing to Birchbox, click my link here.  

Have a great weekend!  I'm going to continue sipping my coffee and watching Coneheads and Beverly Hills Cop on Comedy Central. :)

A Beautiful Life

Sorry I haven't written in a while...I was reaching a point where I was kind of over the whole blogging thing, and I really just needed to collect my thoughts.  I find myself in a situation of being unhappy, which has been mind-boggling since I was dead-set on making this my "Year of Yes".  I wanted to put myself out there by saying yes to opportunities presented to me, and I was hoping this practice would help me lead a beautiful life full of rich and soul-satisfying experiences.  And yet, here I sit...unfulfilled.  I am a self-proclaimed introvert, but that doesn't mean I want to sit at home by myself all the time.

Very recently, I figured out what my problem is: I've been relying on other people/the world to present these opportunities to me instead of being proactive and making opportunities for myself.  I'm upset with myself for acting so entitled, as if the world is here to serve me.  However, I know the world owes me nothing and that I am solely responsible for making something of my life.  Knowing that it all rests on my shoulders is slightly terrifying because I'm bound to mess up at some point.  And yet, I don't believe in accidents or mistakes; instead, I believe in lessons.  And, this has been my most recent lesson.  It's time for me to take control of my own happiness.  

Sail on.