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.

Random Much?

It's July!  And the weather has been surprisingly pleasant compared to the past couple of weeks. 

Going to the beach this weekend for a few days with my girlfriends.  It will be nice to spend time relaxing, but I'll need to make sure I don't spend too much while I'm there.

Speaking of frugality, is it bad that I'm already looking forward to my next paycheck? In 2 weeks? Yeah, gonna have to kick that spending habit SOON.

I'm watching American Ninja Warrior right now.  I remember watching the Japanese version on Spike(?) when I was younger, so it's cool/weird to see a bunch of Americans attempting the obstacles and to not have to read subtitles.

My throat has been hurting for the past day or so...REALLY hope I'm not getting sick.

I need to learn how to cook.  I can follow a recipe just fine, but I know there's more to cooking than just that.  I want to be able to reach in my refrigerator and cabinets and make a full MEAL.