Birchbox/1

 

As you can see, this month I jumped onto the Birchbox train. I have been thinking about subscribing to Ipsy and Birchbox for a few months before finally deciding to go with Birchbox at the beginning of the month. Because I spend so much money trying new products for a few weeks and then realizing I don't really like them, I decided to subscribe to Birchbox that way I'm only spending $10 a month and trying 4-5 new mini-sized products. I thought this was the most efficient way to fulfill my beauty/makeup obsession. So, let's get started!

October's Birchbox:
Camile Beckman Tuscan Honey Glycerine Hand Therapy | Full-size, $13.95
What: "Sweet-smelling cream that restores and protects hands with glycerin and healing botanicals."
How: "Smooth generously onto dry hands and massage into skin."
My Thoughts: Personally, I love this stuff. It isn't oily on the hands and it smooths into the skin quickly. This cream has a hint of an organic sweet smell that I really like.

Coastal Scents Revealed Eyeshadow Palette Set in Latte | Full size, $34
What: "With these versatile nude and metallic shadows in your beauty arsenal, you're all set."
How: "Sweep preferred hue over lids for day. Layer shadows for a more dramatic night look."
My Thoughts: I love these shadows! I'm so happy I received this quad. There are two warmer tones and two cooler tones. I think the colors are so great. The shadows are creamy and very blend-able.

Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips | Full-size, $14.50
What: "Originally made for nursing moms, this ultra-hydrating balm is a makeup artist fave."
How: "Dab onto parched lips, cuticles, and elbows as needed."
My Thoughts: My first reaction to this product was "nipple balm? why??" I was caught off guard while reading the product name but soon got over it after I read that it was for lips, not the other. I think this is a great idea - a super hydrating lip balm always brings music to my ears. Even better, you can use it on your cuticles and elbows as well. I think I'm saving this for my ultra dry winter skin.

TOCCA Eau de Parfum, Florence | Full-size, $68
What: "With notes of bergamot, gardenia, and jasmine, this floral scent has an old-world charm."
How: "Spritz onto pulse points to make an elegant impression."
My Thoughts: First spritz onto my wrist and I absolutely disliked this scent. First of all, I have a really sensitive nose. I'm pretty much like a hound dog. I have this super heightened sense of smell and this can be a really big disadvantage sometimes (Exhibit A: walking by Bath & Body Works, Exhibit B: when someone sits next to me in class with really bad body odor). Second, I'm not a big perfume wearer unless it's a special occasion. Third, I absolute loathe floral scents. All in all, this was a complete miss for me and I will most likely be throwing this away.

Vasanti Cosmetics BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator | Full-size, $34
What: "This customer fave mimics effects of microdermabrasion for a glowing, smooth complexion."
How: "3-5 times a week massage a pea-seized amount into damp skin and rinse. For all skin types."
My Thoughts: I've been using this a few times a week when my face starts looking a bit dull. I'm really enjoying it. The formula has tiny exfoliating bits in it, but it is very gentle. My face is left really soft and perked up. I'm really thinking about buying a full size of this because it's that amazing!

My overall experience with Birchbox this month: I liked 4 out of 5 products.
I went into this thinking I would just get one box and then unsubscribe. However, I was really impressed with the products in my box. My only complaint with this month's box was the perfume.

Have you ever tried Birchbox?
What did you receive in your box this month?

Wednesday/13

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"Well done is better than well said."

-Benjamin Franklin

Full Exposure

Hi, everyone! I'm back today with a review of a product that I just had to share with you. I was in the checkout line at Sephora and I can never help myself when it comes to the mini's section. I always find something I need. When I saw this Smashbox palette, I couldn't resist. It is the cutest palette I've ever seen!
At the size of a palm, this palette is perfect for traveling. With four shimmers and four mattes, it's great for a day at work and a night out. The matte shades are very pigmented, neutral, and a little goes a long way. The shimmers are more on the sheeny side, maybe even too glittery for me. They need to be built up, but I still think they can work if you are going out at night.
Overall, I have deemed this palette as my go-to for the fall and winter months.
Have you tried any eyeshadows by Smashbox?

Wednesday/12

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"Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple…"

-Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

Weekend/7

On Friday morning, I woke up to a foggy morning in Birmingham. Later Friday afternoon, I got off work early, Gary and I drove to Gadsden and picked up Maggie, and then Maggie spent the night with me Friday night. Saturday morning, my parents came down to Birmingham, and we all went shopping for a homecoming dress for Maggie because her homecoming is next week. We spent the day eating at Urban Cookhouse, shopping, and eating some more at Cocina Superior. On Sunday, Gary and I went to the late service at church, met our new pastor, went to lunch with friends, and worked on schoolwork all afternoon.
My heart is so full. It was the best weekend.

Oreo Cream Popcorn

If you follow me on Instagram, you would've seen my post over the weekend about the Oreo Cream Popcorn we made. Gary and I planned to watch movies on Saturday and Gary picked out a dessert he wanted us to try, so we headed to the kitchen and got started. It was highly addicting and so good!

What you'll need:
-Two mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
-Popcorn kernels
-One pack of Oreos
-Sprinkles
-Mixing spoon
-Vegetable oil
-Large pot
-20 oz. white chocolate bark
-Cutting board
-Knife

How to:
-Put enough vegetable oil in your large pot just to cover the bottom
-Add in 6 tablespoons of popcorn kernels (or, however much you'd like. we made a lot to give to our friends)
-While popcorn is popping, begin to melt white chocolate (I did four squares of chocolate at a time for one minute, added four more for one minute, etc)
-Chop one package of Oreos on your cutting board with a knife
-Once popcorn is all popped, pop it in into the large mixing bowl
-Then, add in the chopped Oreos
-Mix the popcorn and Oreos together
-Drizzle the white chocolate all over popcorn
-Incorporate the three ingredients by stirring it all together
-Add sprinkles

Happy popping!

September

September.

What a whirlwind of a month.

Collectively, Gary and I have had 4 interviews this month. We now both have new jobs! yay!

We have traveled every weekend this month. But this weekend, we are doing absolutely nothing (I'M SO EXCITED) until Sunday and then we have to finish our school work (the never ending stream of assignments).

I have tried four new recipes this month. Yay for food!
School has taken over my life this month. But hey, what can I say? College is good. Life is good. Fall is right around the corner. What more could I ask for? [Pumpkin everything. That's what.]

Last weekend, Gary and I went to Tennessee to meet up with my family for Maggie's volleyball tournament and her eighteenth birthday. It was so much fun. We were talking about it all week and how much fun we had.

How are you guys?
Sorry, this was a weird post.