Friday, January 30, 2015

Birchbox January 2015

I feel like it's been a really long time since I've shown you all what's in my Birchbox!

This month, we had a choice of three samples, or two different guest editor boxes. If you're curious about them, you can watch their January Sneak Peak video below. I didn't choose a sample or a guest editor box this month.




As a subscriber, my big takeaways from this video were this:

1) We're supposed to keep all of our boxes for 2015. They didn't say why, but I know mine will be put away. Just in case.
2) You can earn 60 points with this box- 10 points for each sample you review that you've received (everyone receives 5 samples), and then an additional 10 points for sharing that page. I really hope this becomes a regular thing- that means my Birchbox is basically $4.00 a month. Which is unreal for what you get!


I also had major issues with my account this month- for whatever reason, I could not see my box. Not on the app, not on mobile internet, and not on my computer browser. Luckily, Birchbox Customer Service is THE BEST and within a week, my issue was resolved. And for my trouble, they hooked me up with 100 additional Birchbox points!

I really cannot say enough good things about their customer service, and to me, it's just another reason why I don't see cancelling my subscription anytime soon.

Quick Note: I took these pics with my iPhone, and I took them vertically. I absolutely hate the way it looks and will not be taking them that way in the future. I also am not using my backdrop right now, as you can tell.

Okay, on to the box!

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The packaging on this is super cute! Even if they didn't suggest keeping the box, I probably would because I just love it!


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Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+

A cult favorite, this all-in-one provides light coverage, anti aging benefits, and mega SPF.
How To Use: Blend a nickel-sized amount onto clean skin, following with concealer if needed.
How It Works: This tinted balm contains myriad of complexion-benefiting ingredients. Adenosine improves skin’s elasticity, and arbutin brightens and evens out skin tone. An antioxidant bio-peptide complex provides anti-aging properties and promotes collagen production, while titanium dioxide and zinc oxide add broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Will I Use It?: I will definitely give it a try. As of this blog post, I haven't yet. I did read several reviews that indicated to me this product may not be for us oily-skinned girls, but I'll definitely try it out soon.


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Harvey Prince Sincerely

Sweetly spicy scent with Indonesian clove bud, Indian tuberose, and Japanese orange flower.
How To Use: Spritz onto pulse points- and see where this intriguing scent takes you.
How It Works: The fragrance features carefully selected notes from around the world: South African freesia mingles with Japanese orange flower, Moroccan rose, and Australian sandalwood.
Will I Use It?: I won't be using this- it's just not for me. I don't know if it's the sandalwood or the freesia, but something in this doesn't agree with me. Which is disappointing- I have liked all the other Harvey Prince scents that Birchbox has sent me!


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Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner

This soft wax pencil delivers rich, long-lasting color that won't irritate eyes.
How To Use: Glide along lash line. Colorblock with your other liners for a sleek, modern look.
How It Works: The soft wax pencil won’t tug the delicate skin around your eyes, while a dose of hydrating glycerin guards against irritation. There are seven dramatic shades to choose from, including playful Signature Lime Green and a classic rich Black.
Will I Use It?: I actually used this the day I'm writing this post to line my upper lid. I really, really love the color I was sent (Hansa), and this went on so nicely! I could definitely see pairing this as a base to the Jade color in the Lorac Pro 2 palette. 


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Vasanti Cosmetics BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

This customer fave mimics the effects of microdermabrasion for glowing, smooth skin.
How To Use: 3-5 times a week, massage a pea-sized amount into damp skin and rinse. For all skin types.
How It Works: This powerful exfoliator mimics the results of professional microdermabrasion, minus the potential for redness and sensitivity. First, papaya enzymes break down dead cells while evening out your skin tone. Next, dermatologist-approved microderm crystals fade the appearance of fine lines and acne scars, leaving skin smooth and free of imperfections. Finally, aloe vera, coconut, and vitamins B and E nourish fresh skin to keep it free of irritation.
Will I Use It?: I have received this product three different times now, and I will eventually use it... but I still have the other two! (I know I received one in my birchbox haul, and I believe I may have received one in a Test Tube... but it must have been an additional sample because I don't have anything under Vasanti in my labels.) I took a break from products like this after I found out I was pregnant, but I'm sure I'll go back to using this stuff after I have my little guy.


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Whish Three Whishes Body Butter in Lavender

Luscious, antioxidant-rich formula that firms, softens, and soothes.
How To Use: Smooth onto skin after showering. A little goes a long way.
How It Works: Organic aloe, shea butter, and raspberry butter conquer dryness, while organic seaweed extract contains naturally high levels of skin-firming peptides. The formula also includes organic rice bran oil, a natural source of tocotrienols, a potent antioxidant that defeats free radicals and provides UV protection.
Will I Use It?: I have used this, and I like it. The Lavendar scent is pretty soft, and it goes away really quickly after application- I couldn't even smell if at first when trying to smell it from the bottle. I have been lotioning my belly at least twice a day, but the day I used this, my belly still felt very moisturized when I went to use lotion in the evening. So I might actually be looking into purchasing this again really soon!

If any of you are interested in signing up for Birchbox, please click there and use my affiliate link! I receive points which I will exchange for products that I can review on this blog.


FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from the Birchbox card included in the box.
This post contains Amazon.com affiliate links and a birchbox affiliate link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
The individual product links to the birchbox product page are not affiliate links.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Vaxza iPhone 6 Battery Case Review

I've always wanted to get a battery case for my phone. I recently signed up for Tomoson, which is a website where bloggers/vloggers can go to apply to receive products to review, and I came across this and figured "Why not apply!" And to my surprise, Vaxza chose me to review their phone case!


I use my iPhone all the time. Between listening to music and surfing the net, I drain my battery almost completely every single day. So having an extended battery case was a no-brainer that I had not even thought of purchasing before- instead I was just carrying my charger around with me everywhere.

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Included in the package are the battery case, a headphone jack extender (which you will need if you want to have this case on and plug into headphones), and a USB cable. You just hook it up to any available USB port and let it charge. Vaxza recommends only using their included cable to charge their case.

This case takes about 5 1/2 hours to fully charge from drained. There is a button on the back of the case you hold down once your phone is in the case to charge your phone. There is an LED display above where the button is located that indicates how charged your case is. The display is very bright- you'll definitely know how far along in the charge process you are!

Vaxza does recommend you let your phone battery drain low before charging, which is just better for your phone battery anyway. (Though, does anyone do this in real life?! I'm trying!)
I can usually get two almost full charges off of one charge of the case, which I think is great! It takes about 3 hours to get a full charge.

I really have no complaints about this case. The only thing is that it seems to leave the front of your phone completely exposed - the top edges are almost completely uniform with the case, so if you drop your phone face down, you might have some damage. That's why for me, personally, I have this case in my purse and use it as I need it. Though I was recently shopping and had this on all day, charging my phone as needed, and I did drop my phone once and sustained no damage to the case or my phone.


If you're a heavy iPhone user and you're in the market for an extended battery case, this is a great one! I highly recommend it!



Disclosure: I received this product from Vaxza via Tomoson to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Pregnancy Update: Weeks 19 & 20

Week 19
This is the week we found out we're having a BOY! His name is going to be Michael David, after my husband's best friend (and one of mine) who has passed on. We feel so lucky to get to have a son, and name him for someone that meant so much to both of us.

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(The only time you'll ever see my son's junk on the internet... hopefully.)

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(His little face. I just want to kiss it already!)

My husband and I also bought him his first teddy bear the evening we found out. Isn't he cute?
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His name is Rolth (it's a Jedi name), and he is so, so soft.

Other than finding out he's a boy, this week was fairly uneventful, pregnancy-wise.
Non-pregnancy wise, this weekend was when the Seahawks got into the Superbowl for the second year in a row! WOOHOO!!!

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Week 20
The evening before my 20th week kicked off was not fun. I had some stomach issues, and just felt gross in general. Luckily, I had my 20 week appointment with my doctor. I had been jumping around quite a bit more than I should have watching the Seahawk vs Green Bay game, and when I told him that, he said I probably just upset my bowels and that as long as there was no bleeding, I was okay.
I also found out I gained 3lbs since my last appointment, which brings my total pregnancy weight gain up to 8lbs. My blood pressure is still really good at 117/70, and my fundal height was measuring at 19, so I'm right on track.

This weekend I went shopping with my mom and got some really, really cute stuff for the baby. But I might just do an overall baby haul before he's here on the blog, so I don't really want to post pictures of everything right now.

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As of writing this post, I am at Week 21. I don't have another doctor's appointment until Week 24, and nothing major coming up.
See you all in 2 weeks!

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Walmart Winter 2015 Beauty Box

Last fall, I signed up for the Walmart Beauty Box.
And then I super failed and never posted about it!

Now, I don't know why I signed up for this. I'm not a person that shops at Walmart, for many reasons, but this just seemed like a good bet. It would be all drug store stuff, and the opportunity to try new things.
And it comes quarterly, automatically, unlike the Target one which is like hit and miss (mostly miss) on getting.


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The box contains the following items: L'oreal Oleo Therapy Oil Infused Shampoo and Conditioner, Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick in Maple Kiss, Jergens BB Body in Light, Nivea Cocoa Butter & Vitamin E Lotion, and Olay Fresh Effects Make-Up Removal Cloths.


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Here's a better pic of the lipstick. It's a really pretty color, and I might try it out. Though my lips have been super dry (more so than normal).


I'm a little sick of that Jergens BB Cream (I've received it three separate times, all of which you can view by going to my Jergens tag.), but I'll definitey use everthing else, so it was worth the $5.00!


Do any of you get the Walmart Beauty Box??



FTC: I purchased this subscription with my own money. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

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Description from Goodreads
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming,beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. 

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

Initial Thoughts
I'll be honest- I just want to read this book and the second book so I can get to the third book. It does sound like something I'll like, but when I found the third book on Goodreads, I knew I HAD to read it, and if I find out a book is part of a series, it feels weird to not start at Book #1. So hopefully this will be a good intro!
I also have never read anything by this author before, and I would love to read more new-to-me authors this year!


My Review
I absolutely adored this book! As I said above, I wasn't sure about it, and read it more to get through the first couple of books in this series, but I'm so glad I decided to start at the beginning!

It was a cute and quick read. I liked that the supporting characters were mostly fleshed out, though I wish I knew more about the relationship between Etienne and his parents. I also felt the end was a tad rushed, but since there was so much tension between Etienne and Anna throughout the story, I guess it was okay that once they were together, they were together.
But, overall, I loved that the characters seemed like real teenagers, and real teenage drama. The misunderstandings between Anna and her friend back home felt like things that happened with my own friends, and they felt organic. I didn't feel like the author was forcing me to believe anything that was happening- it just felt like I was following along.


I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads, and I can't wait to see if the second book in the series entertains me as much as the first.


Disclosure: I borrowed this book from my local library. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Pregnancy Update: Weeks 1 - 18!

If you've read my Surprise! post, you know that I am pregnant! And as of this week, I am 19 weeks along (and as of this post, I will be finding out TODAY what we are having). I thought it might be fun to look back at my first weeks of pregnancy to see how much my belly has grown and how I've been feeling. Mostly, this is for me. And my family. But this is for all of you who find this blog and want to see how pregnancy treats real women.

Weeks 1 - 4
Obviously there wasn't much going on in the first couple of weeks, because I didn't know I was pregnant for a majority of them. I will say finding out was not unexpected, because we were trying to get pregnant, but it happened rather quickly after we started trying so it was still a bit of a shock. 


Weeks 5 - 10
This is when I started to get sick. And have the implantation cramping. And just generally not be exciting about being pregnant. Yep, I said it aloud. Being pregnant has not been easy for this girl. I was also exhausted and frequently falling asleep before 8pm.

Mostly the following pics are just bloating, but it is kind of cool to see the absolute progression here.

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#WetHairDontCare

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Weeks 11 - 14
More feeling sick, but towards the end I started to feel better. This is also when I stopped being able to fit comfortably in most of my regular pants without the help of a belly band. And I made the glorious switch to maternity pants, which I might never take off again in my life. 
We also told our families in week 12 (though our parents knew earlier), and it felt good to be able to talk about it with everyone, finally!

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(Oh, hey, new phone!)

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(This is the week I decided to take clothed-belly pics only.)

They give you a fake belly if you're not very far along to try on with the pants and tops to see how they may fit later on. It still makes me laugh looking at this picture.

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Weeks 15 - 18
Sweet release of morning sickness, but with the gain of stretching and hip pain. Also, on and off sleepiness again, which I attribute to the baby growing. This is when I really started to show, and not just feel fat. I also felt the first little movements in week 17, and they've been sporadic so far. I can't wait to feel the baby more and more.

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I am so super excited to actually feel like a mostly normal human again. 
Even though I am super happy and feel, well, blessed, to be able to carry a child, I will say pregnancy has not been easy for me, at all. At times I was miserable, and more than once I wondered why I wanted to go through this. But now that I'm out of the woods a bit, I feel a lot better, in general. Feeling everything start to stretch a bit is weird. And seeing my stomach growing is definitely cool, and weird. There's that word again! But it really is just a weird, but cool, experience.


I'm thinking about doing this every couple of weeks. So next time you see one of these posts, I should be able to say whether I am having a girl or a boy! 

Monday, January 12, 2015

Golden Globes Red Carpet 2015

BIG Thank You to OMGthatdress.tumblr.com for the obsessive posting - you made compiling this list so very easy!

Here are the looks that I love...

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(A great winners dress!)

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(Cinderella in real life. My favorite.)

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(Yes please with the blue tux!)

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(Amal's debut on the red carpet and she knocks it out with a classic. Can't wait to see her continued looks!)

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(I'm in the minority on this one, apparently, but I love it.)

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(Yes! So unexpected but WOW!)

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(Completely gorgeous! I wish more women rocked pants on the red carpet.)

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(Bow down to the queen!)


And here are the ones that I just don't even understand...

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(Love them, hate these dresses.)

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(Way too much skin.)

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(... she doesn't even try and it's so disappointing.)

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(Girl, you may be pregnant but you're not on the prarie.)

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(The belt completely killed it.)

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(I almost always love her, but this is a huge NO.)

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If you'd like, you can view all my Red Carpet posts here, or check out my Red Carpet Pinterest board here.