ipsy February 2015

I totally screwed up and took the vertical pictures again! What the heck. Maybe next month I'll remember!
I am also switching up the ipsy reviews just a bit! I am taking the descriptions directly from the ipsy website, and then just saying if I'll use it or not. 




This bag is cute, but I doubt I'll be hanging on to it after this month. It's a well-constructed bag, don't get me wrong, it's just not really me. 




City Color Cosmetics Creamy Lip Stain in Flirtini
A hybrid between a lipstick and gloss, our Creamy Lip Stain is a new kind of lip product that applies smooth and creamy like a gloss and sets with a matte finish. This creamy lip stain gives your lips long lasting color while keeping lips moisturized. Available in 6 fun flirty shades.
Will I Use It? I have tried this, and it's not for me. The color is fine, but this came off streaky on my lips and wore funny, and the night I was wearing it I was just sitting at home organizing my bathroom. So I would hate to see what it might do to my lips if I was actually out and about. I might pass it off to someone else, because a lot of lip products and me don't seem to agree, but I haven't fully decided yet.

Eva NYC Up All Night Volumizing SprayGet the ultimate blowout with this multi-tasking spray! The light-weight formula adds volume and texture to hair, while protecting against heat for healthier styling.How to Use: Apply to damp hair before blow drying for added texture and lift, or use on dry hair as a revitalizing spray.
Will I Use It?: I absolutely will use this at some point, but I'm a little backstocked on hair stuff right now, so it might take some time.

Mitchell and Peach Fine Radiance Face OilThe Mitchell and Peach Fine Radiance Face Oil is a highly effective face oil packed with powerful natural anti-oxidants and vitamins that are instantly absorbed to leave skin feeling plumper, firmer and glowing with radiance.Allergen Warning: May contain nut traces
Will I Use It?: I'm not really into face oils, but I'll try it out eventually. I'm trying not to use non-natural or basic products on my skin during my pregnancy, so this will be used afterward.

ModelCo BLUSH Cheek Powder in Cosmopolitan

ModelCo’s BLUSH Cheek Powder creates a beaming, rosy glow to brighten every complexion. The micronized color pigments and luxurious, pressed powder delivers a sheer, natural radiance that lasts all day.
BLUSH Cheek Powder's chic compact is easy-to-use and perfect for beauty touch ups on-the-go.
Will I Use It?: I've used this several times since receiving it, and the color is really pretty! It's not shimmery at all, but it definitely does create a bit of a glow. This will definitely be in my regular rotation.

Emite Make Up Professional Eye Lash Curler

The EMITE MAKE UP Professional Eye Lash curler has a special curved design which angles to suit all eye shapes, without touching your makeup base. Its silicone rubber pad applies the appropriate amount of pressure to curl lashes naturally. Your eye lashes will remain in perfect shape all day!
Directions: Align rubber pad at base of upper lashes. Press handles together and hold for several seconds. Gently release and remove curler from lashes. Apply mascara. (Warning: Use the eyelash curler before applying mascara to avoid damage to lashes. Use with caution. Keep out of reach of children.)
Will I Use It?: I've used this a couple of times, and it's okay. It's definitely not going to be my go-to curler, but it's nice to have this as a back up!

This is another box that was a little hit and miss for me. I really, really like the blush, but that's pretty much it. To be honest, I'm giving ipsy a couple more months to see if it gets better, than I might have to cancel.

FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from ipsy.

Book Review: Isla and The Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss #3) by Stephanie Perkins

Description from Goodreads
Love ignites in the City That Never Sleeps, but can it last? 

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart. 

Featuring cameos from fan-favorites Anna, Étienne, Lola, and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love—set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris, and Barcelona—is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins’s beloved series.

Initial Thoughts
I'm assuming at this point that the Josh in this story is the same Josh from Anna and the French kiss that is friends with Anna and Etienne, but I am not sure. I am really excited to read this book, and finish out this little series! Though the reviews on Goodreads seem to have been a little mixed (even though the ratings are good), this book is still the reason I read this series in the first place so I'm definitely anxious to start it!

My Review
I was right- it is the same Josh! Even though some other reviews were mixed, and my own reviews were mixed about half way through the book, I had a hard time putting this down and I ended up really enjoying it! 
Isla is in Paris for school, and has had a crush on Josh forever. He is interested after breaking up with a long time girlfriend, and they start dating. Then the shit hits the fan, and they become a long distance relationship.
I think that aspect of the story was pretty realistic- at least to me. The desperation even after only a month of dating- I think a lot of us feel like we want to plan our future with someone that soon, even if it's not a good idea. So I felt for them in that aspect. But the more it went on, I felt like it was completely contrived and just continued on for as long as it did so the author would continue having something to write about.

However, once things started coming around with Isla and her realization about who she is, the story got really interesting to me again, and I really enjoyed it again. 
I also really, really enjoyed getting to see all the other characters again, especially since this is listed as the final book of the series. It was nice to see them continued on a bit, and I feel like all of their stories wrapped up nicely enough for satisfaction.


I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves YA Romance. I do think you could read each individual book on it's own, but the whole is worth the read.

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

Pregnancy Update: Weeks 21 - 24

This is going to be kind of short and sweet, as nothing much as been happening the last four weeks. Other that increasing movement from Michael, and increasing growing from me. To the tune of 10 extra pounds, for a total of 18. I'm still on track, and the doctor was concerned for me because of the extra weight, but he said if I hadn't gained it all at once he would not be concerned at all. But since I gained it all so quickly... I just don't know. I hadn't really been eating a lot differently, though it was my 30th birthday the week before my appointment and I did overindulge just a bit. But hopefully it was a fluke and doesn't happen again.
My blood pressure is still great (122/64), and my fundal height is 23, which is still right on track!

During my next update, I should be able to tell you guys all about the lovely Gestational Diabetes test. I've heard mixed reviews, so we'll see!







(I took this on my 30th birthday!)




Seeing all these pictures at the same time really does show how much bigger I've gotten. Wow!

Academy Awards Red Carpet 2015

So excited about the awards! And, as always, The Red Carpet!!! This year I'm laying in my bed with my Boppy 3-piece pillow, head piece behind my back and leg piece on my lap with my laptop on top, just resting and enjoying seeing everyone in pretty dresses!


Here are some of my favorites!


Love the white bow tie- I love unexpected details like this. Plus, this man looks great in a tux. 

One of my favorites of the night and one of the first ones on the Red Carpet. I just love her in these peachy tones, and this dress is just beautiful!


He's one of the few guys in a different colored tux tonight, and I just love it.


I just love this! So gorgeous!


I love the coordination here. I'm not a huge fan of her dress, but I love the way they look together. I'm so happy Steve was nominated!


I really like this color on her.


Red shoes and Red heels? Usually a bad combo but HOLY WOW does it look good here. She looks incredible and that dress is just beautiful.


I wish more men wore hats on the Red Carpet.


I wasn't sure about this at first, but in picking out my pics I came back to liking it more and more. This is definitely a "winners" dress.


I love this so much. And they're one of my favorite Hollywood couples.


Gotta love a lady that can rock Rubber Gloves on the Red Carpet! I admit, I probably love this because I just love seeing her on the Red Carpet- she's always a favorite of mine.


Simple and classic.


Put this girl in this color more often. She looks insanely gorgeous!


Love a woman that can rock a power suit!


So stunning!


They have that Just Married glow and look amazing. It's so rare to see a guy look so great in a white jacket, but he really, really does!


The color and the cut. I cannot get over it.




And here are the ones I just didn't get.


There is a whole lot going on here.


I don't like the structure of this dress at all. And there is way too much going on.


I'm way in the minority on this one, but I'm not a fashion expert. I just do not like this at all. I think the idea of a pearl dress is awesome, but I really hate the structure that this dress has.


I love the color of this dress on her. But I do not like the cut on her.


No.


I have no clue what they were even trying here. This must be a gown that people that LOVE fashion love, and the rest of us just do not understand.


Leto, this is not the kind of Blue Suit I want.


This dress would be so beautiful without that damn sleeve. Yuck.

Birchbox Brag Haul #2

Today I bring you another Birchbox Haul!



I decided to use some built up points to purchase the Color Club Zodiac Nail Art Kit in Aquarius, the Kate Spade Stationery Like a Book Thermal Mug, and the Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle Spray. The nail kit and the mug were fun little purchases, but the Beauty Protector Spray is something I've recently used a sample of and discovered that, as of right now, I cannot live without it! (I received it in my October 2014 Birchbox, which was one of the months I missed thanks to my lovely bout with morning sickness!)



Because my purchase reached over $35.00, I received a free sample pack. Honestly, I'm not very fond of these samples, and I also am not going to use them right now. So they've gone away where the rest of my samples go until I'm ready to use them.


The best part of this haul is that I spent $0.00. My total order came to $60.45, but I received a discount of 25% off for my 13 Month Box Anniversary (so cute they do this!), as well as Free Shipping because I'm a VIP member, and then I used 400 points for the remaining amount, and spent absolutely nothing! 


FTC: These products were purchased by me with my own money, and with the use of birchbox points which were received by doing reviews of samples received in my monthly subscription. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post does not contain any affiliate links.

Book Review: Lola and The Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss #2) by Stephanie Perkins

Description from Goodreads
Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. When Cricket, a gifted inventor, steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Initial Thoughts
After reading the first book in the series, I am excited to read this one! The main characters seem interesting, and I like stories about friends falling in love. So this might be good!

My Review
This was another adorable book!

I really loved Lola, the main character, and reading about all her fun outfits! I really sometimes wish I was more creative with my clothing and I loved reading about the way she put them together. I also loved how Cricket is basically similar with his clothing- he's always put together. Not quite as in costume like Lola is, but still definitely better put together than most guys.

I also really, really liked that Anna and Etienne from the first book made appearances throughout- even though I knew these books were part of a series, I thought it was just because of the way they were written or the types of stories they were. So that was a very nice surprise. 

I thought her relationship with the boy she is dating in the beginning of the novel was a little .... lacking. It was probably my least favorite part of the entire story. It wasn't really the age difference, but he just never really seemed all that into Lola. It made it easy for me to root for them to break up, which is both a strength and a weakness in the novel. Sometimes a guy isn't right for you, but can still be a good guy. I wish more writers wrote it like that.


I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads, just like the first novel. I can't wait to read the third book!


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

Book Review: The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy #1 by Marie Rutkoski)

 

Description from Goodreads
Winning what you want may cost you everything you love 

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. 

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. 

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. 

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Initial Thoughts
Another series dystopian novel? Sign me up! I think the premise of this sounds interesting, and not quite like anything I've seen lately. I wonder where this is going- she bought him, but the price she paid is more than she ever could have imagined? Hmmmmm.

My Review
I was into this book almost right away. I did guess what Arin was up to pretty early on, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story all the same. I liked the world they seemed to set up, and I enjoyed the budding romance between the two main characters.
With that said, though, at times it was a little exhausting. And I don't see, after reading the ending, how they might end up back together (assuming that's the end goal and the second book doesn't bring in a love triangle.)

I thought Kestrel was a fairly strong female character. I feel like she is someone that can carry a trilogy easily, and I actually want to read more about her journey. I also feel like she's a female character that other girls would look up to- she is strong-willed and doesn't give in easily.


Overall, I just really enjoyed this- it was entertaining, and I want to keep reading the trilogy.

I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads.


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

ipsy January 2015

Again... never taking vertical pics again!

Here's my January ipsy!

The bag is really cute, and much larger than the last couple of bags. I also LOVE the colors- it's blue and peachy and white. Not very "January" but I'm definitely hanging on to this one!
As far as the products go, I'm only MEH about all of them, other than the brush.



Bella Pierre Shimmer Powder in Excite
Recommended by make-up artists and dermatologists, BelláPierre shimmer powders are 100% Hypoallergenic and are suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive
How To Use: Sweep over eyelids.
How It Works: Using 100% pure Mineral powder, these beautiful shimmer powders will provide long lasting, vibrant color without any additional filler that can often smear, crease, fade and even cause allergic reaction. 
Will I Use It?: I've had this product in my makeup bag since receiving it about 2 1/2 weeks ago, and have not used it once. It's a lot whiter than it's reading in the picture, and very shimmery. I really need to try it, but I have not yet, and don't see it becoming a regular part of my rotation.




Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm
(MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito Lip Balm is as soothing to the lips as it is to the senses. Flavored with (MALIN+GOETZ) Mojito, this lip balm is scientifically blended to restore and replenish.
How To Use: Apply to lips as needed.  A tiny bit offers immediate relief with little shine.  More generous application creates a gloss for use with or without lipstick.   
How It Works: This hydrating lip gel easily integrates for daily maintenance, prevention and treatment of dry, irritated lips. Color and paraben free. 
Will I Use It?: I have had such amazing luck with lip balms in subscription bags, and I'd have to say this is my favorite so far. My lips have been SO DRY in my pregnancy and this healed them practically overnight. (Okay, it was 2 days. But that IS overnight in beauty product world!) I am so impressed by this product.




Pacifica Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow in Treasure
Rich, lasting, creaseless eye shadows are infused with coconut water for a velvety, cream-like finish. 
How To Use: Natural mineral makeup formula blends effortlessly and can be used sheer, layered or built-up for more drama.
How It Works: An incredibly innovative formula that pushes natural makeup and mineral color to new bounds. 
Will I Use It?: I've used this a couple of times since receiving it, and it's okay. The color payoff isn't as good as I wish it was, but the color is pretty, anyway. With a little patience to build it up, it becomes something really pretty.




Velvet 59 Velvet Rose Lipgloss in Noisette
Don't just stop and smell the roses - Wear their beauty on your lips. You will fall in love with the Velvet Rose Lipgloss. 
How To Use: Swipe on lips.
How It Works: It's radiance and lustrous consistency makes your lips not just look but smell as fabulous as the classic rose. 
Will I Use It?: I used it a little, and the color reads a little more brown on me than I personally like. I'll be passing this off to a friend.




Elizabeth Mott All Over Shadow Brush
Don’t miss a spot with this ridiculously soft shadow brush.
How To Use: Use it to highlight your brow bone and place the right amount of color for perfect and even application! Your lids will thank you later!
How It Works: This brush with its 100% synthetic bristles is the perfect multitasker.
Will I Use It?: I've used this several times since receiving it in my ipsy bag. Overall, it's a pretty good brush. I don't feel like it packs on the product in quite the way I like, but it would be a great brush for someone just getting into makeup, or someone like me that has a lot of brushes, and might like something that forces you to use a lighter touch.


I also cashed in some ipsy points and got this- Wrap Artist Nail Decals!



I need to get my nails back in serious shape before I use them, but I'm kind of excited about them!

This box was kind of meh for me, the only product I feel like I will definitely repurchase one day is the lip balm, but I really, really like the bag, so that almost makes up for it.


FTC: This box was purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are my own. All product descriptions were taken directly from ipsy, amazon.com, or the product page on the brand's website.