The first Birchbox to totally irritate me :-) Back To School Birchbox

Normally I'm a total nutcase about my Birchbox, but the August one really ticked me off. So technically, I'm being a bit of a baby about this one, but I've gotten so used to Birchbox being super awesome that this one was a giant let down. Not one but TWO self tanning products? Pale is beautiful! Natural redheads look STUPID with tans! Do they send skin bleaching creams to african americans? I'll try almost anything once, but self tanners is where I draw the line.



And the Beauty Fixation Makeup Removers? I simply cannot wrap my brain around being SO freaking lazy that you can't dip a q-tip into a bottle of makeup remover. "no, I must have a specially formulated q-tip filled with makeup remover! I am not happy unless I'm spending 500 times the extra money for a concept!"



Okay, I like Juicy Couture, really I do. I don't even mind getting perfume samples, though a lot of bloggers grouse like crazy about it. But when they send out a perfume sample, i really prefer something obscure or ridonculously expensive. You can't swing a dead cat in a mall without hitting 20 free JC samples.


Now it wasn't all irritation. They included this Schick Hydro Silk razor that I LOVE. That right there sells for the $10 that the Birchbox costs. 5 blades so it gets even the knobbiest of knees with no nicks. One of the softest, smoothest shaves of my life. Replaceable heads so you aren't being a giant landfill dumper. Water activated moisturizing serum that keeps moisturizing your legs for 2 HOURS after you've shaved. One of the comfiest, most ergonomic razors I've ever used.


I found this great deal on Amazon where even with shipping you save money AND get a free can of shaving cream.


Then there's the DDF cleanser. Ironically, a brightening cleanser (which is basically skin bleaching.) I have it in my cabinet since I already am using another cleanser, but I can say that I love DDF products, no holds barred.



So whah- I got way more than what I spent. I just saw what so many other people got and I felt shafted. Still, considering that I've gotten these for 2 years and this is the first time I've gotten all whiny? Not too shabby. And my whiny product reviews scored me 60 Birchbox points which is the equivalent of $6.00 cash to spend on any full sized item in the Birchbox store, so I can't be too bitchy!

If you wanna sign up for Birchbox, just go HERE

Amazon Deal Of The Day W Review of Issey Miyake A Scent Florale

Recently I started wearing A Scent Florale by Issey Miyake pretty regularly. Florals are generally hit or miss for me, but this one is a green floral so I'm loving it. True it is a somewhat synthetic floral, but I think in this case it's a good thing, as you get more of the hyacinth and jasmine scent without it being overwhelmingly sweet (like you're smelling more of it's essence instead of the 'bam over the head' flower smell.)

It has a really long lasting staying power but somehow doesn't come across as too strong or offensive (when used moderately). Seriously, 2 sprays last all day long. I put some on yesterday morning and when I was getting ready for bed, my husband could still smell it. Some had sprayed onto my sweater, and it seems that that is where the majority of the scent linger was, it doesn't stay on the skin QUITE so hardcore.

I went onto Amazon to check prices to get another bottle and I found these prices that made my jaw drop to the floor.


LIST PRICE FIFTY FIVE DOLLARS!!! This is more than 50% off!



THIS IS FOR THE 2.6 OZ!!!!!!!!!!! Normally $90!

Blissmo Splendid Spa & Relaxation With product reviews

Blissmo Box is a monthly subscription that allows you to try themed boxes that are filled with natural, organic and eco friendly products. Each month you are given three themes to choose from, as well as the option to easily skip that month. While you aren't necessarily getting a HUGE dollar savings, you always come out a bit ahead and the products are high end, quality items that are always a joy and sometimes a plain old revelation! Evry month I've always gotten at least one item that had the WOW factor for me- an item that just blew me away and made the whole thing worthwhile.

Here's what was in the Splendid Spa & Relaxation box.......

Level Naturals Shower Bomb - Full Size provided $7.99

Ohhhhhhhhh boy, were these ever my WOW Factor item. A sodium bicarbonate shower bomb steeped in sinus clearing, relaxing organic essential oils that fill your shower with steam that will make you feel 100 times better than before. I just got over the flu, and I would sit on the shower floor with one of these bad boys just totally opening myself up and getting rid of the gunk in me. These are a life saver. Especially if you're prone to sinus issues, you would be doing yourself a giant favor by getting yourself a pack or 12 of these.



ScentsbyEilena - Nail Rescue - Full Size provided $5.00

The ingredients are simple- avacado oil, cocoa seed butter, and beeswax. Not only are these a powerhouse trio that moisturize and strengthen your nails preventing peeling and making your nails stronger, it also makes a truly awesome deep therapy for dry and cracked hands and cuticles. Nails? Try even heels and elbows! Unscented, so even the most manly man can feel comfortable using it, my husband has been enjoying this at night before bed to heal his hands.

hellomellow relax aromatherapy spray - Full Travel Size provided $5.00

Clary Sage is seriously the most powerful relaxing essential oil on the planet. No joke- they warn you not to use it while ingesting alcohol. I make a shampoo and conditioner using clary sage that a friend of mine who's a hairdresser uses on his clients to bliss them out. This is a great way to chill out without popping open the Xanax :-)



Choice Organic Jasmine Green Tea - Full Size provided $4.99

• Unbleached, natural fiber tea bag
• Individually labeled, airtight envelope
• 100% recycled, 65% post-consumer content box

Ohhhh are these ever delightful. Quite flavorful without being bitter, and the jasmine scent is to die for. I like to pretty much just shove my face in there. It's actually a nice little triple threat. I like to steam my face with it while waiting for it to cool enough to drink, then after drinking the tea the bags on your eyes are a great pick me up, relaxing the eye area (especially during allergy season) with the caffeine effectively shrinking bags and puffiness while you get to smell more of that heavenly jasmine.

Dream Water - Sleep supplement - $3.99

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. I get awful insomnia and glory be and halleluloo! This stuff is AWESOME!!!!! I'm waiting on a big end of the year check, and when I get it, I'm buying a case of this stuff. Literally. Because I take so many prescription meds for my lupus I have a hard time being affected by things that knock out most people, but there's something about this specific blend that totally keeps me asleep through the night with no problems waking up in the morning and no nasty hangover. Seriously, NyQuil doesn't knock me out. You can even take a half bottle in the middle of the night and still get up just fine- relaxed, not groggy.



Olive Remedy Cuticle Cream - Full Size provided $5.99
Not really sure why they included two cuticle creams, but luckily this is something that I use many times a day, so it's not like it'll go to waste. Another great all purpose cream that is not only wonderful on your nails and cuticles, but softens and conditions the driest of skin without heavy scents (so they're gender neutral.) If you use this at night before bed on your toes then sleep in socks, when you wake up your toenail beds look lovely. Great to do his the night before doing a mani pedi!

I paid $19 and the retail value on these items is $32.77.

Awesome Amazon Deal Of The Day

I'm always finding super cool things just randomly on Amazon and realized I should share them! So I'm putting a widget on the side of the screen where I'll try to find some new piece of awesomeness each day, and I'll share them here! So to start things off, a few months ago I found these pieces of jewelry for so cheap it made my brain hurt. In the case of all 3 items, I got them crazy fast. They barely even charged shipping! The peacock pieces are a perfect match and I get crazy tons of compliments on them, especially the hair clips.

The owl necklace looks like something that was in your mom's jewelry box left over from 1971- just the way I like it! Every time I wear it, I get asked if it's vintage. Nope- Brand spanking new! Looks AWESOME with turtlenecks.

Code for Extra 30% off Mod Cloth sale items!

Skincare RX 21%discount code & Weird textured cleansers

 I've recently used two different cleansers that had textures that were WILDLY different from the normal cleanser that I've come to expect. One was no problemo, and one SUCKED. Which was which? Well the one that was completely Bizarro Land but actually is awesome is Jurlique Daily Exfoliating Cream. You squeeze it out of this metal toothpaste like tube and this nasty, stinky GUNK comes out. Seriously not a pleasant smell- those wackjobs that review it and act like they like the scent have questionable olfactory tastes at best. But we ain't using this to smell purdy, are we? No, we are using it to LOOK purdy, and on that it does a smashing, bang up job! I recommend using it in the shower since it's a weeeee bit messy. Or a lot messy. Take your pick. So once you squeeze this creepy gook out into your hands, you get it wet and work it into a sort of paste that you you then put on your gob. They say to "press and release" it into the skin, but I just do a very light rub. Lo and behold, you have just gotten rid of every bit of nastiness on your skin and you now have the kisser of an angel. It's so insanely gentle that you don't even realize that you're using a scrub - this would work for the most sensitive delicate flower.

The Ingredients:

• Almonds, Oats and Oatbran gently exfoliate and cleanse the skin.
• Sesame Seed Oil, Macadamia Oil, Wheat Bran Extract and Honey work together to moisturize, rebalance dryness and prevent moisture loss.
• Green Tea, Grapeseed and Turmeric help protect the skin against damaging oxidants.

Use code END21  and get a 21% discount

Jurlique Daily Exfoliating Cream Intense cleansing that doesnt harm your skin? Its possible with Jurlique Daily Exfoliating Cream. It uses natural, gentle ingredients to pull oil, dead skin cells, and dirt from the skin as it nourishes, hydrates, and protects from damage.

Then we come to the dud. I have raved about products from BeFine Food Skincare line over and over again, so my deep disappointment here was particularly resonant.
Yeah, it's gentle, because it's apparently just water! Seriously, when I opened it up and went to put some into my hand, it literally poured out like water. So upon my first attempt to use the stuff, half of it went flying down the sink. Greeeat. It's a real shame too, because the ingredient list reads like a dream and what little bit I could get to attach to my face had a wonderful crisp minty sensation. It was so watery though that I had to splash it onto my face- not a very effecient method of facial cleansing. So yeah, over half of it was wasted- I can't imagine that was the intention! I did contact the company to see if perhaps what I got was expired or something but I haven't heard back from them yet. I'll let ya know if I do, but in the meantime I cannot recommend peppermint water to you :-)

What would I recommend instead? June Jacobs Pore purifying Facial Bath is boffo.

June Jacobs Pore Purifying Facial Bath, 7 oz What is it: Paraben and preservative free, this purifying cleanser offers deep pore-cleansing action with a natural antiseptic, tea tree oil, to rid the skin of surface impurities, absorb oil, and slough off dead skin cells. Who is it for: Sensitive, dry, and normal skin types. Why is it different: Nutrient-rich algae extract acts as a humectant, retaining the moisture level of the skin. A powerful antioxidant blend of white, red, and green tea extracts, combined with goji berry, pomegranate, and grape seed extracts, help to fight free radical attack and leave the skin clean, radiant, and revitalized. How do I use it: Apply a small amount of cleanser onto dampened skin. Gently massage onto skin with a circular motion. Rinse skin thoroughly with water and pat dry. Follow with toner, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen. From June Jacobs Spa Collection.

What is it: Paraben and preservative free, this purifying cleanser offers deep pore-cleansing action with a natural antiseptic, tea tree oil, to rid the skin of surface impurities, absorb oil, and slough off dead skin cells.

Who is it for: Sensitive, dry, and normal skin types.

Why is it different: Nutrient-rich algae extract acts as a humectant, retaining the moisture level of the skin. A powerful antioxidant blend of white, red, and green tea extracts, combined with goji berry, pomegranate, and grape seed extracts, help to fight free radical attack and leave the skin clean, radiant, and revitalized.

If you go to look at the reviews on QVC, EVERY LAST ONE is a 5 star review. Seriously! You will see a difference in your skin immediately, it cleans your skin deep down, getting all kinds of gunk. The toner test didn't pick up one speck of anything left on my skin after using this. It makes your pores smaller and gets all the oils but doesn't leave your skin tight and dry. It's super rich and creamy and a little goes a long way. This stuff will last you an eon! It has a lovely mild smell that makes you feel like you're getting some high end spa treatment. Love it!

September Glam Bag By Ipsy "Beauty By You" w/ product reviews

Jane Sparkle Gloss in Sparkle Pink Full Sized $3.33

I really liked the color, but the weird chemical taste and scent threw me off, especially since this was made in China. From what I understand, this is a cheapy drugstore brand. If Ipsy is going to include cheapie brands, I wish they'd at least be quality cheapies!


Soho Smudge Brush $5.97

A very soft brush with no shedding. Lightweight aluminum handle makes using it a breeze. Once I crimped the edges a bit so they weren't so sharp it turned into quite a serviceable little tool. Not the best on the planet or anything, but a good deal for the price.


Mirabella Eye Color in Semiformal  $10.00
A beautiful teddy bear brown. Applies smoothly and cleanly with no fallout. Long lasting and crease resistant.


Carol's Daughter Monoi Split End Sealer .38 oz $5.59

I LOVE this stuff! Really does what it says. Apply it to your split ends and they will stop splitting until you can get your trim! I appreciate the fact that they don't pretend to FIX split ends (anyone who says they can reverse split ends is a LIAR) and it really does bring your splits to a sudden halt. EXCELLENT product. Also makes your ends look sooooo much smoother and neat.


Circus By Andrea's Choice Nail Color in Tightrope $5.99

WHHHAAAAAAA! I LOVE this color sooooooo much, why did it have to chip within a few hours of application? That just makes me SAD. Andrea's Choice is a brand put out by Ipsy (MyGlam) via one of the Glammie Girls, Andrea. My husband is a photographer and I showed him the ad for this polish. Then I asked him what it was an ad for. His guess? "ummmm, shoes?" Somewhat telling that she's hiding her chipped nails behind her back :-)

Total value $30.88 Considering the whole shebang is 10 bucks, this is a pretty nice little haul for the price.


And FINALLY! A QUALITY makeup bag that didn't arrive with a broken zipper looking like something from the dollar store! Whoo hoo! This was their first bag after changing their name from MyGlam to Ipsy and I think they did it deliberately to sort of shed some of the negative images. The overall quality improved drastically, as well as a new website that's a true social community. I love how they're really focusingon cosmetics, which I know I am loving- I am a makeup ho! They're really upping their game and I can't wait to see where they go next!

TODAY ONLY! 75% off at Newport News!!!!

Shop Newport News Boutique at Spiegel! 

Guaranteed Holiday Delivery From QVC

      Shop gifts for the cook for under $25 at QVC.com! Temp-tations®, Rachael Ray and more!

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics 50% off at NoMoreRack & $10 Credit

Join Here and get $10 off your first purchase- that would cover a full sized item AND shipping!

This lip gloss is literally the gloss I'm wearing this red hot minute!

I have this eyeliner and REALLY like it......

Getting my Vitamins the fun way!

Yeah yeah, yeah. Vitamins are vitamins, right? It's not that I'm opposed to taking a regular old pill, but it's pretty cool that you get options sometimes.

Slice Of Life Gummy Vitamins Energy + B12
Me and The Husband have been loving these things for a coupla years now. They're yummy AND effective. They're formulated for maximum absorption and they have a great energizing B vitamin kick that gets you moving without making you jittery or giving you a crash. A super duper way to start off your day. When Hubby was working a 2nd job on the weekends and had to get up insanely early, he relied on these.


 Vitarocks are so FREAKING AWESOME!!!!  So you toss down a pack of Pop Rocks. But instead of being NORMAL Pop Rocks, they're a full serving of vitamins! WOOT! Seriously. They taste and act just like regular Pop Rocks. Best vitamin delivery system EVER. At age 40, I still turn into a giggling 6 year old with these in my mouth.


Natural Vitality liquid is so EASY. You just pour a little into your juice or smoothie or water bottle or even just take a gulp and you're good to go! Great to have around as an addition to your morning routine for that extra vitamin boost.


 Gin Gins Boost Ginger Candy are just plain yummy, yo! I LOVE the flavor of ginger and it's an excellent addition to your candy stash! Not only does ginger boost your immune system, but it's also excellent for sick or naseous stomach. I get motion sickness and so I always carry a handful of these with me when I travel. Also super duper for women experiencing morning sickness.




Barleans Omega Swirl sounds kinda gross in concept. Liquid FLAVORED fish oil. BUT- add it to juice or a smoothie and it blends right in with the added benefit of no fish burps! On top of that, they also have a vegan option with all of the same benefits but made with flax.

Products I've been Introduced to by Birchbox

Birchbox is so freakin cool- I've been a member since almost the beginning and they have introduced me to some stuff that I just cannot live without now! What's really cool is that you can review each item in your box that month which translates into points to purchase full sized items in their store. I just scored an Oscar De la Renta perfume, a BB creme and a groovy lime eye pencil with my points! At $10 a month, still the best deal around on the sampler box market.





Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint- I love this stuff! It's more than just a tinted moisturizer, it also gives your skin a pearly gleam for an absolutely lovely youthful, radiant appearance without the heaviness of a traditional foundation. To me it seems to be a little more moisturizing than a lot of tinted moisturizers that I've used and it does it in an oil free formula. This is kind of the love child of a tinted moisturizer and a BB Cream. It's layerable without giving your skin that plastic mask look and the pearly sparkle it gives is subtle enough to make you look younger without overdoing it on the glitter effect (not that I mind the occasional Ziggy Stardust glow, but it can be a bit much for everyday use!) It also comes in a ton of different shades, so there's one for everybody! A total Holy Grail item.

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint SPF 20 What is it: Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint evens out imperfections and enhances skin tone with its light-diffusing multimineral formula. SPF 20 protects from UVA and UVB rays while vitamin E, ginseng, and gingko biloba leaf extract deliver antioxidants to skin, promoting a healthy, natural-looking glow. Oil-free and fragrance-free. Who is it for: All ages and skin types. Why is it different: Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint is a lightweight formula that offers good, buildable coverage. Vitamins and botanicals deliver antioxidants to skin, while light-diffusing multimineral pigments even out skin tone, promoting a healthy, natural-looking, hydrated complexion. How do I use it: Apply to clean skin with fingertips. Layer for additional coverage. From Jouer Cosmetics.

Shiraz Jouer Moisturizing Lip Tint is a real heartbreaker. Apparently they only made the tinted version as a limited time deal, so if you want to find it, you'll have to go the Ebay route. Bastards! This is one of the best lip treatments I've ever used (which you can still buy in the nontinted version) and I love the idea of wearing a lipgloss that is also working double duty to give me fuller, plumper lips withouth the sting. And what a beautiful color! Why deprive the world of such awesomeness????????


BVLGARI Mon Jasmin Noir - I have always been nuts about Bulgari scents and this one is no exception. Their scents tend to be mature and sophisticated without being heavy or matronly. A deep floral with some powdery undertones that rests lightly on the skin. It has depth without being overwhelming and for me was my summer evening go to. The scent of a mysterious woman having a torrid liason on a steamy summer night..... And the deal I found?!?!?!?! Check it out, if you use the link below, you can get the 2.5 oz for theprice of the 1 oz!!!!!!! W@oot!

Mon Jasmin Noir Perfume by Bvlgari, 2.5 oz Eau De Parfum Spray (Tester) for Women Mon Jasmin Noir Perfume by Bvlgari 2.5 oz Eau De Parfum Spray (Tester) for Women. Mon Jasmin Noir Is All About Revealing The Secrets Of The Woods. It Was Launched In 2011 By The Opulent Italian Jewelry House Of Bvlgari, It Has Been Created By Oliver Page And Sophie Labbe. It Is A Concoction Of The Wild And The Pleasant. The Face Of This �mediterranean Paradise' Campaign Is Kirsten Dunst Of The �interview With The Vampire' Fame. With The Best Noses And Faces Involved, This Eau De Parfum Is A Blend Of Pleasant Notes. Lily Of The Valley And The Gorgeous Sambac Jasmine Combinedswith The Animalic Nougatine, And Oriental Woods To Give A Fragrance To Orchid Stylishness And Passion.

Tiny Prints is a division of Shutterfly where you can personalize greeting cards under just about every category under the sun for a great price. They have some of the coolest designs under the sun, and nine gajillion of them to boot!



Erno Laszlo TranspHuse Night Serum smells FABULOUS, feels FABULOUS, and works FABULOUSLY. It BETTER for that price! When you wake up in the morning, your skin is literally transformed. What I wouldn't have given to have had this around to use before my wedding! It's like waking up with your skin from 10 years ago on your face.

Erno Laszlo TranspHuse Night Serum 1oz A high concentration of glycosaminoglycans and the polypeptide MATRIXYL 3000 motivate collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Transform your skin to visibly tighten, reduce stress-induced damage and rejuvenate overnight. At night, skin recovers its natural healthy balance to boost defense mechanisms against the next day's environmental stress. A soothing lavender scent helps calm senses for a good night's slumber.

Archipelago Pomegranate Soap was such a giant disappointment. You would think that soap this expensive would be faboo, but it found it to be incredibly drying and really hard to actually get any soap from! Like I kept rubbing it all over my body and all I felt was water! Like I had to scrub for 5 times as long to get clean but it left my skin so dry and tight I was downright itching, even after lotion. This stuff is what they stock some of the ritziest joints in town with, but no thanks, I'll stick with my Briebella's Penguin Love soap.

SneeqPeeq Holiday Mystery Box and $10 credit

I was absolutely THRILLED with the contents of my For The Girl Who Has It All box! A $100 value for only $29.95 (shipping included) Plus, if you sign up, on your first purchase you get a $10 credit! They are also guaranteeing holiday delivery, so it's a win win! I love SneeqPeeq, I've been 'peequing' on there for a while and have gotten some tremendous deals on fabulous up and coming artisans, designers, etc. Jump on this before it's too late- the first 2 rounds of this sale sold out almost immediately.