Totally Trying It April Edition

I'm linking up with Jen over at Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for 'I'm Totally Trying It' April!



{Sorry for the tiny picture!}

Neutrogena Build A Tan Sunless Tanner: I'm going to see if this gives the "instant tan" in 3 or so days. I need a "tan" bad! These white girl legs are a no go!

BareMinerals Try, Believe, Love Kit: This has a 30 day supply of foundation {matte and original}, concealer and mineral veil. Also in this kit is a travel size version of the Full Flawless Face Brush and the Concealer Brush. I've tried BareMinerals before but not continuously to see how it actually works with my skin type.

Starbucks Reusable Cup: I have used this four times and it is AWESOME! My barista's even rinse it for me! {Spoiled much!} This cup cost a dollar and can be used 30 times plus, you also get 10 cents off for using your own cup. This pays for itself in ten visits and is perfect for my Triple Grande Carmel Macchiato!!

Drinking & Tweeting by Brandi: I have heard nothing but good things about this book! I am reading it on my Kindle {totally costs less than buying the physical book!} and I'm just now starting Chapter One but I'm very curious about what she has to say. I've never heard of this girl but I figured I'd give this book a shot! {I'll let you know in my recap how this book was!}

Target Eucalyptus and Jasmine Candle: I am trying to get more relaxed after stupid days at work that drive me crazy. I want to just de-stress without having to spend major moolah! Hoping this will do the trick!

Hopefully I will have the results up for this by mid May!

So What! Wednesday

 

It's So What! Wednesday over at Life After I Dew and I'm linking up!

 

SO WHAT! if...

• I haven't blogged in 30 plus days {give or take}! I really have nothing to blog about right now and don't think people want to hear about Subscription Boxes every post. {Even though I have quite a few of those!}
• I feel like I'm going nowhere right now in life. It's like I'm at a stand still and won't make the time or effort to do something about it. Whatever!
• I need to catch up on my shows and DVR and I don't take {or make the time} to do it. My DVR is probably manually deleting shows each week to make room anyway.
• I signed up paid money for a 7 days online organizing workshop to control the clutter I have, and all I've done is get the trash off the floor. The "class" ends today and I have nothing to show for it!

That's it from here! What are you saying So What! to this week?

 

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Staking my claim over at Bloglovin' since the rumor is GFC will be gone come July!

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Julep Classic with a Twist Introductory Box

 

I received my Julep Maven box in the mail yesterday. Thanks to Jen she sucked me into another box! But, this one only cost me $4.00!!! Yup! If you join the Julep site and order a monthly subscription you can use code JULEPVIP and your first box is .01 plus $3.99 for shipping instead of 19.99!

 

You take a test to see what style you are and those are the boxes you receive. Julep is nice enough to let you change what you want to get in your box each month if you don't like what nail polish is being sent to you, or send a month to a friend, or skip a month.

 

I am Classic with a Twist. Sounds just like me. I also really liked the polishes in that box.

The first look

 

 

(I received a card that said the name of the box etc. but with my horrible camera phone I couldn't get a good picture.)

 

 

The goodies

 

Julep Meryl- a great grey polish that can go with any bold color or neutral. I recently bought a pair of earrings just to go with this nail polish because I knew I was getting it.

 

Classic with a Twist Barbara- I haven't tried this polish yet but it's a shimmery purple/magenta color. This will be a fun everyday polish!

 

Julep Essential Cuticle Oil- I'm not sure about cuticle oil but I'll give it a shot. I haven't seen if this is practical but I've heard it's a rollerball? That's weird to me. I'm used to a brush or a dropper. We'll see how this goes!

 





Julep Vanilla Mint Lip Balm- I think everyone got this as their surprise goody. I will be trying this out and seeing if it compares to my Burt's.

 

 

I will say this is an awesome box! Considering I got it for $4 and one polish is $14! If you pay the full $19.99 you're still getting 3 items for free. I think this is worth it!

 

 

I will be having more subscription box reviews soon! I received my Graze box and another Cravebox. I'm getting my Birchbox and the Julep Cupid Mystery Box soon! (Yes, Jen you got me to buy the Cupid box!) 

 

 

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in here. I need to start getting free stuff if I'm going to keep getting all these boxes! 

So WHAT! Wednesday

It's So WHAT! Wednesday over at Life After I Dew and I'm linking up. 

So WHAT if...

• I've spent way too much money this paycheck. It's the Holidays and that's always an excuse, right?
• I have TONS of blog posts to do but honestly don't have anytime to do them/ I've never gotten into the habit of scheduling them early. {This is why they never get done.}
• I don't like posting more than once a day {Maybe twice like today. I'm weird like that, I know.}
• I got lazy this year and won't actually be wrapping any of the presents I'm giving. {Thank you Erin Condren for decorated gift boxes! These are cute anyways.}
• I caved and bought a Life Planner again. I found a five dollars off code and only spent $2.95 on shipping! Plus it will get here by Christmas Eve!
• My entire most of my wardrobe consists of Old Navy. This is what happens when you work at a clothing store that finally has cute stuff for cheap!
• the boyfriend knows what part of his Christmas present is this year. He needs new sneakers like yesterday and we found some he likes!
• I didn't really want the Winter Favorites Cravebox but got selected for it anyway. Oh well. It will be fun seeing what's in this one!

What are you saying So WHAT! to this week?
 

Influenster Cosmo VoxBox Review

A few weeks ago I received the Influenster Cosmo VoxBox. Have you all heard of Influenster? It's a website for bloggers and social media people. They can write reviews on products they've tried and are awarded points. The more reviews and activities you do the higher your score becomes. With doing these reviews and activities you can be chosen to receive a free box of goodies to sample and review.

Cosmo VoxBox

Venus Embrace Razor and Venus & Olay Refill: I love Venus products! These are my favorite razors. There are so many choices and you can find the right one for you. I've tried the Venus Embrace before and I think it's okay. It does it's job and all and I love that it has 5 blades but I don't love the slimy feeling it leaves on my skin. Well in comes the NEW Venus & Olay refill! I am in LOVE with this blade!!!! It has cushions on either side of the blades and you don't need shaving cream! The cushions give you all the moisture that you get from soap or shaving cream. This is my new favorite blade!

Ghirardelli Sea Salt Escape Chocolate: This was so so. Don't get me wrong I love chocolate but I was wanting more of the salty flavor.

Bath & Body Works Forever Red Perfume: This smells amazing. It's not too strong and has the right amount of floral notes. It also last all day and you don't need a lot of it.

Pilot Frixion Pens: I really like the Pilot G2 pen so when I saw these in the box I was curious if they were like the G2's. Sadly to me they're not. They write with a thin line, which I feel makes it harder to read, and they're not as smooth when writing. I will still use them. Who wouldn't! Maybe with time I will like them.

*I was not compensated for this box of samples. Influenster sent me this to review and give my honest opinion about. But this does mean I get more points to get more free stuff!

 

Random Thoughts

-Today was a GREAT mail day! I received my Coffee Lovers Cravebox{*} and Influenster Cosmo VoxBox{**}.

-Speaking of mail days, I LOVE December! Lots of fun packages are coming/have all ready been received and the holidays are in full swing. I will show you all how my packages are stacking up once they all get here.

-It feels like Springtime here. I will be so happy when Mr. Winter decides to show up! I'm ready for coats and bundling up and going on Christmas light tours.

-I'm trying to decide what type of Planner I want to use for next year. I love my Erin Condren Life Planner but really don't like the price tag. I've been hearing a lot about May Books. Can someone tell me how this planner is set up? I like using a calendar and having a weekly view so I can write my lists and appointments.

 -I have all most all of my Christmas shopping done!!! My mom, sister and I are all going in on a present for my dad, I have one or two more things to get my sister and I just ordered some lotion for my mom through Birchbox! Hello free points! I think I might get my mom one more thing. I'm still needing to figure out what to get the boyfriend. My Old Navy order has some jeans in it but he needs those like last week!

-If someone could tell me how to get these affiliate links going I would love them forever. Miss Jen is throwing affiliate links every which way and getting free stuff. Hello! I want free stuff too!


 *More on this awesome little box later!!!
**More on this FREE box later in the week! {Who doesn't like free!}
 

November Birchbox Review

November Birchbox Review {In December!!!}

 Yes, that's right. I just now received my November Birchbox. But I'm not complaining! I was "compensated" 100 Brichbox Points for my delayed box. Plus, after reviewing all 6 of my products I will have over 200 points!

Now on with the box!

 

First Look

 

 The Info Card

Twistband {6-pack $10, 12-pack $18}: I was SUPER excited to get this in my box! I have heard so many great things about these ties. I actually wore this to work today and it was great! It didn't pull on my hair and I didn't even notice it was there. These are a must have.

Color Club 'Put A Pin In It' Nail Polish {Full size, $8}: This polish is great for the holidays. It has a pinkish gold shine to it and would look great with any outfit. Mini/sample size polishes are great because you can use up the whole bottle with out it sitting and getting "glumpy".

 

Shea Terra Organics 'Whipped Shea Butter Creme' in Bananas & Baobabs {$5.50/ounce}: I'm not a huge fan of banana scent but this lotion is the real deal! I put a small amount on before work tonight and haven't needed to reapply. {That's around 8 hours of smooth non-dry hands.} This is a WIN in my book. I will be buying this in a different scent though.

 

John Varvatos Artisan: Once a saw that this cologne was going to be in my box, I went to Ulta and had to see what it smelled like. On first smell I will say I'm not a fan. I will still be giving this to the boyfriend for him to try out. Maybe it will smell better on an actual person.

 

 

 ModelCo SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss {$16}: I was very surprised to see a full sized product in my box. It was not expected. I tried this lip gloss out and I am really liking it! It has a fruity scent to it and it doesn't have a lot of shimmer to it like other lip glosses have.

Kerastase Masque Chroma Rich {Full size, $61}: I will be trying this out tomorrow. I received 2 samples of this. This is a little steep pricewise for something for color-treated hair {at least I think it is} but, if it actually works I will be thinking about getting a full size of this. {Keep getting those free points!}

That's what was in my box for November. Next month's box should be on schedule and a review for it will be sometime during the middle of the month. I will say that for this being my second box, this was not a disappointment and Birchbox really came through for their customers who received their boxes after the promised ship date of the 26th due to Hurricane Sandy.

If  you subscribe to Birchbox, what did you get? If you don't subscribe, I have no idea why not! My boxes have been well worth the $10 I pay for them and this is a great way to find new products. Plus, with reviews, points and the ability to earn FREE stuff who wouldn't want to join!
 

So What! Wednesday

 

It's So What! Wednesday over at Life After I Dew and I'm linking up!

 

So What! if...

• I have NO idea what I want for Christmas this year. My mom asked for my list and I have nothing!
• I am working 7 days this week. Hello overtime. I love you!
• I still don't know what to get my mom and dad for Christmas. I mean what do you get people who have everything???
• I am anxiously awaiting all of my goodies being shipped to the house. It's like a pre-Christmas present!
• I'm bummed that I didn't receive my Birchbox as scheduled*
• I dread going into work every. single. day. If people would follow a system things would go much smoother and I wouldn't have to complain about it!

What are you saying SO WHAT! to this week? 

 

 

*More on this in my next post

November Ipsy Review

I recieved my first Ipsy bag. I'm excited to try out all of the products. I'm really excited that they sent 4 full size products.

First look

The info card with great offers on this month's products

 Everything out of the bag

The eyeliner and nail polish out of their boxes

This month's bag was titled "Party Perfect". I recieved a sample of The Balm's Meet Matt{e} in a dark brown color, Bare Minerals Mavelous Moxie Lipgloss in Dare Devil, Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel, Nailtini Nail Polish in Millionaire and Starlet Eye Pencil in Black.

I will be using all of these products. I've never used eyebrow gel before so it will be interesting to see what that's all about. I'm also excited to use the eyeshadow and lip gloss. I don't really know about the liner since I haven't used black in forever. It might be too harsh for me.

Nailtini Millionaire Nail Polish {$13}: This nail polish has big flecks of gold in it. This will be great alone or over another color.

Starlet Eye Pencil in Black {$11}: This might not get too much use but I will try it out.

Chella Eyebrow Gel {$18}: Like I said, I've never used eyebrow gel before so I'm interested in how this works.

the BALM Meet Matt{e} Matt Batali Eye Shadow {$1.92}: This is almost a full size sample of one of the BALM's eyeshdows so I'm going to say it actually is a full size shadow. There are 9 different colors in this palette. This will be an interesting one to try as well.

Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Dare Devil {$9}: I'm guessing this is half the size of the actual product so I cut the amount in half. I love Bare Minerals products and can't wait to try this out.

My first bag was a great surprise and it was well worth the $10 considering everything in it was worth way more than what I spent for the month. I can't wait for next months bag!

So WHAT! Wednesday

It's So WHAT! Wednesday at Shannon's and I'm linking up.

SO WHAT if...

• I'm working 40 hours + this week. Last week I worked 40+ and I'm not complaining. {Plus I'm working 4 hours on Thanksgiving. Yay for time and a half!}
• I am way behind on the shows I DVR. I don't have time to sit in the other room and watch them. If someone could tell me how to watch 2 Broke Girls on my computer I would be a happy girl.
• I just opened by Ipsy bag from this month and was disappointed I got the eyebrow gel instead of the Benefit mascara. Oh well.
• I'm excited to get dressed in matching jammies with the boyfriend and dress Buddy up like an elf for pictures.
• I really wanted my Birchbox today!
• I will be having 2 Thanksgivings this year.
• I've read the first two books of 50 Shades and don't really care to read the third one. {It's not high on my priority list right now.}
• I want to be done with my Christmas shopping by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. {I think it's a possibility.}

 

Ebates

Have you all heard of Ebates? If not it's a great way to get cash back into your pocket when you do your online shopping! 

For all you Starbucks lovers out there that want a single cup coffee maker, Ebates gives you a percent back on the Verismo brewer not to mention anything else you buy online at the Starbucks store.

 There are also many more stores to check out! Browse around and see if there are any other online stores you shop at often. It's easy to sign up and start saving! You can copy and paste this link to get started!

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=I2%2B4s9mwpo2NGfJY3EiU3A%3D%3D

Why pay full price when you can get the things you buy most for a discounted price? I use Ebates for many things and it has definitely been most rewarding.

*Disclaimer: referral link posted! I need the money. {Doesn't everyone?}
 

Friday's Letters

 
Dear Buddy, We need to start taking walks. You need to lose some weight and I'm the one who needs to make this happen.  

Dear Oklahoma Weather, This whole 78 degrees in November is crap! It's supposed to be fall and is it too much to ask to get some 60 degree weather before December comes around and we get hit with Winter shit!  

Dear Boyfriend, I know you're stressing out about classes and then on top of that starting to pay off student loans in June/July. I was totally serious when I said I would help you out. Take the offer!!!!  

Dear Work, My paychecks need to start getting bigger ASAP! Now that one of the Fitting Room people have a new job, I'm seriously wanting her hours! Please and Thank You!!!  

Dear Car, I promise I will get you an oil change and engine fixed soon!!! I'm a little poor right now and it really sucks!
 

So What Wednesday

It's So What! Wednesday over at Shannon's and I'm linking up.

So What! if...

• I still haven't gotten Buddy's Halloween costume. {He won't wear it for very long anyway.}
• I feel like Halloween should have been LAST week. 
• This is the slowest week ever!
• I have no idea what I'm getting anyone but my dad for Christmas.
• I would rather be working tonight than having to hear the doorbell ring every 2.5 seconds
• I would really LOVE to get one of my parents' iPhones. {My dad got he and my mom iPhone 5's for her birthday. That means there are 2 phones not in use and I'm needing a new one!}
• I am ready to be in the next chapter of my life. This whole "in transition" thing is starting to get old!

What are you saying So What! to this week?

 

October Birchbox Review

October Birchbox Review

October's Birchbox was my first box. I snooped and saw a video for what things might be in the box and then about a week to five days before I got my box I saw what was actually in the box. I will say for my first box I will/did use everything in it.

{please ignore the bedding!}

 The box

 

The inside

 

Luna Lemon Zest Bar

{$18.75/ Pack of 18 or roughly $1.95 for 1 depending on where you get them.}

 

Illume Red Cedar Candle

{$10, full size}

  

 Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Eye Cream

{$46, full size}

 Jouer Lip Enhancer

{$14, full size}

Supergoop City Sunscreen

{$20-42, full size}

I am really thinking about getting the Supergoop Sunscreen. These samples have 4 uses in them. It leaves my face moisturized and not greasy. It's also very light for a sunscreen.

I tried the Kiehl's eye cream once but I will try this until it runs out. If it does what it says I will be buying some!

I didn't really care for the Lip Enhancer but I will still use it. Doesn't hurt that it was "free".

The Luna Bar was good but if I decide to get a box I will be trying a different flavor. 

The Illume candle wasn't my favorite when I initially burned it but I will burn it more seeing as the weather has finally gotten cold here and I love burning candles. I also really like that you can get it with an initial on the jar.

I would definitely say this box was worth the $10 I paid and I also got free points for giving feedback on the items. Along with that and referring some friends I am well on my way to my first free box!

I am looking forward to next month's box and Jen over at Ramblings of a Suburban Mom convinced me that the ipsy box was worth it so I'm signed up for that box too!

Friday's Letters

Dear Buddy, Please get out of your funk. I know yesterday scared the living crap out of you {it scared me too} but I don't have the cash to take you to the vet.

Dear Work, If I don't see at least 30 hours a week there are going to be some drastic changes and you're not going to like it. Also, this whole 3 days off in a row for next week is a no go. I need the money and I really don't care if you say I can't work.

Dear  Job Search, I need to get on your good side or at least start making a move to looking for a new job. Going out of state right now is just not going to happen yet and the job market here sucks!

Dear Birchbox, You are awesome! My first box was okay but I actually like all of the products that were in my box. I'm also getting lots of points and it's just my first month! You and I are going to be great friends.

Dear Ipsy, I am hoping you will be as awesome as I'm hearing about. I found you through this chick and to me she is the Box Subscription Queen so you better be stellar!
 

Friday's Letters

 

Dear House Sitting Gig, You are awesome and it's great to get away for a few days to relax and not think about the things that stress me out when I'm at my house.

Dear Friday, I thought you were here yesterday. All day it felt like a Friday and sadly it wasn't. That's okay though. That gives me and the boyfriend an extra day for homework.

Dear Work, I have 4 days in a row of you and I'm getting burnt out. Holiday will not be very exciting this year. {Except for the paychecks!}

Dear Jen @ Ramblings of a Suburban Mom, You guilted me convinced me to get on the Birchbox wagon. I am excited about receiving my first box! How do you get the affiliate links on your blog? I want free stuff too!

Dear Shannon @ Life After I "Dew", You are an awesome mom {you too Jen!}. KP is the cutest and baby Dew #2 will be just as cute! You are making this SAHM thing work and I admire you for it!

Dear So What! Wednesday, I am really missing you. I need to get back on a blogging schedule so I can have things to talk about and some link ups to do!

So What! Wednesday

 

I'm linking up with Shannon for another So What! Wednesday.

This week I'm saying So What! if...

 

• I'm stressed out all the time because of work and helping the boyfriend with school stuff.
• I have tomorrow off of work and would rather be working. Having 3 days off in a row is a little much but I know I need it.
• I still don't blog much. I feel like I don't have much to talk about and I'm also busier than I think. So this is what gets put on the back burner.
• I spend money I don't technically have. Squeaking by from paycheck to paycheck is getting pretty old though.
• I need to start looking for an actual job that I can use my degree in. My dad didn't spend all that money for nothing.
• We are taking things one situation at a time. There's nothing wrong with that. Getting finished with school is top priority over here!
• This is one of the lamest So What! Wednesday's I've done in a while. See number three for the reason why.
• After this I'm going to catch up on last season of Armywives. {I have missed this show and want to start watching it on Primetime again.}

What are you saying So What! to this week?

Friday's Letters

I'm linking up with Ashley again for Friday's Letters.

 

Dear Boyfriend, Thank you for being so understanding about me not wanting to find a job and that I'm comfortable at my current one. You are amazing and so caring.

Dear Work, Why did you give me 3 days off in a row? I'm technically not complaining but I need the money.

Dear House Sitting Job, I will see you this weekend for some peace and quiet.

Dear Buddy Beagle, I'm ecstatic that you have friends to play with this weekend. This will make my absence easier. Don't forget to share your toys.

Dear Makeup That Sits in my Drawers, Sorry I'm not up to date on this whole wearing makeup thing. I'm trying to get better at it but I don't want to look like I'm actually wearing makeup when I'm wearing it! Thank goodness for bare essentials and BB Creams.

Dear Fall TV, I am SO happy you are starting up next week! I have missed you. Summer TV is pretty boring minus Pretty Little Liars {which I missed most of this season. Super mad at myself.}

Dear DVR, I need to catch up on Glee so, it would be super awesome if you didn't delete any of my saved shows.

Dear Starbucks, No matter how expensive you are, you are my saving grace in the AM. Thank you! {I should really find my coffee pot and brew my own coffee at home.}
 

Friday's Letters

 

I'm linking up with Adventures of Newlyweds for Friday's Letters.

 

Dear Buddy, Today is your birthday and I promise we will have treats and go to PetSmart so you can smell all the dog smells and roam around {and maybe go for a walk}.

 

Dear Fall, I am loving you! Fall and Spring are my favorite seasons and this is a wonderful welcome from the 90-100 degree weather we have been having.

 

Dear House Sitting Gig, I am missing you already but I will see you next weekend. Relaxing with the dogs and being lazy is what it's all about. {Also, spending time with the boyfriend.}

 

Dear Starbucks, If I don't already spend enough time with you I will be spending more time since Fall decided to show up. I can't get enough of the PSL and Salted Carmel Hot Chocolate. Yum!

 

Dear Job Search, Please be over with. I really don't like looking for a career so if something could just show up that would be awesome!

 

Dear Football Season, You are my favorite sport. Even though I never went to an OSU game I still believe I'm a fan and will be watching my Cowboys this year from the comfort of my home.

 

Dear Seattle, Can I just move already. Your amazing temperatures and rain all year round are what I want. Some one needs to get me a job up there. {Bonus, you have the original Starbucks and I would be visiting every single day!}

 

Dear Boyfriend, I know this semester is your toughest one to date but you need to graduate and I know you we are both tired of Stillwater and you commuting four days a week.