September BirchBox Review

These boxes are so magical!!  Here is a review of each of the item's in my September Birchbox.

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint – Luminizing Moisture Tin, that is a skin perfector helping you obtain a healthy, glowy complexion, 1.7 oz, $38.
Review:  This little sampler went way too fast, because it was amazing.  It was more magical than the BB creams I've been using.  It just evens out the skin and pretty much takes away the need to even use concealer.

Birchbox Color Club custom color polish – Custom collection of nail polishes targeted for the social media addicts.  Available colors are: Put a Pin in it, Status Update, Tweet Me and Insta-this , $8.
Review:  I received the Insta-this blue color.  I used it on my toe-nails and it's awesome.  I'm a fan of bold wild colors for my toes.  Due to my job I can't wear it on my fingernails, otherwise I definitely would have.  And as I'm sure most of you already know, I'm a social media addict!

Kate Spade's Twirl – This scent is described as playful, feminine, and joyful, rollerball fragrance, $18.
Review:  I enjoyed it, it was a little on the old lady side for me (great technical term right?) But, it was a good scent to add into the mix.  It's very floral; it made me feel lady like.

Twistband – These stylish, soft, elastic bands are designed to keep hair secure without snagging strands or leaving ugly creases, 12-pack, $22.
Review:  These are a bit silly in my opinion.  Mine frayed instantly.  Now I get is a crafty item for the Etsy seller or something to do with your kids.  But, the fact that they are selling these for so much is ridiculous.  Mine was destroyed within the first use.

Skin Body Whip – Fluffy, soy based cream that works to moisturize your entire body without leaving it sticky, greasy or oily, 16 oz, $27.
Review:  This body whip is magical.  It is so soft, leaves my skin moisturized all day and has a light heavenly scent.  I leave it at my desk at work and use it everyday.

Can't wait until October's box arrives.  It makes me giddy.

August Birchbox Product Review

I’ve finally had a chance to try out all of my Birchbox goodies.  It was a 3 out of 5 success for August.

LiQWd Professional Volumizing Catalyst – Equipped with high-tech moisturizers, this weightless mist adds serious body to flat locks, Full-size, $22.
Review:  I’m not an authority on hair care at all.  I often wear my hair up because I work in food manufacturing and have to wear a hair net everyday.  It does smell delicious and I like that it didn’t make my hair oily looking.

Dr. Jart + Waterfuse BB Cream – This four-in-one moisturizer, serum, sunscreen, and skin-perfecting tint is the beauty version of a Swiss Army Knife, Full-size, $32.
Review:  I will be buying this!  It evens out my skin while providing sunscreen and moisturizer, which is a must for me!  I love the Dr. Brandts Pore No More but it’s $45 for 1 oz.  This stuff is a steal at $32 for 1.7 ounces; and it works just as good.

Larabar Uber, Apple Turnover – Consider these wholesome bars brain fuel: they’re packed with fruits and nuts, Pack of 5, $9.
Review: This bar was a delicious snack.  I wish I had a bigger one.  It’s the perfect combo of dried fruit and nuts.

Juicy Couture, Viva La Juicy, La Fleur – This modern scent is a feminine blend of wild berries, mandarin, ad waterlily, Fulll-size, $70.
Review:  This smell is very lovely, but a little too grandma-ish.  I apparently look really young, but I don’t think smelling old would fix that situation.  I will continue to wear this occasionally until the sample is gone but wouldn’t purchase a full size bottle.

DDF Brightening Cleanser – This foaming gel uses an all-star team of skin brighteners to fade discoloration and even out skin tone, Full-size, $38
Review:  This cleanser stinks, literally!  It has a really disgusting smell.  I do like the way it makes my skin feel, it probably would work to brighten my face if used on a consistent basis.  However, my skin dries easily and this made it worse.

Friday Fun-day: Shopping, Sample Boxes and Concert Recap

Franz Ferdinand Concert Last night I went to the Franz Ferdinand concert at the Showbox with my friend Bridget.  On my way to meet up with her, I had to stop and take in the view of the new waterfront ferris wheel.  I think the ferris wheel is gorgeous, and an amazing addition to the waterfront.  However, I'm not so pleased with the price to ride; 13 freaking dollars!

  We pre-funked at the The Pike Brewery for some delish beers and decent eats.  I was super happy with the environment, the staff, the beer but was not so pleased with my food.  I ordered the chicken wings, which usually can't be bad.  These were really greasy, non-saucy, not spicy, blech!  Bridget, however loved her veggie quesadillas.
I am a Franz Ferdinand fan based on their first self titled album.  To be honest I haven't listened to anything more recent.  I ended up falling in love with the opening band, The Carnivores.  They were the cat's meow, for reals.  The girl keyboardist had an amazing outfit on and made the coolest facial expressions and head movements.  It was amazing.  I describe her top as being a tassle-y, moccasin shirt.  As my friend Daylon would say, "so navajo."  Franz Ferdinand was great too.  I had an amazing time.  My favorite part about concerts is paying $10 for a beer; I love sarcasm.

Carnivores!

Zulily:  My First Purchases My friend Liz told me about Zulily over two years ago; she likened the concept to Groupon and Living Social.  The target audience is for mothers.  She knew I'd be interested because I'm obsessed with my niece Chloe.  I love spoiling her and buying her cute stuff.  I've always received the emails but just didn't get into it. The other day when I needed retail therapy I clicked on over.  I made two fine purchases and they arrived yesterday.

My amazing new tunic (I love that word)

Chloe's amazing new mary janes

Sample Boxes

I've recently learned of the concept of monthly sample boxes.  Where have they been all my life?  So I haven't received my first ones yet, but I know I'm going to love them.  I think it will also be fun to review what I receive with my friends and followers.

Beauty Box from Birch Box:  Monthly deliveries of trial-sized samples from both well-known brands and emerging gems.

Foodie Box from Petit Amuse:  Every month I will receive 3-4 samples of small batch artisan foods from hard to find specialty producers.

Weekend Wanderings

Brought to you by Shane @ Whispering Sweet Nothings

I totally agree with Shane about the crickets in the blog-osphere over the weekend.  So I'm linking up for a good cause!  Let's share our weekend adventures.
"It feels like the blog-osphere begins to die down come Friday, then trickles off on Saturday, with far less posts than Monday through Thursday. My quick fix? A rules free, anything goes link-up! Link-up your plans for the weekend, tutorials, giveaways. The best part? You can come back and link-up the entire weekend until Sunday at midnight! Then have fun wandering with some new friends!" -Shane

On that note, I'm definitely going to the South Lake Union Block Party this evening.  They have a bunch of local restaurants and food trucks offering samples for $1 each.  It's a true "Taste" much like the Taste of Chicago.  I'm so excited!  And I definitely will be stopping by the beer garden.
Have a great weekend all!