June 2014 Love With Food Review (Take Me Out to the Ball Game)

This is my second Love With Food box.  The theme for June us Take Me Out to the Ball Game.  If you are not familiar with Love With Food, it is a monthly subscription box service ($10 monthly).  The send you a box of 8 goodies per month, or more if you go with the deluxe box.  Each monthly box you purchase, a meal is donated to a hungry child.  You get to help fight childhood hunger in America, and get some yummy goodies to try!

Check out my box opening if you wish!

I am very excited about the Chocolate Cookies from Dulcetto!  I love chocolate, and these look delicious! It is a 100-Calorie pack and according to the info sheet, they are crispy and creamy.  YUM! I only wish the package was bigger.

The next thing I am most excited about it is the Cheddar Baked Fried from Snikiddy.  These are all-natural, non-GMO and have half the fat of traditional fried snacks.  I love fries and cheese (I am from Wisconsin after all!), so I am all over this!

I got another cookie from The Cookie Department.  It's called a Snap Back Ginger Detox Cookie. It has natural detoxifiers and will "help you snap back to attention".  Can't complain about a cookie!

I got some Pineapple, Raspberry, and Mango Fruit Snacks from YumEarth Organics.  They are Gluten and fat-free, with no artificial flavors or colors.  They are also Organic and have 100% of Daily Vitamin C.  I have always been a fruit snack fan, so I imagine I will be a fan of these!

This next product, I have actually purchased before from Costco, and I never actually finished the bag because the flavor was a little weird to me, but I'll give it another shot.  The Chicago Mix by G.H. Cretors is a combination of sweet and salty that "knocks it outta the park".

I haven't had any gum in a long time, so I will have to change that now!  I got a Gum Ball from Tree Hugger Gum.  It is Vegan, all-natural, and non-GMO.

I'm not huge on granola, so we will see how I like this Good For You Granola, Almond Butter & Jelly Sandwich from Jolly Oak.  It is all-natural and non-GMO.

The last item I got is the Montmorency Cherries from Stoneridge Orchards.  I am not a fan of cherries, or dried fruit in general, so I may just give these to someone else who might enjoy them.

If you are interested in a Love With Food subscription, let me know and I can give you a referral code!

June 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag Review (Pretty in Paradise)

Time for my June 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag Review!  This month's theme is "Pretty in Paradise".  I love this month's bag itself, super cute!

Check out my opening and review video if you have some time, or just keep scrolling to read!

First off, I got some mascara!  Yay, I LOVE mascara :)  This mascara is be a...Bombshell.  I haven't tried it out myself yet, as I am still using some Retro Glam Mascara from Rimmel London that I got for free to try from Influenster last month (which I love!). Reading the reviews on this Bombshell mascara makes me a little less excited about it, unfortunately.  I read that it smells bad.  Upon sniffing it, I agree.  I don't think I've ever smelled my mascara before.  I also read that it is flaky.  :( Hopefully it works out for me!

I got some NYX Butter Gloss in the Eclair color. I love lip glosses and I have enjoyed the NYX brand when I have received it in the past, so hope I like this one too!  I didn't see any very negative comments in the reviews on Ipsy, so that's good news!

I also got a liquid eyeliner from Jessie's Girl.  Unfortunately, I don't care too much for liquid eyeliners.  I love eyeliner pens and pencils.  I always end up getting the liquid ones in my eye, so I've learned to just stay away from them.  I love the packaging though!  Makes me wish I could use it because I love the silver casing.  I guess I like shiny things :)  I see in the Ipsy reviews that a lot of people had problems with their's leaking or exploding.  So, watch out for that.

I am looking forward to trying the Dream Waves Beach Spray from Marc Anthony.  If I let my hair air dry, I have some waves it my hair.  But, I usually blow dry and curl my hair.  Otherwise my bangs end up being funky all day.  I am excited to try this stuff out and see if it makes doing my hair a little easier!  I don't see any complaints about it on Ipsy.

The last thing I got was the Ole Henriksen truth to go wipes.  I like face wipes, especially for removing makeup.  I will be using these as soon as I am finished with my current wipes!  Ipsy reviewers say these smell great, feel good, and remove makeup well.  Sounds good to me!

What did you get in your June Ipsy Glam Bag?

June 2014 Birchbox Review (Away We Go)

I was happier with my Birchbox this month than I was last month.  No shampoo or conditioner, yay!  This month's theme is "Away We Go".

Check out my opening and review video, or just keep on reading. Up to you!

The item I am most excited about is the LAQA & Co. Sheer Lip Lube Pencil.  I got the Bees Knees color.  A full-size of this is $18.  It is a high-gloss, semi-sheer lip color.  It smells quite minty!  Luckily it doesn't taste too minty.  I don't care much for mint.  It goes on very smoothly. The Bees Knees color doesn't show up very much.  That is fine with me, I like to have some neutral colors.

I got a Revealed 2 Eyeshadow Palette Set from Coastal Scents.   A full-size palette goes for $34.  I got the Sunset Sampler. The colors are all shades of neutrals and browns.  Works for me since that is what I typically wear!

I also got a sample of Hello perfume from Harvey Prince.  A full-size of this costs $55. Hello is a best-selling spritz that has citrus and floral notes.  I actually got a sample of this in my Beauty Box 5 last month.  I still have to use it, but from my test spritz, I like it!

I got some BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator from Vasanti Cosmetics. A full-size goes for $34.  Use this 3-5 times a week for microdermabrasion effects, which gives a glowing, smoother complexion.  I am interested to try this out and see what it does for me skin, since it could use a little help in these summer months.

The last product I got was Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Skin Cream.  A full-size is $26-38.  Apparently celebrities and health professionals swear by this salve, which can be used to moisturize, fight wrinkles, and treat burns and bruises. It says it contains pollen, which concerns me a bit since I am pretty sure I am allergic to pollen.  I'm not sure if it would affect me or not, but I will be checking in to that before I use it.  If you happen to know, please let me know!

Those are my goodies from the June Birchbox! What products did you get?  Which was your favorite?

June 2014 Beauty Box 5 Review (Summer Chic)

This is my third Beauty Box 5 and I am still enjoying them each month!  If you want your own Beauty Box 5 subscription, be sure to ask me for a referral code!  Then head on over to BeautyBox5.com and sign up for a subscription!

Check out my opening and review video, or just keep scrolling and read my review right here!  Whichever tickles your fancy :)

My favorite item in this month's BB5 is the Nicka K New York Nail Color.  It retails for $4.99 for .5 fl oz. According to the info card I got, it goes on smooth and and does not chip.  I like the red color, I don't have a lot of the color already.  I LOVE the bottle!  Super cute and classy in my opinion!

I love a mascara, it is the one makeup item that I HAVE to wear on a daily basis.  I feel naked without it. So I am always happy to get some mascara!  This month, I got a sample size of the Glam Natural mascara. This mascara is gluten and paraben-free.  It's also Hypoallergenic. This mascara is $28 for .25 oz.

I also got some Vita Bath Body Wash.  It retails for $7.95 for 12 fl oz.  It has no propylene glycol, mineral oils and silicone.  It smells great too! 

Another item I got was the Organix Coconut Water Shampoo and Conditioner, which retails for $7.99 for 13 oz.  It's charged with electrolytes and coconut oil to give hair a silky, healthy shine. It is sulfate free!  I can't get super excited about shampoo and conditioner, especially since I hate the type of packaging the sample came in. It is just so difficult to reuse these kind.

The final product I received is the Eslor Introductory Collection Calming Kit.  It includes Soothing Refiner & Cleanser, Replenishing Scrub, Comforting Mask, and soothing cream. It is paraben-free.  I am interested to see what this will do for my skin!

That is everything I got in my June 2014 Beauty Box 5.  What did you get in yours?

Which item was your favorite?

Influenster Spring Fling VoxBox Review

I got my Spring Fling VoxBox from influenster a couple days ago, so I thought I would write up a little review of the products I received. I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

You can even watch me open the box!

The product I am the most excited about is the Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara.  It retails for $5.99.  Mascara is the one makeup item that I HAVE to wear on a daily basis.  I have such sparse, light eyelashes.  I need a good black mascara just to look like I have eyelashes!  I have not used a similar application brush before, so I am excited to see what this mascara does for me.

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes

My next favorite product is the NIVEA Skin Firming Hydration Lotion.  It is $2.49 for 2.5 oz/$10.99 for 13.5 oz.  In about 2 weeks of using this, you will see firmer, toned skin.  My skin can always use some help in the hydration department, so I have no doubt I will love this product!

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes

I also got some Kiss Everlasting French Nails, which are $6.49.  They are guaranteed to never chip.  They are available in flat and regular nail arches. I have never worn fake nails, so this could be an interesting adventure for me to try these out.

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes

There is also the Playtex Sport Fresh Balance.  They are $3.99-4.99.  They have Odor Shield technology and 360 degree design.  I have not used these particular tampons before, but it certainly never hurts to have more on hand!

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes

I also got a Peach Pie Car Freshener from the Labor Day Movie. Yay for a nice smelling car! You cannot purchase the car freshener, but the Labor Day movie is available now on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital HD for $19.99.

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes

So, that is what I received in my Influenster Spring Fling VoxBox! "I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

Check out #SpringVoxBox Facebook.com/influenster @influenster for more information!

May 2014 Love With Food Review (Derby Days)

I recently signed up for the monthly Love With Food subscription box.  So far, I am a fan!! For starters, with each monthly box you purchase, a meal is donated to a hungry child.  That is awesome!  All the snacks in the box are Organic and All-Natural.  If you fall in love with any of the snacks in the box, you can order more on the website, yay!  You also get 8+ snacks in each box, so it seems to be a pretty good deal to me!

Here is a video of my Love With Food Box Opening:

 

So, this is what I got in my May, Derby Days themed box:

Sweet Potato Chips by One Potato Two Potato.  These chips are packed with beta-carotene and vitamin A. I LOVE potato chips, so I am very excited about these!

Tarallino Snack with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  This snack is made from six ingredients.  This seems like it will be a simple, yummy snack for any time of day.

Key Lime Cookies by J&M.  Tart and sweet tea cookies.  I am not big on lime flavoring, but I am still looking forward to trying these cookies out.  I am hoping they will just have a hint of a lime taste. 

Giddy Up & Go Granola.  This granola is gluten-free and vegan. I'm rather picky about granola and granola bars, so I'm hoping I like this stuff!

Tropical Peach Drink Mix by Flavor Organic.  This is a peach water enhancer.  It is organic and non-GMO. I drink a lot of water and juice, so I am excited to try this out!  Its nice to jazz up water sometimes and I think this will be a refreshing summer drink.

Sea Salt Caramels by Le Caramel.  I love caramel (especially when paired with chocolate!), so I am excited to try these out.  I'm hoping I enjoy the Sea Salt, I haven't had Sea Salt Caramel before.

Hickory Smoked Sea Salt and Italian Black Truffle Salt by The Spice Lab.  I love BBQ, so next time I make chicken, I think I might just spice it up a bit with this!  I am not sure how I will feel about the Italian Black Truffle Salt, but we will see!

Honeysuckle Caramel, Southern Mint, and Tropcial Green Teas by Revolution Tea.  These teas are made with select herbs, real fruit pieces, essential oils and natural flavors.  I unfortunately am not a tea drinker, so these will be given to someone else.

What was your favorite snack in the Derby Days Love with Food box?

May 2014 Ipsy Glam Bag Review (Fresh Picks!)

Ipsy's theme for May is Fresh Picks.  Very Springy!

The Glam Bag had a nice, spring, fresh look.  Very fitting.

I got a Pacifica Duo 2 Eyeshadow palette.  I got purple and white shades. I like the colors! I do wish that it had come with a little application brush, though.

I also got a little sample of Calvin Klein Euphoria.  I had never actually smelled it before, and I enjoy the scent.  I also like that it isn't a spray bottle, its a roller.  I guess I feel like I will be able to get more use out of it this way.  

The Sans Tan Pure White Mineral Suncreen (SPF 35) is another nice product.  I have not tried it yet, but I am looking forward to using it the next time I will be in the sun for an extended period.  I did read that it can be difficult to apply without a moisturizer, so I'll see how that goes.

I am looking forward to trying the eva-nyc Therapy Session Hair Mask.  It is a decent sized sample (the $12 size according to the eva-nyc website).  That's not too overly expensive for a once a week use.  I wouldn't use it every day though. I wouldn't mind using a product like this once a week to give my hair a little therapy! 

The last product in the May Ipsy Glam Bag is the Avene Thermal Spring Water.  It is essentially water in a can.  It apparently can be used for skin redness, irritations, razor burn, etc.  We'll see how I like it.  I am skeptical about having to pay for water in a can...

How did you like your May Ipsy Glam Bag?

What was your favorite product this month?

May 2014 Birchbox Review (Freewheeling)

May's Birchbox was unfortunately rather disappointing for me this month.  I wasn't very excited by the products and samples I received this month.

Here is a video of my Birchbox opening, or just continue on to read my review!

My favorite item from May's Birchbox is the Shea Butter Lip Balm from Pixi. Its a dual-purpose balm that hydrates with shea butter while giving your lips a pretty wash of color. I got the Coral Crush shade, and I like it a lot!  Not a color I may have normally chosen, but I like it. It is a lovely summer color that is a little bolder than what I am used to.  It retails for $8.  (The color is brighter in person than in the picture)

I also got CoTZ Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40.  $20 for a full-size.  This is an oil-free mineral sunscreen that blends in sheer for a matte finish. I will certainly be able to use this now that spring has finally arrived in Wisconsin!  I just wish the sample size wasn't so small!

The Lifestyle Extra in the Birchbox is the Greenleaf Candle Co. in First Blush.  A full-size candle goes for $17.  I unfortunately do not really use candles, so this will likely be something I give someone else. It is a lovely scented candle!

The final two items in the Birchbox were disappointing.  I unchecked the "Haircare products" box on my Birchbox account awhile ago, and yet I still received Shampoo and Conditioner....boring.  I got the Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo and Protect & Condition.  Full sizes are $21.95.  I keep getting hair care products in my Birchbox, and I'm just not really interested in them.  Oh well.

So, overall not a very exciting box in my opinion.  How did you like your Birchbox?

What was your favorite product this month?

 

May 2014 Beauty Box 5 Review (Fresh and Focused)

This is my second Beauty Box 5, and so far, they are one of my favorite subscription boxes!  This is the May 2014 Fresh and Focused Review.

You can also watch me open the box, if that's something you enjoy :)

CATTIVA Precisione Eye Liner.  Retails for $20. I love a good eyeliner!  I am hoping this is a good one.  As I have stated in previous posts, I have bad luck with liquid eyeliner, so I'm excited to try out this pencil one!

I unfortunately sweat quite a lot, especially when I am in social situations.  I guess I have a little social anxiety and I can often use a little refreshing. I am interested to see what the Ban Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths can do for me!  10 Clothes retail for $2.97.  Not a bad price, so if they work, I might be purchasing more.

I am not a huge user of perfumes, but I do like to have a little bit of a spray of some sort in my purse just for refreshers.  So, I will be able to use this sample of Harvey Prince Hello perfume. It retails for $55 for 5.7 ounces, but I doubt that I will purchase more of it even if I like it a lot.  I'm just not big on perfumes.

I can't recall the last time I used a facial mask, so maybe I am way overdue! Excited to see what the MaskerAide Hydrating Facial Sheet Mask will do for me!

I am not as excited by the H20 Plus Aqualibrium Marine Cleansing Gel.  It retails for $18.  I just can't get too hyped about about a face wash.

Overall, I am pretty excited about this month's Beauty Box 5!

What did you think of May's Beauty Box 5?

Which subscription box do you love the most?