Power Play

On Tuesday morning my alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. I hear it, thinking to myself that surely it can't be time to wake up and I can tell that it is raining outside so I should probably just stay in bed all day and skip work. I hit snooze, convinced that nine extra minutes of sleep will really cure me. Alarm goes off again, I hit snooze again, alarm goes off, snooze, alarm, snooze. Are you seeing a familiar pattern? By 6:15 I finally pull myself out of bed and now with no time to shower, reach straight for my dry shampoo (from my last Birchox) and force my limp hair in to a ponytail. I pull on my most comfortable skirt, top, and flats, and begin to throw makeup on before I have to run out the door. It is safe to say that I am in a grouchy mood. Seconds before I need to leave my roommate walks in to my room to say "good morning" and can easily detect my mood. She says "I have something that will make you feel better" and turns around and returns to my room with my favorite pink box! Nothing like Birchbox to turn my frown upside down and completely turn my morning around. Even though I should be walking out the door, I tear open the box in search of anything that can improve my appearance. I grab the tube of Benefit highlighter, swipe it across my face, give a quick smile to the mirror, and rush out the door. 

Birchbox does it again.

From left to right

{Benta Berry G-1 Moisturizing Cream}

So, I already knew I was getting this because Birchbox sent me an email earlier this week, apologizing for sending me a sample that I had already received. How do they keep track after all these boxes! I am not complaining, but Birchbox has so sweetly given me 100 Birchbox points ($10 credit!) towards anything I might want to buy!

{100% Pure Nourishing Body Cream}

I love this body cream because it almost smells like something I would have had when I only bought my body products at Bath & Body Works. It is super moisturizing though and my legs stayed smooth and soft all day long. 

{Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl}

This was my life-saver on Tuesday morning. It adds a subtle glow to your skin and can be worn alone or on top of makeup to bring out the shine in all of us. I was so excited to get this product because Benefit is so expensive and I love being able to try things before pulling the trigger on the full-size. 

{Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect}

I have to be honest and tell you that I haven't used leave in conditioner since I was a little girl. Birchbox has sent me three different kinds this year and I haven't used any yet. This particular one is supposed to safeguard your color and protect against UV rays, so maybe I will have to give it a try before going out in the sun.

{Birchbox Bobby Pins}

The cutest part of my Birchbox this month, which I desperately tried to shove in my hair on my tragic Tuesday. Not sure how they would go over in my very corporate work environment but maybe on a better hair day I will be able to make them work!

Another special this month is this Tibi makeup pouch! Swooning over the print!

Birchbox saves mornings. 

Wanderlust

 My June Birchbox might be my favorite in a long time! It is the first time that I have loved and will use everything that I received. 

{suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser}

A two-in-one cleanser and exfoliator that smells like heaven. I am terrible and don't have a face wash that I use regularly so this will just get thrown in the mix!

{Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk}

Dry shampoo means that you don't have to shower and blow dry your hair as much, so it is pretty much the greatest invention ever. 

{Color Club Wanderlust Collection Nail Polish}

I love this color for summer! It is a pinkish white and stands out on nails. The whole Wanderlust collection features four colors based on four cities. Mine is the New York color, which is perfect since it is the only city I have been to!

{LAQA & Co Lil Lip Pencil}

I love this lip pencil! The color is bright, bright pink but it can be applied lightly for just a touch of color that is perfect for summer.

{Twistband Nautical Hair Tie}

I live in these twist bands! Normal pony tail holders give me the worst headaches, but twist bands are so comfortable that I can sleep in them. This nautical print made me want to go straight back to the beach!

Loving the new Birchbox design.

beauty diaries

Let's jump right in to this. We all know where this post is going. It is probably my 225th post about my monthly Birchbox, but I love sharing my beauty treasures and finds. 

{1. amika: Nourishing Mask I used this product immediately after receiving my box. My hair has been frighteningly dry with all the crazy weather ups and downs and my breakage is becoming painfully evident. I used this mask after my normal conditioner and my hair feels so soft and smooth, even the next morning. I am a fan!}

{2. COOLA: Classic Face SPF 30 I have been frequenting the pool every week since the weather has warmed up and I have been using all my Birchbox sunscreen samples. As long as I don't get burnt and peel then it is good in my book.}

{3. Marvis: Toothpaste There is nothing like a fresh tube of toothpaste. You have to put in so little effort to get the paste on to your brush, and that is a lazy girls dream.}

{4. Sumitra: Color Contrast Eyeliner This is my FAVORITE from this box. It is a classic eyeliner pencil but I have never had one go on so easy and smooth. It lasts for hours and withstood my makeup remover, which means that it will be great for hot, summer days!}

{5. Isaac Mizrahi: FABULOUS eau de Parfum Okay, I actually love this perfume sample. It smells great, but not too heavy, and doesn't give me a headache. And what a great coincidence that my current favorite shoes are Isaac Mizrahi, so I can coordinate.} 

Birchbox also sent me a fantastic pen, by Pilot, that writes easy and smooth and happens to be purple. I feel like putting hearts over all my i's today. 

Just 30 more days until the next box!

My Morning Greens

smoothie photo

Some mornings I have no problem jumping out of bed and getting my day started. Others I can't seem to peel myself out of my bed, whether it be 5:00 AM or 9:00 AM. No matter what time or my level of tiredness, I don't like to start my mornings without a green smoothie or my Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On (unless the other option for breakfast is donuts). My smoothie recipes vary everyday depending on what I have on hand, but never lacking almond milk and spinach. 

As for my other morning green, you might remember that I received this eye-roller in my last Birchbox. There has not been a day since opening that box that I have not used this little life-saver. Not only does it provide important vitamins for my skin and eyes but the cool gel does wonders in the morning. One roll under each eye and not only am I feeling more awake from the cooling effect on my skin but any puffiness or dark bags disappear within seconds making me look like I have been up and at 'em for hours! 

So my advice if you have trouble waking up, or just want a great start to your days-- buy this Eye Revitalizer and use it each morning, it will help you pop up so you can go straight to the kitchen to throw together this smoothie.

Grapefruit and Mango Green Smoothie 

1/2 frozen banana

a large handful of spinach

1/2 mango

1/2 grapefruit

1/4 avocado

1/2 cup almond milk

a squeeze of agave nectar (to taste)

a couple of ice cubes

You can add any of your normal supplements to this, but you will have a great tasting, perfect for summer, smoothie to start your day!

Green goddess. 

Tiny Tweaks, Big Results

My April Birchbox finally arrived! I used to receive my box during the first week of each month and now I am getting it so much later, which I am sure is due to the fact that Birchbox is growing like crazy and can hardly keep up with the high demand. 

This month Birchbox teamed up with Women's Health Magazine, who I am especially loving this month with Katharine McPhee on the cover!

{1. J.R. Watkins Peppermint Foot Repair Salve}

Confession. I really do love putting lotions and salves on my feet, then pulling on thick soaks and just relaxing. I too often forget to do this, except when I get the treat of a pedicure, and this new salve gives me the perfect excuse to prop my feet up for a little and relax and repair.

{2. Caudalie Divine Oil}

Put the word 'divine' in anything and I will probably use it because it sounds luxurious and relaxing. This oil is for skin, hair, and your nails, which is perfect because the other beauty oils I have usually end up all over anyway. And not just my skin, hair, and nails, but also my laptop keyboard and phone.  

{3. Supergoop Daily Correct SPF 35 CC Cream}

Yay SPF! This girl loves anything with SPF because I love sunscreen! If you ever try to leisurely lay out with me I will bug you every hour to reapply sunscreen, and you better believe it is at least 35 SPF.

{4. Nexxus Hydra-Light Leave-In Conditioning Foam}

When I picked this month's box for the first time, I thought that Birchbox had sent me rocks. It was so heavy and I realized that this conditioner was the reason why. The bottle is huge and definitely doesn't look like a tester to me. Jackpot!

{5. Simple Eye Roller}

Like the name states, this is simple. Roll under your eyes to appear less tired.

Goodness, I am going to need that in a few hours when I go to six A.M yoga.

Where's the salve that makes my voice like Katharine McPhee?

March Beauty Madness

Is there really anything else that I can say about Birchbox? Do I need to continually praise it each month?  If you haven't signed up yet then you are crazy and if  you do receive a monthly box then you understand me when I say that it is worth every penny for the joy and products that it brings each month.

The Birchbox that I received for the month of March was especially sweet and full of exciting new products that are perfect for Spring!

From left to right

{MAKE Eyeshadow} - I will admit that I was disappointed by the color when I first opened my Birchbox. Purple? The shade seemed so eighties, but I was pleasantly surprised when I tried it on to find that the color is a beautiful brownish-grey that is perfect with my skin tone!

{MAKE Face Primer SPF 30} - This is a two-in-one base and SPF that I used immediately upon opening. I found that my make-up stayed in place and looked even better hours after applying it when I used the primer. Plus, it has SPF 30 and I love that!

 {Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Color-Saver Shampoo} - This smells incredible, has a lite shimmer, and it is so much larger than my normal hair samples... I know I am going to be a huge fan!

{Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream} - The beauty gods answered my prayers and needs again as they delivered this yummy blueberry scented shave cream as I just ran out of my old shaving cream yesterday! Perfection!

{Madewell Emery Board} - Yes, Madewell helped out with this month's box and used one of their spring patterns to create the prettiest nail file that I might actually use (I usually loathe nail files and have  kicked people out of rooms for using them in front of me!)

Wait are you waiting for?

Red Carpet Ready

It is February Birchbox time, so let's get straight to it!

{1. Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox Beauty Balm - this is a cream based foundation which has me nervous. I have never had good luck with cream foundations but I am anxious-excited to keep using it to see how my skin reacts.}

{2. Color Club Nail Polish in Wild Cactus - Couldn't be more excited about a new nail polish color in such a great color!}

{3. Ghiradelli Caramel Chocolate Square - Because I definitely needed more chocolate this week. I have a bag of candy, full of M&M's, lots of Pixie Sticks, and some salted caramels, that I have to finish off before I can even think about nibbling on this delight. Maybe I will hide it and get a sweet surprise when I find it in a few weeks.}

{4. Juicy Couture Couture La La - I can't lie. I kind of, sort of, maybe actually like this scent from Juicy. I'm not even planning on throwing it away, but rather will keep it in my purse for emergencies and on-the-go needs.}

{5. Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle - I have never had a problem with tangled hair, except in the summer after long days in the lake or the pool. I will be saving this for my beach bag!}

This month's Birchbox was all about products to prepare one's self for the Red Carpet. I do love this time because I absolutely love award shows. The red carpet, the fashion, the dates, the performances, the acceptance speeches and the anticipation of who will take home the highest honors!

Counting down to the Oscars. 

Best Year Ever

There is no post for the final night of Smitten with Friends and Food. 

I had planned on making pizza with homemade dough, but my dough didn't rise throughout the day so I had to move to Plan B, which was frozen flatbreads from Whole Foods. The margherita pizzas still turned out good with a simple tomato sauce, lots of mozzarella, and fresh basil, but in the rush of making them and the fact that I was exhausted on a Friday night there aren't any pictures. Sorry to disappoint! Just know that it was good food (yet another great recipe by the Smitten Kitchen) and wonderful company with some of my dearest friends.

The good news of the day is that during my Smitten Kitchen week I received my Birchbox and since I have had it for a week I have fully tested all most of the products and can give you great reviews on this months hottest beauty samples. 

 Overall, I wouldn't say that the box was a knockout, but there is always something that secures my love and devotion to Birchbox. This month that item came from one of my favorite brands that I have discovered from Birchbox, theBalm.  

(Clockwise from the top, left corner)

{1. Embryolisse 24-Hour Miracle Cream - "A favorite of models and makeup artists" that has been saving my winter-dry skin.

{2. Aerie Shimmer Fragrance - I was very excited about this when the description mentioned blend of peony and vanilla, but like most perfumes, it was too strong and went in to a drawer where are my other unwanted perfume samples live. 

{3. theBalm cosmetics Hot Mama Blush - This is my second product from theBalm and they are two of my all-time favorites. This blush is a great color with a little bit of highlighter to give light during these extra pale months. I love this brand!

{4. DDF Acne Control Treatment - Not to jinx it, but I don't have any breakouts right now so I will be saving this one for a later day!

{5. La Fresh Waterproof Makeup Remover - I also love this brand and I love having these little packets for times of need!

Tomorrow is a very special day!

All Wrapped Up

I checked my mailbox three times this month before my roommate finally discovered my Birchbox on Wednesday afternoon. She so sweetly sent me a picture, knowing how excited I would be for it's arrival. 

I was especially excited about Birchbox this month, because not only did I receive a box, but I also signed my three best friends up for their own subscriptions for Birchbox!

Like I always say, some things are too sweet not to be shared!

This month's box was especially sweet, due mostly to two products (#2 and #5)!

{1. Benefit // It's Potent! Eye Cream - fades dark under-eye circles!}

{2. ModelCo // Ultra Lip Gloss - this is not even sample size, but rather a full-sized lipgloss with mirror! This ties for the top product this month!}

{3. Rent the Runway // $50 off a purchase of $125 or more - thinking this would be perfect for a New Years Eve frock!}

{4. Kerastase // Nutritive Nectar Thermique - a leave-in cream to repair hair from chemical processing and heat styling. Seeing as that I blow-dry and straighten my hair almost every day, this is wonderful}

{5. Emily's Chocolate // Dark Chocolate Peppermint Holiday Fortune Cookie - oh.my.goodness. I am saving this for a special day, which could just happen to be today}

{6. Juicy Couture // Juicy Couture Perfume - I wore this in middle school so naturally I am wearing it today with other thirteen year-old trends like my low rise Abercrombie jeans, with an Abercrombie graphic tee, Abercrombie fur-lined jacket, and Jack Purcells. Hit me up on AIM later - backtuck89 ; )

It's not too late to order Birchbox for someone you love!

Giving Back, Thanks, and Treats

I am typing from the comfort of my own bed, at my parents house, and I couldn't be happier. I am in full Thanksgiving mode and even though I am technically not on break yet, I had to come home to prepare myself for the food and family festivities this week. 

Being thankful is what this time is all about and even Birchbox got in the holiday mood with their November box. Along with giving me treats this month, Birchbox gave me the opportunity to give back to someone that I love.

The morning that I received my monthly Birchbox in the mail, there was another package in my little mailbox for me. You can imagine my excitement to have not one, but two surprises in the mail, especially when I realized that the second package was from my little sister. I opened her package first to discover that the sweetest gift that was inspired by her own Birchbox.

In this month's Birchbox came a small, purple box thats sole-purpose is to regift to someone else. It originally came filled with the monthly beauty samples, but can be filled with anything else to give to someone else. In the case of my sister, she stuffed it with the ultimate gift-- a Starbucks gift card. 

Thanks sis, you made my whole week!

Now I can't wait to give this polka-dot box away to "make that special someone smile". In fact this whole concept makes me wish that I had more purple boxes to give out!

Along with a wonderful reminder to give thanks and give treats was my monthly dose of beauty happiness.

{Masqueology Revitalizing Eye} 

An under-eye gel mask that can hide even the dark bags after an all-nighter. It brightens while giving the illusion that you slept a full 12-hours. Sounds like a miracle worker to me. Now if I could just find a product that actually let me sleep a full 12 hours each night. 

{MCMC Fragrances in Phoenix}

It is another miracle! A perfume sample that I love! I am so hard to please because I am picky when it comes to perfume, but this scent from the Brooklyn perfumer is warm and feminine and I am happy!

{One Love Organics Body Serum}

A skin serum that smells wonderful and keeps skin hydrated and feeling soft. I have put it on the last couple of days and the scent lasts hours and makes my hands feel wonderful.

{stila All Over Liquid Luminizer}

My favorite Birchbox product is stila, so I am always thrilled to receive another sample from the beauty brand. This month it is a liquid shimmer that you can add to any makeup to add a bit of shine and sparkle for every day or special occasions. 

Swoon.

{Masqueology Masque Cleanse and 7 Day Moisture Cream}

The moisture cream was the first thing that I opened this month. With the colder weather my skin has been crying out for something like this and I am a big fan. The tiny sample has already lasted me four days and there is more left. 

Better to give than receive. 

October Birchbox

Another wonderful Birchbox for October! 

I don't think I will ever get tired of this monthly gift.

{Luna Fiber} Chocolate Raspberry Bar

Yum Yum Yum, and only 110 calories

{La Fresh} Eco-Beauty Nail Polish Remover

This is so perfect for on-the-go and one of my must-haves in my purse!

{Supergoop!} City Sunscreen Serum

I should probably be better about wearing sunscreen all the time

{Sprout} Lip Balm

Super creamy and I can already feel the difference in my dry lips

{theBalm Cosmetics} Mary-Lou Manizer

Three-in-one highlighter, shadow, and all over shimmer. The clear winner from this Birchbox!

More beauty from The Beauty Department

September Birchbox

It is that time of the month again--when I share all about the little pink box that I get in my little grey mailbox. For that matter, my Birchbox barely fits in any mailbox I have ever had. I am not complaining though (although my mailman might) because the bigger the box, the more beauty samples that are delivered to me each month.

This month's sampling was diverse, but quite satisfying. I have been wishing and hoping for a nail polish for months, and with the arrival of fall also came the arrival of a sweet, little nail polish to keep me happy for a few months. 

{Wei To-Go Sleepover Kit} 

A cleanser that is perfect to wash away your cooties after a night a girl talk, movies, and prank calls that is paired with a great moisturizing tint for the morning as you head to brunch.

Get rid of the clutter in your bag, and just toss this in and go!

{BVLGARI- Mon Jasmin Noir} 

My standard, monthly perfume sample. 

I have stopped smelling them, because I dislike them all, and just throw them into a drawer in my vanity. Please come over and take them, I would love to share. 

{Color Club Nail Polish}

 My shining gem in this Birchbox! This color was custom made for Birchbox based off the Fall 2012 collections. Perfect for a highlighted nail, or an all-over glitter manicure. Swoon!

{Vasanti Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator} 

Who doesn't want brighter skin?

This is a no brainer and I am all about it.

{Birchbox Extra} 

Brush Guards to keep your bristles in tip-top shape.

A free download for 2 new Tristan Prettyman songs.

Plus a great coupon for Madewell if you spend more than $150. Ironic since I had just made a purchase at Madewell the day before... If only I could have waited one day.

Bright skin and glitter nails for September. 

Beauty School {August Birchbox}

It is early on Monday night and I am already curled up in bed with my laptop and my sleepy time tea. 

 I am also decked out in bright red lipstick and wearing perfume; I have never felt more like Grace Kelly in every movie that she went to bed in full makeup...

This can only mean one thing-- It is Birchbox day and I have tried out every beauty sample that I received so that I could carefully review them for you all. 

This month's Birchbox was "back to school" themed which brought back the best memories of shopping at the Gap for that perfect pair of Gellies and overalls to wear on the first days of elementary school (because I think I wore this stellar combo every year).

{Beauty Fixation- Lipstick Touch Up}

Lipstick not included in Birchbox- it was a birthday gift from my mom!

This fancy q-tip is filled with serum that helps perfect those lipstick lines and get rid of any unwanted color around your lips.

While it seems like a great concept, the serum ended up all over my chin and I had to use a tissue to fix it, which I could have just used to fix my lipstick lines.

I will definitely use them because they were free but not a necessary object in my makeup bag.

{GLOSS Moderne- High Gloss Masque}

&

{Sumita- Brow Base}

When I hear the word "gloss" I automatically think of something shiny to put on my lips. So when the first thing I pulled out of my Birchbox was a little white tub of "gloss" I just naturally swiped some on my lips. It was so moisturizing and the scent was great-- until it started to burn a little, and then a lot.

This is when I started frantically searching for lip balm and the booklet that tells me what exactly I got in my Birchbox...

Oh there is gloss for your hair too? Oops... and ouch.

Now that the product is correctly being used, my hair looks a little shinier and smoother after just one use. It's incredible what can happen when you use something the way it was intended to be used.

The brow base is a wax concealer that keeps all those pesky eyebrow hairs in place throughout the day.

It doesn't leave any color, just a waxy hold which is great unless you were blessed with perfect eyebrows.

And if you were then you probably have perfect hair too and you don't deserve a Birchbox. 

{Schick- Hydro Silk Razor}

As if Birchbox needed to remind me yet again that it is the greatest thing on earth-- they sent me a razor!

This just saved me $10 and a trip to the drug store and I couldn't be happier.

Apparently this razor is great, but they could have sent me a $.05 disposable one and I would have been just as happy.

I also was sent a sample of Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy La Fleur perfume, but honestly I am getting a little tired of a perfume sample in every box. They all give me headaches and I am a creature of habit who is faithful to Marc Jacobs Daisy and Bond No. 9.

Does anyone still need convincing that Birchbox is the greatest gift sent to woman since Nutella and Spanx?

April Birchbox

I love walking up to my house and seeing this little pink box in the mailbox. Lifts my days to a level that only beauty samples could do.

This month I received (pictured left to right)

Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift perfume- I plan on tossing this in my purse and using it while singing some T.Swift jams. I can't even lie right now, her CD is in my car's CD player as we speak, so I guess I am wearing the perfume today.

Soin Gommant Purifante- "an exfoliating cleanser for girls" 

Alma Pure lip balm- how did Birchbox know that I had misplaced my lip balm and in desperate need of a new one.

Le Palais des Thes tea bags- a "luxury" green tea from France. 

Willa foaming face wash- Birchbox pinky swears that it won't irritate anyone's skin!

Hoping for a great SPF in my May Birchbox. 

March Birchbox

Does anyone else think that this month's Birchbox was the best ever? I was hoping I would receive it before I left for my cruise but unfortunately it didn't, but I was still plenty excited to have it waiting for me when I returned to the states.

*Annich Goutal fragrance- I am always looking for sample perfumes to keep in my car or purse and I like that this one is described as "understated chic".

*essie glitter top coat- nail polish...whatever...glitter...who cares...oh I am sorry I was just possessed. SWOON. I have been waiting for another nail polish in my Birchbox and finally I get the best one out there.

*PETER THOMAS ROTH anti-shine gel- this is supposed to help makeup stay "pristine" for hours. To-be tested soon.

*tarte lip tint- maybe even more than the nail polish, I love this lip tint. I have been wearing it non stop since I got it. It is so creamy and moisturizing and gives my lips that perfect summer dew look.

*twistband hair tie- can never have enough in my collection!

**an for an extra this month- $10 off any $75 purchase at Modcloth

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