September Birchbox Review

Here's September's Birchbox:

This month had some sort of "Heritage" theme.  How they got that, I don't know.  Gotta have some theme though...I guess...

Beauty Protector/Protect & Shampoo

What:  New to the Beauty Protector family, this sulfate-free formula adds shine and volume.

How:  Work a quarter-sized amount into damp hair and rinse.

It was okay.  I didn't love it.  I didn't dislike it.

Beauty Protector/Protect & Condition

What:  Love Protect & Detangle?  Use this nourishing conditioner with shea butter before spritzing.

How:  Work through mid-lengths and ends of hair, then rinse.

Well, I do like the detangle...but this conditioner was just okay.  Same as the shampoo.  I didn't love it.  I didn't dislike it.  I won't be buying either one.

VOESH New York/Green Tea Pedicure Lotion

What:  Reward hardworking feet with this salon-grade moisturizer, rich in antioxidant green tea.

How:  Massage a generous amount into clean, dry skin.

It's good lotion, but it's part of a 3-step treatment and they only gave us one part.  So I'm not keen on buying the full-size set.  Give me samples of the other two steps, I'll have a better idea.  Maybe I'm just cranky today but samples don't cost that much, do they?

RUFFIAN Nail Lacquer/Fox Hunt

What:  Vibrant orange from the fashion label's first lacquer collection.  Exclusive to Birchbox!

How:  Apply two coats for a glossy finish.

I like this.  Glad I got orange, especially with Halloween coming up.  It's fun to wear.  It went on smooth and easy.  One of the hairs in the brush liked to go out to the side, so I had to turn it.  Minor quirk.  I assume it was something wrong with just this brush and not something that happens with every bottle.

Grand Central Beauty/S.M.A.R.T. Skin-Perfecting Polisher

What:  This multitasker made with natural botanicals exfoliates, tones, smooths, and moisturizes.

How:  Massage a dime-sized amount into clean, dry skin for 30 seconds.  Rinse optional.

I love my skin after I exfoliate.  This one, I don't notice a difference.  Tried it a few times, but never noticed a difference.

Now, based on my glowing reviews...if you want to, you can go to birchbox.com/favorites and use code 3YEAR30 to get 30% anything from that page.

If you are interested in trying Birchboxes out, go here:  http://birch.ly/13EggMb

Yeah, using that link gets me points.  It's okay.  What goes around comes around.  You can have your people give you points.  Plus, I want to see what I can do with points... They have women boxes and men boxes.  I love that the men's costs more, because how often does that happen in the real world?  The website will tell you a four-week wait time for the women's subscription, but I started my subscription April 14th and got April's box a few days later.  

August Birchbox Review

Well...my August Birchbox came...

 

We shall now proceed with my review of this box...of which I wasn't excited about as the previous months...but that's okay...there's always next month and it is fun mail to get...so, their descriptions, my opinions...

KMS California/FREESHAPE Hot Flex Spray

What:  Heat-activated spray that protects against breakage and damage while providing medium hold.

How:  Spray generously into towel-dried hair before breakin' out the tools.

Well...it's okay.  I don't like it as much as the previous heat protecting spray they sent me...and I bought the full size of that one...but it's fine.  I'll see if one of my girls wants it.  It's a good travel size bottle.  Thumbs...eh...

OC8/Professional Mattifying Gel

What:  A lightweight gel that creates a sheer matte layer and absorbs shine for eight hours.

How:  Smooth a thin layer onto face.  Apply after moisturizer and before makeup.

No.  No.  No.

I do not like this with a hat.  I do not like this with a bat.

It does not stop my oily shine, it makes it look as if it's rained.

Big.  Thumbs.  Down.

stila/stay all day liquid lipstick

What:  Longlasting liquid lipstick in a wearable red that glides on like a gloss but stays put like a stain.

How:  Swipe onto lips.  Take your time; once it goes on, it's not budging.

I do not know why they keep trying to make me wear red lipstick.  It's just not happening.  It does what it says.  It looks nice enough.  I'm just not a red lipstick person.  So, I'll thumbs up for the product, but I'll add it to the red lipsticks I'll be seeing if the girls want.  Good lipstick.  Not my color.  Thumbs up if it had been one of my shades.

Whish/Exfoliating Body Wash

What:  A coconut-rich scrub that brightens and exfoliates with sugar cane and bamboo powder.

How:  Massage generously into skin while showering.  A great way to prep skin for self-tanner.

Oh.  I love this stuff.  It smells great.  It scrubs well.  I like it very much.  Two thumbs up.

Whish/Inhibiting Deodorant Swipes

What:  From the shaving pros at Whish, these wipes tackle odor and slow hair growth in one swipe.

How:  Sweep across your underarms in the morning or whenever you need a refresher.

I swept this across my underarms.  I realized later that there's a reason I like anti-perspirants.  And I have no idea if it slows hair growth seeing as how I only had one wipe.  But if it really really does...then I'd be interested in some for my chin...upper lip...or legs.  Thumbs...eh...

Then they had that fold out with 'Daytime Chic', 'Evening Glam' and 'Weekend Casual' from Ann Taylor.  There are also some coupon codes.  Would you like to use them?  Go to anntaylor.com and use the promotional code: BIRCHBOX

You can get 20% off when you purchase one Ann Taylor item or 30% off when you buy two or more Ann Taylor items!

If you are interested in trying Birchboxes out, go here:  http://birch.ly/13EggMb

Yeah, using that link gets me points.  It's okay.  What goes around comes around.  You can have your people give you points.  Plus, I want to see what I can do with points... They have women boxes and men boxes.  I love that the men's costs more, because how often does that happen in the real world?  The website will tell you a four-week wait time for the women's subscription, but I started my subscription April 14th and got April's box a few days later.  

'Door to Door' Review

Netflix sent me 'Door to Door'...

Sometimes, I do not remember why I put a movie in my queue.

But I very much liked this movie.

Thumbs up.

Nutrisystem Chicken Alfredo

Not going to waste your time.

It looks bad.  It smells bad.  It tastes worse.

If I had more thumbs, I'd give it more than two thumbs down.

Let me borrow yours...point them down...

*shudder*

Warm Bodies Review

So 'Warm Bodies' was at the top of my Netflix queue.

And then it sat my house for awhile...because I wasn't all excited to watch it.

And then I finally watched it.

And this thing happened, called: I LOVE THIS MOVIE!

I think part of my hesitation was the lead actor...Nicholas Hoult...

See, when he was younger, he starred in one of my all-time favorite movies, "About a Boy".

(if you haven't watched that movie...go watch it.)

And since I absolutely love that movie...maybe a part of me didn't want him to suck and ruin part of the simple joy I get from 'About a Boy'.

But...he is a great actor.  I will trust him from now on.  If he happens to suck in something, I'll be blaming the director.

Back to 'Warm Bodies'.

R is a zombie...he thinks his name started with an 'R'...he doesn't quite remember...and he ends up liking a girl.  And that gives his heart a jump start.  And you need to watch it because it's just good.

It's PG-13...dues to partial nudity...???...at one point, he takes a shower and you see the back of his shoulders...I don't know that that's partial nudity.  It wasn't a sensual thing.  It's fine.

It's also due to violence.  It is a zombie movie...there is a scene where humans get killed.  Oh, and a zombie starting to turn into a skeleton dude.  But it's okay.  It didn't frighten me...I didn't really notice the human/zombie violence much because that's when R sees Julie...that's what I was watching.  Their relationship was starting and she didn't even know.

Watch the movie.  My girls think it's terrific also!

Two thumbs up.

Gu Chocolate and Vanilla Cheesecake

Okay...so while I am working on eating healthier...one still needs something real good for dessert every once in awhile...

I found these:

A little on the pricier side, BUT, you also end up with two glass ramekins.  So.  Work that into the price and it actually isn't expensive.

I have tried the chocolate and vanilla cheesecakes.  Which is the box above.

The name may be a bit misleading...because there isn't any chocolate cheesecake there.

It's a chocolately, buttery biscuit base covered in a smooth Madagascan vanilla cheesecake and our signature 53% cocoa Belgian chocolate ganache.

Oh...heaven.

My husband didn't think so.  He thinks the layers by themselves are great, but he didn't care for them together.

I think he's wrong, but I won't tell him so.  Since it comes two to a package, it means that a few days later, I can have the other one.  I don't have to share.

They also have: hot chocolate souffles...hot chocolate molten lava cakes...key lime pies...mango and passion fruit mini cheesecakes...and mini pots of chocolate ganache.

Which I thought was funny at first...but after tasting it on top of the cheesecake...yes please!  (oh, and you can make hot cocoa out of them...yup...i'll be doing that...)

You can check out their website HERE.

Giant thumbs up.

Quaker Popped Chips - Salsa Fresca

So...while trying to find some "healthier" munchies...I decided to try these out...

And I am so happy I did...because they hit the spot.

17 chips made a serving and I was happy with that.

Big thumbs up.

July Birchbox Review

Still loving this Birchbox deal...

Now, if I could only get my photo to stay turned the way I save it...

Like I said...if only it'd stay...this was just the little note explaining the "theme" of this month's box.  Basically, "POWER PLAY"...

And this was after lifting the card and tissue paper...

And this is what was inside the little sleeve thing (i love the sleeve thing...it's like a present inside a present!  yeah, i know...i pay for it...it's not exactly a present...)

So we have some fancy bobby pins...

Perfume...

Dry shampoo...

Face cream... 

BB Cream...

Their descriptions...My opinions...

Comptoir Sud Pacifiqe/Vanille Abricot Eau de Toilette

What: A best-selling French scent that pairs bright jackfruit and papaya with sultry-sweet vanilla and sugar.

How: Spritz onto pulse points a la francaise.

Okay okay okay...I seriously love this stuff.  Like, too much.  I smell sugar.  Then I think of carnivals.  Or theme parks.  And cotton candy.  And then I want cotton candy.  And then I get a bit cranky because I don't have cotton candy.  So...probably not a good idea for me to wear it regularly.  But I do like it a lot, so thumbs up.

Klorane/Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

What: An award-winning powder spray that absorbs oil and plumps up second-day hair.

How: Shake can and spray 10 inches from roots.  Let sit two minutes, then style as usual.

I haven't ever used dry shampoo before, so I was looking forward to this.  But.  I don't care for it.  It did what it said it was going to do.  But.  See...it's almost time for my hair appointment...so when I look in the mirror, I see roots that need to be covered...and I sprayed this stuff on them and...it seemed all the more noticeable.  To me.  It may have just been in my head, but I'll pass this on to one of my girls.  Thumbs...eh...

Marcelle/BB Cream Golden Glow

What: A birchbox exclusive, this Canadian multitasker is rich in hydrating aloe juice.

How: Smooth a few dabs over clean skin.  Blend thoroughly.

This said it was a mattifier also...and I'm always on the look out for a great one of those.  I liked the color that was added...and it seems to have a little shimmer, but not so much that it's inappropriate to wear in daytime.  It kept my shine down for most of the day.  I like it, but I already have 3 BB creams in my cabinet that I need to finish up...so I won't be buying this.  But I like it.  So thumbs up.

Benta Berry/G-1 Moisturizing Face Cream

What: A French best-seller, this cream both hydrates and purifies, thanks to blueberry and dead nettie.

How: Morning and night, massage into face after cleansing.

Now...the directions and the bottle seem to be contradicting just a touch.  Because it says it's a mattifier also...and why would you put that on at night?  Regardless.  I used it.  It's good.  As a moisturizer.  Keeping the oil slick off my face? (i have a very oily t-zone)  Not so much.  So.  I'm not finishing the bottle.  I'll pass it on.  Maybe they'll want it for hand cream.  Thumbs down.

Birchbox/Bobby Pins

What: We designed these patterned pins to add style to summer hair with minimal effort.

How: Jazz up simple ponytails, or use to secure errant bangs or layers.

They're bobby pins.  They're cute.  What's not to like?  Thumbs up.

****

If you are interested in trying Birchboxes out, go here:  http://birch.ly/13EggMb

Yeah, using that link gets me points.  It's okay.  What goes around comes around.  You can have your people give you points.  Plus, I want to see what I can do with points... They have women boxes and men boxes.  I love that the men's costs more, because how often does that happen in the real world?  The website will tell you a four-week wait time for the women's subscription, but I started my subscription April 14th and got April's box a few days later.  

June Birchbox Review

Yeah for the Birchbox!!!

It's fun to get a small package in the mail...okay, it's fun to get big packages also...

First thing I noticed?  They changed the box.  The cute pink lettering is gone.  It's just white lettering now.

*sigh*

The things I notice and miss...

The new box...and why it's sideways, I do not know...the picture isn't saved like that on my computer...

Inside...

Lotion...

Facial scrub...

Lip & cheek stain...

Nail Polish...

Gum!

Postcards...

Descriptions and my opinions...

Antica Farmacista/Body Moisturizer in Grapefruit

What: Freshly scented, antioxidant-packed moisturizer from Italy.

How: Apply a generous amount to clean skin.

-ok...i want to like this.  i really really do.  and i keep trying it here and there... not before bed, because grapefruit is supposed to be invigorating and i need help getting to sleep, not staying awake...but...i can't really give this a thumbs up or a thumbs down.  i don't dislike it...

Birchbox+Color Club/Wanderlust Collection

What: Exclusive neon pastel shades inspired by four of our favorite cities.

How: Two coats will give you an opaque, glossy finish.

-did NOT think i would like this.  especially after the previous nail polish they sent me that i didn't care for.  but, i thought...eh...try the weird color.  so i did.  and i was loving it more and more with each brushstroke.  i did my "accent nail" a dark purple.  and i loved my nails.  my husband didn't really care for it...he didn't dislike it, he just thought it odd.  but me?  i love it enough for both of us.  i will use this bottle up...will i buy the full-size?  just might.  i wonder what city this one was inspired by.  thumbs up!  both of them!

Mirenesse/Glossy Kiss Lipstick

What: This user-friendly pencil is a goof-proof way to score high-impact lips.

How: Layer on lips for a glossy look or blot for a pretty matte stain.

-tried it.  on my lips and on my cheeks...like the package says...and...i don't know.  i don't normally wear red on my lips.  i like it...i just...don't...know... it works exactly how it says.  it even worked nicely as a cheek stain.  haven't decided whether to keep it or pass it on to a daughter.

suki/Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

What: Two-in-one cleanser and exfoliator that magically lathers and smells deliciously lemony.

How: Massage a nickel-sized amount onto damp skin, then rinse.

-oh...i loved this stuff.  love it.  unfortunately, right now, i have facial cleansers i need to use up, so i can't justify buying the full size.  maybe in the future.  love this.  thumbs up.

Glee Gum/Sugar-free Glee Gum

What: Chew on this-this all-natural gum has no artificial ingredients.

How: Keep in your purse.  Pop a piece whenever you need to freshen up.

-if you know me, you know i love gum.  not this gum.  go find yourself an old MRE and get the ancient chiclets gum out and chew on it.  it'll be the same experience.  thumbs down.  both thumbs down.

Postcards...

-they sent me a row of postcards.  they'll probably end up being scratch paper.

 I'm keeping my subscription to the Birchbox.  I'm looking forward to seeing what little treasures I get next month.

If you are interested in trying it out, go here: http://birch.ly/13EggMb

Yeah, using that link gets me points.  It's okay.  What goes around comes around.  You can have your people give you points.  Plus, I want to see what I can do with points... They have women boxes and men boxes.  I love that the men's costs more, because how often does that happen in the real world?  The website will tell you a four-week wait time for the women's subscription, but I started my subscription April 14th and got April's box a few days later.  

Dreamfinity Cooling Gel Pillow

So I'm at Sam's Club awhile back...and I eyeballed this pillow...

Then I go back and eyeball it again...

And keep thinking about it...

So I go buy it.

And...a few weeks later, I am loving this pillow.

The gel works.  And if I wake up and where I'm laying has warmed up, I just rotate the pillow...

Thus far, I have not used the other side.  The regular foam side.

And I love how it makes a THONK sound when I toss it on my bed after making the bed.  Because this pillow is heavy.

Cool pillow.

Both thumbs up.

May Birchbox Review

May's Birchbox came and I was happy to get it...

Got my cute little box...

Opened it to find some paper that they wanted me to fill in the blanks and put it on twitter...which I don't really do...so...nix on that idea, but thank you very much...

Opened the tissue paper...and this is what I see:

A little perfume...

A little box of emery boards...

Some spray...

Inside the little yellow thing was some sunscreen...

And eyeliner...

So here's the description and my opinion...

Joie/Folle de Joie eau de parfum
For its debut scent, the chic fashion brand created this carefree mix of mandarin, rose, and sandalwood.

-well...i used it all up.  i really like it.  however, no one anywhere commented on it.  and seeing as how i get great reviews of my regular perfume..and got nada on this one...i just used it all up and then told it too bad and went back to my regular.  thumbs up...just not for me.

Tweezerman/Matchbox Itty Bitty Nail Files
Keep these cute mini files in your purse to fix mani mishaps.

-truth here...i didn't actually use them.  i sent them to my daughter.  i don't really need files...and i figure an emery board is an emery board... however, they are super cute.  and it is in a little box that would fix easy in your purse...so...if you wanna, i'm not against them...thumbs up...cute idea...

Beauty Protector/Protect & Detangle
Great for all hair types, this nourishing elixir locks in color, adds shine, and instantly detangles.

-this one, I LOVE...how much?  i bought the full size bottle.  it protects against heat styling...the sun...moisturizes...says it keeps frizz down...and adds shine.  so.  and i kind of like the smell.  my hair guy said to use a heat protector, i got this in the mail and loved it, so ordered the real thing.  thumbs up.

Coola/Classic SPF30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face
This mineral sunblock is infused with organic antiaging ingredients like evening primrose extract and borage seed oil.

-as far as i can tell, what they say about this is true.  but...i'm trying to not add more products that i already have a few of to my cabinet...and i already have a few facial sunscreens that i like.  so, even though i like it and i do like the scent...i passed this on to my daughter...

Sumita/Color Contrast Eyeliner
Inspired by traditional Indian formulas, this velvety liner glides on easily and lasts for hours.

-k...i was hesitant about this...because eyeliner and me...quite often we don't get along.  but this one?  it really did go on easy!  clean...quick...and it was certainly vibrant.

Once again, I'm keeping my subscription to the Birchbox.  I'm looking forward to seeing what little treasures I get next month.

If you are interested in trying it out, go here:  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=xks65

Yeah, using that link gets me points.  It's okay.  What goes around comes around.  You can have your people give you points.  Plus, I want to see what I can do with points... They have women boxes and men boxes.  I love that the men's costs more, because how often does that happen in the real world?  The website will tell you a four-week wait time for the women's subscription, but I started my subscription April 14th and got April's box a few days later.  So.  Maybe that's there to just have you relax.

The Intouchables Review

Oh...it has been quite some time since I have enjoyed a movie like I enjoy this one.

I sit here in my "office"...because it's a french movie, and I know the hubby doesn't want to watch and read the movie...so I sit, and read the subtitles...and enjoy the french language because I enjoy this movie so.

Driss (the grinning fella in the picture above) made me laugh so many times.

I loved watching Phillippe (the older fella in the picture above) enjoy life moments more because of Driss.

The relationship between these two men touches my heart.

I'm not giving anything away.  Because I want you to watch the movie and enjoy it all on your own.

Thumbs up doesn't even begin...I really really like this movie.

Go to your netflix...add it to your queue and then move it to number one.

I highly recommend this movie.

p.s.  i still don't know how to say the 'f' word in french...lol...

Genie Bra Review

While in Target, land of amazing bras, I was doing my clearance lap and came across the genie bra.

Again.

I've watched the infomercials.  For Genie Bra and AhhBra (or however they spell that...).  And I've wondered.  And I've looked online.  And then they start to pop up in stores....As Seen on TV!!!  And I disregard them because I read there is no nipple coverage.  And...I just do not care to go walking around with my headlights on...if you catch my drift.  I need nipplage coverage.

But I also have not strayed from underwires for years and years and years.  Because I'm sure that I need them.

But this particular day, I was thinking...hmm...and I look at the box, because I'm curious.  And I read that the pads are included...and I think, ah...no nipplage... And it's two for $19-something.  So, I think..okay.  I'll try them.  If nothing else, maybe they'll work okay for the gym.

A few days later (because i'm quick to change my ways...ha...), I try one.

*insert heavenly music here*

Okay, so it's not heaven.  But I am surprised...because my boobs are up where they're supposed to be.  And it's comfortable.  Like, the sun starts to go down and I'm not antsy to yank the bra off.

It's now been a few weeks.

I am sad when I wear a regular bra.

Okay, not sad-sad, but I don't enjoy it.  And I'm back to yanking that thing off as soon as possible.

So.  To those of you who have wondered about this bra...I say, thumbs up.  Both thumbs up.  I'll buy more. So I don't have to wear a "regular" bra ever again.

Definitely make sure you get the pad things.

I do not recommend nipplage in public.

I do recommend these bras.

April Birchbox Review

What is Birchbox?  Well...

"Discover the best beauty, grooming, and lifestyle products..."

"Birchbox delivers luxe beauty samples to your door each month.  Find out what you love, and buy with confidence."

"Hand-picked beauty and lifestyle samples, delivered to your door for $10/month + Birchboxes Ship Free!"

I have been eyeballed this Birchbox thing for awhile and finally decided that it's $10...I have had at least that much sitting in the "ashtray" in my car for quite some time now so apparently, ten bucks isn't that big of a deal so go ahead and try it...

I got April's box...let me tell you...it comes in the cutest little box.

And, those who know me, know I'm a HUGE sucker for a cute box.

So I open the shipping box, and this is what I see...and I think...ug...I'm sick...it's a physical success right now to just breathe...I cannot go to the gym...but, I'm also wondering what magic lies within this little box...

So I slide off the sleeve, and here is the cute little box...

I take off the lid and there is a little postcard with the little "hoorah" about this month's box and on the back is a description of what will be underneath that pink tissue... 

Tada!  This month's fun! 

(inside that green sleeve...)

So here is their description and my opinion...

(MALIN+GOETZ)/peppermint shampoo

The recipe for this bestselling shampoo? Tingly cool peppermint extracts paired with purifying amino acids.

-okay...i tried this today.  i didn't use any conditioner, so i would know how it did.  and i hate trying new shampoos...since i'm allergic to a lot of things out there, and i LOVE my shampoo/conditioner...perhaps i ought to review it, eh?  anyway.  i used it, smelled it...didn't necessarily feel much tingle, but my longer hair wasn't all tangly and icky feeling without conditioner, my styling products went in easily and it still feels soft.  so, if you are looking for a new shampoo, this is a good one.  smells good.  i'd look for a conditioner because i'm brainwashed to do so.  maybe you don't need a conditioner with this...thumbs up...but i'm not switching...cuz i'm stubborn like that...

Ruby Wing/Color Changing Nail Polish in Peony

Why stick with a single shade when you can switch it up with this color-changing polish?  The peach morphs into a brilliant red in the sun.

-hmm...i painted my thumb nail.  i held my thumb in the sun while i was in a parking lot on the phone.  i noticed no change.  so i will not be going out to buy this brand of nail polish.  maybe i needed more coats?  i dunno.  i'm too lazy to find out since i have loads of colors that i like just waiting for me in the bathroom.  i'll still use this, i just didn't see any color change.  so.  thumbs down on the color change aspect.

Supergoop!/Advanced SPF 37 Anti-Aging Eye Cream

At last: an eye cream with serious eye protection.  Plus, the innovative formula has oat peptide complex to firm skin.

-well...i'm not allergic to it.  that's a plus.  and the sunscreen aspect of it didn't make my eyes angry at me, which sunscreen near my eyes usually gets them very angry at me for a good long time...i will use the tube up.  don't think that i'll go buy it though.  thumbs up for the no-reaction...that's a big deal around here...

Whish/Shave Crave Shaving Cream

The organic shea butter in this foam-free shaving cream leaves your skin incredibly soft and your shave insanely close.  Plus, we love the exclusive blueberry scent.

-oh my!  even with my stuffed nose, i can smell this!  it smells SO GOOD!!!  i don't know that my shave was any closer.  i don't know that my skin is softer than usual.  i do know that i love this smell.  i want to smell like this all day.  except then my nose might become accustomed to it and i wouldn't smell it.  except others would smell it and they'd all think i was the best smelling person ever.  i just may buy this just because i love the smell.  that much.  i think i'll go smell it again right now...excuse me, i'll be right back.

thumbs up.  thumbs up.  thumbs up.

LIFESTYLE EXTRA

Mighty Leaf Tea/Tea Pouches

We're hooked on these hand-picked whole-leaf blends, which come in silken biodegradable pouches.

-ok...these are just beautiful.  i was expecting the normal tea bag.  not so.  they are so pretty.  this chamomile citrus tea that i'm drinking right now makes me feel all sorts of elegant.  makes my cold seem a little bit less invasive (cuz i'm too elegant for a cold).  i didn't even add any honey!  i always add honey to my herbal tea.  i got three different teas in the box...i'll only be trying two of them...  you can buy 15 pouches for $9.95...that's pricier than the grocery store ones, but...it's also cheaper than sodas.  and better for me than a soda.  and i don't drink tea often so i think when i'm going to indulge, i may indulge in these.  i just might be buying these...thumbs up.

It also came with a 'Women's Health' magazine card thing.  I thought it was one of those: one free issue and then cancel if you don't like it offers.  But, no.  It's for a free year!  I read the fine print.  I see nothing that is tricky trickster about it.  It's just a free year.  There's also an option for a rebate if you don't want the year... ???  There are instructions on how to send this card in with proof of this month's box purchase and I'll get $9.95 back.  ???  I debated this.  I'd basically have gotten this month's box for free...but I also might learn something from the magazine over the next year.

I'm going for the magazine.

I will not be cancelling my subscription to the Birchbox.  I'm looking forward to seeing what little treasures I get next month.

If you are interested in trying it out, go here:  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=xks65

Yeah, using that link gets me points.  It's okay.  What goes around comes around.  You can have your people give you points.  Plus, I want to see what I can do with points... They have women boxes and men boxes.  I love that the men's costs more, because how often does that happen in the real world?  The website will tell you a four-week wait time for the women's subscription, but I put my order in by April 14th and got April's box a few days later.  So.  Maybe that's there to just have you relax.

I like this little Birchbox.  I highly recommend it.  Now I'm going to finish my wonderful tea.