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.  

The Host Review

Two brief reviews in one...because I have to.

I asked the husband, "Want to go see 'The Host'?"  Fully expecting a nope...and then going by myself...because anything resembling a chick flick, he doesn't want to have anything to do with...  But then, he said, "Sure, tomorrow?"  Okay.

So, on the morrow we went.

All the way in, I'm waiting for some "chick flick" comment...but it never came.  Previews start.  More "nope" coming from our mouths after each preview than "I want to see that!"

Although, we were both surprised that we want to see the new 'Superman'!

I'm more surprised by him wanting to.  Usually, comic book movies get a "nope" from him.  Like the new Iron Man...nope...I'll be enjoying that one on my own.  Which is fine.

Back to this movie.

Not to reveal details, if you don't know them, I don't want to spoil anything...the husband knew nothing about it except that I loved the book and had brought it on our Mexican cruise with the younger two and got really into it.  It messed with my head, in the best way that a good book that you've dived into can mess with your head...back to the movie...so sorry...I get distracted...

They did a good job.  It's been awhile since I read the book, so I forget how old the character was, but I guess, in my head, I had her older.  And I didn't have the seeker as old.  But that's all okay.  They did a great job with the uncle's "place".  I really want to see the mirrors from above...

I wouldn't say that this is for a youngsters.  Private parts are kept covered, but...the little ones don't need to go.

Leaving the theatre, I said they didn't destroy the book.  They did okay.  So, from someone who loved the book, and wasn't upset with the movie, I'd say that's a positive thing.

He liked the movie.  It kept his interest.  I told him they rushed a few things, but it's a BIG book, so they kind of had to let you just know that feelings were developing instead of how you got to live them in the book.

Movie?  I don't love it, but I liked it.

Book?  I love it.  Don't know that I'll reread it, because what if it's not as good the second time through?  I don't want to take the chance of ruining it in my head.