Birchbox #4 with Extras and a BONUS

Good evening all!  I've been quite under the weather lately so have been behind in catching up on every one's blogs but I had to pop in and do my Birchbox post now that I'm linking up with Jennifer over at Vintage Gwen and Allison at Feeding My Temple for their Birchbox Beauty Bash link up!

This is my fourth box and the excitement still hasn't dwindled when I see it come in the mail - still feel like a kid at Christmas!  Here's what was in my box this month...

Eye Rock designer liner, a moisturizing tint from Jouer, cream concealer from Mineralogie and a beautyblender makeup applicator sponge.  This month I also received two extras:  Spicy Maya CocoPod from Chuao Chocolatier and six free downloadable tunes from a new indie rock band Green River Ordinance.  What's not to love, huh?  Eating chocolate, listening to tunes and putting on product!

It's hard to narrow it down to only a couple favs but these stood out for me.  First - the chocolate.  I was a little hesitant since it said it was laced with chile and cayenne pepper so I took just a little nibble at first.  I didn't even taste the hint of zip until the second bite and I was surprised how good it was!  Creamy dark chocolate with just a little zing at the end.

Also these two items I've been using together since I got them out of the box.  The pointed end on the hot pink beautyblender sponge makes it easy to get just the right amount of this Ultimate Cream Concealer (made with pure minerals) for even application.  I use it for under eye circles and recently have found it's a better primer for my eyelids than the one I had been using for years.   

So - BONUS! - every time I get a Birchbox and use the products, I log onto my Birchbox.com account and rate the products.  Each time I rate one, I earn points that I can use to redeem more products!  So I was looking at their items when I saw these LA Fresh Waterproof Makeup Remover pads.  The only time I really wear waterproof makeup is when I go on vacation because there's lots of swimming (and sweating!) so I thought these would be perfect to take with me to Jamaica (only a couple weeks to go!) so I figured I'd order some and they were offering free shipping too!

The fact that these were individually wrapped sounded perfect - easy to pack and toss (they're biodegradable!).  The price was great too - 18 individual packets for $9.99.  I knew I had some points so I checked and cashed some in and wound up getting these absolutely FREE!  My Birchbox affair just keeps getting better...

(I am in no way compensated by Birchbox or any other of their product representatives.  I'm just an average beauty product junkie trying some new stuff!)

 

Eye Candy of the Week Link Up!

Good afternoon all!  Sorry I'm tardy getting to my link up by I've been sickly - actually just got back from docs with some good meds I'm hoping will bring me back to life!  Who knew one person could produce so much snot!!  Anyway, check out what caught MY eye this week!  Not sure what the Eye Candy of the Week is all about?  Check it out here.

I'm loving Kate Spade's spring fashions - I love the coral (tangerine - whateva!) and turquoise combo so much so - I posted this pic last year...

June of 2011

From what I've been seeing, these colors are coming back along with bright yellows and greens!  I'll have to dust off this necklace from last year and put it back in rotation!

What caught YOUR eye this week???  Come and link up!

WIW Since the Last WIWW

Good morning all!!!  I'm linking up today with the The Pleated Poppy for WIWW (or What I Wore Wednesday)  The idea is that you take a pic of each outfit you wore during the course of the week and then post them all on Wednesday.  I either forget or just don't have time every day to take a pic but I still like to play along so I just recap my outfits from the last few posts and link up!

This was my experiment with mixing of textures and patterns.  Click here for details.

This was a mix of ruffles and stripes - and check out the arm candy here!

There is a story behind this one - read it here.

This outfit was inspired.  To see what inspired me, click here.

Want a close up of that fabulous bracelet - check it out here!

I love these little link up parties - it's a great way to get new ideas and make friends!  Don't forget to link up with me tomorrow for the Eye Candy of the Week!  What caught YOUR eye this week???

Ruffles & Stripes

Good afternoon all!  So it's back to the old grind after a 4 day weekend and I'm coming down with a case of the creeping crud - ugh.  The good news is that I only have to tough it out and be brave 3 days this week - I think I can, I think I can...

I've been experimenting with mixing elements in my outfits lately.  I needed a cami for under this top (to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions) and typically would have reached for a solid color since it already has ruffles at the neckline.  I'm always aware of not having too many embellishments going on at once but I reached for the zebra - and it worked!

I didn't want to wear a necklace since there was already so much going on there so I piled on the chunky bracelets instead!

The gold one with the pave "diamonds" is from a boutique over in Philadelphia, the gold chain link one is from Charming Charlies, the white one is a vintage EBay purchase from Leru, and the gold oval link is Liz Claiborne - all different but they do look lovely together!

Here's a close up of the detail. 

I could wear all black every day and did for a few years back in my 20s.  I'm just drawn to it and it really is slenderizing but I make the conscience effort to branch out with other colors but I do still love me in black!  Is there a fav go-to color you've always been drawn to or do you dabble in all the colors of the rainbow?

(Inspiration) Monday Blues - NOT!

Good evening dolls (and guy! *wink*)!!!  It is a glorious Sunday night!!  And why is that you asked?  (and I'm so glad you asked!) Because I'm off for President's Day tomorrow (cheers!)  What exactly is President's Day other than a weekend chock full of fabulous sales?  I turn to the most credible of sources available on the internet today to find out...Wikipedia.

"Washington's Birthday is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. It is also commonly known as Presidents Day (sometimes spelled Presidents' Day or President's Day). As Washington's Birthday or Presidents Day, it is also the official name of a concurrent state holiday celebrated on the same day in a number of states."

There you have it - clear as mud!  If you want to read more, click here.  But for now, on to the business at hand!  I'm linking up with a few of my fellow bloggers today!  The first link up is with two birds for their Inspiration Monday photo.  You don't know what that is???  Oh, you need to click here and get with the program then!  Here is the pic!

Now I'm not much of a dress-wearing-gal but I was inspired to toss this snazzy bit together...

I can see SJP rocking this outfit when it's time to hire a babysitter and hit the town!  I love this animal print top - it makes me feel very VISIBLE so I'm linking up with Not Dead Yet Style too!

Close up of the jewelry...

I picked up this necklace on my travels to Salem, Mass. last October, wood/brass bangle from  Charming Charlies and brass bangle was an antique store find for $2.  Also, the Cole Haan boots were a Goodwill find - J'Adore them!

I hope you have Monday off too and that you had a spectacular weekend!  Can't wait to see what everyone is linking up this week!  Don't forget to come back for my Thursday's link up - Eye Candy of the Week!

I see RED!

I'm reusing a photo from earlier this week to link up with Kristina over at Pretty Shiny Sparkly for her Bloggers Do It Better link up!  She's featuring RED in honor of Valentine's Day!  Up until today, this red shirt was the only article of clothing I owned in red. 

 I took a trip up the street earlier today to a new thrift shop that just opened in November and found a lovely red blouse!  I was so excited that 1) they actually had a selection of plus size clothing and 2) I found something I really like AND it's red so I will be featuring that soon!

Speaking of link ups - there's still time to get in on my Eye Candy of the Week link up!

Eye Candy of the Week Link Up

Good morning lovelies!  As my work week comes to a close, I think back on what caught my eye this week to feature for my Eye Candy of the Week.  I thought I would share something that has, no doubt, caught all our eyes this week.  The death of Whitney Houston.  I can't say I was a huge Whitney fan but I remember her - mostly from her videos in the 80s and the movie My Bodyguard which was a totally awesome chick flick.  If you've never seen it, grab a box of tissues and watch it.

There is no doubt Whitney Houston had an amazing voice.  In my head, I think I sound like her when I sing!  I have a hub and a cat who think differently but that's neither here nor there.  Seeing as Miss Houston was a fellow Jersey Girl - I gotta give her props...Rest in Peace Whitney.

What caught your eye this week??  Not sure what the Eye Candy of the Week is all about?  Check it out here and come link up!  What do you have to share???