Soft Hair. Smooth Legs.

Soft Hair? Smooth Legs? Yep, it's a product review.


Okay, so admittedly, I'm a tightwad. Also, admittedly, I love subscription boxes. How do these two go hand in hand? I'm still trying to figure it out.

However, through Birchbox, a monthly beauty subscription, I found two really awesome products, neither of which I had ever heard of! If you've missed any of my previous posts about Birchbox, you can read about it here.

Birchbox is a once monthly delivery that contains beauty product samples. It's $10 a month and a great way to sample new beauty products. Most of the products I've received are products I have a) never heard of or b) never thought to try. Aside from that, it's a nice surprise in my mailbox! If you think you may be interested, please use this link to sign up! You can cancel at any time!

Anyway, moving on to the good stuff.

In my first Birchbox, I received a sample of the Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle product. By the time I'd run out of the sample (about two weeks), I was desperate for more. At one time, I used "It's a 10!" as my leave in conditioner and detangler. Lately, I'd been using nothing. The ends of my hair were incredibly dry. Since my hair is normally pretty oily, I don't use this product on my roots. I tend to use it from about the tops of my ears to the ends of my hair. The full size product is $21.95 in the Birchbox store.

 

 In my March Birchbox, I received a sample of Whish Shave Cream. Whish is made from all natural and organic materials. My sample was blueberry, but when I opted for the full-size, I ordered pomegranate (smells fabulous). The kicker with Birchbox is that every product that appears in any of the many variations of that months box, ships for FREE! So, if you buy multiple products and one happens to be from the current month, your entire ORDER ships for free. Who doesn't love free shipping?!  The full-size Whish product sells for $20.00. For Shaving Cream?!  Yes, for shaving cream. For whatever reason, the lower portion of my legs is incredibly prone to razor burn. Not with Whish. On top of that, it doesn't lather like your typical shaving cream, so you get a much closer shave. Totally worth $20 bucks.

There are two other reasons I am now a huge fan of this product:

a) not tested on animals

b) made in the USA

So how much did this REALLY set me back? Around $30 bucks. That's right. Since Whish was a "Ships Free" March product, I avoided shipping costs. I also used a coupon code that allowed for 20% off a purchase greater than $35. Can't beat it!

I definitely look forward to discovering more products through Birchbox!

DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by Birchbox. I am not affiliated with Birchbox or any other beauty subscription.  This review contains only my honest review of products I purchased.

NOTE: All Birchbox links in this post are referral links. 

DIY Project: Solid Oak Kitchen Table Makeover

If you know me, you know I'm never one to break the bank -- for anything. After buying my first home, I made it my goal to furnish my home as beautifully and as cost-efficient as possible. So far, I think I've done a fabulous job.

I mean, let's face it. This is  my home, and I love every single inch of it (but not always on the same day!). Truth be told, if other's don't like it, that's okay -- they don't live here. I do.

One of the first pieces of furniture I purchased was a Solid Oak kitchen table. I got it from my cousin for $100. I never saw it up close and personal, so when my parents got it to my house, it wasn't in the greatest condition. It looked pretty rough. The table itself wasn't in poor condition, but the chairs were horrid. The seats were basically stripped of their finish. But that's okay -- I like a challenge.

I won't go through the in's and out's of sanding and re-staining furniture. I'll give you a few tips:

• Get a stain and finish in one -- it makes life a whole lot simpler and a lot less time consuming.
• Use FINE sandpaper (no less than 150 grain [the larger the number, the finer the sandpaper])
• Always, always, always sand in the direction of the wood grain. Otherwise, you'll be able to see every movement the sandpaper made. (read: do NOT sand in a CIRCLE.)
• Wear gloves when staining furniture, otherwise your hands will be a sticky mess through MULTIPLE handwashings.

I wanted to share this post simply to let you know that beauty doesn't require a hefty price tag. 

 This it the poor condition of the chairs. As you can see, it looks as though all of the finish had been completely worn off the chairs. All of the chairs were like that. 

 

 This is the table top and a chair inside my garage. Don't judge me, I just moved. 

 

This is the table base before it was stained. The table and chairs were a pretty light oak. 

(And yes, that is my mother. That woman wouldn't miss a DIY project if someone paid her.)

 This is after one coat of MinWax Stain and Finish in Mission Oak. As you can see, I prefer a little darker stain.

 

 This is a side by side of the chair before and after. 

As evident here, the stain I chose was quite a bit darker than the original color of the table.  

Finally, this is what the finished product looks like inside my humble abode. 

So for $100 table, around $25 worth of supplies, and about 5 hours of my time. I am very, very happy with the finished product. The chairs may eventually have to be replaced, but the table itself will probably last until the cows come home. I love a good piece of solid oak furniture!

Subscription Box: Glossybox March 2013

Hey Y'all --

I've had quite a few people inquire about subscription boxes and ask me to let them know what I get. The easiest way to see that everyone finds out what they want to know is simply to blog about it. I posted a few weeks ago about how I'd recently uncovered how incredibly addicting subscription boxes are. Here I am, a month later, still struggling with addiction. Eh, whatever.


I came home a few days ago to find my first ever Glossybox on the porch. I was super excited because some of the previous boxes were fabulous! Also, when I signed up, Glossybox was running a promotion. Depending on what two hour window you signed up, you received a special "extra". I signed up during the time they were offering a free full size hairspray (Retail $22). That pretty much sold me.

The monthly subscription is $21 per month. I've been trying to stick to lower cost boxes simply because, well let's face it, I'm a tightwad. Just like with other subscription boxes, you have the option to cancel this subscription at anytime. (I'm finding alot of people subscribe, cancel, and go back a few months later when they see something rather interesting!)

Anywho -- moving on to the details.

My Glossybox arrived looking like this:

After removing the "magazine", this is what I'm left with. 

I must openly admit their packaging is nice. 

However, I don't pay for "pretty boxes". I pay for the goodies inside.

Voila!

Once I got into the box, I found a full size Elite Models Matt Liner

in "Matte Brown". This is a full size product that retails for $15. 

I actually don't have a brown liner in my drawer, so I'm happy to have this one!

Then I pulled out the Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pen. 

The colors vary depending on the box, but I received "Shell Sheen". 

It's pretty sheer, but I tried it around the corner of my eye,

and it definitely gives that "awake" look we go for.

This is a full size product that retails for $18.

 

Here is a color swatch of the eyeliner and the shadow pen. 

As you can see, I wasn't lying when I said it was pretty sheer.

 

Next I found a travel size sample of Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce Hairspray.

I haven't actually tried it, so I can't tell you if it's awesome or if it totally sucks. 

We'll see.

 

Next up, the Prestiche Essential Oil Bar Soap in "Rosechella".

The packaging on this particular bar says it's 4.4oz. 

Wrong! It's actually 1.5oz, I just think they might have been

too lazy to make new packaging. 

Aside from that, the retail value of a 4.4 oz bar is $16. 

That in itself earns a "no thank you" from me. 

Not to mention, the smell is incredibly overpowering. 

And I'm not one of those "I don't like alot of fragrance" people.

Glossybox added a $40 gift card to Rosechella. 

I'll not be using it.

 

Now we have the Model Co. Cheek and Lip Tint in "Rosy Red". 

This is a "full-size" product that retails for $24. 

I said "full-size" because I think that's bogus.

This is 90% air and 10% product.

 Not to mention, the side of the box it came in says "Not for Retail Sale". 

Obviously, just a sample.

Either way, the color looks loud, but it's not. 

It actually takes multiple applications to achieve any sort of real color. 

Truth be told, that's okay with me. 

I'm not really into "loud" Barbie pinks anyway!

 

 Lastly, I received an OPI "Liquid Sand" polish in Can't Let Go. 

OPI retails for around $8. 

This polish actually feels like sand when it's dry. 

Not something I would probably normally purchase, 

but now that I have it I'll definitely use it. 

It's a super awesome purple color. 

Unfortunately, this was not "part of the box". 

It was an addition since I used a coupon code.

 So what's the verdict? The total value of this box was exceeded when I was given a free hairspray with a retail value of $22. Not to mention when you add in the $8 OPI polish, the $15 full size eyeliner, and the $18 full size shadow pen. I more than got my $21 worth. But, I don't know, folks, just something about it really didn't impress me. I unsubscribed. It's possible I'll go back if I see something that peaks my interest. However, an uber smelly soap and a "full-size" product that's 90% air and labeled "Not for Retail Sale" are not my idea of peaked interest.

NOTE: This product review was not solicited by Glossybox. I am not affiliated with Glossybox or any other beauty subscription.  This review contains only my honest review of products I purchased.

Breakfast: Bologna Omelets

Lately, I've been in a bit of a breakfast rut. So, I've found myself defaulting to the quick, easy, and completely unhealthy "biscuit" for breakfast. Done with it.

I was trolling the internet and found a recipe over at Mr. Breakfast that I'd like to share! I'm not a fan of eggs by themselves. I always have to pair them with something. Lucky for me, I'm a fan of "fried bologna"! Per the original recipe, this yields two servings. It's going to yield 6 servings for me. I made a few changes to the recipe.

Bologna Omelets

8 slices bologna (get the turkey kind, less calories!)

3 large eggs

2 tablespoons milk

chopped Vidalia Onion 

Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese

Pinch of Salt

Have an un-greased muffin tin ready! 

In a non-stick skillet or on a griddle set to medium heat, cook six slices of bologna until the center puffs. 

Meanwhile, chop the two remaining slices of bologna into smaller pieces.  Chop the onions, too! 

Place each of the heated bologna slices in its own muffin cup. 

In a small bowl, beat three eggs and add milk and salt. Stir in the chopped bologna and onion. 

 

 Pour egg mixture into bologna cups. 

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes (or until the eggs are set). 

Top with shredded cheese and let bake until cheese is melted. 

Enjoy! 

 

 

Subscription Box: Beauty Army March 2013

The Beauty Army subscription was referred to me by a friend. The biggest perk is being able to pick the six samples that will be sent to you. I found no discount codes for Beauty Army, so I purchased this box at full price ($12).

Beauty Army allows you to pick six "categories" of samples (i.e. Nails, Body, Hair, Makeup, Men, Anti-Aging, Masks, Moisturizers, etc.). I had to manipulate my category selections about ten times before I was able to get the samples I wanted. (Truth be told, it's a little aggravating.) Beauty Army emails you once a month to let you know when your new samples are available to choose. If you don't see anything that appeals to you, you have the option of skipping the month. You also have the option to cancel your subscription at any time.

Moving on to the good stuff.

This is what the box looked like when it was taken out of the postal box it came in. 

Truth be told, this box will be re-purposed. It's a hard cardboard with a flip top. 

Could come in handy for storing small samples I receive or even for organizing pictures! 

 Here's a quick glimpse of everything that came inside.

I haven't calculated the full value of the box, but it's worth more than 

I paid for it. I promise.

 This is New York Streets Dry Shampoo. This is not a "Sample size".

This is a full-size product. I've seen retail values for it for anywhere from

$15-18. This product alone is worth more than the $12 price tag attached to the box.

(Note: I used this product today, and I like it. I don't LOVE it, but it's definitely worth having on hand. I love that it doesn't make my hair "grey" like other dry shampoos. I don't love the smell.)

 The mister gets bummed when I get all of these awesome things in the mailbox,

so I chose "men" as one of my categories, and this was the only thing available.

Honestly, not a fan of the name, but the scent is pretty legit!

This is a sample of Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment. 

I saw the full-size in my local Target. I'm pretty anxious to try this one! 

I'm a sucker for anything that has the potential to prevent crow's feet. 

Judge me if you want.

 This sample of Amlactin Moisturizing Body Lotion. 

The full-size (7.9 oz) retails for around $15 at Walgreen's. 

The value of this sample is around $2.25.  

This is a Mark. Scanda-Lash Hook-up in Black. This is a full-size product. 

The value of this product on the Mark. website is around $7. 

Beauty Army also provided the small hook up, so a lipgloss

or additional mascara can be attached to the other side. 

 The last item in the box is an Enspri dual sample. 

One side is a moisture locking serum, and the other side is an anti-wrinkle moisturizer. 

The anti-wrinkle moisturizer retails for $42 for a 2 oz. bottle. 

Thus, the cost of this sample (both sides) is around $3. 

The estimated value of this box is somewhere between $25 - $30. I'm satisfied with this purchase. Do I think this will be a regular monthly purchase? Honestly, no. I'm not completely thrilled with the sample selection. I will probably continue to receive the emails, so I can be aware of new samples, and just opt out of boxes until I see something I'm really eager to try.

NOTE: This product review was not solicited by Beauty Army. I am not affiliated with Beauty Army or any other beauty subscription.  This review contains only my honest review of products I purchased.

Subscription Review: Julep Maven Box x2

In a previous post, I mentioned a Julep Maven subscription box. The cost of the box is $20 per month. I also mentioned using the code JULESVIP to get your first box for only $4 (shipping included)!

I'm a sucker for a great deal and the opportunity to try new products.  Needless to say, I ordered two Julep Maven boxes (Classic with a Twist and It Girl). Both came on the same day. Unfortunately, I was so excited to get to the goodies, the "unboxing" photos are courtesy of my iPhone. However, I did take better pictures of the actual polish colors and products inside the box.

The Retail Value of my "Classic with a Twist" box is $50. This is what came inside! 

This is the initial "unboxing". Again, sincere apologies for the poor photo quality. 

The contents: 

 

 The box contained two polishes. Retail Value $14 each.

 Color #1: Claudette

 Color #2: Helen

 

 

 This box also included a Warming Food Scrub (which is INCREDIBLE!) with a Retail Value of $20ish bucks!  (I just want to add that I used this, and my feet felt soft for days, literally.)

 

 Lastly, each box contained a sample of the Glycolic Hand Scrub. I tried one packet, left my hands feeling as smooth as my feet! 

 

The Retail Value of my "It Girl" box is $42. This is what came inside! (plus a sample of the Glycolic Hand Scrub!)

Initial "unboxing" (Sorry! Picture isn't great!)

 

Here's what was inside:

 

 The first polish is a Trina Turk polish "Eileen" from the Fall '12 line. While it says "Fall", I used it under the gold glitter, and it looked fabulous! 

Color #2: Sasha

 Color #3: Oscar (I think that's a very appropriate name for this polish color!)

 

 Overall, I was very satisfied with the quality of the products in each of the boxes.  I wish I could splurge and keep even one of the $20 boxes. With a looming furlough and a cut in pay, that's probably not in my best interest.

My only complaint is that cancelling requires calling Julep's 800 number. You're unable to cancel via their website. However, the wonderful folks on the other end of that Julep line are incredibly awesome! The girl I spoke with was super, super nice!

Again, if you're interested in Julep Maven subscription boxes, I totally recommend them! Don't forget to use the code JULESVIP to get your first box for $4 shipped!

NOTE: This product review was not solicited by Julep. I am not affiliated with Julep or any other beauty subscription.  This review contains only my honest review of products I purchased.