{BirchBox} From the Vault – Mystery Box

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Mystery_Box
Call us sentimental, but we can’t let go of the past—literally. We’ve got a Birchbox Vault where we store amazing Birchboxxes from the past. And this month, we’re giving you the keys.

I’ve always wondered what the BirchBox beauty vault looks like, I bet its perfectly organized by product and color. Kind of like a candy store for adult ladies, but prettier and more useful. The mystery box is $10 and if you can part with 100 Birchbox points it will be free. I had some points to burn so I thought why the heck not, I confirmed my order and waited for my mystery box to arrive.

I didn’t have to wait long my box arrived before my March box. Fast shipping is one way to my heart and Birchbox found its way in with free 2 day shipping for Aces.

“Let’s unbox the mystery!!”

Mystery Box

From the Vault Mystery Box: I got a box from November 2015.

AYERS Body Polish – Pampering Sunrise: this body polish goes on smoothly and rinses off cleanly, leaving behind only soft, fantastic-smelling skin.

Davines This is a relaxing moisturizing fluid: this formula adds shine, sublimates frizz, moisturizes, humidity-proofs, and preps hair if you’re using heat tools.
————————-> I am a huge Davines fan girl, I love love their shampoo and conditioner, however this is one product that is not in my wheel house. I will be handing this off to my coworker who regularly straightens her locks, I feel she will put this lovely product to good use. It does smell amazing, however its not for me, I let me curls hang free and never straighten them.

Dr. Jart+ Water Replenishment Mask: this refreshing cotton sheet mask is loaded with hydrating serum great for nourishing dry, parched skin.
————————————–> They had me at dry, winter temperature wise hasn’t been rough, the wind however has done a number on my skin and I cannot wait to give this a whirl.

LOC one & done shadow stick – On Point: from Birchbox’s new brand: a creaseless, waterproof shadow with shades curated by YouTube beauty star Tati Westbrook

theBalm Cosmetics – Fratboy: this talc-free, finely ground blush and shadow formula gives skin a fresh radiance that makes you look, and feel, young.

My mystery box was a pleasant surprise I will use all of the products except for the Davines. I had received a LOC shadow stick in a different shade and I am glad to have another one in my stash. I checked the site and there are still mystery boxes for sale, so go on now and go get yourself a little mystery.

Get a FREE Mystery Birchbox from 2015 with any $50+ purchase in the Birchbox Shop. Boxes vary, but each features one of our exclusive Birchbox designs and five or more beauty samples from across categories. Also available as a stand-alone purchase for $10!

Birch Box is a beauty and lifestyle subscription box program that costs $10.00 per month. For every dollar you spend in the shop you can earn 1 point. 100 points will get you a free birch box or $10 towards a purchase in the shop at birchbox.com. I know you’ve got friends so why not refer those friends to Birch box and earn a few points for doing so. If you would like to learn more and get a Birch Box of your very own go to http://www.birchbox.com for more information.

***I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are my own***

{Super Auntie} Dear Jack 

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It dawned on me today that I never wrote a welcome letter for Jack. Life got busy and I was grieving the loss of Baby E and what could have been. Had Baby E survived he/she and Jack would have been 6 months and 1 day apart. It wasn’t meant to be so as I healed from the D&C I looked forward to feeling the weight of Jack in my arms. 

  
Dear Jack,

This is a little late, you’ve been hanging out with us for oh almost 7 months now. Unlike your sister you are the quiet observant type. She was always mumbling and trying to chew on the world around her. You on the other hand chose to be quiet and play possum in strange arms. It took you a bit to warm up to me, Auntie gets a big gummy smile now. Maybe it’s because Sophia is telling you “auntie is the best ever” or maybe it’s because you are realizing that I am the present giver.

Either way you have a lot to learn little one and there is a big world just waiting for you to find it. Life is a beautiful disaster. It’s not perfect, but in the gray you will find moments of perfection, it’s those moments that will carry you. Each day is an adventure and no two are ever the same. If they were, life would be boring and no one likes a boring story. 

Your family will always be here for you. No matter what you do. If you find yourself in a predicament that you can’t get out of, call auntie or nana they will bail you out.  It’s ok to veer from the path, take the one less traveled or better yet blaze your own trail. Do big things, discover big things and be big in a world full of small. Only you Jack can determine how your story will end. Live a life worth living, fill it with laugher and meaning. And remember tears are ok too. 

  

That Mama of yours will keep you in line. Just know that you are butter in her hands and with a quick smile you can probably get away with anything. She’s pretty easy and lucky for you she isn’t very observant, so yes you will be able to sneak that frog into your room. Just make sure you don’t lose him in the house, otherwise she’ll be mad. Well not mad, she’ll be more freaked out that she has to look for said frog in the house. She doesn’t do frogs or slimy things. 
  
You should also know that Nana is pretty easy to, but be careful she is called the “warden” for a reason. No one likes the warden. Jack just do what Nana tells you and you’ll be all right, you will spend little time on the chair in the hall. Sophia can tell you all about the time out chair. Don’t worry Auntie can tell you how to get out of said chair, we just need to find a doll that looks like you. 

 You are lucky Jack, you are the youngest child which means your sister Sophia is your built in friend. You will never go through this life alone, Sophia loves you and wants to see you grow big. In her mind she is plotting adventures for the day you are big enough to run along side of her. Your sister she will always be and you will always be her brother. When she’s older she’s not go going to like you much, you will want to tag along when she is too cool to have a little brother. But don’t worry love, Sophia will find her way back to you and bonded you will always be. 

  
Your Papa, he’s a special breed. He is weathered by time and struggles have aged him. Your Papa almost wasn’t, he’s stolen 14 years from the sand man and you Jack are his greatest joy. Papa can’t wait for the day you are old enough to go fishing and camping. Maybe he will get the old truck running so you and Sophia can ride along through the country side with slushies in hand. Your Papa is a fighter, the ultimate under dog who landed on top and no one is knocking him off his mountain. Listen to his stories, learn from them and you Jack will do all right in life. 

 

When you are much older Auntie will tell you about Lucia and Baby E. Lucia came long before you and I am certain the two of you would be thick as thieves. You Jack are the second grandson and third in line. Lucia was 1st, Sophia is 2nd, you Jack are 3rd and Baby E was the 4th. Your cousins are always with you, where ever you go they are there blowing in the breeze. Day in and day out Lucia and baby E watch over you from heaven. Your big cousins turtles dance in front of your window, a piece of him was with you from the moment you got home. One day Auntie hopes to bring Nana and Papa’s 5th grandchild into this world and you Jack will have an instant friend.

You love can break your uncle Jason in. Uncle Jason has no idea what to do with or how to care for a little human. You were the first baby he has ever held. He did a really good job and you two are going to be buddies one day. 
   
You can do no wrong in this world for you have angels on your side and they will always keep you on course. I want you to travel, go to college, take the chances your mama never dared to dream off. Take time to smell the roses, keep your family close, and you will never lose yourself. Life isn’t going to be perfect. It’s  up to you to find beauty in the disaster and to determine your course. This life is yours to live and the world is for you to take. Take it and never look back Jack. 

Love Auntie AJ 

{BirchBox} What’s The Occasion 

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February is a month that I wish we could skip. It’s not because of Valentine’s Day, I’m not single and I have a valentine. February is a quiet reminder that another year has passed without Charlie. Not to mention February is usually cold as fuck in Minnesota. Lots of snow and cold tempatures leave this girl dreaming of spring. Ahh spring, hurry your ass up and get here! I am tired of freezing my pretty little ass off. 

I know, I know I should quit bitching about the cold because hey winter is only temporary! Yay! It’s only temporary and soon the sun will shine and it will be all sorts of hot again! 

  
Anyways back to this month’s Birchbox! “What’s the occasion,” fits the month of February perfectly! “This month, we’re helping you create your own not-quite-everyday looks, from easy hairstyles to versatile makeup techniques.” All of us wether you are coupled or single have a reason to dress up and hit the town! Or if you’re like me, you get dressed up and hit the champaign brunch buffet. Hey now, no judging a girls gotta take advantage of brunch when she can! So wether you are brunching it up or hitting the town with your best girls, I hope you do it in style and have a blast! 

  
  

Birchbox February 2016: “what’s the occasion!?” 

ARROW BOOST Color Enhancing Lip Balm: a high-tech, moisturizing lip balm from Birchbox brand ARROW. Formulated to adjust to your unique pH, it enhances each wearer’s natural lip color to create the perfect, just-for-you hue. 

———-> woohoo a lip balm that customizes itself to me! This balm is really nourishing and has a lovely light mint scent. 

COOLA® Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face: The eco-friendly formula is made with 70 percent certified organic ingredients and protects from both UVA rays that lead to premature aging and UVB rays that cause painful burns.



(MALIN+GOETZ) clarifying clay mask: Made for acne-prone skin but safe for sensitive complexions, it taps refined kaolin clay to absorb excess oil and draw out impurities, plus pumice to polish away dead skin.

 

——-> Sunday night is usually mask night in uptown! Nothing like chilling on the couch, watching the real house wives and waiting for my mask to dry. This mask worked really well, it was a little to drying on my skin, but it did clear up those pesky black heads on my nose. I’m trying to be like the cool kids and posing with my best duck face! Yea I know, I won’t attempt this face again, I look like a crazy pants! 


L’Artisan Parfumeur: This light, sun-kissed scent from the iconic Parisian fragrance house L’Artisan is perfect for warm weather—or for spritzing on a carefree, summer vibe any time of year. Inspired by the image of children chasing butterflies, the fresh notes of orange blossom, jasmine, lime, and tuberose evoke a feeling of simple summer days. Slip this petite rollerball in your purse for a touch of fresh scent wherever you go.


Ouidad VitaCurl® Define & Shine Styling Gel-Creme: Infused with smoothing soybean extract, volumizing vitamin A and unique curl-forming polymers for long-lasting definition, this ultra-hydrating, non-sticky formula enhances the texture of curls and waves while leaving a luminous finish.

As far as Birchboxes go this was a pretty great box! My sample choice this month was the Birchbox brand “Arrow” lip balm and I am in love with it. I hope you enjoyed your samples as much as I enjoyed mine! 

Birch Box is a beauty and lifestyle subscription box program that costs $10.00 per month. For every dollar you spend in the shop you can earn 1 point. 100 points will get you a free birch box or $10 towards a purchase in the shop at birchbox.com. I know you’ve got friends so why not refer those friends to Birch box and earn a few points for doing so. If you would like to learn more and get a Birch Box of your very own go to http://www.birchbox.com for more information.

***I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are my own***




{Charlie} Death, A Lifetime Ago

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  It’s strange to say that, it feels like Charlie died a lifetime ago. Then there are days where it feels just like yesterday. Grief is funny one moment can propel you forward and another can bring you right back to that moment. The moment when your heart broke. 

He died in surgery before I even had a chance to hold his hand. Winter prevented me from getting out to NY. In my heart I know he spared me the pain of seeing him with wires and monitors beeping, he wanted me to remember him as he was and not what he was. 

With tear stained eyes I walked into the Ivy, turned the key in the lock, as I turned on the light my soul was waiting for Charlie to be sleeping on the couch. That wasn’t so, everything looked lonely and felt cold. I carefully packed his final outfit in my suitcase and gathered momentos for his casket. Connect four, blacks law, a photo of the muppet like dog, and pieces of sea glass. My heart grew heavy as I neatly packed each item, they were his things, Charlie’s life fit to perfectly in my suitcase.

As I boarded the plane I fought back tears, in that moment it became real. Real, that I was flying out to NY to help plan my fiancé’s funeral. It felt like an eternity, I stared out at blackness, the sun had yet to pierce the sky. I wanted to be a part of it, to not feel, to not hurt, just to blend in and be apart of the darkness that surrounded the plane. The pilot announced “30 minutes to JFK.” I wanted the plane to keep going, because if it didn’t land then Charlie, he didn’t really die.

It landed just as planes always do. I slowly made my way through the terminals and collected my bags. Charlie’s uncle was waiting for me, he pulled me close and the tears began to fall. In that moment it was real, Charlie had died and my heart broke all over again. His uncle knew what my suitcase held and he brought me to the funeral home. I carefully unpacked his clothes from my suitcase and tearfully handed them to the director. The director put his arm around me and said “you will get through this.”

He was right, I did some how by the grace of God get through it. Charlie’s funeral was a beautiful celebration of his life and now he peacefully rests at Conor’s side. A piece of my heart lies in a tiny Mantowc cemetery, there it will always rest. When I walked away my world was shattered and my heart was broken. I honestly felt like I would never love again, because love is messy and painful. Love means having to say goodbye one day.

Yet with each passing day my heart began to heal. I let myself hurt and walked out the anger. Charlie is with me always, I feel him when I walk the beach, he is in each piece of glass I collect and I know he would want me to move on. The land of what if is not a place to live or dwell, life it goes on and we have to move on too. Moving on was easier said then done.

In November 2014 my heart was truly ready. Ready to fall, ready to feel and give. Charlie was my northern star pushing me to the one I was meant to be with. One date at Pizza Lucé lead to another and another. I didn’t know it at the time but, Jay was exactly what my heart needed. With each day I grew to love him for who he was and not something he would never be. I accepted his flaws, his quirks, and his bitchy cat. Together we have Baby E who rests in heaven with my son Lucia. In July Jay made it official and asked me to be his wife. A tourmaline ring rests on my finger and I couldn’t be happier. This is the life I was meant to have. 

  

This is the life Charlie would want me to have, one filled with love, laughter, dirty jokes, travel, and mostly life. 

{Go Red For Women} “I Lived” is why I Go Red 

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“I Lived” is why I Go Red. Survivorhood is a beautiful disaster. There is no guidebook or follow the dots for survivorhood, each woman has to lay the bricks for her second chance. There are moments where I wish someone would hand me a guidebook and to show me “this is how you do it.” But then I think to myself, “on October 22, 2009 you were given a blank book and only you know how to write your second story.” 

 Make a difference. Amongst all of the fear and unknown I stopped to ask “how many other women has this happened too?” In one moment of disaster my passion was born. I wanted to make sure that no other woman endured my fate, I wanted to make a difference and raise awareness about the side affects of hormonal contraceptives. 

1 out of 3 women will die from heart disease and stroke. 1 out of 5 people will survive a pulmonary embolism. Those odds are not in our favor. So many women have no idea that their birth control puts them at a higher risk for blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. When we look at these odds one most stop and ask “are they preventable?” The answer is simply, yes they are. 

Education starts with you and me, together we can help medical professionals learn the signs and symptoms of blood clots. They do not live in our bodies, we do and we know our hearts like no buddy else does. It still bothers me to this day, that it could have all been prevented. I could have skipped the pain and avoided the aftermath. That if my doctor had listened to my symptoms, she could have ordered the d-dimer test and the clot would have been stopped before it hit my lungs and eventually my brain. I have to live the rest of my life knowing that this didn’t have to happen. 

But it did. A beautiful disaster the ignited my passion and gave me purpose. I got a second chance to live this life. I am blessed, I am amazed, and sometimes I feel like I am living someone else’s dream. It’s mine, every pothole, pitstop, and curveball are mine. In the moments of disaster I found myself. I found the strength to continue dancing on the good days and laughing on the bad. I cherish each moment, for I know I am living on borrowed time. I’ve stolen almost seven years from the sandman and I pray that I will steal a few dozen more. 

From billboards, to bus stop posters, to PSAs and beyond. Six years ago I had no idea that my story would have so much value and impact on the people around me. State lobby days allow me to make a difference and national lobby days allow me to take a stand. With tears in my eyes I stood on the U.S. Capital Steps right next to Nancy Pelosi, giving a speech on the impact and importance of the Affordable Care Act. You’re the Cure has given me a platform to make a difference and for that I am forever grateful. 

  

Time. Be it given or borrowed I do not take it for granted. I survived the worst day possible. I lived. I’ve squished a lot of life into the past 6 years. I got a divorce, adopted a dog, found a job that I love, mostly amongst it all I found myself.  I became a mom, Lucia and baby E rest in God’s heavenly arms. I spent time with my father, wine tasting and thrift stores are our jam. My mama and I spent time in the dells, shopping and lunching. Those two, they are my rock. 

Our family grew, I watched my sister become a mom, Sophia and I are bonded for life. I got to paint Sophia’s toes and take her to her first movie, Charlie Brown of course. As I was letting go of Baby E, I again watched my sister welcome her second child. Jack doesn’t know it yet, but he is one lucky little dude, aunties like me are hard to come by. Sophia and Jack are spoiled, I treasure each moment and love them beyond measure. Their Auntie, I will always be. 

Love slowly seeped in. Fate brought me my best friend, my confidant, dinasour loving, dirty joke telling soulmate. In Jay I found home, in me he found the woman he will soon call his wife. We were so close to parenthood, but Baby E was never meant to be ours. Jay. and I have hope that our rainbow Is just around the corner. 

Who knows maybe if the stars align this time next year “motherhood” will be my why. I would love that “why” very much. 

But for now: “I Lived” is Why I Go Red

 

{Go Red for Women} #GoRedMN – Selfie time!!!

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I have some totally awesome news to share!!!! 

 
We all know you love taking a good selfie and you love to share that awesome selfie on social media. We all love to share and now our sharing will earn funds for a very important cause. 

From February 5 – 14, 2016 The St. Jude Medical Foundation will donate $10 per selfie up to $25,000.00 for every selfie posted on social media  with the hashtag #GoRedMN. How stinking cool is that!? Breakout your selfie stick, practice that duck face, strike a pretty pose, get your friends involved, heck take one with your dog and go red for the women in your life. 

Remember to use the hashtag #GoRedMN, if you don’t it won’t count and I will be sad. Be a superstar and use one of those fancy apps to link your Instagram, Facebook and Twitter together. That way you only have to create one post and you share it on all of your platforms! 

A huge shoutout and thank you to the St. Jude Medical Foundation for their commitment to women’s heart health! ♥️ 

{Go Red for Women} Being an Auntie Is Why 

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 One out of three women will die of heart disease. One out of five women will be impacted by heart disease in their lifetimes. If you ask me one, is one woman to many. Many believe that heart disease and stroke only affect the elderly, sadly this isn’t the case. The thing about Storkes is this: “they are a thing, they have no idea how old you are, or the color of your skin or your weight, they strike when you least expect it.” Stroke is not an elderly thing, it’s an every woman thing and they are 80% preventable. 

My stroke was the direct result of a hormonal contraceptive. I had gone to my annual exam and displayed all the signs and symptoms of a blood clot and my doctor ignored me…….. Yes you read that right, she ignored the signs and told me to drink some water and walk more. Her medical advice seemed half hearted and rushed. Something in my gut told me to get a second opinion, I never sought that second opinion, instead one week to the day I drove myself to the ER. 

I drove myself through rush hour traffic to the ER and that is where my second story began. I was fighting for every breath I could muster and fading fast. The CT scan revealed a clot the size of a 10cent gumball blocking the main valve that connects the left lung to my heart. Blood was barely getting past the clot, my heart was in sinus tachycardia, and my blood pressure was rising, all ingredients for a perfect storm. A storm that lead me to have a stroke right in the ER, clot busters were given to me and blood thinners were started, and I walked out of the hospital four days later.

I survived the unthinkable, only 1 out of 5 survive a pulmonary embolism and walking away unscathed from a stroke is a miracle in itself. What hurts the most is that all of this could have been prevented, there was no need for me to die almost five days before my 27th birthday. My pulmonary embolism and stroke were 100% preventable. All the doctor had to do that day was listen to me, a simple test called d-dimer could have identified the clot before it reached my lungs and my stroke would never have happened. Yet, I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world, in a moment of disaster my purpose was born.

I fight for all of the women who were asked to leave the table. For those women who never got a chance to say I do. For those women who never got to watch their children grow up. For those women who never got to become mothers and for the survivors who will never hold a baby of their own. For those who never got to hold their nieces and nephews. 

Thousands of women’s lives are being cut to short. Thousands of children are being cheated out of there mothers, aunties and grandmas. Not to mention think of all the men who never got a chance to meet their soulmate. We can change this! You and I can change this, by simply going Red. When we go Red we raise awareness of heart disease and stroke in women. When we go red we raise funds for life saving research. Mostly when we go red we save lives. Life is why and no woman deserves to fight alone.

If you need proof that “Go Red” matters, look at Sophia and Jack, they will tell you “it matters.” My family will tell you “it matters!” My story could have ended diffrently, Sharon would have picked out an urn instead of a 27th themed Halloween birthday cake for her daughter. Jammie’s children would be learning about their auntie through photographs and stories. Because of the American Heart Association’s life saving mission I got that 27th themed birthday cake and I get to be Super Auntie! 

So yes Go Red does matter and it does make a difference! Please join us and go red for the women in your lives on Friday February 5, 2016. 

Being an Auntie is Why I Go Red 

{Target} Renewal Beauty Box

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January 2016
“Say hello to a new year with a Target Beauty Box. In this box, you’ll find a few of our favorite new products—each inspired by our 2016 beauty resolutions. A $30 value for just $7, this handpicked collection lets you revive your skin, face and hair for a healthy post-holiday glow. Who doesn’t love a fresh start? Test them out and tell us what you think. If you love them as much as we do, find the full-size versions at Target.com/beautybox.”

January 16

I missed out on the Holiday Target Beauty Box in December, I was very sad and stalked the site daily to see if more would be come available. It didn’t happen, when Target says “sold out,” they stinking mean it, they truly are gone and you are left on the outside looking in. Target has been pushing out a monthly box, I am not sure why they just don’t come out and create a monthly subscription, that would make life easier. Until that happens just stalk the Target website, you will get your hands on a box if you pounce as soon as the links are liv

Renewal Box
Target Renewal Beauty Box

Caress Love Forever Body Wash: It’s the first body wash ever to use fragrance-release pearls with touch-activated technology. Release a burst of perfume every time you touch your skin—all day long.

ATTITUDE 2-in-1 Shampoo: This shampoo and body wash is vegetable based and biodegradable. Plus, it’s formulated to be carcinogen free and hypoallergenic. Vegan, not tested on animals.

Laneige BB Cushion: Get 5-in-1 cushion technology that works to brighten, protect, cool and cover your skin while fending off shine.

Scunci No-Slip Grip Braided Headwrap: A comfortable, stretchy band with a braided design for stylish, no-slip grip.

Degree Women Fresh Energy Dry Spray: This dry spray uses a 48-hour MOTIONSENSE formula that goes on instantly dry for a cleaner feel and better protection.

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer: Get 24 hours of soft skin with this instant-absorbing formula that gives you twice the moisturizing power in half the time.

ATTITUDE Volume & Shine Shampoo: Get healthy, beautiful hair with this volumizing shampoo. It is vegetable based, biodegradable, carcinogen free and hypoallergenic. Vegan, not tested on animals.

Revlon Ultimate All-In-One Mascara: This high-impact formula delivers 5 benefits in 1 product: volume, length, definition, lift and rich, intense color.

Hada Labo Tokyo Anti-Aging Facial Mask: A lightweight, deeply hydrating mask that drenches skin with serum to boost hydration, smooth fine lines and restore firmness and bounce to your skin.

Target has once again out done themselves, the value of this box is huge and not to mention the wide range of products, products that will fit every budget. I love that all of the products are available at my local Target and I pick them up when I fill my prescriptions. If you ask me that is multitasking and a win win. This box will definitely help me start 2016 off on the right beauty foot.

The Target Beauty Box is not a subscription service, they are first come first served, if they are sold out then you my friends are out of luck. I just checked target.com and the October box is out of stock. For $7 this box is a great deal, that is if you can get your hands on one, they always sellout like hotcakes. So don’t sit on the beauty fence when you see them, just throw it in your virtual cart and call it a day!

***I was no compensated for my post. Opinions are my own***

{Target} Refresh Beauty Box

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January 2016
“Refresh your look for the new year with a Target Beauty Box. In this box, you’ll find a few of our favorite new products—each inspired by our 2016 beauty resolutions. A $30 value for just $7, this handpicked collection lets you revive your skin, face and hair for a healthy post-holiday glow. Who doesn’t love a fresh start? Test them out and tell us what you think. If you love them as much as we do, find the full-size versions at Target.com/beautybox.”

Refresh Box

I missed out on the Holiday Target Beauty Box in December, I was very sad and stalked the site daily to see if more would be come available. It didn’t happen, when Target says “sold out,” they stinking mean it, they truly are gone and you are left on the outside looking in. Target has been pushing out a monthly box, I am not sure why they just don’t come out and create a monthly subscription, that would make life easier. Until that happens just stalk the Target website, you will get your hands on a box if you pounce as soon as the links are live.

Refresh 2016

Refresh Beauty Box

ACURE Day Cream: This must-have day cream contains gotu kola stem cells and chlorella growth factor to help your skin retain hyaluronic acid and fight environmental damage and free radicals.

John Frieda Keraflex Hair Spray: This versatile formula can be used while styling hair or to lock in a finished look. Its micro-fine mist delivers a soft, brushable hold.

NIVEA In-Shower Body Lotion: This skin-pampering, in-shower lotion is enriched with almond oil to give your skin instant moisture that lasts up to 24 hours.

Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Pads: These radiance-boosting pads are soaked in exfoliating glycolic acid to help retexture and resurface to unveil younger-looking skin.

ScunciBraided Elastic Bands: Say goodbye to snags with these hair ties made without metal.

Simple Micellar Wipes: Gently remove makeup and impurities, leaving your skin cleansed and instantly hydrated, with these makeup remover wipes. No artificial perfumes, dyes or harsh chemicals.

Marlowe Extra Moisturizing Lotion: An intense moisturizer with a combination of revitalizing antioxidants and extracts to help soften and smooth dry skin.

Clear Total Care Shampoo & Conditioner: Make your hair more resilient to breakage with Clear’s Active Damage Resist system. Infused with Omega 3-6-9, this specially designed complex of vitamins hydrates the scalp and hair, and helps restore shine, smoothness and strength from root to tip.

Target has once again out done themselves, the value of this box is huge and not to mention the wide range of products, products that will fit every budget. I love that all of the products are available at my local Target and I pick them up when I fill my prescriptions. If you ask me that is multitasking and a win win. This box will definitely help me start 2016 off on the right beauty foot.

The Target Beauty Box is not a subscription service, they are first come first served, if they are sold out then you my friends are out of luck. I just checked target.com and the October box is out of stock. For $7 this box is a great deal, that is if you can get your hands on one, they always sellout like hotcakes. So don’t sit on the beauty fence when you see them, just throw it in your virtual cart and call it a day!

***I was no compensated for my post. Opinions are my own***

{Julep} New Year, Fresh Look

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January 2016

No matter what you resolve to do in the new year, hydration should always be a priority. In our January collection you’ll find moisturizing lip crayons in right-now hues, and a luxe hydrating crème that’s formulated for anywhere your skin wants it. But first, let’s talk color.

I don’t know how you spent your New Years Eve, I spent mine in an eggplant colored dress, filled my face at the buffet, and cuddled up next to Jay watching the ball drop. It was a great night and it was totally us. Jay and I are not huge party people, we rather have a party on the couch in our PJs with our fur babies. I love the New Year, there is a whole host of new beauty products and trends on the horizon. Plus its a clean slate, your beauty blunders are so last year.

Julep is such an innovative company with a carefully curated product line that aims to please and helps you feel your best beautiful. The polishes are 5-free, no harsh chemicals will be found in their pretty square bottles and no to mention the colors are named after real women. How cool is that, maybe one day there will be an “AJ” polish, a girl can dream.

Enough babbling, lets dive right into the New Year, Fresh Look collection!

Jan2016

Julep, January 2016 – New Year, Fresh Look

No Limits Luxe Hydrating Creme: is a universal moisturizer that laughs in the face of dry winter skin while soothing any place you decide to put it.
————–No Limits includes a cool packaging perk: A push-button airless delivery system to dispense the just-right amount while keeping the crème inside free from impurities. What will they think of next?

Julep Lip Gloss in Splendid: a sheer heirloom rose shimmer
———————-> I said it earlier but Julep truly is an amazing company! I had a stroke a few years back and my grip isn’t the greatest, I drop a lot of shit. I can’t prevent it nor can I predict when my grip is going to weaken, things just hit the floor. I emailed Julep letting them know that a glass bottled lip gloss doesn’t go well with a girl like me. I always manage to drop it, the bottle breaks at the neck, and my new shinny gloss is now BFFs with the trash. It isn’t Juleps fault that my grip sucks, yet they still offered to send me a replacement gloss. That replacement was mailed out today, Like I said Julep is hands down an amazing company.

Breathable nail color—Color Treat in “Julep”: Julep signature crème
—————> The description doesn’t tell you much, it is a purple hue.

Breathable nail color—Color Treat in Shay: Celadon iridescent chrome

Julep never disappoints, especially since the My Maven feature lets you totally customize your entire box. If you do not like a product or a polish color you can simply swap it out for something that you love. Don’t worry the swapping is so easy a toddler could do it. The hardest part is choosing which products you want to go in your monthly box.

To get a box of your very own visit wwww.julep.com for more information.

After your Welcome Box, the contents of your monthly Maven Box depend on the program you signed up for. Each My Maven Box includes over $40 worth of new beauty innovations and/or limited-run nail colors. We create at least five new boxes every month—one for each Style Profile, plus monthly exclusives. If you have a fully customizable subscription, you can personalize your box by picking exactly what you want.

***I was no compensated for my post. Opinions are my own***