{Walmart Beauty} Quarterly Beauty Box – Spring 2015

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Spring 2015
Its April, so that must mean spring is on its way and winter can go fuck off! I get really antsy this time of year, the days are getting longer, the temps are creeping north of 30, and all I want to do is bask in the sunshine. Work, it gets in the way, but hey it pays for my subscription box habit and the dogs kibble, so I can’t complain. Besides we all know I love my job and work like there is no tomorrow. This is why I have a dog, the dog gets me outside in the fore mentioned sunshine and warm temperatures. He’s good like that.

Yes, by purchasing and reviewing this subscription I AmandaJean publicly admit that i shop at Walmart. You know you shop at Walmart to, you just don’t admit it. I like to do it late at night, there are less people and the staff seem more helpful. Not to mention the people watching is excellent, especially after bar close. Yes, sometimes I can’t sleep so I go grocery shopping at 1am.

Anyways! Back to the box, cause we know that’s why you are really here.
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WALMART BEAUTY BOX – SPRING 2015

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Facial Cleanser – white tea & vitamin E: the rich cushioning formula cleanses skin without over drying and gently washes away dull surface skin cells.

Dove go fresh revitalize body wash – mandarin & tiare flower: is a caring freshness to leave you and your skin revitalized. The vibrant and juicy scent of mandarin and tiare flower leaves you and your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

Schwarkopf essence Ultimate Omega Repair and Moisture Shampoo: especially developed for damaged, depleted hair and Repairs damaged hair within the cells to prevent split ends up to 90%.

Schwarkopf essence Ultimate Omega Repair and Moisture Conditioner: especially developed for damaged, depleted hair and Repairs damaged hair within the cells to prevent split ends up to 90%.

Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Mascara: advanced, ultra-lengthening formula for beautifully long, remarkably strong lashes. Exclusive natural grow-lash complex with procapil extends and fortifies lashes. With continued use, lashes not only look longer, but also lusher and more numerous.
—————->Beep Beep We’ve got a full-sized product here! beep beep! The value of the mascara according to walmart.com is $8.97, that’s pretty good seeing how I paid $5 for the box. Woot! I love me some full-sized product in a subscription box.

Lady Gaga Fame – Black Fluid PerfumeL: is a fruity floral scent. It features tears of belladonna, crushed heart of tiger orchidea, with a black veil of incense, pulverized apricot, and the combinative essences of saffron and honey drops.

Get your foil packets! Foil Packets for everyone! Come on now get your foil packets here!!

Garnier- Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream – includes a $2.00 of coupon
Maybelline – Fit Me! Matte + Poreless foundation in ivory – includes a $2.00 off coupon
Nivea -In-Shower body lotion – includes $1.00 off coupon

Good job Walmart, thou you did send my mama a better box with a lip gloss in it. I took the lip gloss from hers, she’s 60 and doesn’t do gloss. I will let it slide seeing how you included high value coupons and a full sized product in my box this quarter. This box was actually pretty good, I was exposed to new products from brands I know and said hello to new brands I have yet to try. I can’t wait to see what the summer box has in it.

Do you want a $5.00 quarterly Walmart Beauty Box of your very own. Oh! Come on now, get over yourself and hop on over to https://beautybox.walmart.com. Your box is waiting for you and trust me you will not regret that you signed up! The box ships every three months and the next box will be winter.

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

{Ipsy} Floral Fantasy

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March 2015

This is what flower power looks like

Wake up your imagination with a crazy beautiful explosion of flowers. Vivid shades and inviting textures collide this March. Let the blooms begin.

Its March, so that must mean spring is on its way and winter can go fuck off! I get really antsy this time of year, the days are getting longer, the temps are creeping north of 30, and all I want to do is bask in the sunshine. Work, it gets in the way, but hey it pays for my subscription box habit and the dogs kibble, so I can’t complain.

Ipsy’s sneak peeks did not disappoint this month and the theme fit March perfectly. Bonus, the bag is so pretty, I am in love with its floral pattern and it is perfect for spring. The colors are bright and the products are so fun, they will liven up anyone’s skin care routine. If you are like me you are switching from your hardcore winter care routine, to your light airy spring skincare ritual. I love discovering new products and incorporating them into my look and skincare regime.

“So what did you get in that pretty bag of yours?”

March 15
FLORAL FANTASY – MARCH 2015

NYX Cosmetics Butter Lipstick – in Hunk: Pamper your lips with a hydrating kiss of smooth Butter Lipstick in 22 luxurious shades. The delicate texture of satin fused with the high color saturation creates an even finish on lips that’s long-wearing and beautiful.
———————-> I got this in the shade called Hunk, Hunk is a very bright purple, not subtitle for me. So I passed it on to my coworkers daughters. They will surely put it to good use.

pūr~lisse beauty- pūr~delicate gentle soymilk cleanser & makeup remover: The 4-in-1 sulfate free & non-drying formula gently washes away dirt and makeup (even mascara!), while soothing and toning skin.

Boo-Boo Cover-Up: Medium Shade: Have a Boo-Boo? Skip the bandage and the shiny ointment. Look your best even while you heal with Boo-Boo Cover-Up for face and body. Our innovative formula offers great coverage for skin imperfections while containing ingredients known in nature to promote healing.

Dr. Brandt Skincare – pores no more anti-aging mattifying lotion: This oil-free, lightweight lotion is formulated with apple stem cells to help delay the natural signs of aging by maintaining the longevity and activity of stem cells in the skin. Simultaneously, retinol stimulates new cell turnover and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

VINTAGE by Jessica Liebeskind Illuminating Face Highlighter: Add a beautiful wash of color and subtle, sexy shimmer with the ILLUMINATING FACE HIGHLIGHTER. Created to be worn on top of fresh, dewy skin or as a delicate highlight over pretty blush – the reflective pearls add radiance on contact delivering a diamond-like finish to the skin.

My bag was so so, I have tried the NYX and Pur-lisse brand in other subscription boxes, its nothing worth writing home about. I do love the vintage highlighter, I have been using it as an eye shadow. Its the perfect color for daytime and adds a hint of sparkle to my eyes. I have yet to try the boo boo paste, once my concealer runs out I will give this one a shot. The bag is defiantly a hit, it is so pretty and just screams SPRING!!!

Do you want an Ipsy Glam Bag of your very own? Well then, for $10 a month (shipping is free) you will receive a Glam Bag filled with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. If you want a bag of your very own or more information please visit http://www.ipsy.com/r/1w1i Trust me you will be glad you did!

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

{BirchBox} Creativity

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March 15

Expressing yourself hasn’t been this fun since finger painting

Creativity makes the world go round. If we did not have creative types we would still be trying to start fires with sticks and makeup would still be mud on our faces. I love showing off my creative side and nothing brings it out like a can of spray paint. Ahh spray paint can breath new life into an alley find and turn it into a treasured heirloom.

March 2015

“So what did you get in your creativity box?” Oh I am so glad you asked, let’s find out!  

Creativity – March 2015  

BeeKind -Shampoo: Made with moisturizing honey extract, this cleanser leaves hair soft and shiny. 

It’s a 10 – Miracle leave in product: This 10-in-one treatment addresses the spectrum of hair damage, from brittleness to frizz.

Jelly Pong Pong – Glow Getter Highlighter: weightless gel formula gives skin a subtle, pearlescent shimmer.

Michael Todd – Tropical Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant Scrub: This gentle, papaya and pineapple infused scrub reveals fresh, glowing skin.

Mirenesse – iCurl Secret Weapon 24hr Mascara: with its unique sculpting brush, this long-lasting formula gives lashes a dramatic lift. 

Bonus! Get your Bonus Sample! Bonus! – Scilian body lotion, to sooth and refresh skin. 

This was a really great box! I loved the fun cute designs of the actual box this month! Birchbox is truly stepping up their game and providing great products in a fun box that matches the theme. 

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***

{Affordable Care Act} D.C. Meet AJ

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DC4
There are moments where I have to pinch myself to make sure that I really am living this life. I went from survivor to advocate, to spokeswoman. Last Thursday I received an email from the American Heart Association’s National Advocacy office inviting me to Washington D.C. This just wasn’t any old regular invite, this this was an opportunity of a life time. I was invited to Washington D.C. by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. When Nancy Pelosi invites you to D.C., you go, YOU GO and I did just that.

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I went and I became a part of history. I was invited to DC to speak at a press conference celebrating the 5th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. The conference was held on the Capital Steps and it was organized by Leader Pelosi and members of the Democratic Caucus. Together we celebrated the Act and the fact that is working for millions of Americans. I am just one of the millions of Americans who benefited from the Affordable Care Act.
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This was my moment to put a face to a cause. Words cannot describe the impact the Affordable Care Act has made on my life. As a Pulmonary Embolism / Stroke survivor I can no longer be denied coverage or be forced to pay more because of my medical history. In the eyes of the law I am equal to my healthy peers and because of this I am able to afford quality insurance and put my health first.

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Yes, I found myself struggling to choose between paying my bills or paying for the medical care that I needed. For 18 months I went without health insurance and for part of that time I was only making $12 an hour. My most expensive prescription was $287.00 a month and I tried skipping it for a while, that just turned into a very expensive disaster. No one should ever have to choose between life saving care and bills. I never for one thought I would ever be in that position, but at 28 I found myself there. I found myself struggling to stay a float and was ashamed that I could not afford the health care I desperately needed.

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Today I am no longer ashamed, I am empowered. I have an insurance card in my pocket and I owe it all to the Affordable Care Act. I no longer had to settle for a job, instead I got to hold out for the one I wanted. I no longer have to check the couch for spare change just to pick up my prescription. Instead I walk right into Target and pay only $20.00 for a brand name drug. I can afford to go to the doctor and I am now getting routine care. I can for the first time in a very long time, put my health first. Life is not worth living if you do not have your health.

{Nuva Ring} Claim Approval and Alligators 

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Late last night I fired of an email asking for an update on the Nuva Ring Claims process. Morning came and I was wrapped up in prepping for a work party, that email was long forgotten. By 2pm I had a chance to look at my email and there is was the update that I had asked for.

I read that email a few times and it took a while for the following scentance to sink in “We have been notified that your case did qualify for settlement under the injury of pulmonary embolism.” Wow, Merk was going to be putting a dollar sign on my injury and calling their payment fair compensation. I called my parents and together we did a happy dance. 

For me, this case was never about the money. No amount of money can undo the harm that was done, it cannot restore me whole, and mostly it will never bring my fertility back. Complications from the Nuva ring have hindered my ability to carry a child. Alucious will be my only baby and that sweet boy rests with God. 

Alucious would be 5 this year. Five years ago I bought a tiny baby alligator for him and it sat in the nursery waiting for him to arrive. Alucious never met the alligator instead a crown was placed upon his head and he rests with the angles. I hung on to the alligator in hopes that one day I would be able to give it to a second child. I still hold out a shit ton of hope that I will have a baby of my own. For now the little alligator hangs out in my kitchen and watches the world go by while waiting for Alucious. 

The Nuva Ring changed my life in more ways than I ever thought possible. There are days where I want to give Merck a high five because in their failure I found purpose. I am more confident in myself and I am determined to make this word a better place. The Nuva Ring  was my slingshot and I have never looked back. I turned a shitty situation into a life lesson for all of us and I use my story to create change. I cannot undo what happened to me, but I sure as hell can do everything in my power to prevent a woman from enduring my fate. If I can prevent one PE, then the hell I went throught was worth it. 

Yes, Merck I will take your check, but just know that your failure of a product launched my purpose in life and I will not give up or in until it is no longer prescribed in this country. 


{Giving Back} WhipStaff Ranch & Rescue

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“Whoever said a dog can’t be a best friend, never owned a dog”

IMG_6815-0 Words cannot begin to describe the love that I have for the ladies behind the rescue. I have adopted two dogs from WhipStaff Ranch & Rescue. Freckles an English Pointer lives with my Ex-husband and Cullen a Cocker Doodle is my trusty little sidekick. Freckles and Cullen were both very shy dogs, they just need a little love to help them break out of their shells.

Freckles lived on the ranch for almost a year. WhipStaff lets the animals stay on the ranch until they find a forever home, there is no ticking clock or end date. No animal is turned away, no matter the shape or size they find a place for them on the ranch.

Cullen was rescued from a puppy mill and he was in rough shape. Where most saw a lost cause WhipStaff saw hope and turned him into a mighty little dog. In August 2010 I emailed the ranch asking if they had a dog for me to adopt. I eagerly awaited a reply and by night fall they responded with “we have the perfect dog for you.” Sight unseen I made the 6.5 hour drive to the ranch and I’ve never looked back. I had a scared nervous muppet like dog at my side. Cullen has helped me in more ways than I can count. This little dog has provided me with endless amounts of laughter, fashion advice, and mostly he listens.

I set out to rescue a dog, but in the end it was me who got rescued. One little throwaway dog changed my life and I am forever grateful to WhipStaff Ranch & Rescue.

Whipstaff Ranch & Rescue is raising money to build an all new dog shelter for the rescue! Funds will be going towards materials and supplies to rebuild the outdoor enclosures and to build a new indoor shelter for the dogs. We also hope to rebuild some of the fencing for the horses if we are able.

For $20.00 (that’s the cost of 4 medium berry white mochas at caribou) you can help WhipStaff and get a really cool t-shirt. Just click the link under the photo and donate to this amazing rescue!

IMG_6984-0WhipStaff Ranch & Rescue Spring Cleanup Fundraiser

Whipstaff Ranch & Rescue is a 501c3 Non Profit all-species animal rescue group located in Solway MN that is dedicated to stopping animal abuse. We offer safe sanctuary to abused, neglected and unwanted animals of all species. We are hoping to get a fresh start in 2015 with a new look and some badly needed upgrades! We rely on your support to continue our mission!

{Ipsy} #IpsyLove

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#IpsyLove

#IpsyLove


“Love is just a word………….. Until you find someone or something to give it meaning. This February we’re celebrating warm hugs, butterflies in your stomach, a new favorite blush, your best friend’s tweets – LOVE in all its wondrous forms and ways to express it.”

#IpsyLove

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CARGO Cosmetics mini lip gloss in Anguilla: Its super high shine gloss delivers intense color payoff and locks in moisture to keep lips feeling hydrated. This longwearing lip gloss has a slick texture that feels creamy gliding over lips without being sticky.

Eva NYC Up All Night Volumizing Spray: Get the ultimate blowout with this multi-tasking spray! The light-weight formula adds volume and texture to hair, while protecting against heat for healthier styling.

Mitchell and Peach Fine Radiance Face Oil: is a highly effective face oil packed with powerful natural anti-oxidants and vitamins that are instantly absorbed to leave skin feeling plumper, firmer and glowing with radiance.

ModelCo BLUSH Cheek Powder: creates a beaming, rosy glow to brighten every complexion. The micronized color pigments and luxurious, pressed powder delivers a sheer, natural radiance that lasts all day.

NYX Cosmetics Slim Eye Pencil: Slim, trim but never prim. The creamy, long-wearing eye liner formula goes on easily and resists bleeding.

Most of the products were a miss for me this month. I am not an eyeliner girl and I keep on getting them from Ipsy. Its no big deal, I just hand them off to friends or donate them to a local charity. Fingers crossed Ipsy will step up their game and make March an awesome month!

Do you want an Ipsy Glam Bag of your very own? Well then, for $10 a month (shipping is free) you will receive a Glam Bag filled with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. If you want a bag of your very own or more information please visit http://www.ipsy.com/r/1w1i Trust me you will be glad you did!

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

{BirchBox} Rent The Runway

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“It’s All In The Details”

BirchBox

In late January BirchBox sent out a little sneak peek video of the February sample choice options. The actual products did not tickle my fancy, but the curated box did and I knew I had to get my hands on it. For February’s curated box BirchBox partnered with Rent The Runway. The box included two of my favorite brands, Not Soap Radio and The Balm. So yes in essence the box was designed for me or thousands of ladies just like me.

“At Rent The Runway we’re all about the pieces that set you apart from the crowd. After all, it’s the details-the dress that flatters you everywhere, the necklace that shimmers just enough- that gives any experience a boost.”

Rent The Runway Teamed up with BirchBox to bring you this collection of beauty essentials so you can amp up your look every day.

BirchBox: Rent The Runway February 2015

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derma e – Anti-wrinkle Vitamin A Glycolic Scrub: This all-natural cleanser sloughs off dull skin, fades dark spots, and cleans pores.

Fekkal – Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo: This transparent spray absorbs oil, perks up strands, and leaves hair smelling amazing.

Not Soap, Radio – The stuff that Cupid dipped his arrow in: with this cleanser’s lush sent of blackberry and vanilla scent, you will fall in love at first sniff.

Sumita – Color Contrast Eyeliner: This soft wax pencil delivers rich, long-lasting color that won’t irritate eyes.

the Balm – Read My Lips: Fortified with antioxidant-rich ginseng, this gloss brings rich color and loads of shine.

Rent The Runway put together a really great box and I love that all of the products are affordable. All of the above listed products are less than $25 each which is perfect for a stylish girl on a budget. I hope you loved your February box as much as I did.

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***

{Julep} Cupid’s Mystery Clutch

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Julep
Julep was my very first subscription box that I received and it got me hooked. Last spring there was a huge shipping fiasco with Julep and I stopped ordering their Maven Box. I am still a Maven, its just that I skip the months I am not interested in. The last mystery box that I ordered from Julep was a huge flop. I have since learned to wait for people to start posting about the mystery boxes before I place an order. So on the bus ride home I researched everyone’s reviews and by night fall my little fingers hit complete order. I needed the clutch in my life and I could not wait for it to arrive.

Cupid’s Mystery Box got a sassy upgrade this year. Rock your date night with $100+ of beauty goods and nail color including the snowy heart glitter top coat Yuki (Classic with a Twist), and pink chevron glitter top coat va-va-Valentina (Bombshell). Julep was selling the box for $24.99 which is a heck of a deal! To make that deal even sweeter I used the code CONGRATS and got a free bonus wedding duo. The duo was valued at $25.00 and it came in this cute little pink box. I am not getting married anytime soon, but the colors were to pretty to pass up, plus it was free.

Cupid’s Mystery Clutch 2015

The Polish:
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Yuki: snowy heart glitter top coat

Valentina: pink chevron glitter top coat

Joanne: Smoky plum crème

Rochelle: Boysenberry shimmer

Margit: Mushroom with rose shimmer

The Beauty:
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Julep Lip Gloss in Splendid: Sheer heirloom rose shimmer, with Power Cell Complex

Julep Gel Eye Glider in Smoky Plum: The waterproof formula glides on, sets in 30 seconds, and then stays put.

Bonus Wedding Duo:
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Fifi: Tea time pink crème

Sienna: Sophisticated, shimmery gold

I am so glad that I took the plunge and purchased the mystery clutch. All of the colors go together nicely and the beauty products were fantastic. I hope that this box means that Julep is stepping up the quality of their mystery boxes. If it is a sign, I will definitely be purchasing more in the future.

{Divorced Life Dating} Fish and Valentines

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Friends are quick to offer hugs, Kleenex lay hidden in their pockets just in case I burst, and people tread lightly around the name Charlie. Part of me wonders where the past three years have gone and part of my wonders “How did you find the strength to move on?” Three years is just a fraction in time, but time it stopped on Valentine’s Day. It stopped the moment Charlie became the fifth car in a nine car pile up, it stopped the moment he became the fourth person to die from their injuries. That day was the worst day and the days leading up to February 16, 2012 were the slowest days of my life.

I hung on to every second, every minute, and prayed with all of my heart. That day God failed me and I had to face a life without love. The moment Charlie died, my heart it broke in more ways than I can possibly describe and I lost my faith in the world. My hopes of a country chic wedding with a twist of elegance and a beautiful life were dashed. One person, one person’s decision took the wind out of my sails.I only got to love Charlie for a fraction of my life and he, he loved me until the last breath he took.

A part of me believes that he knew that he would only be a dot on my time line. He Gave me his heart, he peeled back the layers, calmed my fears, and with his love he mended the scars. One man took the time to heal my heart and with that he restored my ability to love. Without Charlie I would still be a semi bitter divorcee. A small piece of my heart will always be for that man. Charlie taught me what love was truly like, he loved every inch of my gloriously flawed self. My heart it needed to heal and in my heart of heart’s I know Charlie would want me to fall, to fall the way I fell for him.

I have fallen, fallen for someone who truly gets my cup of tea. Yes me, little old curly haired me has found love. Honestly, it kind of just jumped out of no where and bit me in the ass. I have no doubt that someone above pushed and pushed until I stepped out of my comfort zone and took a chance. Tomorrow is about spending the day with an amazing man. A man whose eyes light up when I walk into a room, who calls me beautiful when I’m a mess, and who tells me “you are the best woman ever.” Jay makes me smile until my cheeks hurt, a feeling that I haven’t felt in years, he makes me laugh until I am in tears, and his loving eyes never leave mine. This, this thing that I have is something I dreamed of and waited for. Something I lost three Valentines ago and now I finally have it back.

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I have this intense desire to make this the best Valentine’s Day ever and I cannot wait to spend the evening with Jay. I bought what I hope is the perfect gift and I have decided to indulge our inner toddler by buying tickets to the MOA’s Sea Life Adventure. Ya know, because in my mind there is nothing better on Valentine’s day than Love, Fish, and watching movies with the muppet like dog.