{Ipsy} March – Destination Beauty

Posted on March 14, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

During the first week of the month Ipsy posts creative sneak peek photos to their Facebook page and Instagram. Each photo is a clue to that month’s theme and products. Unlike BirchBox Ipsy pretty much gives everyone one or two main products in the bags and everything else is left up to chance. This month’s sneak peeks told us that we would be guaranteed a lipstick/lip gloss and an eye shadow palette. Which is awesome, a girl can never have enough eye shadow and lipstick or lip gloss.

This months bag has a very special print. Would you believe that it represents a street map of San Francisco, which happens to be the birth place of Ipsy. The print is an exclusive selection from the artist Klari Ries’ geography based series “Street Anatomy.” How awesome is that! I love the vibrant colors in the print and cannot wait to see more of her work. To find out more about Klari Ries please visit: http://www.klariart.com

Exotic beaches or a simple stay-cation – what beautiful destination is your March Glam Bag getting ready for? The theme for March is “Destination Beauty” which I happen to think fits perfectly for this month. A lot of folks are fleeing the snow and rushing to the sunshine filled beaches. College kids are headed out on what they hope will be an incredible spring break. All while working girls like me are dreaming of warmer weather. Work always gets in the way, but then again my job allows me to pay for my Ipsy bag so I can’t complain too much.

“What did you get in your Destination Beauty Bag?” Oh! I am so glad you asked! Let’s find out!

DESTINATION BEAUTY

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie™ Lipstick: in Get Ready: Creamy, super-saturated, ultra-pigmented color glides on like butter for full coverage in a rich satin finish. Lips look fuller and more voluptuous. An infusion of minerals revitalizes lips for a healthy-looking pout.
——————–> I gave this lipstick a try this morning and I felt that the color was a little dark for my fair complexion. Thou it did go on smooth and the color held up. Which is great in my book.

Nicole by OPI Roughles – color “On What Grounds”: When the lacquer dries, Roughles lacquers reveal a unique pebbled finish. For the perfect matte effect
—————–> This polish is a very pretty color and it is going to need good home. OPI is not a four free company and you all know how I feel about formaldehyde. Pretty, yet oh so not good for you.

Be a Bombshell Bora Bora Eyeshadow Quad: contains a highly pigmented long-lasting formula for all day wear.
—————-> I wore Risky Business today. It went on smooth and the color held up. It looks a bit dark in the palette but once on the lid it was shiny and light. I love this color and will definitely try all of the colors in the quad.

Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer: is loaded with skin loving ingredients. Formula contains powerful anti-aging and skin fortifying benefits. Formula suitable for all skin types.
—————> I was a bit nervous about this one, yet I bit the bullet and gave it a whirl. The primer blends nicely to the skin and leaves your complexion with a dewy glow. Which is all right by me.

The Destination Beauty Bag is by far my favorite bag that I have received from Ipsy. I loved all of my products and I even love the concept of then nail polish, just I am not in love with its chemicals. I assure you it will find a happy home.

Do you want an Ipsy Glam Bag of your very own? Well the, 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***

{Julep Maven} March – The Riviera Collection

Posted on March 13, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

If you have been following my blog for a while, then you know I love getting mail. Specifically subscription boxes. I was never a lover of nail polish, that is until Julep fell into my mailbox. That one little introductory box got me hooked and I have been coming back for more. Julep is an amazing company that is powered by girlfriends. Did you know that Julep donates a percentage of proceeds from the sale of every Julep Nail Color to organizations that empower women. Now that is something to hang your hat on and fork your credit card over for. I love a company that sticks to its roots, empowers women, and gives back to the community. That alone is what sold me on Julep, that and the innovative beauty products.

I get giddy when I come home to my Maven box sitting in my door way or sometimes at the bottom of the stairs. It’s like opening a little present each month. The theme for March was the Riviera Collection, the colors were fit for spring and transported you to a beach on the French Rivera. I don’t know about you, but I could use a beach right about now. Then again I can’t complain we finally had our first 50 degree day here in Minnesota. Which prompted me to yell “Goodbye Winter, and HELLO SPRING!” Yes I get excited for spring and days that are filled with warm sunshine.

So what Did you get in your Riviera Collection Maven Box?” Oh! I am so glad you asked! Let’s find out!

March – The Riviera Collection

Lilou: Lemon chiffon crème
—————–> I am a huge fan of yellow and this polish hit the spot. I am currently wear it on my toes and what can I say I look down and smile when I see my yellow painted toes. It a super fun color for spring.

Monaco: Pantone® 2014 Color of Spring, a dazzling mariner blue crème
——————> This blue reminds me of Paris. I love Pairs, its one of my favorite places on the planet!

Julep Lip Gloss: Fearless- Sheer silvery pink shimmer, with Power Cell Complex™
—————–> What girl wouldn’t want to own a lip gloss called “fearless?” The lip gloss goes on smoothly, it’s not stinky, nor is it sticky. The color is perfect for spring.

Julep Extra: Jillian Candy Company – Stick Candy
—————–> Hello! Flash back to my childhood! I love old-fashioned stick candy. I was instantly transported back to the old-time candy store where you could buy 10 sticks for a dollar. The Cotton Candy Flavor was great and left me digging through the packing material for more. Sadly I only got one in my box. One is not enough for this girl.

My March Maven box was a hit and put me in the mood for spring. I have purchased new dresses, I have yellow toes, and now I am just waiting for flip-flop weather. Bring on the sunshine!

Julep Maven is a $19.99/month monthly nail polish & Beauty box subscription service. Each box features over $40.00 worth of never before released polishes, cutting edge treatments, and a bonus sample sized product. PLUS when you are a Maven you get free shipping and 20% off of all of the products at http://www.julep.com.

Becoming a Maven is easy and each box is put together like a beautiful present. I love being a Julep Maven and I want you to get in on the fun too! Use code “FREEBOX” to get your first box for only $3.99 (Shipping charges).

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

{Freshpet} The Muppet Like Dog Goes Fresh

Posted on March 9, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Have you ever strolled down the pet food isle and wondered “why is there a refrigerated case here?” I know I’ve wondered that. Have you ever peeked inside the case and mumbled to yourself “I am not gonna put dog food in my refrigerator next to my food?” Who on earth would buy dog food that needs to be refrigerated and who would pay that price for such a small bag? These are questions I asked myself as I stood in front of the Freshpet case in the dog food isle at Wal*Mart. Yes, I shop at Wal*Mart, but that is besides the point.

I am a mom to a muppet like dog and I want what is best for him. His heath and life are very important to me. I buy him the best and settle for nothing less. I mean I drove around for hours on end during the big power outage last summer just so my little guy could have air conditioning and hang his head out the window. My dog literally almost goes every where I go. My family treats him like he is a child, my Mama tells people “my grandson has four legs and a tail.’ It’s true Cullen has a tail and four very fury legs. With dog treats on my list I headed down the isle and started to Google Freshpet.

I liked what I was reading and started to see the light, that fresh truly was better. Freshpet is packed with vitamins and proteins. Freshpet meals offer fresh meats, poultry, and vegetables that are from local farms. The Freshpet team gently cooks the meals at lower temperatures, so vital nutrients that go into Freshpet foods actually stay in. As a result, Freshpet is 1/3 less processed than leading dry foods. That’s a winning recipe for pets everywhere.

97% of Freshpet ingredients come from the USA and Canada. Freshpet does their best to source locally whenever possible. No Freshpet ingredients come from China. Wooho! No ingredients from China, that right there is what sold me on Freshpet. I do my best to steer away from all dog food/treat products that are manufactured in China. That big story a few years back about arsenic in dog food and treats manufactured in China still scares me. I love my dog to much to expose him to products from China. (I have nothing against China, they are nice folks, just they make bad products for dogs)

Cullen has been eating fresh pet since July and I cannot begin to describe the difference it has made in his life. The muppet’s fur is shinny, he has more energy, his eyes are brighter and he can’t get enough of Freshpet in his bowl. Its kind of funny when Cullen is hungry he will go and sit in front of the fridge and look up at me with his big brown eyes. He gets so excited when the door opens, he practically eats the food right out of the scoop, and the same goes for the treats. Feeding time has become very entertaining as the muppet like dog gets so excited for Freshpet.

“What Freshpet Products does Cullen like best?” Oh, I am so glad you asked! Let’s find out!

Freshpet Dog Joy Beef Treats: these bite sized treats are made in he USA from all natural beef that is slow cooked to perfection for that BBQ smell.
———————> The muppet like dog loves these things! I finally have him weaned from his beloved Pupperonis and Dog Joy Beef treats have taken there place.

Freshpet Select Roasted Meals With Carrots & Spinach: Made of tender pieces of fresh chicken accented with carrots and spinach.
——————-> The muppet like dog gives Frespet Select Roasted meals four paws. He cannot get enough of this food. When I was feeding him dry dog food it would take him a week to eat a bowl full of food. It would break my heart to always see a full bowl of food. I would often have to throw it away for fear that it had gone stale or something. I no longer have that problem, he literally licks his bowl clean at mealtimes.

Freshpet has a great line of products for all of your dog’s and cat’s nutritional needs. Freshpet has a great website with all of the information and reviews that you need to become a believer. To find out more about Freshpet please head on over to http://m.freshpet.com to find out if Freshpet is right for your four legged friend.

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

{22 Places In 2014} Lake Superior Ice Caves

Posted on March 4, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

I first discovered the Lake Superior Ice Caves in College and have been returning every year the Park Service deems the lake safe enough for people. The caves are a short trip from the University of Wisconsin-Superior campus and there were always people headed to the caves. During the winter season, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers a popular attraction in the dazzling shoreline ice caves at Mawikwe Bay along the mainland. The winter adventure of seeing the beauty of the ice caves will take your breath away. Lakeshore cliffs along Lake Superior form crimson red borders to create an arctic landscape. Pillars of ice extend to the cliff tops where waterfalls have hardened in place. Frozen Lake Superior water encrusts the base of the cliffs.

2014 is the first time the caves have been open in five years. The National Park Service credits social media for increasing the numbers of visitors to the caves. In on weekend close to 30,000 people made the 1.5 mile trek across frozen Lake Superior to view the spectacle of snow and ice. One must bundle up if they deem themselves brave, walking on the frozen lake is no easy task. I would recommend ski poles to help stabilize your steps and super warm boots to keep your feet happy.

This year I made the trek with my Mama and Pete. We set out on a 5 hour drive to the frozen north shore, with each mile my anticipation grew and my excitement had become contagious. I was mainly building myself up for one of the coldest walks I’d ever take, -2 degrees is something to take seriously. This is skin freezing weather and well I want to keep all of my skin.

The most common way to get to the Lake Superior ice caves is to hike out to them from Meyers Beach Road, which is well-marked on the Bayfield Peninsula’s Highway 13. Park your vehicle and hike approximately one mile east to the ice caves. This was the first year that I have ever seen a shuttle service to the caves. My parents and I parked in Cornocopia and took a bus to Meyers beach. From there we walked down the road, through the bustling parking lot, down the steps, and on to the frozen lake. I looked at my Dad and said “Hey Pete! Look I’m like Jesus, I’m walking on water!” My Dad cracked a smile and we set out towards the caves.

Although each year hundreds of visitors trek out to experience the fantasy, hikers are warned that conditions can be dangerous and appropriate hiking boots are needed as the ice can be slippery and bumpy with snow cracks and ice and snow mounds. There have been years where people go out, only to never be seen again. Lake Superior keeps her dead and her power should never be underestimated or challenged.

If you find yourself with wanderlust I highly recommend that you act on it and take a trip to the caves. Your face will freeze, you will be in awe, you will get tired, and curse a few times, yet you will not regret that you did.

{Honest Company} Essential Bundle 2.0

Posted on March 4, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

There are a lot of people who are going chemically free because they think it is the “in thing.” chemically free is a lifestyle choice not a fad. It is something that makes you aware of what you are putting into your body and brining into your home. I find myself reading product labels more, connecting with local artisans/farms, and my body benefits. I started going chemical free after I had my pulmonary embolism in 2009. My PE made me reevaluate what I was putting into my body. The FDA claims the NuvaRing is safe, thou 3800 women will tell you that it’s not. I started to wonder “if my birth control is capable of killing me, what else is deadly and what can I do to get rid of it?” Right then and there I pulled out my soap box and started my chemically free journey.

Enter in amazing companies like Ms. Meyer, Method, J.R. Watkins, Lush, Sabon, and my recent favorite The Honest Company. I hands down love The Honest Company and their amazing product line. All of the honest products come in cute packaging and smell like heaven. Best of all each product is free of the witches brew better known as formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is terrible terrible shit that is in a lot of cleaning and body care products. It’s even sprayed on clothes to reduce wrinkles in shipping. Formaldehyde has been linked to birth defects, cancer, and a whole crazy ton of health problems. It’s for a corpse not a living breathing human.
Honestly FREE guarantee:We believe the products people use should be safe and non-toxic (surprisingly, many companies don’t!) — not filled with questionable, risky, untested, or harsh ingredients. We also believe it’s better to be safe than sorry when deciding what goes in our products and we’re vigilant about the latest science regarding chemicals and health to ensure we’re being mind fully cautious.

Based on these beliefs, we created our Honestly FREE Guarantee — a core commitment we make to you and your children. And, it’s another way for us to be Honest — educating, empowering and inspiring people to make better choices for their health & families. Providing clear, credible, transparent information. No smoke and mirrors. No confusion.

Now that is something you can hang your hat on.

“What did I get in my Honest Co. Essential Bundle?” OH! I am so glad you asked! Let’s find out!

Honest Bathroom Cleaner:Easily eliminate soap scum, rust, hard water stains, & other pesky nasties with our non-toxic bathroom grime fighter. Natural tea tree oil actually prevents build-up!
—————-> I am willing to admit that I totally look forward to cleaning my bathroom now. The cleaner smells amazing, it cuts through dried on tooth paste, and tells soap scum to hit the curb. Hello, super honestly clean bathroom!

Honest Floor Cleaner: Powerful, natural 4-in-1 formula for all your floor care needs. Designed to safely break down grease, food, bacteria & dirt – will not damage wax or other protective coatings.
—————-> I used to use harsh cleaners on my floor. That is until one day I spied the muppet like dog strolling on my wet floors and then saw him licking his paws. Paws that were full of chemically laced floor cleaner. That can’t be good for my little guy so I switched to organic cleaners. Non of impressed me as much as the Honest Floor cleaner, it cut through dirt like a hot knife on butter. Did I mention it smells like rosemary and sage? Oh it does, it does my friend, and I love it!

Honest Face + Body Lotion: is an Organic olive, shea, jojoba & safflower oils hydrate & restore skin’s natural moisture balance.
——————> This lotion is awesome! It is light and not greasy. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.

Honest Bubble Bath: Ideal for the daily bath routine – will NOT dry, irritate, or cause tears. A light, refreshing tangerine scent gently calms and relaxes you.
—————> I love a good tub over flowing with bubbles. I love good smelling bubbles even more and this fits the bill perfectly. You only need a little bit to get a tub full of bubbly fun.

Honest Dish Towels:Towels are 100% organic cotton, extra soft & absorbent.
——————-> They are dish towels and they do exactly what a dish towel is meant to do, dry my dishes.

Honest Liquid Laundry Detergent: Naturally clean stubborn stains & life’s unexpected messes without toxic chemicals or synthetic scents. Perfect for babies & sensitive skin and ALL your laundry needs.
————————–> I used the laundry detergent for the first time this weekend and all I have to say is “Wow!” I never knew my clothes could be this clean. It literally cleaned stains from hand towels that have been set in for months. So long Tide, Hello Honest Co.

Honest Oxy Boost Pods: The extra BOOST for your in-wash cleaning — naturally-derived ingredients use oxygen for destaining & deodorizing — attacking & breaking down stains, grease, and dirt.
————————> I loved that the pods dissolved quickly in the water and that they did not leave a powdery residue on my clothes. My clothes were visibly brighter. I used the pods in conjunction with the liquid laundry detergent. In my mind they are a perfect pair and should be in everyone’s laundry routine.

Honest Wet Dryer Cloths: the eco-friendly “WET” Dryer Cloths naturally infuse plant-based softeners directly into fabrics as they dry. Enjoy soft, static-free laundry without toxic scents!
———————–> What got me hooked was the fact that you can get two uses out of each cloth. Two uses folks, how cool is that. Out of a 32 cloth pack you get 64 loads of laundry. That is something to smile at. The cloths left my sheets feeling super soft. I loved the fact that when I reached into the dryer I was not greeted with an over baring perfume smell. Instead I just got really clean laundry.

I loved every product I got in my essential bundle and I am now an Honest Company fan girl for life. I can’t wait to try more products in the Honest Company Line. My goal is to try every single one, even if it means I have to borrow my niece.

Do you want to take a leap to the green side? I know you do! To get an essential bundle of your very own and to find out more about this great company please visit: http://www.honest.com

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

{Ipsy} The Look of Love – February 2014

Posted on March 4, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

I am in love with Ipsy not only do they provide amazing products, they also have incredible customer service. When I first received my glam bag I realized that something wasn’t right. My previous two packages did not come wrapped in packing tape, nor did the label appear torn. I cut through about a yard of tape only to reveal that my glam bag had been compromised. Someone enjoyed it. I knew something was wrong when my package spent a week at the DHL facility outside of Chicago. I just didn’t want to think the worse so I blamed I on the polar vortex.

The polar vortex was not at fault, a human was at fault. Someone had opened my package, tried the lip gloss, nail polish, eye shadow, and BB cream. They enjoyed it so much that they put the used items back into the bag, they didn’t even bother zipping it and stuck it back in the bright pink envelope. My heart sank when I saw my bag and then I proceeded to disinfect everything in my apartment including me. I am a germaphobe and this just put me over the edge.

Like I said Ipsy has incredible customer service, I sent an email explaining the situation and they called me the next day to tell me that a new bag was on its way. The rep apologized repeatedly and stated that Ipsy will be re-evaluating its partnership with DHL. I am not the first lady that this has happened to. Its highly disappointing when you are excited for your package and find out that someone enjoyed it before you. Ipsy righted the wrong even thou it was at no fault of their own and for that I am very thankful.

So What did I get in my Look Of Love Glam Bag? “Oh! I am so glad you asked, let’s find out!”

POP Beauty – Plump Pout Mini in peony petal:This plumping pout perfector combines the high-shine of a lacquered gloss with the long wear of a stain and is packed full of lip-plumping peptides and avocado and jojoba oils.
———————————> I hands down love the color I received. It is a great color for spring. I did not notice any real plumping action going on with my lips, then again I have full lips to begin with. It kept my lips moist for hours and the color held up.

Zoya Nail polish in Dot:full of pure pigment, intense color and modern complexity that are a perfect transition into Spring.
—————————-> The pink is really pretty and again I think it is a great spring color. I am currently sporting Julep’s Glamrock on my toes and one that chips I am going to give Dot a try.

City Color Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon:this silky-smooth, highly pigmented matte blush compliments and blends evenly with your skin’s natural glow.
—————————–> I am not a blush kind of girl, so this one I going into my give away pile. I am certain it will find a good home.

Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow + Base In One in Ambrosia:Say goodbye to creasing and fading with Eyetini Eye Cordial Shadow Tint & Base. Eye Cordial’s revolutionary formula glides on beguiling creamy color and sets to a transfer-resistant finish that doubles as a wear-extending base under powder shadow.
————————–> We all know I am a self admitted eyeshade whore and this one is right up my alley. I love the shade and it stood up to my busy dog mom on the go lifestyle. It has been added to my eyeshadow rotation.

IPKN NY Moist & Firm BB is a moisture gel matrix with rich hydration and nutrition that effectively moisturizes skin.
—————————> I have yet to try this product. I am not a huge fan of BB creams, however they do work in a pinch and fit nicely in a carryon.

The Look of Love glam bag was pretty darn awesome, despite the set back earlier in the month. I am so glad I opted for a replacement bag instead of an account credit.

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

{Collateral Damage} Merck Settles for $100million in NuvaRing Injury Case

Posted on February 21, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Last night when I got home from work I pulled a large white envelope out of my mailbox. I didn’t give it much thought, I let the muppet like dog out to pee, and when we came in I tossed the envelope on the table. I went about my routine, bracelet in the clam shell, sweats replaced my dress pants, and I fed the dog. Mundane I know, yet as I kneelt down to grab the muppet’s bowel the large envelope caught my eye.

It’s a logo that I’ve seen dozens of times, normally it rested on smaller envelopes, never a large one. I quickly dumped food in the muppet’s bowel and grabbed the envelope. I ripped it open and read “After more than five years of hard-fought and difficult litigation, Merck/Organon USA Inc. has agreed to a Settlement Program to resolve the NuvaRing claims. I read that sentence a dozen times, it didn’t sink in, so I took to Google. The NY Times, The Huffington Post, and so many other media outlets validated what my letter said. I needed validation even thou the settlement was laid out in black and white before me, I needed someone else to tell me that I wasn’t dreaming.

To be honest I never thought I would see this day. I never thought Merck would ever come to the table. Yet they have, Merck, maker of the NuvaRing, says it will pay out $100 million to settle thousands of liability lawsuits from women who say they were harmed by using the product. The settlement was offered to about 3,800 women who have filed lawsuits in federal and state courts. In a statement Friday, the company said: “We stand behind the research that supported the approval of NuvaRing, and our continued work to monitor the safety of the medicine.” The above statement falls on deaf ears, I am 1 out of 3,800 I will go to my grave claiming that the NuvaRing turned my world upside down and injured me. I know in my heart that the NuvaRing is bad news bears, however in the eyes of Merck I am just a casualty, I am the collateral damage they planned for, and I will be nothing more to them.

Tears are still falling even as I write this. Sure I am angry just like everyone else, however I know it makes no sense to beat a dead horse. We wore the white hat, we fought the good fight, yet in the end it wasn’t enough. $100 million seems like pennies compared to the amount Merck’s pockets hold. However this is the only offer and if 95% of women do not opt in, we risk losing it all. I never went into this to become rich, I wanted to stand up for myself and to prevent other women from enduring my fate.

I never had a number in mind, because Merck can never give me back what I want. No one has the power to turn back time and undo the wrongs. Then again on the same coin, I wouldn’t trade what happened to me. The NuvaRing was my sling shot, in a moment of sheer disaster my passion was born. I could have been just another cup of ashes in an urn, instead of an urn I got to see my 27th themed Halloween birthday cake. Almost dying 5 days before your birthday changes your perspective.

Merck brought the NuvaRing into my life, I chose to use it, but I did not chose to have it almost kill me. In all honesty I had no idea that the NuvaRing could cause thrombotic events. Hell I didn’t even know what a pulmonary embolism was until the exact moment I was diagnosed. In that moment my life was changed forever, I lost my sense of youth and was thrown in to survival mode. It looked bleak, my clot sat in a shitty spot and my lungs were dying, yet I pulled through. Because that is what I do. I operate best in a crisis, mainly because I just keep on keeping on and throw caution to the wind.

My lung has healed, my heart is strong, yet I am empty inside. Empty because of complications due to my pulmonary embolism I can never have children. To be honest I went on the NuvaRing in an attempt to regulate my cycle in hopes to get my hormones in order so that I could become pregnant. A lot of my friends went on it, they got babies and I got a blood clot. I got the shitty hand while they were dealt the motherhood card. I can never be on hormonal contraceptives or under go fertility treatments because I now have an increased risk of blood clots. If by the grace of God I were somehow able to conceive I would need to be put on blood thinners as soon as possible. This in its self is a risky decision, because I run the chance of giving birth to a child who is anticoagulant dependent. Like I said the risks are far to great and at the end of the day I must play the cards I have.

I want more than anything to have a child of my own. Merck will never be able to restore my ability to have children, they will never be able to make me whole. My heart aches when I hold a new born, I feel that tug, yet I know it was never meant to be. The NuvaRing crushed my dreams, I will never know what its like to carry a child and I will never get to hold a baby of my own. This, this is something Merck cannot put a price tag on. They just chalk it up to collateral damage and promise to monitor the product.

In there eyes I am nothing more than collateral damage, my quality of life means nothing to them, my struggles are mine and mine alone. The only thing they care about are the profits that the NuvaRing rakes in, so what if it damages a woman and crushes her dreams of motherhood. For every victim there is another woman to take her place in the pharmacy line.

If you would like to read more about the NuvaRing Settlement Please visit the following:

Birth Control And Blood Clots: Women Still Weighing The Risks http://n.pr/1dvY3OZ

Federal judge in St. Louis endorses $100 million settlement offer for NuvaRing cases : Business http://bit.ly/1h71yk2

Merck To Pay $100 Million In NuvaRing Settlement http://huff.to/1g2BAxr

Merck to pay $100 million in NuvaRing contraceptive settlement http://reut.rs/1jkdWAn

{BirchBox} Step and Repeat – February 2014

Posted on February 16, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

For February’s box BirchBox teamed up with the editors at US Weekly to bring us a red carpet worthy box. Filled with great finds and innovative beauty products perfect for the stars.

My box included everything (well almost everything) I needed to perfect my own red carpet ready look. Ever since my chat with BirchBox customer service the products in my boxes have greatly improved. Sadly thou the sizes not so much. One of the biggest complaints across the blogosphere is that the products this month were small (as in really small), I have to agree with the masses. The samples were very small this month and if all goes well I will be able to squeeze out one use of everything I received this month. Besides the small factor, I am pretty darn pleased with everything I received this month.

“I am super excited to share the fun I unboxed this month!”

Step and Repeat:

Beauty Protector – Protect & Oil: this hair oil defends against UV rays, heat and breakage

COOLA: Mineral-based tinted moisturizer

Ruby Wing – color changing nail polish: in Kitten Heel

Smashbox Cosmetics – Full Exposure Mascara: Hybrid fiber formula tat expertly lengthens, volumizes, and curls sans clumps or flakes.

LIFESTYLE EXTRA: Smashbox Cosmetics – Full Exposure Palette: a range of versatile hues. *Note: one does not actually receive the palette, you receive a card with a dab of the shadows on it. It is most likely only good for one use of each color.*

All in all BirchBox put together a pretty great box for me this month an I cannot wait to see what March’s box will contain.

Birch Box is a beauty and lifestyle subscription box program that costs $10.00 per month. For every box ordered or every $10 spent in their shop you can earn 10 points. 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 Maven} The Dramatic Collection – February 2014

Posted on February 16, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Julep has quickly become one of my favorite companies and every month I find myself stocking their Facebook page for sneak peeks. The February Maven Box sneak peek did not disappoint, it literally sent me over the moon and made my little heart pitter-patter. Each month Julep puts together a collection of their newest polish colors, along with innovative beauty and skin/hair care products. February’s beauty product was the new Julep Eye Sheen, a liquid eye shadow that comes in four colors.

What made the February box special was the fact that you got to pick the color of your eye shadow that came in your box. The polish colors were set in stone by style profile, if you didn’t like what was in your box, you could pick a different one and then chose your shadow color. I decided to leave the modern beauty box behind and went for a classic with a twist box. Mainly because they Modern Beauty box contained a liquid eyeliner, I’d never use it, I don’t do eyeliner. However I do like pretty polish on my toes and what can I say “I am an eye shadow whore.” It’s true I am.

So what did I in my February Julep Maven box?” Oh I am so glad you asked! Let’s find out!

The Dramatic Collection

Julep Eye Sheen – in Dusty Taupe: This gorgeous liquid eyeshadow glides on easily and sets to a satin finish that stays put all day.

Greta – Loganberry multidimensional microglitter

Octavia – Smoky indigo crème

Everyone’s February Maven box included a gift from Jane the companies founder. Which was Love – a full-coverage gold, pearl & fuchsia micro glitter.

This month I decided to cash in some of my Jules. Jules are points that you earn for taking your monthly box and for making purchases on Julep.com. You can use your Jules to purchase additional add on items for your box or if you get 2,000 Jules you can get a free maven box. I’ve yet to reach 2,000 Jules, mainly because I always cash them in for an extra nail polish or other item that I want. I decided to add on Glam Roc a midnight purple & gold stardust polish.

All in all February’s box was awesome and I got a new eye shadow to add to my collection.

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

{Hearts on 22} Why I Go RED

Posted on February 7, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Left: 2009 / Right 2013 Looking back and celebrating 4 years of Survival

On October 14, 2009 I had my annual check up and birth control renewal appointment. My Doctor asked me if I had any concerns. I said yes. “Yes I do, I have this incredible pain in my leg and it won’t go away. My leg is deep red in spots and I am having head aches.” The doctor said and I quote “oh you just need to exercise and drink more water. You will be fine.”

October 22, 2009, 7:00am I was driving through rush hour traffic when my chest started hurting. At first it was just annoying and I thought “oh I will just take some Tylenol when I get to work. It’s nothing.” The pain kept on getting worse and worse, my heart started racing, at this point I could barely breath. Again I though “I will make it to work, take Tylenol and I will be fine.” I kept on driving. My situation wasn’t improving, my arms were starting to feel numb, I was becoming light headed. I thought to my self “should I call my mom. No, don’t do that she will panic. Should I pull over and dial 911? No, don’t do that you don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road. Oh look Lexington parkway. Take the exit.”

I did take that exit and somehow by the grace of God I drove myself to the hospital in Woodbury. The last thing I remember is seeing the security guard hold out his arm and I collapsed. I woke up to a nurse telling me “I can either cut your clothes off or you can help me take them off.” The staff had all ready hooked me up to monitors and an EKG machine.

The doctor came in and said “well we know you are not having a heart attack but something is wrong. I think you might have an infection in your lung. Well take an X-ray and get you some meds and you will be out of here in no time.” Ok I said. Then he stopped turned around and said “are you on birth control.” Yes I said. He ordered more tests.

My heart had been in sinus tachycardia for over an hour, my oxygen level was below 40 and I was fading fast. The D-dime test came back positive and a CT scan was done. A blood clot the size of a 10 cent gum ball was blocking the main valve to my heart and my body was being starved of oxygen. Within minutes of this discovery, I had a stroke.

The ER staff was kicked into high gear and the life saving efforts began. Clot busters were injected, they gave me the highest possible dose of Heprin, and my life was saved.

But what gets me is this “this all could have been prevented if my OBGYN had truly listened to me, she could have ordered the d-dime test and the clot would have been found and it would never have traveled to my lungs.” I almost died 5 days before my 27th birthday. I got the best gift in 2009 and that was my life.

So please listen to your heart and mostly your gut. If something doesn’t feel right keep on pushing until you find the one doctor who will listen to you. Don’t end up like me, I learned the hard way. Now I never take a doctors word at face value and I ask questions.

One moment changed everything, I was robbed of my youth and now I am going RED because no woman deserves to fight alone.

Have Bear Will Travel

She had to break, so I could shine

{Ipsy} March – Destination Beauty

{Julep Maven} March – The Riviera Collection

{Freshpet} The Muppet Like Dog Goes Fresh

{22 Places In 2014} Lake Superior Ice Caves

{Honest Company} Essential Bundle 2.0

{Ipsy} The Look of Love – February 2014

{Collateral Damage} Merck Settles for $100million in NuvaRing Injury Case

{BirchBox} Step and Repeat – February 2014

{Julep Maven} The Dramatic Collection – February 2014

{Hearts on 22} Why I Go RED