{BirchBox} Decked Out – December 2014

Posted on December 22, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Decked Out – December 2014

“With apologies to Scrooge, we find it hard to feel anything but buoyant this time of year. There’s the anticipation of a pile of brightly wrapped presents, the glow of a family gathering, and of course the fizz of excitement before a big soiree.”

I love this time of year. Everyone is a little kinder to one another and the element of surprise is constantly hanging in the air. I have a pile of carefully wrapped presents under and around my tree, I cannot wait for my family to open them. On Saturday the boyfriend and I had our very first early Christmas, there is nothing like new love to make the holidays bright. He definitely put the sparkle in my holiday with a gorgeous necklace and matching earrings. I am one lucky girl.

My Birchbox was definitely a surprise this month as I did not get my sample choice item. My choice was not recorded on their website, however a few calls and a bunch of emails later the Manna Kadar Lip Stain was sent out separately from my box. I tried it this morning and I love the color and the texture, the stain is more gloss like than stain. I loved it and will be ordering the full-sized version soon. Now on to my actual December box.

“Hey! What did you get in your BirchBox this month?!”

Decked Out – December 2014

amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo: Weightless spray in the brands signature obilphica scent that refreshes hair sans residue.
—————————> I have never been a fan of dry shampoos until now, this this smells amazing and it did not leave any white residue in my curls. I will definitely be buying the full-sized version.

Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm: tinted cream brightens, blocks UV rays, and calms blemish prone skin.
————————> I really liked this product, the BB cream covers like a foundation and it was very light and not greasy. This is going to be my new weekend beauty routine go to.

Mirenesse – Mattfinity Lip Rouge in Sydney: velvety color with a modern matte finish. No need for lip liner, this stain stays put.
————————> OMG this color is really really bright and it is going into the gift pile. If I wore this people would think I was a clown, plus it seems kind of gunky in its container.

SeaRX Anti-wrinkle Facial Lift Treatment Serum: with dead sea minerals and potent hydrators, this formula fights wrinkles and fine lines.

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream: all over hydrator heals and softens everything from rough heels to chapped lips.

BONUS! GET YOUR BONUS! BONUS!: Miss Jessie’s® Original Jelly Soft Curls – Wheat proteins condition hair for soft, shiny curls, and the lightweight formula provides lasting definition without leaving any residue or stickiness behind.

My Decked Out box was pretty great. Some of the samples were super tiny thou, but hey its BirchBox so that can be expected from time to time. I hope all of you enjoy your December Box and have a very merry holiday!

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***

{Ipsy} Thinking of You – December 2014

Posted on December 21, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Thinking of You – December 2014

Our happy thoughts are filled with YOU this month. Thank you for a 2014 full of beauty, wisdom, and inspiration. You’ve given us so many reasons to smile and look forward to another amazing year ahead.

Wow its hard to believe that this is the last Glam Bag of 2014. It also means I have received an entire year of beauty filled Ipsy bags. Through out the year I have been able to try a lot of really great products and sample a few duds too. Thanks to Ipsy I now have a ton of must have go to products that I cannot live without.

“Hey Girl! Like what did you get in your Glam Bag?” Like whoa, lets unzip it and find out!

Thinking of You – December 2014

Coolway’s Boost Repair™: Treatment provides a powerful boost of ionized amino acids and botanical extracts to eliminate damage caused by harsh chemicals and high heat tools.

Nourish Organic Renewing Eye Cream: provides rich hydration to the delicate skin around the eyes. This powerful product will leave your eyes looking brighter, smoother and younger looking.

NYX Cosmetics – Butter Lip Balm in Toasted Marshmallow: This Buttery Lip Balm is addictively soft and scrumptious and perfect for adding a subtle hint of color for a naturally flirtatious pout.

Pixi by Petra Fairy Dust: Elevate & transform your eye in a few fairy seconds with this glimmering dust. Loose pigments add a lit-up high shine finish to lids, reminding you what wishes are truly made of!

tarte deluxe lights, camera, lashes™ 4-in-1 mascara: Like a pushup bra for your lashes, tarte’s best-selling mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes and conditions to deliver a 330% increase in lash volume instantly. The high-performance formula is also infused with naturally-derived olive esters to help nourish and protect lashes.

This month every subscriber was guaranteed a NYX Butter Lip Balm and tarte mascara sample in their glam bag. This was a very nice touch from Ipsy and it left the other three samples up to fate. I really liked December’s bag and I cannot wait to see what the next twelve bags will hold.

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***

{ Target®} Natural Beauty Box – Winter 2014

Posted on December 21, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Target Natural Beauty Box

This purely-gorgeous beauty box goes out to all the natural beauties. Valued at up to $25, this handpicked set of good-for-you skin beautifiers will help keep you fresh-faced all winter long, without the synthetics. This cold-quenching, limited-edition collection also makes for the perfect gift for girls on the glow – no wrapping required.

Early Cyber Monday the interwebs were a buzz that Target had released not one, not two, but three new beauty boxes. As you know I love all things Target and organic/natural brands. So it was a happy coincidence that Target had a natural beauty box. The $5.00 box was a $25.00 value and I snapped it up as soon a I could. It took about two weeks for it to get to me, they ship slow for some reason.

“What did you get in your Target Beauty Box?” Oh! I am so glad you asked, let’s find out!

Target® Natural – Beauty Box

SoapBox Argan Shampoo – Packed with precious Moroccan Argan oil, this natural wonder restores hair’s vibrant shine. Target Exclusive.

Skinfix Hand Repair Cream – Infused with oatmeal, botanicals and emollient oils, this intensive moisturizer soothes and protects crabby skin. Target Exclusive.
———————–> This hand cream is now going to be my go to winter cream. I love how it soaks in quickly and leaves my hands feeling soft all day.

Burt’s Bees Facial Wipes – Self-pamper on the go with vitamin-rich white tea, calming cucumber and soothing aloe wipes that clean and tone without rinsing. Full size.
———————-> One can never have enough face cleaning wipes and Burt’s Bees is a great brand. Bonus the product is full-sized.

SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Smoothie – Empower curls with this lush conditioning cream that restores moisture, fights breakage and adds brilliant shine.

Borghese Age Defying Facial Scrub – Restore radiant glow with a clarifying scrub that refines texture and tone. Target Exclusive.
———————–> The scrub is gentle on my skin, it leaves it so soft and smooth. I will be buying this as soon as my sample runs out. Bonus, the scent is amazing.

Acure Organics Facial Cleanser – Sea kelp gently exfoliates, French green clay and lemon peel purifies, and organic Chlorella help stimulate new cell growth for a truly day-brightening experience.
————————> Love this brand! I got this in a BirchBox a while back and I am now super excited to see that Target will be carrying the Acure line!.

This is a really great collection of products and it was totally worth the $5.00 I paid for it. The Natural Beauty Box is still available on Target.com, visit http://www.target.com/p/target-beauty-box-naturals-25-value/-/A-16648862 to get your very own box.

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

{BirchBox} Giving – November 2014

Posted on November 26, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

This month isn’t just about pumpkin pie and gifting, though we support both traditions. It’s also about giving back and giving thanks—whether that’s joining us in raising money and awareness to help fight AIDS with (RED), or being grateful for life’s delights, big and small.

My Facebook feed has been flooded with “thirty days of gratitude” posts and photos. I never take part in such things because I wake each day with a thankful surviving heart. I believe in saying thank you on a regular basis to those who have touched my life, saved it, and continue to stand by my side. November is just one month out of twelve and Thanks Giving is just one day out of 365. Give back each day and karma will reward you. Say thanks more times than you can count and you will be a humble soul.

Humble souls love choices and Birchbox gives me the ability to chose one of my samples every month. I have been in a ten year long love affair with the UK and jump at the chance of trying a British brand. One of the samples you could chose from was from Royal Apothic. I was lucky enough to nab one before they ran out. One gets to chose their sample around the 25th of each month and then the waiting begins. Your box doesn’t show up until the 15th of the next month. That’s a long time to wait, I bide my time and stalk the crap out of my tracking code until the box magically shows up on my doorstep.

“Hey! What did you get in your BirchBox this month?!”

amika – Nourishing Mask: Paraben-free treatment that conditions and repairs with superfruit sea buckthorn berry
—————————-> I have no idea what a sea buckthorn berry is, but this this is the stuff folks. It smells amazing and made my curly hair super soft. Best part it didn’t weight my curls down, instead it was nice and light.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty – Creamy lip stain in Heartthrob: a long wearing lip stain that gives moisture and unbeatable shine
————————–> Truth: “I really want to try this product. The color is so pretty. However the package is really tiny and I can’t get the fucking safety plastic seal thingy off! I’ve tried and failed numerous times. We’ve had words with each other and it still will not come off!”

Gilchrist & Soames – Spa Therapy Body Lotion: antioxidant rich moisturizer that smooths and softens with botanical like grape seed
——————————-> I took one whiff of this and it reminded me of a Grandma so naturally I gave it to my Mama. She is a Grandma after all and she actually loved the scent and texture of the lotion.

Royal Apothic – Cuppa Cuppa Firming Tea Treatment Mask: made with antioxidant rich tea this mask firms and brightens the skin in just eight minutes.
—————————> You know you want to, come on now say “Cuppa Cuppa” out loud. Its fun and makes me giggle every time. This is the British Brand that I was excited to see in the sample choice options this month. I love the smell of this mask and bonus it does a dandy little job on my skin in just eight minutes flat. I will definitely be ordering the full-sized product when my sample runs out.

theBalm – Cindy-Lou Manizer” this shimmery, soft pink highlighter perks up your features with a natural looking glow
———————————–> OMG you all ready know I have made love for theBalm and I was excited to get another theBalm sample in my box. This sample is super cute and I love that the highlighter doubles as a shimmer eye shadow. Come on now the product name is just plain gosh darn fun!

****BONUS****
Dang Coconut Chips
—–> what can I say they are dried pieces of coconut and they are very tasty.

This months box was pretty darn great and I have used almost every sample. Well except for the lip stain, we are still fighting and my Mama she put the lotion to good use.

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

{IPSY} Girl Meets Glitter

Posted on November 14, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Why wait for festive fetes and fancy galas to take things up a sparkle or two? Just add glitter, or a generous pinch of shimmer and shine, to elevate your everyday routine and keep you looking and feeling brilliant. That’s why we packed this month’s Glam Bag with everything you need to leave a little sparkle wherever YOU go. Get ready for your daily grind to “glittery” dazzle and daze this November!

Holy buckets can you believe that its Gala season all ready? I’ve got a mountain of invites to holiday parties and charity galas. I’ve got one under my belt and 7 more to attend between now and Christmas. I love this time of year, people go all out and bring on the sparkle. Whether it be a glittery belt or a blinged out ring, sparkles land front and center during the holidays. My tree is filled with sparkly glittery ornaments, it makes me smile every time I look at it. So I was dazzled the moment November’s theme was revealed, bring on the glitz, the glam, and the fucking glitter!

“Hey Girl! Like what did you get in your Girl Meets Glitter Glam Bag?” Like whoa, lets unzip it and find out!

Girl Meets Glitter – November 2014

SeaRx Skincare – Birch Sap Moisturizing Lotion: It delivers minerals, oligoelements, and sugars combined with birch sap to smooth and strengthen skin while providing long lasting moisturizing effects. It helps to maintain a healthy glow while providing a degree of protection from sunlight.

Be A Bombshell Cosmetics Eye Base in Submissive: This eye base is a highly pigmented, long-lasting product that can be used as a single cream color or used as an eye base to build color.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye®: This multipurpose concealer improves the appearance of wrinkles and effectively conceals the appearance of skin imperfections including dark circles, bags, redness, hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries, age spots and discoloration.

Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Volume Shine Hairspray: Get extra volume, shine and hold with this dual purpose hairspray; nourishing and styling in one! This argan oil, keratin and grape seed oil infused hairspray gives you strong and flexible hold plus deep nourishment, strengthening and conditioning as you style.

Starlooks Lip Gloss: Starlooks Lip Glosses are created with a truly moisturizing, luxury, non-sticky formula. This neutral-rose, yet glamorous shade provides the perfect glisten for any lip look and complements any skin tone!

Ipsy had a lot of great products this month, its just I didn’t get any of them. I was sort of hoping to get the GlamGlow, however the ipsy gods gave me a bag full of meh. The only thing that got me excited was the actually glittery makeup bag. Sometimes you love everything and other months you just go with it. Most of the products I received will be going in my gift pile, I am going to give the hair spray a whirl and that’s about it.

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

{Ipsy} Beauty Candy – October 2014

Posted on October 25, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

This month, we’re whipping up the most delicious beauty confections for you in your October “Beauty Candy” Glam Bag. You’ll find both beauty tricks and beauty treats all month long, with colorful and eye-catching eye-candy that you can see and sample!

Beauty Candy! Did someone say beauty candy? Beauty candy is the best kind of candy. Duh, its calorie free and it doesn’t stick to your waistline.

What did you get in your Beauty Candy Glam Bag?

City Color – Be Matte Lipstick: Its rich formula is highly pigmented and enhanced with Vitamin E to nourish your lips and provide long-lasting color.

Doll 10 Beauty – H2Glo Highlighter: eatures a lightweight cream formula that glides on easily and blends beautifully to help you achieve a truly dewy complexion.

Figs & Rouge Hand Cream in Mango Mandarin: Shea Butter Enriched Limited Edition Hand Creams are deliciously fragrant & indulgent. These delectable creams soften, nourish & thoroughly pamper hands throughout the day, quickly absorbing to provide super-soft skin.

Modelco VOLUMEYES Extreme Black Mascara: The intensely black, volumizing mascara separates, coats and curls each lash to voluptuous perfection.

Skyn Iceland Mini Glacial Cleansing Cloths: these on-the-go foaming cloths are the ultimate skin savior. Infused with Icelandic glacial waters and beneficial natural extracts, they sweep away makeup, dirt, oil and other impurities while refreshing and soothing stressed skin.

I am not to impressed with this months bag. The only products I have been using are the hand cream and the mascara. Everything else has been tossed into my giveaway box.

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

{BirchBox} FANFARE – October 2014

Posted on October 25, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Forget we ever said couch potato was a dirty word. This is the best time of year to settle in for some quality viewing, reading, or listening. Whether you’re excited about blockbuster season, geeking out about fall TV premieres, or searching for a new soundtrack, everyone has a fan in them.

Hello October! Did I ever mention that I have a deep love for the month of October and fall. The air changes from warm to crisp, bright colors replace green leaves, and I grow older with each passing year. October is my birthday month and it is also my survivor anniversary month. October is about celebration, celebrating life, my friends, my family, and Halloween!

Speaking of treats BirchBox once again allowed subscribers to pick a sample. I absolutely love sample choice and I eagerly waited for the email. This month I chose the Mally High Shine Liquid Lipstick in Pedal to the Metal and everything else was left up to chance.

“Hey! What did you get in your BirchBox this month?!”

Fanfare – October 2014

dr. Brandt – Pores no more vacuum cleaner: award-winning gel that degunks pores for fewer blackheads and smooth skin.
————————–> This product is perfect for the month of October. Why, because it plays a trick on you. When you first apply the gel it goes on opaque and when it is done working it turns a bluish hue. How cool is that? A product that actually tells you that its done. I used this the first night I got my box and it left my skin feeling so soft and smooth.

Essentiel Elements – Wake Up Rosemary Shower Gel: infuses skin with nourishing honey and softening rosemary and mint oils.
————————> The body wash smells very herby and to me the scent is more suited for someone of the male variety. I will be putting this little bottle of manly smelling goodness in my gift pile.

Harvey Prince – Petaly Noir: lush floral scent that evokes a midnight stroll among blossoming orchids.

Mally – High Shine Liquid Lipstick in Pedal to the Metal: the ultra shiny formula acts as a lip gloss, lip primer, and line all in one.
———————————> This was my sample choice for the month of October. I full on thought that I would receive a sample sized liquid lipstick in my box. My oh my was I surprised when I lifted the lid to find the full-sized Mally in my box. The Mally is worth $20.00 which is double the value of my box. I am in love with the color of this lipstick. You can use a little or a lot, build up the color, and best of all its not sticky.

ModelCo – Powerlash High impact Black Mascara: with a unique brush this Australian brand’s mascara adds length and volume to every lash.
—————————-> Thanks to subscription boxes I have a never ending supply of mascara.

My October box was pretty darn good!

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

{Walmart Beauty} Quarterly Beauty Box – Fall 2014

Posted on September 27, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Fall 2014

A few weeks ago the internet was rumbling with rumors of a $5.00 beauty box from Walmart. A lot of ladies were concerned that it was a scam because the web address did not have “https” in it and they felt that it was not secure. This fear continued even when they went to walmart.com and found the box in the beauty section. After a few days Walmart reassured the masses that the box was real and that the online order form was encrypted. I for one did not doubt the box and signed up on the first day it was released.

The new Walmart beauty box is exposing consumers to easily accessible and affordable brands. I actually love the concept of a mass retailer having a quarterly box. This allows me to sample products and if I like it I can go straight to Walmart to buy said product. Calm down, yes I just publically admitted that I shop at Walmart. Its probably a sin seeing how I live and work in the birthplace of Target. Don’t get me wrong I have equal love for both Walmart and Target. Walmart is were I buy groceries, Freshpet and other necessities. I buy my cardigans, gifts and household items from Target. That is enough confessions for one day, lets get back on track and talk about the box!

Walmart Quarterly Beauty Box – Fall 2014

Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid in Completely Clean: A refreshingly light scent with clinical protection that keeps up with you all day long.
————————-> I have been a fan of Secret Clinical Strength deodorant for years and I am so glad they finally came out with an invisible solid option. No one likes white streaks on their little black dress or on their shirts. You can pick up your very own deodorant at walmart for a lovely price of $7.92, now that’s a bargain!

COVERGIRL Glowing Nights – #AfterDark: Nail Gloss offer bright trendy colors for day. Plus, light up the night with colors that glow under black light.
———————–> Black light? Hello your 1990’s rave called and they want there black light back. I had no idea that black lights were still a thing. This is a pretty cool concept, however my toes will see the shower before they find themselves under a black light at a rave or nightclub. This very pretty bottle of glow in the black light polish will set you back $2.97.

Nicki Minaj Perfume – Pink Friday: this sassy, dreamy and appealing scent of Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Fragrance. Is an intoxicating floral, musky perfume delivered in a unique statuesque bottle that is shaped like the lovely diva herself with her signature pink locks.
——————> I am so out of touch with pop culture…….. I think Nicki is a girl who wears pasties on her boobies. Then again I am not sure. You can buy the perfume at Walmart for $19.99.

L’Oreal Glossy Balm in Lovely Mocha: Ultra-glossy color for a flirty, playful pout.
—————–> At first I thought this was a lip gloss because well the name says “glossy.” I was a little surprised when I opened it and found that it is a lip crayon. The color I received is perfect for my skin tone and it kept my lips soft. No one likes dried colorless lips, so go on out and get your very own for $6.97.

Dove Advanced Hair Series Oxygen Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner: provides your hair with moisture and 95% more volume. Dove Advanced Hair Series Oxygen Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner are made with Dove’s Oxyfusion Technology, a new generation of moisture. $4.98 each

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil: Extraordinary weightless nourishment in every drop–the lightweight, luxurious formula of Dove Pure Care Dry Oil Restorative Hair Treatment is infused with pure drops of precious oils. $11.98 at a Walmart near you!

Foil Packets! Get your foil Packets right here! Foil Packets!: L’Oreal Paris YouthCode Pore Vanisher and Neutrogena nourishing long wear makeup.

Props to Walmart for putting together an awesome box. Three of the products I received were full-size and the Dove samples were deluxe sized. The deodorant, nail polish, and gloss balm were worth a total of $17.92. I honestly feel like I just robbed Walmart, I paid $5.00 for $20.00 worth of full-sized products and samples.

Walmart has different variations of the quarterly box. They are using age as a deciding factor on which box is sent to you. The questionnaire on the beauty profile is pretty simple and I like that they are sending me a box based on my age and not what I check. It seems that they are putting one common product in each box and after that your items are left up to chance. The only thing that bugged me was that they did not send out a shipping confirmation and I could not track my box.

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} Street Style – September 2014

Posted on September 20, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Street Style

This month Ipsy took their bags to the streets and loaded them up with fall must haves. All eyes are on New York as the latest trends and fashions flow down the catwalks. Street style is more than fashion or a look, it is simply about attitude. Style is personal, no one is right or wrong. Wear what works for you, but please refrain from wearing leggings as pants. Whoever came up with leggings as pants should be drug out and thrown into a leaf pile.

Leaf piles aside, I have mixed emotions about this months bag. It wasn’t the best yet I wasn’t the worst bag. It was just meh and left me turning to my super awesome BirchBox for comfort.

“So what is in your Street Style Glam Bag?” Come on, lets unbag it together and find out!

CAVIAR CC Cream 10-in-1 Complete Correction: A miracle leave-in product that delivers 10 benefits in 1 easy step, leaving hair perfectly polished. Can be used alone or as a foundation for the layering of other styling products.
——————> At first glance I thought this produt was for my face. Its not, its for your hair and I have yet to try this product.

Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush: The shadow brush is perfect for applying eye shadow or contouring the eye.

NYX Hot Singles Eye Shadow: Hot Singles are intense! Powerfully loaded with pigments, this versatile formula lets you make a statement for any occasion.
—————–> I received the Eyeshadow in Addiction, a pretty purpley plum hue.

Pacifica Natural Water-Proof Eye Pencil: rich water-proof, buttery smooth eye pencils glide on smooth and deliver big color pay off.

CAILYN Art Touch Tinted Lip Gloss:delivers the stunning color impact of a lip stain and high shine of a lip gloss. This silky smooth gloss glides on your lips like butter, leaving you with a lacquer like finish.
————> I received the gloss in Basic Instinct a light pretty pink shade.

I have said this before, eye liners make me nervous and I have no use for them. Ipsy keeps me well stocked with a product that will never touch my face. I am annoyed with this as there is no way for me to tell them to stop sending them to me. I really wish that Ipsy would fine tune their questionnaire and let us the customer give more detailed info. I think this would help create a better bag and experience. Then again it is only $10 per month and that is an excellent bargain. The products always add up to more than the $10 I paid for the bag.

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

{BirchBox} Fresh Paint – September 2014

Posted on September 19, 2014 by NinjaInTheCity

Fresh Paint

This month kicks off a new season, and with it, an invigorating burst of new colors, trends, and inspiration (not to mention apple cider doughnuts and autumn leaves). It’s also our anniversary month, and a reminder to celebrate all the surprise and delight of the past four amazing years! With that in mind, we’ve dressed up our Birchboxes with gorgeous patterns inspired by fall.

Fall? Like hells yes I am ready for fall! Fall is my favorite time of year, the air is crisp, ripe apples and candy corn are abundant and not to mention its birthday time for me. I love snuggling up on my couch with s cashmere throw, a cup of hot cider, and a scare the pants off of me movie. You know the kind, where every creak and shadow make you jump and you second guess everything around you. Those are the best kind of scary movies. Well unless talking dolls and giant spiders are involved, then I’m not down with watching. I rather run for those movies and things.

Fall means pulling out the heavy weigh cardigans, socks, mixing up my skin routine to ward off the not so pretty scales, and fine tuning my makeup so I don’t look like a ghost. In Minnesota we hunker down and prepare ourselves for the inevitable always reliant snow. Snow, yup I said the “s word,” soon the warm days will slip into cold winter nights. I like to embrace the cold head on and kick it in the knee when its not looking.

BirchBox mixed it up this month with colorful patterned boxes, sample choice, and new products. I love sample choice, I think this was the best thing to ever happen to BirchBox. Who the heck doesn’t love choice? The right to choose is like your God given right. One sample caught my eye and thank goodness I was able to nab it!

“So Lady? What did you get in that pretty patterned box of yours? Oh, Let’s unbox it & find out!!!”

Acure Organics: – Day Cream: Made with gotu kola stem cells, this anti-aging moisturizer firms and protects skin.
—————————> I am in love with this brand! Last month I received the Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub with Sea Kelp in my BirchBox. Funny thing is I have been eyeing the day cream and bam BirchBox gives it to me. The size of the sample is deluxe so it will be a while before I need to order the full-sized product. I love the light weight formula and the citrus scent of the cream. It leaves my skin feeling soft and I am not to sure on the firmness. I haven’t noticed any changes in the firmness department yet.

Atellier Colonge: a fresh lively blend of vanilla, jasmine, and lime notes.
—————-> I have yet to try out the sample. I want to try it the description of the scent sounds like heaven in a bottle. However I am unsure on how to open the vial or yea, so there’s that. The sample is smarter than me.

Davines Oi Conditioner: Loaded with apricot butter and roucou oil, this detangler protects and softens hair.
—————-> This is the sample that sparked my fancy and I had to have it the moment I saw it in the sneak peek video. This conditioner smells awesome and it is so light weight, yet nourishing. Not to mention the sample size is huge! Once my sample runs dry I want to buy the full-sized product. I anticipate that this sample will last me a month or more, a little bit of product goes a very long way.

**BONUS! Get Your BONUS SAMPLES RIGHT HERE!!**: I have yet to meet a human being that didn’t like receiving a bonus item or two. Come on the American way has taught us that MORE is better! Any ways back to my bonus samples!
————–> Oi Shampoo foil packet and Oi Oil for smoother shinier strands!

Liz Earl – Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser starter kit: a two-step ritual to purify and exfoliate.
—————–> Did I mention that this brand is British? Yes! Its a UK favorite and if its good for them, then well its definitely good for us. A friend actually gave me this sample a while back and it left my skin a little bit to dry for my liking. So this brand new never been used sample is going to find its way under the Christmas tree. Oh who shall I give it too? Time will certainly tell us.

Pixi – Shea Butter Lip Balm in Ripe Raspberry: Dual-purpose balm that hydrates and gives lips bright, buildable color.
—————-> I freaked when I saw that I was getting this in my box! I have always wanted to try the Pixi Balm. Except I am a girl on a budget and $8.00 is a little much for a balm that I will most likely misplace. I love that the color is buildable, sometimes a girl just needs a hint, other times she needs full on bam color in your face lips.

Jack Pot! I hit the BirchBox jack pot this month! Hell yes, I did. When I picked up my box it felt heavy and I eagerly ran up the stairs to my apartment and ripped the damn thing open. I got so distracted by the amazing sample sizes that I almost forgot to go to a water color painting session with my BFF. They definitely wowed me this month and I just hope they can keep the momentum going. All of my samples were high quality and gigantic for samples. Well except the foil packets, but those packets are just a minor detail. I hope all of you got an amazing box too! If not then well maybe next month will be your month!

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

Have Bear Will Travel

She had to break, so I could shine

Category Archives: You’ve Got Mail

{BirchBox} Decked Out – December 2014

{Ipsy} Thinking of You – December 2014

{ Target®} Natural Beauty Box – Winter 2014

{BirchBox} Giving – November 2014

{IPSY} Girl Meets Glitter

{Ipsy} Beauty Candy – October 2014

{BirchBox} FANFARE – October 2014

{Walmart Beauty} Quarterly Beauty Box – Fall 2014

{Ipsy} Street Style – September 2014

{BirchBox} Fresh Paint – September 2014