{Target} Beauty Box Spring 2014

Target Beauty Box Spring 2014

Target Beauty Box Spring 2014

I had heard rumblings on Facebook that big box retailer Target was selling a Beauty Box for $5.00 online. Target is a Minnesota Company and I love all things local, therefore I shop at target ALOT! Besides who would pass up a $5.00 subscription box, definitely not this girl. The cost of Target’s Beauty Box was $5.00 with a promise of free shipping. When I placed my order it charged me for shipping so my $5.00 box turned into an $11.82 box.

Never fear my friends, I made a quick call to customer service and was instantly credited for the shipping. Yay! My box was back to $5.00, since Target is based here in MN I had to pay a little tax. But, who cares, the darn box was dirt cheap and I could not wait to try all of the products.

If you have yet to nab a Target Beauty Box, you are sadly out of luck, as they sold out with in minutes. Everyone loved a great deal, especially when it includes awesome products!

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

Target Beauty Box

Target: Beauty Box Spring 2014

TONI&GUY Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray: Spray from root to tip for salty, sultry texture and subtle, windswept waves.

L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara: Stretch and lengthen lashes for a fluttery, winged-out look with this unique mascara formula and revolutionary asymmetrical Butterfly Brush.
——————> I am in love with this mascara. I have long lashes to begin with and this gives me that classic glam look.

Herbal Essences Naked Dry Shampoo: Give hair a rejuvenating boost with this paraben and colorant-free formula made with natural tapioca to instantly absorb excess oil with less residue.

COVERGIRL Smoochies Sizzle Gloss: Sheer color meets sizzling shimmer in a moisturizing formula that’s always stunning, never sticky.
———————–> The gloss smells like cotton candy and has a light color. I feel that it is a bit to tacky for my taste. The texture not the color folks.

Jergens BB Cream Light: a multi-tasking beauty cream in a quick-drying formula that goes on sheer and delivers visible results in just 5 days.
——————> This is now my every day lotion. We got a coupon for $3.00 off of a $15.00 beauty purchase at Target, I used my coupon to buy this lotion and a few other things. The smell is amazing and I can actually see a difference in my skin. My legs no longer appear splotchy and red, they are a nice even tone. Same goes for my arms and the rest of me. I hands down love this lotion. If you don’t own it, go get it now!

{Ipsy} March – Destination Beauty

March BagDuring 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!

March 2014

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

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

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**

{Honest Company} Essential Bundle 2.0

Feb14There 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!

Feb 2014

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

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!”

February 2014

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.

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***

{BirchBox} Step and Repeat – February 2014

February14 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!”

February2014
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

February2014
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!

February14The 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.

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**

{Ipsy} “19 Reasons” – January 2014

The Bag

The Bag

I received my very first Ipsy glam bag in December and it was an absolute hit. I was in love with the quality of products and the bag was very cute. My bag was over flowing with a lot of great make up and accessories, such as fake lashes and an eyeshadow brush. The January sneak peeks did not disappoint and I couldn’t stand the wait. Lucky for me my glam room updated before my bag shipped so I was able to see all of the products I was getting.

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

19 Reasons - January 2014

19 Reasons

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask: Repair and treat dry, damaged and breaking hair with Don’t Despair, Repair!™ deep conditioning mask. Fortified with ultra-hydrating avocado, sweet almond & argan oils, strengthening keratin protein, power-conditioning rosehip oil, soothing aloe, and super hair-essential vitamins B5, D, A, E and biotin. This unique complex of targeted ingredients helps increase hair elasticity and moisture to prevent breakage, promotes healthy shine and luster, and replenishes strength.

Elizabeth Mott Smooth Shadow, in Pearl: The ultimate gel pencil that’s smooth like butter and packed with deliciously creamy colors. These velvety pencils glide on with ease, and contain just enough shimmer.

MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm, in Fiesta: 24 hour Tinted Lip Balm conditions your lips without smudge while delivering sophisticated finish. For a sheer wash of color, one swipe is all you need.

Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads: are a convenient, single-use, no-rinse peel pad that can instantly boost your skin’s glow and radiance. The pads help remove dead skin cells to unclog pores and remove dull layers to reveal newer, smoother, more even toned skin. With just a few quick swipes you can help fade away post acne dark marks, reduce the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores.

I am very happy with January’s bag. I am glad that the focus was on skin care and now I have many new products to try. Healthy skin is the foundation for beautiful makeup, so it is important for us to take care of the beauty that lies under the makeup.

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***

{Birch Box} GO TIME ~ January 2014

GO TIME

GO TIME

Ever since I had a chat with a Birch Box customer service rep the products in my box have greatly improved. I can’t remember her name, but she was great. The Rep took the time to help me create my profile, she said the trick to he Birch Box profile is “less is more.” Checking everything is like saying “oh give me any old thing you have.” Less helps them pin point the exact products that will benefit your lifestyle and beauty routine. I am very happy with my samples this month.

The Birch Box theme for January 2014 is GO TIME. “In 2014 we are taking on more: more things to try, to conquer, to integrate into our lives. New products—in the form of this month’s samples—are just the beginning. We’ll be bringing you plenty of inspiration, from a 10-minute workout you can do anywhere to the top beauty trends to try right now.”

I must say that’s a pretty great theme to start out the year with. I always look at the start of the new year as an empty book. Each minute and each hour of every day are filled with moments that will line every page of my newly opened book. Will it be an incredible year or a terrible blunder, only fate knows that.

Back to the Box! I am super excited to share the fun I unboxed this month!

GO TIME:

100% Pure Reparative cream, Smoothing Night Cream & Organic Eye Cream:This moisturizing trio diminishes lines, plumps, brightens, and smooths.
——————-> Earlier in the week my face was very dry from the harsh winter weather so I gave the Reparative cream a shot. I went to bed with scaly dry skin and woke up to a beautifully smooth and soft face. No flakes, just flawless skin! That’s a win win in my book.

Fekkai Brilliant Gloss Crème: Rich in olive oil, this creamy frizz-tamer gives strands all day shimmer.
—————-> Truth: I keep forgetting to try this and I am kicking my self in he tush for it. This product has rave reviews and it is now safely sitting in my shower rack.

INIKA Mineral Eyeshadow in Eternal Marine: Packed with certified-organic ingredients, these natural pigments stay vibrant for hours.
——————-> The shade I received is beautiful, however it is to dark for my fair skin.

Nail Rock Glitter: The UK brand’s two-step system for your sparkliest mani ever.
—————–> I received the ruby red polish and matching glitter. This polish was a little complicated for my tastes so I handed it off to my coworker Renae. I am pretty darn sure she will put this very pretty polish to good use.

LifeStyle Extra: Ahmad Tea London

All in all January’s box was awesome and I cannot wait to see what Birch Box has in store for February!

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***

{Honest Company} Essential Bundle

January
One day you wake up and realize that you do not need to follow the status quo. That there is a better way of living and that your body could be healthier. You put down your chemical cleaning spray, throw out that processed meal, and say hello to the possibilities. Green should be my middle name, instead its Geneva. I drive a Prius, buy local whenever possible, and do my best to keep chemicals out of my home. Being green isn’t a fad, it’s a lifestyle choice. Sure its a little bit more expensive, yet a healthier you is priceless. You cannot put a price tag on your health.

The FDA is giving companies until 2016 to prove that antibacterial hand soaps and products are beneficial to our health. If they can’t prove it, then they must pull their products from the market. Did you know that a lot of household cleaning products have formaldehyde as a main ingredient? Last time I checked formaldehyde was for a corpse and not my multi-surface cleaner and nail polish. Formaldehyde is in everything these days and that scares me. So many products are laced with bad chemicals and as of right now the FDA is doing nothing to regulate the ingredients of household cleaning products.

There is a better way. A greener and healthier way. One that is filled with possibilities and hope for a better day. I am a fan of J. R. Watkins and Ms. Meyers products. The scents are heavenly and the products are free of harsh chemicals. However they are a tad pricey. As you know I have been on a mission to find the best subscription boxes on earth. Enter in the Honest Company. The Honest Company has a monthly subscription service that they call the essential bundle. For $35.95 you get to select 5 different products from their line and you can add 3 additional items. If you add 3 items you can take an extra 25% off of the purchase price of each item. Which is an amazing deal. I took the bait and signed myself up.

The Honest Company has the best customer service ever. I received my first bundle on January 9th and was really excited to start using my products. Mother nature had other plans for me. You see Minnesota was at the heart of the polar vortex and well FedEx trucks are not heated. All of my items froze solid and some of the containers cracked down the sides. The box was a mess and I was a tad sad. I gave The Honest Co. a call and spoke to Diana. A very sweet and helpful customer service rep. We talked about the cold, my frozen items, and that they were going to replace all items that were cracked. Plus she gave me an addition 15% off my next bundle. As of Friday my replacement items are on a FedEx truck headed to MN, fingers crossed nothing freezes this time around.

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

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.

Honest Dish Soap in Lavender: This plant-based powerhouse easily penetrates grease, grime, gunk, & icky-sticky, caked on messes. Ultra-concentrated. Extra sudsy. Downright delightful.
———————-> The smell is amazing! I am in love with the dish soap. It cut through grease like a hot knife through butter and did not leave any residue on my dishes. Plus the bottle tells me I can use the soap to wash my dog and my car.

Honest Multi-Surface Cleaner: A naturally fresh way to safely clean and remove dirt & buildup from virtually all surfaces and items in your home.
——————–> I am not a huge fan of grapefruit scented things. However its a different story with the Honest co, I love the scent. This spray makes me happy, I can clean everything in my home and not have to worry about exposing the muppet like dog to harsh chemicals.

Honest Healing Balm: All natural, certified organic oils + extracts + beeswax = the BEST balm ever! Super versatile & safe to use on diaper rash, irritated skin, eczema, minor cuts & scrapes & much more!
—————-> The polar vortex has done a number on my skin. I waited for the balm to thaw and once thawed I used it the night I got it. My legs were severally chapped from the cold. The balm soaked in beautifully, it didn’t feel greasy, and in the morning my legs were back to their normal glory. Sadly its cold in Minnesota right now, so cannot show off my pretty legs. I also used the balm on my hands and elbows.

Honest Dish Brush: Beautiful renewable bamboo paired with recycled and plant-based bristles – it’s a kitchen cleaning match made in heaven! Use less soap. Have more fun. Love the scrub!
—————> It works great and gets the job done quickly.

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 every product in the Honest Company Line. Sophia is going to be a trooper and give the Honest Company disposable training pants a try. The designs are super cute and I am really excited to teach her mama how to live a greener life.

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.**