August 2015 - Beginning to Mid

It is unbelievably hard to think not only is August here...it's MID August. When did this happen? This year has gone by so fast and has brought about so many changes it is absolutely crazy.

After the meeting the first Sunday in August, Papa Bear and I went with the Meyers to Denman Estate Park to walk and talk. It was pretty darn hot, around 100, but all the trees provided shade and made the walk really pleasant. 

I wasn't prepared for how beautiful the park was.  

The Korean pavillion is set behind a beautiful pond and surrounded by huge towering canopy of trees.  

The pond is a half mile around and there you find the cutest,fluffy ducks, which are no doubt used to people by now.  

I was surprised how close they will let you get to them. I wished I had known, I would have brought some bread with me. 

Some of my favorite memories are going to Victoria to the duck pond to feed the ducks. Mom and I would stop at the little bread store and load up. She usually had a picnic packed and we would feed the ducks and then feed ourselves. 

There were also many turtles. I love turtles. 

I had to snap a quick picture of the baby turtle taking a ride on it's mommy's back. 

And as mentioned in my last post, Sierra has me hooked on the Doppio Con Panna. 

Lena and I went to the mall to purchase some makeup and we had to take a break to look at our goodies....

We took our break at Starbucks, of course. 

I am a sucker for matte eye shadows. Don't get me wrong, I love to have some shimmer and shine but NOTHING beats a good matte!!

Too Faced cosmetics came out with a Natural Matte palette and I HAD to have it! 

Lena chose Urban Decay's Naked 2 palette.

Oh my goodness... I am so in love. I have never felt eyeshadow so buttery and soft. There is literally NO fall out and when combined with Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer, these shadows stay on all day!!

My work days starts at 7:30 a.m. I apply my make up around 6 am. I usually do the gym around 8 pm and get home around 11 pm. 

When I apply the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer, my shadow stays put ALL. DAY. 

I realize that a decluttering and reorganization of my make up drawer is in order. I'm embarrassed to post this photo even! My monthly make up subscriptions like Birchbox and Ipsy have really created a monster in that I am full of samples, luxury size samples and full sized items that it will take me a while to get to.  

And as if I didn't have enough eye shadows, Papa Bear bought me another new palette...because I lost the bet. HA! That man must really love me!!!

I had a really hard time deciding earlier in the week if I wanted the Too Faced Natural Matte Palette or the Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar. I selected the Natural Matte then but when I lost the bet and he offered to still buy me something from Sephora... I chose the Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar palette!! 

~~OH~~MY~~WORD~~

The BEST palette ever.  

Every single color in here is amazing.

And the smell.... oh my goodness, the smell...

Chocolate is actually infused in each of these shadows and when you open the palette you smell what I imagine Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory would smell like. 

It's heavenly, I tell you!!!

One evening Papa Bear and I decided to stop by a restaurant I used to frequent with my friend Lisa. They have delicious, authentic Mexican food.

The weather was nice, there was a slight breeze, the music was playing softly, the food being cooked outside smelled amazing... 

and the food itself did not disappoint!! It was just as good as I remembered it being. 

I have no idea why we stopped visiting Marioli's but I know without a doubt we will be stopping by regularly! 

Last weekend while cleaning Papa Bear opened Mom's doctors case of 45's and we listened to her favorites. 

She drew stars on some of her favorites. 

I loved that she had this one. It was one of my dad's favorite songs. He could definitely relate to it. So playing her 45's made me feel like she was here again, here with us.

There may have been a minor break down or two but I am so very, very happy I have her records.

Again, they bring back sooo many, many memories.

Last Saturday Papa Bear and I met Gloria for dinner at Smoke, The Restaurant.

This has got to be one of the very best restaurants in San Antonio. The flavors of the food are just unbelievable. If you want to eat inside, you will need a reservation. We enjoy eating outside and listening to the live music. The waiters are so nice and keep your glasses full.

The trees provide a soft, easy breeze and you are just in good company. 

I absolutely love this place!

This was my Urban Cowboy plate. It's brisket made into a ground patty, topped with crispy onions and served with french fries.

It is mouth...watering...good!!!! 

CC came over and brought Bella and Papa Bear made beignets for us when he got home.

Beignets were one of our favorite parts of NOLA, so imagine my surprise when I found you can find the mix at Wal-Mart. 

Too bad they don't sell the Cafe Du Monde coffee too! 

Papa sent me a text asking me what we were doing and this is the picture I sent him.... 

I don't let the cats on the table but this was a special day because.....

Bella was back in the house. 

When CC called that she was on her way and bringing Bella with her, I had her on speaker phone and my boys heard Bella meowing in the background. They got so nervous and started pacing and looking around. 

When Bella got here the got away from her as fast as they could. I guess they thought she couldn't get them up there. So I made the exception, then I cleaned the table like a mad woman!!!!

I got accepted for the work from home position. The start date has been pushed back a week. I am so excited to get started on fixing my home office. This will be one room in the house that will be all me!!! 

Birchbox April 2014 Review

My April 2014 Birchbox was really good. I'm glad that it was because I have been on the fence about whether to keep it or not. The past few months have been just ok...and that's giving it alot more credit than it deserves.

So I told myself I would give them one more month and if Aprils box was full of lotion sample packets I was cancelling. 

Thank you BirchBox for giving me something I can actually use!!

I was very excited to try the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel. This was my first time trying an Anastasia Brow product (though I've always wanted to) and I really, really like it.

It is clear and went on great. It doesn't have any scent at all and the best part was that it lasted all day.

That's saying alot for a product that held up to Texas' 100 degree day!

Will I purchase a full size? You betcha!

I'm always excited to try leave in conditioners. My hair can get really dried out in the Texas humidity, so when I see a sample of leave in conditioner in my BirchBox, I may just squeal a little.

This sample of Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle got my heart pumping.

.....THEN.....

the spray was broken and I wasn't able to use it.

That was really disappointing because:

A.) I love the rubberized bottle presentation

B.)It smells great

C.) It was a decent sample size

So, I emptied some on my hand and ran it through the ends of my hair. My hair was not at all tangle-y, which is HUGE for me, especially now, since I have to have my hair up in a bun all the time because of the neck braces. 

My hair feels soft, it's not heavy and weighed down AND when I brush my hair I get a slight whiff of that soft, sweet smell.

LOVE THIS!

Will I purchase a full size? It's very likely. 

I have had a few Supergoop samples previously and they've been fine. It is a more expensive item and honestly, if I'm going to spend that amount of money on a face cream, I'm going to need a sample that is a bit larger than just for a two-time use.

However, I did use it and it seemed just fine. I honestly didn't notice any earth shattering differences between this and other sunscreens other than the smell. Supergoop doesn't have that "sunscreen" smell. It doesn't burn when it goes on and it never feels heavy. You could honestly apply it right before putting on your foundation and it would be just fine. It's not greasy at all.
This Supergoop Daily Correct CC Cream did have a slight tint to it that would work for a wide array of skin tones. I liked that. In fact, I didn't have to add anything other than mascara and lip gloss to walk out the door. So I did like it much better than my other Supergoop super-mini samples.

Will I purchase a full size? Probably not. I need a larger sample to use at least for a week to see if it's worth the money.

I always like when I receive nail polish samples in my monthly subscriptions because:

A.) It's usually a color I wouldn't think of trying

B.) It introduces me to brands other than Essie and OPI

C.)The colors are right on season

D.) I usually fall in love

This month I received Color Club Gala's Gem Collection in the color Breakfast At....

This soft emerald pearl that is JUST PERFECT for spring. I put it on immediately and like other Color Club polishes I used, it applied great. There was no bubbling or streaking and the polish lasted almost a week before I had to touch it up. I had several compliments on the color. 

I was happy!

Will I purchase a full size? I'm not sure if the have a full size or just a mini-set...but either way YES I would!

And last but not least was this sample of KIND Health Grain Bars. THIS is why I love/recommend/keep BirchBox. I would never in a million years pick up something like this to just sample and try. BUT..it was in my box and oh...my...word...It is delicious!

The sample bar didn't have that diet, gritty, meal taste or texture.

It was actually a very nice grain bar with a delicious taste. I will definitely have a box of these in my desk when I go back to work. 

Will I purchase a full size? Absolutely!!

I was super happy with this months BirchBox.

If you would like to try BirchBox out click here!

BIRCHBOX PRODUCT REVIEW

I have fallen so very fall behind on my product reviews.

I am taking a few minutes today to review some of my favorite Birchbox products over the last few months.

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Birchbox is truly a monthly sample subscription. I don't expect to receive sample items that exceed my $10 monthly subscription rate. However, Birchbox has introduced me to so many new brands and items that I otherwise would have never heard about. Lots of the items are now my new "must-haves" and I think THAT is the purpose of the Birchbox sample subscription!

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One item I received that I was extremely excited to try was this hair accessory to do a half-up hair bun. It's the SARAHPOTEMPA The HALF-UP.

I am always trying to do my hair new ways and get it out of my face while growing my bangs out. This is amazing! I love it!

Due to a procedure I had done on my next in October I have a constant under the skin sunburn like sensation that makes my neck/shoulder area so sensitive that even my hair brushing against my shoulder hurts like...well, it hurts really, really bad.

With this half-up tool I can put my hair in a low bun. It's gets the hair off my shoulder/neck area and it looks done, like I actually spent time on it.

The best part, it's only $9.00 and when you take your hair out you have a little curl!

Next up is the Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel for sensitive skin.

......Oh...My...Goodness....

This is one of those new "must-haves".

I absolutely love the smell. It's subtle and soft, not at all overwhelming.

But the look and feel of my skin after using it...

unbelievable.

I have never seen anything like it. My skin is so soft, not tight and dry.

My skin almost looks illuminated, so fresh and clean.

I cannot live with out this product.

It is a bit pricier that what I would normally use on my skin, but the benefits and results of it far outweigh the price. And I can use points I've earned at Birchbox to apply towards the cost! 

I really loved this Ruffian Nail Lacquer. I first noticed the nice, wide brush by which to apply the polish. It gives ample coverage and goes on very smoothly, no bubbles or wrinkles. I love that the color looks almost like a gel once on and it stays looking fresh with out dulling. It did chip on me after a couple of days, so I had to retouch. Had this polish lasted just a bit longer with out chipping it would be absolutely perfect! 

Oh, the Chella Highlighter Pencil....my, my, my....

I have never used a highlighter in the past but have always wanted to try it.

This pencil alone is $18.00 (and has free shipping right now)

, so receiving it in my box exceeded the cost of the monthly subscription.

I love this pencil. It applies very silky and smooth and blends perfectly. I love how it highlights the areas of my face by which I use it. I can't compare it to other highlighters since I've never used any, but I can tell you this is a pencil I plan to continue purchasing from Birchbox as long as they sell it. I love it. It's another of my "must-haves".  

I received a very generous sample of Leirac Paris Sensorielle Oil. This is a brand I had no prior knowledge of and a product I would never generally purchase for myself. However, after using this I fell in love. The floral smell is subtle and feminine. Just enough lingers behind to leave a lasting impression. You can apply this oil to your face or skin or even in your hair. I usually apply a small amount to my hands and rub it through out my hair then rub what ever remains into my hands.

My husband gave me a hug and complemented me on how great my hair smelled. It's that kind of product. Just enough to be remember, not overpowering at all. I love it.

Again, the price is a bit steep, $40 for 3.4 fl oz. but I plan to use my Birchbox credits to buy the full size. I can see that it will last for at least six months, if not longer!

Another product that I fell in love with and possibly one of my most favorite samples I ever received was the Manna Kadar Cosmetics Sheer Glo Shimmer Lotion. Right now it's $29 on Birchbox with free shipping. When I initially saw it I thought it was another pink nail polish. I wasn't thrilled. Then I saw that it's actually a shimmer lotion. I apply it to my cheeks and under my eyes as a highlighter. It has a soft pink hue and leaves your skin looking supple and dewy. I love it! 

I am not in any way, shape or form a chocolate fan. I will be the first to tell you I hate chocolate. I don't like chocolate cookies, I despise chocolate cake and ice cream. Chocolate bars are not at the top of my list. In fact, when I'm wanting to bake something sweet I make chocolate because I know I won't eat it! So when I saw this Ghiradelli Mint Chocolate bar in my box I was almost kind of mad. I thought it was a loss of product to send me a chocolate bar when it could have been replaced by a hair or make up product I could actually use and enjoy.

Birchbox had it right.

The Mint Chocolate was just right.

It hit the spot. It was creamy and smooth and delicious.

I shared with my girls, not because I wanted to but because it was the right thing to do.

I have since been on the lookout for the Ghirardelli Mint Chocolate in my local stores and have yet to find it. It figures...the first chocolate I actually like and I can't even buy it! 

I had been hearing raves and raves about how wonderful this perfume is. I was skeptical. I really only wear a select few...any perfume from Givenchy, some Chanel, some Mark Jacobs and my Thierry Mugler Angel. However, I do like receiving perfume samples because I know I need to branch out. I have seasonal perfumes and really don't stray from what I know.

When I received a sample of the Folle de Joie eau de parfume I was a little anxious to see what the hype was all about. Let me say.... the hype is right! I love the smell of this perfume. I can easily see it becoming one of my spring/summer staples. It has such a soft, floral, feminine, light, delicate smell. It is the way a woman should smell...in my opinion. It makes me want to throw on a summer dress and sandals. I love it! Now, the price is not cheap..it's $98.00 for 3.4 fl oz, but again, it is worth it. When I treat myself to a spring/summer perfume with my bonus check at work, I will be purchasing this. It's heavenly! 

I also received a cute tan, plaid twistband. I had been seeing several people post on Birchbox's Facebook page and the product page how much they loved their twistbands. I was a little jealous that I never received one. So when I had one in my December box I was ecstatic. It provides a good, solid hold. It's super cute and can be used as a bracelet as well. I don't think someone with a lot of thick hair could run a marathon or do a Zumba workout with a twistband, but they will certainly hold up for around the house work or running errands. I can't wait to buy a new pack. I wish they had maroon and white Texas A&M colors. Now THAT would be awesome!

I really plan to do, or at least, attempt to do, a product review each month of the items received in my Birchbox and my Ipsy bag. Again, with the Birchbox I don't go in with the expectation that I am going to receive items that will exceed my monthly subscription rate. Some months I do, other months I don't even come close. But every month I receive items that are new to me and are fun trying out. And that makes it worth it. It's like a little present in the mail each month. And if there is a product that I don't use, then my girls surely take it over. In fact, I usually get what they don't want!

If you haven't signed up for Birchbox, click here to get started!

 

 

May 2013 Birchbox Product Review

I was so excited to get my Birchbox this month. It's really like a box full of lots of

little presents just waiting for you!!

I have tried each product and LOVE them all.....

 

My absolute favorite is the Sumita eyeliner.

I have been wearing eyeliner for quiet some time and I have NEVER,

NEVER, EVER had an eyeliner like this.

EVER.

It feels like velvet going on. It's a true, deep black and it stays on all day.

It gives you clean lines or can be smudged for a smoky look.

You can get it here now at Birchbox with free shipping!! 

My second favorite and also another product I will certainly be purchasing the full size of is this Marvis brand Italian toothpaste that cleans AND polishes. It is truly the best toothpaste I have ever

tried hands down. I love it. My whole family loves it.

Your mouth feels so clean and fresh and the freshness lasts.

I have seriously never tried a toothpaste like this.

I can't sing it's praises enough!

Get it here at Birchbox with free shipping. 

There was a small sample of Isaac Mizrahi's FABULOUS Eau de Parfum.

I really did enjoy it. The small sample had enough for two light uses.

It has a very fresh and sweet smell. Definitely a wonderful scent for spring and summer.

This perfume also has free shipping now on Birchbox. 

There was also a sample of COOLA Classic SPF30 Cucumber Moisturizer for the face.

I do not wear sunscreen everyday, like I should, but this moisturizing sunscreen felt so good going on and had such a fresh (cucumber) smell. It's made from 70% certified organic ingredients and it too has free shipping when purchased at Birchbox.com. 

I gave CC this Amika nourishing mask for the hair to try out.

She has much more and fuller hair than I do and I thought I'd get better feedback from her.

She really liked it and it left her hair feeling great and looking healthy.

Purchase it here on Birchbox. 

There was also a Pilot Acroball pen included. I really liked it.

I saw others complaining that they received a pen in their box this month, but I really like it.

It write so well and smooth. There was also a coupon for it. I plan to purchase some as soon as I can find it. I like pens...I believe you can never have enough. This is one pen I really do like! 

And last month they provided a couple of bags of Mighty Leaf tea.

I tried the Chamomile Citrus tea the other night...

it was THE BEST hot tea I have ever had.

The flavor and the aroma were just amazing and it came in such a cute little pouch! 

And if you haven't signed up for Birchbox...do it here....try it for a month or so, see how you like it.

I bet you'll get hooked!

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We had massive amounts of rain last night and today.

I love hearing the sound of rain and the way it smells.

I used to look forward to the rain coming.

....HOWEVER....

My neck and shoulder have been hurting me something terrible and I told Emil the weather must be changing because it's hurting more than normal.

He thought I was crazy....and sure enough....we had flash flood and flood warnings through out the city.

My grapevine sure loved the rain.

I can't believe how fast and big it's getting!

Those grapes are going to be ripened so soon!

I have never seen my grapevine this luscious and productive! 

CC bathed the cats today.

I blogged...

and that's about it.

I'm trying to talk my girls into watching Silver Bullet on Netflix...

let's see if I get anywhere!

Birchbox Product Reviews...

I read about Birchbox on several other blogs and decided to try it out...

once you receive your email, you pay $10 per month to receive a box full of sample

and occasionally full size products to try out.

The products range from hair products to make up to accessories to body wash, lotions and perfumes.

Basically what you do to sign up is complete some profile questions, likes and dislikes

and as soon as a spot becomes available, you are sent an email.

It's a fun, inexpensive way to try new products and you get a cute little "gift" in the mail each  month! 

I'm a little behind on my reviews...

but here are the ones I use the most....

This MAKE brand Dual Phase Eye Make Remover worked very well with light to moderate amounts of eye makeup. It didn't remove my mascara that well and I still had to use an make up remover pad, but otherwise it was good and it didn't feel oily afterwards.

I really, really like this Supergoop anti-aging eyecream with 37 SPF.

It went on and absorbed easily AND didn't make my eyes burn or hurt.

I plan on using quite a bit of this this summer!

I absolutely love this MAKE Silk Cream Lipstick in Taffy.

It goes on easy, doesn't feel greasy and lasted several hours.

I will be purchasing the full size and using it this spring/summer as well.

I can't say enough good things about it! 

I was really happy they sent dry shampoo because I have been wanting to try it for some time, but didn't want to spend money on something I wasn't sure I would like.

I was given Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo.

You spray it on, let it sit, then blow dry and brush it out.

...Oh...My...Goodness...

This stuff really works AND it adds volume!!!

I loved it!

My hair looked so good, not greasy or powdery. It didn't leave behind any residue.

It was wonderful. I have used it several times on day old hair.

I received a few other items... like a mood color changing nail polish, herbal hot teas, a shave cream and Sicilian body gel. My girls used these products and haven't yet given feedback, so they must have been pretty good!

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Sooooo....if you haven't signed up for Birchbox do it here...

It's a great way to build up a little collection, try new items and get a little something fun in the mail each month.

My May 2013 Birchbox is coming today and I cannot wait!

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We've had some rainy and cool weather the past few days.

I used to absolutely LOVE this type of weather, however, now with my neck and shoulder

this weather just aggravates it even more and I end up spending most of my day in pain and with a migraine headache.

Anyway, this weather makes me want to bake!

I made sausage rolls for breakfast one morning.

They are no where near how mama used to make them

but they were good and hit the spot!

I'm back to the doctor for a second day in a row later today.

I am getting so tired of this.

Here's to hoping something can be done to make me feel like me again!