Birthday/Mother's Day Wishlist

With Mother's Day and my birthday just 2 days apart this year, Jason has his work cut out for him!  I'm kidding.  After Jack's 1st birthday blowout all I want is some quiet time with my family. 

But for fun, I thought I would throw together a wish list of sorts!  You know those things that would be nice if you had a million dollars...

New Pair of Sunnies - Original Wayfarer Classic in Tortoise
The small size of the "new" version that I currently have is not quite big enough for my round(er) face at the moment!  Needing an upgrade!  These monogrammed ones are super fun too.


 

 

New Scent - Harvey Prince Journey Perfume
I fell in love with this perfume after receiving it in a Birchbox.  I'm so bummed that my sample size is all gone!  I've been dropping hints to Jason about this perfume for a month so hopefully he has caught on!

Pamper please - Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Perfume and anything from that fragrance line!
I don't know what it is about pistachio right now, but I'm obsessed!  Dove just came out with a Pistachio Creme bar soap and body wash.  I have both and can't get enough.  I've heard nothing but good things about the Creme de Pistache line by Laura Mercier...I've also heard it's hard to find in stores - at least in Houston. 

 

 

New Read - New Emily Giffin Book - Coming May 20, 2014
Emily Giffin is one of my favorite authors and her new book is set to release soon!  Perfect pool read.

New Body - Pure Barre DVD Set
Even though there is a perfectly good Pure Barre Studio minutes from my house there are days when I just can't leave the house with Jack or don't get a spare moment to work out until after 9pm.  Having a workout that I know I love might help motivate me on those days!

New Look - Kendra Scott anything!
No birthday is complete without a little Kendra.  That's my motto anyway.  I love the orange Elle earrings for summer!

September Birchbox Reveal Vlog

I cancelled my Birchbox last spring. I just wasn't digging the products and only had baby on my mind. I decided to give them another try as a little monthly treat for myself. My reveal and review is below.



Signup for your own Birchbox subscription here.

Come back tomorrow when I review my new subscription box for Jack & me: Citrus Lane!

October Birchbox Review Vlog

October 2012 I received the Goop Birchbox!  Definitely got my money's worth in this box. 

Ready to subscribe to Birchbox?  It's only $10/month and provides so much fun!  Click here to join.

Chels 

September Birchbox Vlog

This was not my favorite Birchbox, but I didn't hate it enough to cancel my subscription.  Overall, I continue to feel that for $10/month I am getting my money's worth and discovering some amazing products that I now use everyday...this just wasn't that month.  But I did get 100 extra Birchbox points for receiving a duplicate item.  Thanks Birchbox!

Still not a Birchbox subscriber yet?  Subscribe now!

Have a great Monday!

Chelsea

August 2012 Birchbox Review Vlog

Being new to the "vlogging" world I'm learning a few things:
-  I need a new program so I can edit!  Sorry this Vlog drags on and bless you if you watch the entire thing.
-  I need to improve my lighting situation
-  I kiss my dog way too much
-  I need to stop talking in my "baby voice" when talking to Tucker

With that said, enoy! 

...And I promise, I have sweet, happy chihuhua.  He just doesn't like to be woken up and pulled out of the covers...this was very late at night last Friday.  I'm a night owl, but no one else in my family is.

First Vlog: July 2012 Birchbox Review

Hope you enjoy my first ever Vlog!!!  Have a great weekend. 

Love, Chels

Join Birchbox NOW! 

April Birchbox Review

Yes, this is a month-late, but nevertheless, I wanted to review April's Birchbox.  The theme in April was Natural Wonders so the products were related to skin care and natural beauty.  All in the all, I would say this was my least favorite box yet.  I did not order any of the products after trying. 

1.  Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift

My review:  smells good, but I prefer the Juicy Couture perfume sample over this one.  Great for travel though.  Not good enough to buy full-size.

2.  Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Mineral Tinted Moisturizer

This is the one product I have yet to try.  Will update you when I do.  Was given the medium tone which is perfect for me.

3.  Kahina Giving Beauty Argan Oil

Tried on my face and did not like it, however, I'm reading now that it can be used to rehydrate hair.  May like it for this purpose. 

4.  Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Lotion

Did not like the smell or feel of this facial lotion.  I prefer my go-to Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Moisurizer that I've been using for years.  I always go back to this!

5.  Yes To: Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes

I was most excited for this product because it was such a generous sample (20 towelettes).  They smell amazing, blueberry and lemon scented.  I used these a few times, however, started breaking out a few days later so I have since stopped.  Who knows if my breakout was caused by the wipes, but since my skin is thankfully back to normal, I don't want to risk it and try again.

6.  Benta Berry G-1 Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

This product was okay.  Smells good and cleansed okay.  I don't think it was "scrubby" enough and prefer my St. Ives Apricot Scrub that can be purchased at the drug store. 

I'm still a major fan of Birchbox and can't wait to receive my May Box, rumored to be the "Gossip Girl" themed box!  Click here to join Birchbox. 

Did you know they now offer a Men's Birchbox.  I would totally sign Jason up for this, however it is $20/month rather than the $10/month for the girl's box.  Is it me or does $20/month seem steep for a subscription service of samples.  Ten is my threshold.   Sorry Jason. 

March Birchbox Review

I have been like a kid on Christmas Eve waiting for my March Birchbox to arrive.  I obsessively track it online and excitedly run to the mailbox after work.  Jason thinks I'm very strange to say the least getting so excited over a "Bento Box" as he calls it. 

Anyway, the March Birchbox arrived yesterday...a car and a box of beauty samples in one day...the Purifoy household did have Christmas!  This month's box did not disappoint. 

A few weeks ago I received an email from Birchbox asking if I would rather receive the "Teen Vogue" version this month or opt for the regular box.  I went reg, but you can read about the Teen Vogue version from The Stylish Housewife here.  My box had the following, which by the way, were all generous portions aside from the eye card:

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens (Set of 25!!)

These shine-busting sheets absorb oil with all-natural green tea extracts.  Full-size, $10

Color Club Nail Lacquer in Lava Lamp

Brighten blah nails with this on-trend neon orange polish.  Full-size, $8

Grandma Stelle's Refreshing Hand Soap

Dress up your bathroom sink: this moisturizing hand wash has a winning citrus scent and leaves skin super soft.  Full-size, $20

Traditions by Nick Chavez Yucca Root Shampooing Cream

Hollywood stylists rave about the restorative abilities of this silky cleanser, which is made with fortifying wild yam and yucca root.  Full size, $20

Stila Smoky Eye Card

Take the guesswork out of matching eye makeup with this mini-palette.  3 shadows, $45

Kusmi Detox Tea

Look good, feel great.  This detoxifying blend of mate, green tea, and lemongrass is a delicious way to boost your wellness.  24 muslin tea bags, $21.95

I'm very excited to try the shampoo.  I can't ever get enough shampoo!  The hand soap smells really good, but I would never pay $20 for hand soap.  I've already tried the green tea oil blotting papers.  Works well, but the paper tears really easy.  I'll probably stick to my $4.00 Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, but will use and so appreciate the 25 sheets included in my box!

Did anyone get a different Birchbox?  If you aren't a member yet, it's only $10.00 a month for a box of happy!  Join now HERE. 

February Birchbox Review

I jumped on the bandwagon and signed up for a Birchbox subscription.  I couldn't resist at $10 a month! (I told myself I would eat out less at lunch to make for this cost) 

My first Birchbox arrived yesterday...a nice little Valentine's gift.  I also learned that not all Birchbox's each month are the same for every subscriber...there are several versions you can receive.  Before I received my Birchbox, I read on The Stylish Housewife's blog about her February box and was excited to receive several of the items she did...specifically the teeth whitener and Dermalogica scrub.  My box was totally different...but I was still very happy with my products.

A little happy waiting in your mailbox after a long day at work is so worth $10/month!

My box included:

- colorscience pro Glow and Go Travel Puff
Use these handy, powder-filled puffs to keep your skin shine-free and luminous while you're out on the town.  Full size compact, $50

-  Eye Rock Designer Liner
Stop wrestling with the liquid liner and achieve a perfect cat eye with these single-use stick-on liner strips.  2 packs of 4, $13

-  Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink
We teamed up with Jouer to create this custom fuchsia shade.  Wear one coat for semi-sheer pigment or layer it for a bright pink pucker.  Full size, $20 or Mid size, $8

-  Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy
This scent will bring out your inner girly girl.  Wild berries flirt with mandarin and soft floral notes to create a fragrance that's fun and happy.  Full size, $69-$89

-  Showstoppers Designer Fashion Tape
Celeb stylists swear by these double-sided tape strips, which will ensure that your attire stays perfectly in place.  Full size, $9.99

-  Digital Download of 6 free tunes from Green River Ordinance
An indie rock band poised to hit the spotlight.

My favorite item is the lipgloss.  The color is beautiful and it isn't sticky at all.  It feels more like chapstick or a creamy lipstick.  I would purchase this item, especially since you can get the mid-size for $8.  The fashion tape is great and will definitely get used on some summer tops and dresses I own.  I like that they gave me both nude and black samples.  The third favorite item is the Juicy perfume.  I wore it today and really like it. 

I can't wait to try the eyeliner stickers.  Don't worry, I don't plan to rock them in public!  Just for silly fun and it should make an excellent blog post. 

If you don't know about Birchbox yet, sign up here.  For $10/month, you will receive a monthly package that includes 4-5 beauty samples.  The samples can be purchased through their website and you can earn points toward those purchases.  You don't pay shipping and can cancel anytime.