This vs. That

Christmas will be here before you know it and operation decorate the house will begin in T minus 12 days.... Even though I have a ton of holiday decorations, I always keep a look out for new (frugal) additions...

My First Birchbox has Arrived!

I heard about Birchboxes for the first time this past Summer. At first I wasn't totally sold. Why would I pay for beauty samples?

Birchbox is a company that sends you 4-5 hand-picked deluxe samples to your door for $10 a month. These "deluxe samples" include brands like: Nars, Stila, Kiehl's, etc.

This is a total splurge. Not necessary at all. But I love to try new things and especially things that I wouldn't typically go out and buy. Plus it's kinda fun getting a surprise every month :)

So back in October my friend Lacy told me she gets the Birchbox and loves it. So I figured what the hey, and went for it. You can cancel at any time, so not a huge commitment. I received my first box this weekend and here's what I got:

Just getting a pink box like this on your doorstep would make any girl happy.

 

The packaging is so nice...well done Birchbox people. 

 Oh a little note. Just for me? Oh thanks Birchbox team!  (P.S. If you end up liking any of the samples that you receive and want to buy the full-size product you earn points: 1 point per $1 spent...100 points earned = $10 credit. You also get free shipping on the products of the month.)

Even the individual samples are wrapped up in pink!

Ta Da!

What I got:

1. Joeur Lip Enhancer - Supposed to hydrate, plump, and condition. I put some on and it was nice but not sure about the "plumping" claim...we will see. ($14)

2. kate spade new york "Twirl" perfume - To be honest, I have had a cold for the past week and I can't smell much so I am sure this is loverly but I will have to wait till I am healthier. ($80)
3. Thymes Eucalyptus & Kimono Rose Body Lotion - I have used Thymes products before and I love them. All there scents are fresh and lovely. These will be great to travel with. ($24)

4. Zoya nail polish in Noel - This color is a great blue with some shimmer in it. I have never used Zoya before but I have heard great things and look forward to trying this shade out. ($8)

5. Alex and Isabelle classic hair tie - OK this is a ponytail holder. BUT I first saw these things last Fall when I was at some posh boutique in Nashville with my sister. It claims to be gentler on your hair and prevent crimps. I almost bought them back then , until I saw how much they were. $12 for 6! C'mon now. I stuck with good ol' Goody :)  However, I am excited that this was in my box. I tried it out and it DOES prevent that ponytail crease pretty well, so thanks Birchbox.

FINAL VERDICT: Undecided. I loved getting something fun like this in the mail. I am not sure how wow'd I am by the sizes of certain products. The perfume specifically felt pretty skimpy. Like something they would hand to me for free at the department store. Lotion is nice but it's not like I have never used lotion before. I am going to see what December holds before I decide whether the Birchbox is here to stay.

November Birchbox

Run Girl Run!

I recently added running into my workout regime. This picture my sister sent me cracks me up, and pretty much sums up how I feel when I am on the treadmill.

(pinterest)

Bling Bling

My friend Kim and I got gel manicures last night (p.s. gel manicures rock), and we decided to mix it up a bit...we luvvvve it. Now we both have bling ring fingers.

Side note: The ladies at the nail place definitely thought we were a little weird, but I have a feeling that after seeing how glorious our bling fingers turned out they will be suggesting it to everyone ;)

Bootie Bootie Everywhere!

When I first saw the bootie trend pop-up - I wasn't sold. I was completely confident that the life of this little confused shoe wouldn't be long. Why not just wear a boot or a heel...why ya gotta mix it together? But this little boot has held on, and the more I see the more my opinion has changed. So now I am out to get some bootie for myself :)

Booties! by haweske featuring bootie boots

Oh no she didn't....

Steve Madden 'Annie-L' Wedge Bootie

Purty Nails

Essie nails by haweske on polyvore.com

OBSESSED!

I love a braid, but the fishtail is the coolest. I love this look for the fall. It's casual, it's fancy, it's messy, it's put together, it's perfect. The fishtail takes some practice, but the tutorial I found on the beauty department, is the best I have seen. Check out these pretty ladies. The one on the right is my fav...but I am partial since that's my beautiful little sissy.

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