Ipsy Glam unBagging May 2016

This is my best Ipsy Glam Bag yet!

 

The bag itself is a cute envelope style and it was filled with awesome stuff!

Here’s the breakdown:

Ziaja natural olive Micellar water

Hikari shimmer bronzer palette.

I’ll probably use it as eyeshadow since I wouldn’t really pull off a shimmery bronzer.

Glamour Dolls eye shadow brush

(not sure what the whales are about but it’s a good brush)

Collagen mask

Propolis (honey) mask

Brightening collagen mask

Smashbox mascara mini.  I actually love getting the mascara sample sizes in my sub boxes because I don’t have to worry about germ build-up if I don’t use it fast enough.  I’ll use it and toss it before the yuck happens!

Ipsy is $10 a month but I got a free month by paying for the whole year upfront.  It’s not the highest value box, but I love getting it.

I’m excited about getting 3 masks this month.  My value that I would pay for everything in this box is about $15 so considering that I paid $5.15 (after review points I’ll earn to spend a at the Ipsy shop) I think it’s a nice deal.

If you think you want to join Ipsy, please use my link below

(I’ll get extra points, so THANKS!!!)

https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=p_share_ref&sid=link&refer=xeult

Julep May 2016 Unboxing

This is my very first Julep subscription box!  I had plenty of fun up until  now with the extras I ordered so it’s kind of strange that this is technically my first box.

I joined with the 3 month subscription plan which discounts the box to $20 a month (it’s $25 month-to-month).  This is my highest priced subscription but I love it so much because the quality is amazing and the discounted add-ons and sale prices that subscribers-called Mavens- get makes the higher cost valuable to me.

Anyway, let’s look at the pretty, pretty box:

The contents are the 2 items I chose for my May subscription plus 3 add-ons and a free gift.  

Every month, Julep puts together a curated box based on the theme that month and the individual quiz that Mavens take on the website (my likes & dislikes, basically).

The great part is that before the box ships, I can go onto the site and switch stuff around. This month, I really wanted the Love Your Bare Face Cleansing Stick and the Night Shift Mask.  The curated box had 3 smaller items but the stuff I chose is of higher dollar value so I could only choose 2 items.  The Cleansing Stick and Night Shift mask retail for $60, so that’s a great deal on a $20 subscription box!

This is not deodorant! It’s an oil based cleansing stick for the face and it’s awesome.

I haven’t tried the mask yet, but the ingredients are great for my sensitive skin and it has good reviews.

Now, for the fun stuff…I love the look of these polishes all lined up.

 I can’t remember which of these were in each set but what’s here is the May Mystery Trio, the Flower Power trio, and one that’s the free gift for ordering 3 add-ons.  I also got a foot file but forgot to take a picture.  All together, these add-ons cost $26.  That averages $3.25 each…a bit high for my cheap side but they’re so pretty, so that makes it OK, right?

And just look how nice they look in their new home in my nail caddie from Julep

I really like the “swatch me” stickers on the ends of the Julep polishes.

I think it’s time to finish this blog so I can go do my nails!!!

Here’s some info if you’d like to be a Maven, too:

Please use this link if you decide to join because I’ll get a free gift:

https://refer.julep.com/v2/share/6281034568832729506

Be sure to use this coupon code at checkout to get a free gift for yourself when you join:

COLOR8

you’ll get an awesome 8 piece makeup set

 

My Depressing Messy Cycle

Depression and Messiness are definitely linked for me.  That’s probably not earth shattering news but I’ve spent years (at least 42 that I remember) hearing and believing that I am messy and that means I’m lazy…that I don’t care…that I’m useless.  Turns out none of that is true!

All those idiots (many of them people who supposedly love me) were misinformed.  I have an average amount of energy, I care about quite a few things and I’m generally pretty useful if I want to be.

What I have been for most of those 42 years, out of my current 45, is depressed.  I’ve been depressed for many reasons- some of them chemical and some of them situational.  The great news is that I’ve learned better ways to deal with my depression. The bad news is, it’s still a cycle.  There’s no cure that I’ve found that’s long term.  Unfortunately, as my depression increases (expands?), my messiness does, too.

Where I’m at today in this cycle, is that I’ve been back on my meds consistently for about a week.  That’s not enough for them to work but I do start to feel better at this point. I’m practicing mindfulness & meditation. I’m reading things that help me (both religious and medical).  I’m starting to try more. I won’t call it motivation but maybe, willingness to try?

Trying to help the messy:

I’ve tried a million and one different methods and I’m OK with that.  What works today may not work tomorrow.  I’ll worry about that tomorrow.

This week, I had a thought that I just had no interest in doing a list of chores. I just couldn’t.

So, I challenged myself to do more than I thought I can. I made a chart for the week of all of the most important things to do (like personal hygiene, basic chores, etc).  I decided I would do what I could and then try to check off one more thing each day than I did the previous day.  I just made a quick chart in my Bullet Journal.  It’s not pretty or perfect but that’s great, cause neither am I…

I’ll post a picture of the chart but it’ll probably be hard to read.   Let me tell you what I put in mine, in case you are curious. Maybe you’ll want to try it, too, if you are struggling to actually do the stuff on your chart.

Before I do that, though, I have to emphasize this is NOT A CHORE CHART.  Sometimes, I love chore charts, but this week, I am not there.  This is a personal challenge to do more than I think I can, even if it’s just one thing.  It turns out, I was able to do 8 things on Monday without hating it.  On Tuesday, I was able to do 11 with just mild pressure on  myself; Loving and kind pressure.  On Wednesday (my day off work), I was able to do 15 things. Today, my goal is 12 things and it looks like I might even do more than that; all with love and care for myself.

So, here’s some of the stuff on my chart:

1. Take 3 different medications

2. Wash and moisturize face

3. Brush teeth & hair

4. Bathe

5. Shave legs

6. Pedicure

7. Manicure

8. Put on Makeup

9. Make Bed

10. Pick up and Put away stuff for 15 minutes

11. Throw away 27 things

12. Wash dishes

13. Clear table

14. Clear kitchen counters

15. Sweep floor 15 minutes

16. Mop 15 minutes

17. Yard work 15 minutes

18. Pool chemicals & care

19. Laundry

20. Ironing

21. Bullet Journal

22. Pack lunch

23. Track spending

24. organize mail

25. Play with dogs

26. meal plan

27. Grocery shop

28. Clean out fridge

29. Clean out purse

30. Cook

Your list can be whatever you want it to be.  Across each row, I have boxes for the days of the week and I’m checking off each day that I do each thing. I might treat myself to something  at the end of the week based on how many things I checked off.  Or, I might just use it to reflect, learn, grow, and love myself as I am- depressed, messy and all.

Big Ol’ Box o’ Julep!

I just received a hunky Julep box that is full of fun!  The funny thing is I still haven’t even received the normal subscription box (it’s not late, it’s just that I ordered so much before the subscription even got sent out…but that’s not a problem, right?)

Look at this!  The post office clerk was a petite lady who struggled to get it to the counter for me.

This box is a combination order of the Tote-ally Amazing Mystery box; the Pretty in Paradise free gift with $30 order and 3 add-ons (offers on sale when you check out to pay).

There was so much here that it doesn’t really all fit in the picture but of course, I’ll break it down for ya!  The total cost for everything here was $46.96. The Mystery Box was $25, the add-ons (3) were $21.97 and the Paradise travel bag set was free (6 pieces total).  I think I overdid it with the add-ons and splurged a bit there but I am happy with everything I got so, ce la vie.

Here’s the goodies:

Pretty in Paradise gift set -free with $30 purchase:

Gel eyeliner in Forest green shimmer

Lipgloss

swatch of liner and lipgloss

Kayla (iridescent iris)

Lainey (iridescent ruby)

Blush stick in Golden Guava

Blush swatched on top…go easy!

Tote-ally Awesome Mystery Box $24.99

It came with 7 items and the canvas tote that says “Fun looks good on everyone”.

I think this was an old offer that they had leftovers because I seem to be the only one who got an email for it since the original offer in January or February.  I don’t mind that, though because I’m loving the stuff I got in it. I’m a little confused because there was an additional item than the 6 +bag that was advertised. It could be just a freebie or it could be the extra item for ordering 3 add-ons.  I’m not gonna complain about extra stuff but I can’t totally say that the 7th item is part of this box or not.

Here’s a closer look at the box contents:

Gel eyeliner in Forest green shimmer

Blanca, Posey, Janice, Andie

The top eyeliner swatch is the forest green (black underneath)

lipstick swatch

Full coverage lipstick in “Stepping Out” it’s a coral/peach/mango color

nailcolor on the left is Tyra

 

Here’s the add-ons ($21.97 for 3 things-and a little guilt for the splurge):

This is the “Party’s Over” glitter polish remover system.  It’s nail polish remover pads (in the sealed pouches) and little black caps for your finger tips. You put the polish pad on and then slip the cap over and wait about 15 minutes to remove all that hard-to-remove glitter and decorative polish.  This was $9.99.  I’m not thrilled about the price but I really, really, really wanted it. So there!  OK, that was childish but I can splurge and move on.

Cuticle Oil with roller ball top.  It’s good oil and the roller ball makes it totally worth $7.  I was able to apply the cuticle oil without making a mess and didn’t even have to touch the oil.  Love it!

Last add on was this nail color -Whitney  (a creme smokey mauve) for $4.99.  I really like the color even though it doesn’t look very exciting in the bottle.

So, in total, I got 17 items (all very good, very usable and some are really fun) for $46.97. That averages $2.76 an item (including the bags).  I think that’s pretty good value. I probably shouldn’t have splurged on the higher priced add-ons but it all worked out well, in the end.

If you want to subscribe to Julep to get a great monthly box (3 items that are customizable) plus have access to all these great Mystery Boxes, sales and add-ons you can use my refer a friend link here:

https://refer.julep.com/v2/share/6278450114230152951

I get a free gift, too if you join…so Thanks!

You can get a free gift when you join by clicking the link above and  at check out enter the code COLOR8 for a free 8 piece set (really, really nice -check out my post about it)

A month to month box is $24.99 (cancel anytime) or you can pay $19.99 a box pre-paid for 3 months.

The “I Did It” List

Photo credit: snailpacetransformations.com

On days when even a To Do list seems too hard, an “I Did It” list is more appropriate.

Today was one of those days. It started out great, but around lunchtime, my brain stopped cooperating and started a rebellious coup aka A HEADACHE.

I left work early and went to bed.  Obviously, a To Do list never really happened.

So here’s my I Did It list for today (because it’s better to look at the bright side):

1. Face care =self care. I put on a face today.  It felt good.
2. Went to work.
3. Went home. I acknowledged my needs and took care of myself.
4. Face care…yep some more of that cause a clean, soft face feels good.
5. Chatted with an online friend.  Electronic friends still count if they are good people.
6. Turned off the TV. It wasn’t serving a good purpose.
7. Shared my inadequacies honestly. Owning my true self is good for me.
8. Hit the Publish button on my blog before I could chicken out.  If you can read this, I did it!

Uh-Oh…It’s 10 pm and I’ve got a MESS

It seems that maybe I’ve had  a bit too much fun with my subscription boxes today.  It’s almost time for bed but there’s no place to sleep!  It’s time to adult for a few minutes and put this stuff away.  So, I’ll set my timer and get my bed ready to comfort me again. Oh yeah, I promise to actually put it all away and not just push it all into a bag for “later”…cause, you know, that’s what I’d tend to do!

Here’s the before…let’s see how much better it looks in 15 minutes?

OK!  I cleared my bed and put everything away. I even followed the 1 in-1 out rule and threw away 1 item in the bathroom for every new item I put away from my subscription boxes!  And yes, messy brain, it only took 14 minutes.

 

Now, I can sleep peacefully.

Ipsy Glambag April

Ipsy is a subscription that sends 5 samples in a make up  bag monthly for $10. Once I joined, I took a quiz and the samples are geared towards my quiz answers (although not 100%).

Ipsy has a points reward system that members earn when they go to the Ipsy website and review each of the items received. I got 15 points for each item (so 75 points) and the points can be use to order certain items from 100 to 500 points. The reward points aren’t as good as Birchbox but it’s still the equivalent of an extra item every couple months.

Here’s what I got in my bag this month:

Crown blush brush: I like it!  It  has dual level vegan fibers and it’s good at putting on the blush with a light hand. You can also see the cute tie-dyed canvas make up bag for April.

 

Nomad eye shadow in Marakesh: the pigment is great and very smooth but I don’t usually wear shiny eye shadows.  I’ll probably tone it down with some other shade.  It did make me smile that the color is written in Arabic (which I can read slowly).

Tarte Lipsurgence in Wonder Poppy: I love this!  It’s super creamy and smooth. I’m new to the matte lipstick look, though, so I did end up putting Chap-stick over it.

Briogeo gel to oil overnight hair treatment: I haven’t tried it yet but I’m not too excited about it simply because my hair doesn’t really need it.  Maybe, I’ll be surprised though. I’ll update once I use it.

Juliette has a Gun perfume: Nope.  Not only is the name weird, so is the smell.  Maybe it’s just me because it gets good reviews from others. I’m not a fan of perfume in general and this one just doesn’t jump that hurdle.

So, this is my second Ipsy Glam bag and it’s not my favorite but it is fun. I seem to get 4 good samples and 1 that’s just so-so.  Considering that I love the bags as much as the samples, I consider the bag as part of the $10 price. That averages $1.66 an item. In this bag, I like everything except the perfume and feel that the subscription is a good deal.  Considering there are only a few subscriptions for $10, this is a good, inexpensive way to get a nice surprise in the mail every month.

If you think that you’d like to subscribe (you can cancel anytime so it’s worth a try) please use my friend referral link here (they’ll give me reward points, so thank you!)

https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=p_share_ref&sid=link&refer=xeult

 

Julep Fun

Julep is a subscription box that sends 3 of their branded items per month for $25 a month. Honestly, that price is too high for me but they run some specials that make it worth it.  I signed up with a code that gave me a free 8 piece set w/make up bag. I signed up for the 3 month subscription for $20 a month.  They also do really AWESOME add-ons and mystery grab bags for cheap prices.  So, with the sign-up offer and the add on deals, the subscription is actually more valuable to me.  Wait until you see what I got!!!

Here’s the free set I got for signing up:

The code is still available (see below next to the sign-up link)

 

It’s Balm full coverage lip crayo

 

 

So, yep, all of this great stuff was free for signing up .  I joined for 3 months at $20 a month so I figured that means I’ll get 18 items (including the little make up bag) which averages $3.60 an item.  Since Julep lets customers select what goes in their monthly boxes, I feel confident that I will find value in this purchase.  I am definitely happy with paying that price for these items I already received!  They are all great quality and much better than I expected!   Just wait until you see the other fun “add on” and mystery boxes I got…even more fun stuff !!!

 Julep Add ons:

Whenever you select your monthly box or make a website purchase, Julep offers “add ons” at discounted prices.  Here are the deals I chose to get:

After I subscribed to Julep’s monthly box, they sent me a code to save 50% on any purchase in the shop. I bought this Nail Polish bag for $12.00.  I also chose an “add on” at check out called the “Major Mystery” add on for $14.99. I paid $26.99 total for this bag and the goodies below.

It has dividers in the main section, a mesh pouch for small things and an additional zipper top section for tools and things.  It’s designed to hold 48 of Julep’s special square bottles plus two other sections for larger bottles.

Here’s the Major Mystery add on:

A medium/fine nail file, Cuticle remover and Nail color “Amy”

I don’t think this add on is a steal but the nail color is a nice one and the Cuticle remover is really good!  Since that stuff is usually pretty expensive, I think I got a decent deal.

 

Confetti Mystery Box:

From time to time Julep offers special Mystery Boxes that aren’t part of the subscription.  This one was called the Confetti Mystery box for $24.99.  I also used a coupon code to add a “major mystery add on” at checkout for free!  So,yes the add on was a duplicate but considering it was free, I’m good with that.

The Confetti Mystery box included a blue confetti called Marley, A pink confetti called Annabelle, a pink creme called Randi, Luxe up your lips conditioner treatment, Feels like Velvet eye shadow duo.  It was packed with my free add on of the blue creme Amy, the nail file and the Cuticle remover jar.  This boxed averaged $3.12 an item and I’m happy with that!

 Think you want in on the Julep fun?

Here’s a link to subscribe (I get reward points if you use my friend referral link,so thank you!!!):

http://refer.julep.com/v2/share/6274341103678790488

Be sure to use the code COLOR8 when you sign up so you get the AWESOME 8 piece set that was up top!  It’s worth $150 retail.

If you’d rather just save money on the subscription, you can use the code FIRSTBOX to save 50% off your first monthly box (24.99 a month) or get your first box free on the 3 month subscription ($20 a month prepaid).  That’s a great deal to get 3 boxes for $40.

 

 

Target Beauty Box

The Target Beauty Box is a tough one to get.  It’s not really a subscription box (yet) and it’s sometimes sporadically offered.  Lately, it’s been available every month. They open the sale on the first Monday of the month.  If you really, really, REALLY want to order one, you need to stalk the Target website  in the early morning hours on the first Monday of the month!  If you just happen to wake up at 2 am to pee…you may as well order one. Not saying that’s what I did but, ahem, it could work.

Here’s what I got this month:

My 2 cents:

This box cost $7.  I got 7 items.  I LOVED the Laneige mask and the Marlowe hand cream, I’m so-so about the sunscreen and CeraVe salve. Hated the color of the lipstick (very 80’s bubble gum color) and find the hairspray and facial wipes useful. At an average of $1 each, my cheap side asks would I pay $1 for these things at the dollar store? Yes, I would.  Since I really enjoyed two of the items and will use all of the items, I am happy but don’t think it was a steal.  The deal with the Target box (and all subscription boxes, really) is that there’s a little bit of a gamble.  That’s part of the excitement of opening them!

I don’t have an affiliate link for this box since it’s not really a subscription. I do suggest you check the Target website on May 2nd, as early in the morning as possible as they usually sell out by noon!

 

 

Birchbox April 2016

Here’s my April Birchbox review. I’m most excited about the actual box which sounds silly until you see the box that was designed by Rifle Paper Co.

So, so pretty!

 

I chose the curated box during the selection period  so my box wasn’t really a surprise but of course, by the time the box  arrived 2 weeks later, I’ve forgotten about what would be in it. Surprises due to my poor memory are still exciting!

Let’s dig into the box?

My samples in this box:

Every BB comes with 5 samples

Micellar water

Parlor Volumizing Spray

Laura Gellar Baked Grapefruit

Tocca Hand Cream

Dr. Jart Liftra contour cream

My 2 cents:

Birchbox is $10 a month on the month-to-month plan.  I joined for the whole year at a discount so I only paid about $9 a box.  Birchbox has a point system when I review the items on their site, so I get the equivalent of $5 in points to spend. In effect, I paid about $4 for the 5 samples. Would I ever pay the full price for any of these items?  No, I’m way too cheap for that!  What I love about subscription boxes is that I get to try higher end products at a price I can afford.  For 80 cents, I couldn’t even get these samples at the dollar store!

If you think you want to get as excited to open your Birchbox as I do, here’s a link.  If you sign up right now, you get a free gift of notebooks from Rifle Paper Co. (that’s the company that made the pretty box).  If you use my link here, I get some points to buy goodies at Birchbox…so, thanks!

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/cqzjc