Birch Box March 2011

So I'm sure that you've all heard about the amazing service called Birch box but if not then rest assured because I'm more than happy to ramble on about how much I love it! ;) This is a monthly or month to month beauty sampling service. Meaning that once a month you will receive an adorably wrapped cardboard box in the mail filled with five deluxe-sized samples ranging from skin care to chocolate. After you sign up for either a one month $10 box or a 12 month $110 subscription you get to take a beauty profile where they ask you numerous questions regarding you special beauty interests and needs. These questions address your hair type, skin type, problem areas, and major interest areas so that each box is completely personal to you. It's such an unique service that is wonderful for anyone just getting into the beauty world or even seasoned stylists. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys trying new products but doesn't like to spend the 30 bucks every couple of products to find out they may not like what they bought. They sames are huge and I have yet to find something that I didn't enjoy. The coolest part is that once you've tried the sample and fallen in love you have the opportunity to buy the full size product straight from the site.  You can also earn beauty loyalty points which go to the purchase of a full size product. It's a one stop shop for everything you could want regarding your beauty routine. I'm so in love with this company and highly suggest everyone check it out. It's also a lovely birthday give for anyone who loves beauty!


My February Birch Box pick!
Befine Food skin care exfoliating cleanser! ( Pictured above; check out the size of that sample! )
This has been such a wonderful gift of a product. I'm sure I've mentioned in countless videos that I have horribly dry, sensitive skin so the thought of using an exfoliater scared me. I was so afraid that it was going to be too rough and dry out my skin but it was the complete opposite. It took away all the peeling that I was experiencing, cleaned out all of my developing black heads, moisturized my skin,and  ultimately made my face baby smooth. I was so excited with the results and now I'm using it every other day alternating with my Clinique cleanser. I highly reccomend this for anyone with dry skin; I just know you'll love it! Full size- $25
Available at Birchbox.com and befine.com

Check out the video on my youtube channel for reviews and descriptions about each individual product!

This is a blazer and skirt combo I purchased a couple days ago in Cotton on aka my new favorite shop. It's prices rival forever 21 and it's selection makes me want to cry out of sheer joy. I'm completely in love with this neutral blazer with pinstripe lining. Its so very classy but can be dressed down for a more casual look. I took it from date night on Saturday to church the next day. (: The skirt is a body con skirt that fits me like a glove... a very comfortable glove. The skirt was fourteen dollars if I remember correctly and I bought it in a medium ( my size at this store.) The blazer was thirty dollars and worth every penny. The pricing is fair and pretty affordable. I'm so incredibly impressed by this store and I strong urge you all to go check it out. Pretty please with sprinkles on top!

This is a preview of sorts to an upcoming video. I have found my holy grail foundation and concealer. If you've watched some of my videos I'm sure you've heard me mention my dry skin. I've been struggling with peeling skin for awhile and this... this beautiful foundation has cured my problem. This is a light to medium coverage, dewy foundation best applied with fingers. It's easily blendable and simply sinks into your skin. Now I don't recommend this for oily skin but for dry skin it's wonderful. The concealer is just as lovely. Somehow it manages to cover even my worst blemishes while still having such a light feel. These paired together are great and I recommend them to anyone with rough red blemishes or dry skin, that is if you're looking for a smooth, dewy face.

Big decision, Big payoff

 Before

After

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought " wow... I need a haircut. "? Well my darlings that's the feeling I got almost 5 months ago. It was sudden but it overtook my thoughts and every time I walked by a mirror or simply ran my hand through my lengthy locks it struck me even harder. I went on like this for months until finally I decided it was time to chop it off. Now you must understand, I was a girl who had only had long hair; it was my safety blanket. This was not an easy decision but now looking back I couldn't be happier. Before I even looked for styles I talked it over with friends, with family, with my teachers, with that random lady walking down the street, but most of all my dog and cat who upon thinking about it let me know it was a great idea.  I then searched everywhere for hairstyles that I might like ( online, in magazines, and again on random ladies walking down the street. ) After finally figuring out the general haircut I prayed about it and rounded up the guts to do it. Now I'm going to be completely honest here. I walked into the salon, spent an hour debating it, and ultimately went home. But that night I was so disappointed that I wasted my chance. That's when I knew it was time. As she grabbed the scissors and started chopping it felt as if a huge weight was lifted off my chest.  It was everything I could have hoped for. Now this isn't always the case when making such a bold move but my point to this little story is that it's okay not be totally sure if you're ready. Do your research, take your time, and hopefully it's everything you could have hoped for.

Shopping for free!

 I'm sure we're all well aware of how the economy is at the moment.  Over the last couple years it's become more and more common that instead of buying those 40 dollar pair of shorts, we save our money for another day ( or hopefully, an equally perfect, cheaper pair of shorts ). Thankfully though, the fashion world is hearing our cries of desperation and ...what's this??- Vintage is in. The easiest, cheapest way to update your wardrobe while also being on trend is shopping in your mothers closet. You like her old denim jacket? Borrow it, take it, tell her the dog ate it and run like your life depended on it. Now hopefully it wouldn't come to that because I'm telling you, nothing makes a mom happier than feeling like her clothes are stylish enough for her little fashionista. I went raiding through my mom's closet and found treasure upon treasure. My favorites were these high-waisted shorts from the 80's. They're flattering and give me a pinup style look paired with an off the shoulder top. Thrift stores are also another great idea. Just make sure you wash before you wear. Either way there's always a diamond in the rough; it just take a determined bargain diva to find it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcPWIDTCdnE