Birchbox Review

I've been meaning to write this post for almost 2 weeks. It's obvious I have a newborn at home :)

I'm planning on keeping these reviews going to be able to really reflect on the benefits of these subscription boxes and also in case anyone was curious about what the deal is with the subscriptions.

BIRCHBOX October 2014

Item #1: Coastal Scents- Revealed 2 Eyeshadow Palette (sampler in Ballerina) | full size is $34.00
 card states: Versatile range of rose-tinted shadows that will round out to your beauty arsenal. Sweep preferred hue over lids for day. Layer shadows for a more dramatic night look.

Coastal Scents- Revealed 2 Eyeshadow Palette (sampler in Ballerina)

Colors are super neutral and I agree that with a bit more of the darker tones, a look can be intensified!

I love this because its perfect for the everyday look. The pay off is pretty good, it might be a tiny bit lacking in the matte light pink shade but thats not bad considering the shimmers are the ones that are needed to pop!


Item#2: Dr. Jart+- BB Black Label Detox | full size $36.00
card states: The Korean brand's tinted cream brightens, blocks UV rays, and calms blemish-prone skin. Smooth a think layer onto face and blend. Layer as needed.

I don't know if these come in different shades, at first the one I received seemed a little light for me but upon blending in it matched just right. It didn't leave my skin feeling too moist or oily feeling which I tend to have with other BB's. 

Item#3: Dr. Lipp- Original Nipple Balm for Lips | full size $14.50
card states: Originally made for nursing moms, this ultra hydrating balm is a makeup artist fave. Dab onto parched lips, cuticles, and elbows as needed.

Must admit, I have yet to try this. But I'm sure it will come in handy being that although I am not breastfeeding...I AM pumping. Plus this is great to throw in your bag for your cuticles or dry elbows, etc. 

Item#4: Number 4 Hair- Clarifying Shampoo | full size $32.00
card states: Vitamin-rich botanicals gently purify hair while restoring lost moisture and shine. Apply daily to wet hair and rinse. Repeat for best results.
*They also added a Reconstructing Masque pouch for stronger shinier hair | full size $58.00

Maybe I'm not that picky, but I thought did just as good a job as my regular shampoo and conditioner.

Item#5 Vasanti Cosmetics- Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator | full size $34.00
card states: This customer fave mimics effects of microdermabrasion for a glowing, smooth complexion. 3-5 times a week, massage a pea-sized amount into damp skin and rinse. For all skin types.

This did a pretty good job. It does claim to mimic the effects of microdermabrasion, which I didn't think was exactly true in my case. My skin felt smooth afterward but not quite like when you get a microdermabrasion treatment. Either way, it's good as a sample but I would most likely not purchase the full size.

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Overall it was a pretty OK box. Nothing that I totally hated but hopefully November's box will be better.

Simple Side-swept Messy Fishtail Braid

Hey There!

Up next on my Youtube Channel is a simple look and tutorial on the sometimes feared fishtail braid. There is also a very special appearance by my Yorkie.

Hope you enjoy and let me know if there is anything you would like to know!

And here is a full image of the final look

Messy Fishtail Braid

Simple & Cute Baby Accessories

As far back as I remember, I have always worn accessories. As a child I always had bows, headbands or hats on my head. Later on I added tons and tons of necklaces (I never thought 2 we're enough).

Naturally I was super excited at the thought of having a baby girl! A chance to create embarrassing moments for her when she's older by putting insanely huge bows or flowers in her hair. (see below)

Usually, I make my baby's headbands and to be honest, she might have more than she should (considering she is only 8 weeks old). Yet still, I will continue with my hair accessory obsession.

I had been looking to possibly make my baby some knotted headbands for a while but I never found the time to go shop for material or to really sit down and give it a go. I recently came across a cute local SoCal Etsy shop that sells hair accessories, creates custom orders and is totally affordable. The name is Dimpled Cutie Creations

I went ahead and purchased a total of 4 headbands from this shop and totally love them all! To top it off, the seller was super friendly and responded quickly to any questions I had. My most important concern was making sure that the headbands would be comfortable and soft for Ariana's head, since I've come across some very uncomfortable looking hair accessories for babies.

Another super cute and awesome thing this shop offers is Mommy and Me headbands, how cute is that? I'll probably be looking into that next!

Here is my baby girl with one of the headbands!

And here are the other styles I purchased!

If you want to check them out, you can find them through the following links

https://www.facebook.com/DimpledCutieCreations
http://instagram.com/dimpledcutiecreations
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DimpledCutieCreation

Gaining self confidence & Believing in yourself

I really really enjoy social media! I love to post pictures on instagram (@hurrayimamommy). I love youtube and I enjoy Facebook.

I must admit that the only one I had stayed away from for all these years was Twitter but...now you can find me under @hurrayimamommy  lol, anyway I do love me some social apps.

If you know me, then you also know that I enjoy anything related to beauty and hair, for goodness sake, I worked for a cosmetics company for 6 years! I've actually have been asked by friends and co-workers in the past, to create a youtube channel and start posting tutorials.

I never gathered up enough confidence to do it (start a blog and youtube channel) though and recently I figured out why.

I was afraid of what people would say. Specifically some friends. Its hard to admit but sometimes your "closest" friends and family are the ones who search to put you down the most. As if they don't want you to succeed. These friends and family are the ones that through the years, I have noticed only choose to include me or my family if it is to their benefit. I'm pretty sure that isn't the way its supposed to work out.

In the past I have had a lack of confidence because I have been judged for posting anything good that happens to me. For example, if my husband manages to buy me a purse for my birthday and I share this with "friends" then I get basically electronically stoned for bragging. If I share a make-up look I enjoy or fashion statement, then words are said behind my back. I've even been judged for showing too much Facebook love to my husband...are you serious?!?

As an adult and a mom, I now have come to realize that I have allowed people around me to dictate my happiness and success. I could have started doing what I enjoy so long ago, but I won't dwell in the past. This new version of me doesn't care for any Negative Nancys', Party Poopers' or Doubting Debbies'. This new version is going to give this a shot.

Years ago, I took private vocal lessons with an extraordinary woman whom I greatly admire, not only as professional but as a teacher and friend. During her class, she would do an exercise where you had to sing with your "big girl voice". If you did not manage to lose your shyness and bring this voice out, then she would help you feel like that "big girl" by putting a viking hat on your head. Yup, a Viking hat!

I encourage you to branch out and do what you've had in the back of your mind to do for so long. Be it create a Youtube video, take a class, teach a class, learn to dance, sing, etc. Don't let other people have control over YOUR life. Its yours and you CAN do it.

As long as I make my family proud, then I will continue to believe in myself and from this day forward, THE VIKING HAT IS ON!

(Thank you T!)