Birchbox Breakup

I finally got my last 2 Birchboxes. I'm not even sure what month's these were anymore. I wasn't feeling thrilled with their subscription service. It took far too long to reach me, and the samples were not all that great in my opinion. I didn't like getting perfume all the time. The ones they sent were almost always far too overpowering for me. I know everything in the cosmetics world is based on personal preferences and your body though. Perfume is a super easy item to get samples of elsewhere for free, so if I'm paying I want something else. I also was not enjoying all the food items they were putting in. It's a beauty box, not a food box. Don't get me wrong, I love things like chocolates, but I'm pretty darn good about trying out new candies on my own. Then, my last box had a pen in it. Yes, a ball point pen. I use it, but it's a pen in a beauty box. That was my full sized sample for the month. Gee thanks. I also never got anything that I HAD to go buy after getting it in my box. Some of it was okay, and I used the sample up, but nothing I went crazy for.

I did see they made some changes just after I canceled my subscription. You can opt to receive fewer perfume samples now among some other changes. Maybe I'll come back at a later date, but for now we've ended things. I'm thinking of trying Ipsy, but I hear it takes just about as long to get to FPO locations. The larger samples might be worth the wait.

In my last 2 boxes, I got (sorry no photos, I was kind of annoyed at that point, so didn't take any):

• Pilot Acroball PureWhite pen: It's a pen. Nothing all that exciting. 
• Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner in a plum color (Looks like they no longer have the purple shade at Birchbox). I used this the other night for a dinner out. I did like that you could tell it was purple as opposed to other's I've seen that look black. However, it didn't glide on very well for me. I'll give it another shot though. 
• Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle: Smells good, but leaves my hair feeling greasy. It works great on my 2 year old, and left her curls very light. 
• COOLA Classic SPF 30 Cucumber: Lost this sample to my toddler. She managed to get it open and put it on her legs. Smelled great. It was pretty pricey though. I know it was a mineral/organic sunblock though, which is what we buy. I can find them cheaper than this product. 
• Isaac Mixrahi FABULOUS perfume: I do like this one. I'm using the sample up to see if I want to purchase. Also, need to let the husband smell it. If he doesn't' like it, it's a no go. Can't have the significant other hating your perfume and avoiding you. 
• Skin&Co body wash in Sicilian Orange (Looks like they only have it as a sample now and this scent isn't even on the company site). It's funny how we live in Sicily smack in the middle of the Sicilian blood orange fields and this is made in Rome, but I've never seen it here. I did enjoy this one. It's nice smelling and it was free of things like parabens. 
• Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir: This is an anti-aging serum for your hair. The sample was so ridiculously tiny that there was no way to tell if it worked or not. 
• StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles: Says results in 2 weeks, and they sent what they say is a 2 week supply. I don't have eye wrinkles yet though, so haven't tried it. 
• Youngblood Anti-Shine Mattifier: Haven't tried this one yet either. 
• Weleda Body Lotion: I got 3 little foil packs in 3 different scents. I got rose, sea buckthorn, and pomegranate. The packets were just big enough to cover my legs, and that was it. I did like the sea buckthorn, even though I have no idea what that is (looks like the scent is more orange-y and the buckthorn is more for vitamins). The rose scent was off, or too strong. Not sure which. I think I still have the pomegranate one, that or it just wasn't memorable (good or bad).  These were organic lotions, and not too pricey now that I'm looking at it again. 

Lunette Cup

Oh, yeah. We are going there. Be forewarned if you can't handle reading about *that* time of the month, this might make you squeamish. I'll try to put things nicely though.

I've had my Lunette going on 4 months now, and feel like I've used it enough to give an informed opinion. I had really been on the fence about trying out a cup for awhile, and finally decided to just go for it. Tampons were really starting to annoy me. They were getting uncomfortable, and for whatever reason they are more pricey. I also was getting cramps, which was odd for me. I usually have zero to very light cramps that practically go unnoticed unless I stop and really think about it. Then you read articles here and there talking about moldy tampons in the wrappers/applicators that people never see, because who pops their tampon out of the applicator? They also have a bunch of chemicals in them that absorb into your body. Then you go and expose yourself to them for a week every single month, and it made me wonder what negative longer term effects it could have. You can look up your brand to see what it contains and what those things do to you.

A menstrual cup is a reusable cup that you insert in a fashion similar to a tampon. They pose no risk for toxic shock as they are made from medical grade silicone or rubber. This also means it can be left in for longer stretches of time. The Lunette, for example, recommends taking it out and washing it at least every 12 hours. Yes, you read that right, only 2 times per day. This of course depends on how heavy your flow is. On day 1, I can go the 12 hours, but day 2 I have to go dump it out more frequently. Then the rest of the time I can usually go the 12 hours again.

Many say this lessens their cramps and shortens their period as well. The cup doesn't sit on your cervix like a tampon and cause irritation. Instead, it's sits down lower. I haven't had any cramps since switching. I don't think it's shortened anything for me though. I hardly notice anything going on, so that makes things seem better.

Each cup has it's own care instructions. I usually let mine soak in hot, hot water and vinegar while I shower. Then rinse and wash it the other time(s) during the day it needs emptied. The instructions recommended boiling it each time, but that seemed to be a hassle.

Most come in 2 sizes and an assortment of colors. The sizes are usually 1 or 2. 1 being for those who have never given birth or under a certain age, and 2 being for anyone who has given birth or over that given age. The birth can be c-section, and you'll still need the larger size. My Lunette is a pretty blue color, and I got it from drugstore.com. I didn't want just clear. I felt it would get stained, but I haven't noticed any discoloration at all. As long as it's cleaned properly, I imagine you won't see any problems. But, why go for clear when you can pick something more cheerful?

I really do love this cup. I had one leak my first week using it, and then read something that was very helpful. Insert more horizontal and push toward your back instead of more angle up. I've used it while having a stomach bug, during roller derby, out of the house and I cannot feel it. It hasn't came loose or leaked. I like that you don't need a liner for that last day, or for back up when your period is due. I knew mine was coming, and put my cup in. I didn't even notice when it finally started, but I didn't have to worry about carrying around anything and went about my day. I don't feel like it's any more gross than a tampon. If you are doing it right, you shouldn't have any contact with your menses anyway. I will say, it was a little tricky my first few tries. Mine got here the day before good old AF arrived. If you've got time though, I'd recommend trying to insert it before you NEED it.

Apparently, there are some that are longer/shorter, or have larger/smaller capacities. You should research for any special requirements you might require or like in a cup. This was a good fit for me, so I feel no need to look at any other brands out there at this time.

I did purchase this on my own, and just decided to share since I liked it so much.

New Beautification Goodies

I'm working on expanding my make up collection. I am still clueless about how to use most of this stuff, but I'm trying.

Made a purchase off of Hautelook like a month and a half ago? I can't even remember. Took forever to get the stuff, and I probably won't be buying from them again while in Italy. I had to pay Hautelook shipping. Then they don't ship FPO, so I had to have it sent to an FPO/APO mail forwarding service. They charged an $8 handling fee on $3 worth of postage. Usually I love this service, but I paid far more in shipping than I did for the products I got this time around. They were about 60% off, so a steal, but the double shipping charges killed it for me.

I got some stuff from a Stila sale they had. I am very, very pale. Like Casper the Friendly Ghost white, and like to stay that way. I've realized I don't tan or hold color (I just turn lobster red, peel, and go back to white), so my new goal the past several years is to keep my lovely white coloring. It proves challenging finding foundations this pale though. I have a friend who is just as pale as me, so she recommended I try the Stila foundation. She also has a beauty blog here, so go check her out! The foundation has been a great match. Easy to blend and doesn't irritate me. I've even worn it to roller derby practice and not had my face run off or stay inside my helmet. Bad news, right after I got it they announced it was being discontinued.

A meh, iPad photo, but you can tell all my cheek redness is covered!

Then E.L.F. had a sale right around St. Patrick's Day. 10 free brushes with a minimum order of $25. I have a mini kabuki and an eyeshadow brush. That's it. Free brushes were definitely a welcome addition. I still don't have this stuff though. The estimated date for delivery is early May. Not impressed, once again. I don't get why it's so hard to mail things USPS for APO/FPO. I'm hoping it's not all banged up and broken after all that travel time. I'm sure the brushes will be good, but I got some shadows and blushes that could break.

Then I also snagged some stuff from one of my favorite shops, My Beauty Addiction. More foundation samples. All are mineral foundations, but 2 were powders and one a liquid. The liquid is no good. It smells weird to me and seems too purple/grey. I am liking the powder though. Ivory is a better match for me, but I also got Cameo. Maybe if my face does get a little color this summer, a combination of the 2 will be perfect. Then I got some lipstick samples too. I have yet to open them though. Still a little intimidated to try something so colorful and pigmented. Maybe this week I'll try them out, or at least swatch them?  They've got a code on FB for a Tax Day sale right now. TAXDAY will get you 15% off their Etsy store or their website. They do stuff like that frequently. My order had a coupon for it too (was for Easter or the start of Spring I think).

 <--- Is the Ivory. Light coverage (still can see freckles), but covers redness.

Then over here ---->
They sent Turquoiuse eye shadow as a bonus sample. Like the color, but feel like I need work with my eye skills

Picking a Roller Derby Name: Q&A time!

I think I briefly mentioned this before in another post, I am a roller derby girl for those who are new, or missed that little tid bit. Pretty new at it too. Only joined a team about 2 months ago now. The team is very new. It was founded end of October 2012. None of us have ever played before, and many have never skated. I skated a lot as a kid, and worked at a roller rink as a teen. The skating portion has come easy to me, but I'm new to the sport and the rules. Here's a little blurb a few guys from AFN Sigonella did for us. I'm in there a couple times. Check me out doing my first few arm whips!


That said, only one girl has passed her minimum skills test. You have to pass this test to pick your derby name and number. More importantly, you have to pass to be able to bout and hit. I've taken one try at the test. I passed the written test with a 100%. I passed everything on the skills portion too, but the 25 in 5. You have to do 25 laps around the track in 5 minutes. This means you need to be doing laps in 12 seconds, or less. I average 11.7 for the first 15 or so laps, and then slow down. My latest time was 5:20, so very close to getting it.

This means I'm also very close to needing to pick my name and number out, and I haven't the slightest idea what to do. The name also has to be original. I'll have to go through the registered list and see if there is anything too close to what I want.

I'm front and center in this pic. 

I thought it might be fun to do a Q&A on here. Anyone can post a question and then I can come back through and answer. Then we can do a little name suggesting contest. I'll come up with something for anyone with a suggestion I really like, or can take a spin off of. We are working on getting more stuff with team logos on it (stickers, sweatshirts, shirt etc), so maybe something like that.

Thought this would be a good getting to know you for the blog too since it's still fairly new, and I've just posted a lot of reviews up to now. They can be personal questions or derby related ones. Just nothing too raunchy or inappropriate please. I'll just skip over anything I feel isn't meant to be public knowledge. Our team is also pretty family oriented. My kid goes with me to practices and team events, as do quite a few other kids. We are also a team on a military base, so need to keep names on the cleaner side. At lest in my opinion we should. If you ask a question, make sure to subscribe so you see the answer post go up, and can submit a name idea if you've got one.

February Birchbox

Just got my February box in yesterday (3/25/13). Took 6 weeks, which seems like the average for packages that aren't sent USPS Priority mail. I was a little bummed because this box took some damage. One of my samples is done for, and it was one I was excited about. I sent them a message and I'm waiting to hear what can or will be done (I'll update later on if anyone is curious as to how they handle damaged items).

Update: They sent me a message back as I was putting this post together. Said they no longer had samples left of my broken item, so would instead add 100 points ($10) to my account within 3 days. Essentially making this box free, but you have to spend the points in their shop.

I already know my March box will be extra late. My credit cards had to be canceled due to hacking, so I couldn't pay since it took over a month to get my new cards. I had to go into the bank and pull out cash for weeks, and no online spending unless it was PayPal friendly. Huge pain. It got fixed before they gave my box to someone else though. This means that it shipped very late. Looks like a good one though from the preview.

For February, I got:

• Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB cream- I was excited to finally try a BB cream, but this looks so very dark for my very white skin. I guess I'll have to see how it is. I love that is paraben and sulfate free and has natural SPF of 25. I'm hoping it goes on a lot sheerer than it looks. 
• Juicy Couture Couture La La- All these Juicy Couture perfume samples have just been terrible for me. They are all so strong and overwhelming for me. 
• theBalm cosmetics Hot Mama- This is a blush/shadow. This is the item that arrived damaged. The product was just a disaster. It wasn't just broken, but it had just turned to dust. 
• TIGI  Catwalk Your Highness Root Boost Spray- Really interested in trying this one too. My hair is very straight and not at all voluminous. Will have to figure out a style to try with this though. I'm so used to washing and just letting it air dry because it's that straight and fuss free. 
• Ghirardelli Milk and Caramel square- This was just a little bonus. I love these things, but as I've mentioned before I'd rather have another sample and no food. 

Going to try to salvage some to try it out.

From my January Box, I'm still using the Clark's Botanicals Smoothing Marine Cream. I do like it, but not enough to go spend over $100 on it. That's the only thing I've really used from the box though. I will use the eye primer at some point, but had a lot going on to really mess with it the last few weeks. 

Seems like I'm getting many more hits on my blog, but have a little following of 3. I feel like I'm chatting to myself sometimes, so subscribe or comment. Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences with any of these items, or to just say 'hi' and let me know you dropped by.

Jean Shopping (A Dreaded Task)

I was in dire need of new jeans. I had 2 pairs die on me leaving me with a third that was wearing thin, and you know that one pair of jeans that are too small, but you keep anyway. I've been trying to wear them as little as possible and only wash after 2-3 wears (or if they needed it of course). You know, in an attempt to baby them into lasting until I could get the new ones.

I decided to try out Buckle's factory second jeans. They only sell these online, but they are about $36 compared to retail price of $66 to $80. These jeans are seconds. This means the sizing may be off. They may say 27 waist, but are actually a couple sizes smaller or larger. The inseam may say 29", but the inseam will be much longer, or shorter. They may be marked as a skinny fit when they really aren't. They may have mis-stitched a portion, or did too much grinding/sanding. You won't know what the situation is until you have the jeans in your hand, or you may not really notice any issues.

I got 3 different cuts, 2 different waist sizes, and 2 different inseams. One pair seemed true to inseam size, and 2 to waist size. Of course the pair that was actually short enough for me was the pair that seemed to run smaller than it was labeled. The other 2 are a little longer than they should be, and one looks like they might have done too much destruction on the thigh area. It's nothing I'd consider terrible though and it's definitely still a good pair of jeans. I will just need to have them both hemmed up, but the total cost will still be considerably less than buying them at retail price.

These jeans do not come with free alterations like Buckle's full priced, in store jeans. They are not refundable either, but you can exchange them. The next pair they send might not have the same issue as the first pair you received. I'm exchanging my one 'bad' pair. The return shipping to them is on me, but the pair they send me will have free shipping (Just got an e-mail that they got the jeans, but my choices were out of stock by the time they got them back. I got a gift card mailed to me instead.).

I got a BKE Stella Stretch jean in the Hershey II wash. These were a 28 x 31. The waist seems true to size, but the inseam on these are long. I can't see any cosmetic differences from what they show. There doesn't seem to be any issues other than them being longer than they say, which is easy to fix.

Then a BKE Sabrina Stretch jean in the Kearney wash. These were the same size as the Stella and had the same issue. No cosmetic issues, but were just longer than the inseam says they are.

The third pair was the pair I was most excited about, and they didn't fit. They were the BKE Madison stretch in the Bristol wash. These were a 27 x 29. I was thinking they'd be good with flats and sneakers being shorter, and I really liked the lighter wash. The waist size seemed to be the problem with these. The 28s are loose on me, so a 27 should have been a better fit, but these were very tight at the waist and thigh.

Then I really liked that Buckle has free shipping for military, and they used Priority mail! The jeans took just over a week to arrive, which is spectacular for FPO/APO shipping.

I had meant to take photos so you could see how ridiculously long they were, but this post has been sitting here forever now. They are already being hemmed, so a bit too late. Life kind of took over for a bit, but that happens.

Back at it (update about what rock we were hiding under)

I know I sort of disappeared for almost 2 weeks. We had a long, rough week last week. One of those weeks were if things were going to go wrong, they did. On top of all that , all week they had us scheduled for some sort of maintenance. We were without power, water, or phone/internet/tv just about every day for a large chunk of the day. Not a huge deal, but when stuff is adding up against you, it's a huge pain.

Poor Amara didn't sleep well last week, so neither did I. She kept having nightmares, I think. One night she'd just wake up crying. Then the next she would wake up crying and incoherently babbling something about needing to clean something up. I couldn't figure that one out. I guess she was having a nightmare about something being messy. She does like things to be clean. Like tonight, she went around the roller hockey rink at derby practice and picked up ALL the trash. She put it all in her stroller, so we could make sure it got into the trash at home.

The dog also got sick last week 2 times. First time, he stole Amara's sandwich. Should be no big deal right? Wrong. It was whole grain bread, and he has a sensitive stomach along with grain allergies. He was up sick every couple hours that night. Then a few days later we took him in for his annual booster shots. Everything looked great. Still gaining weight back on. Good labs. Go home happy and all is well. Then about 4.5 hours later he starts blowing up like a balloon. He had a terrible reaction to the shots. I ended up staying up with him pretty much all night making sure it didn't get worse or start giving him trouble breathing. Took 2 days for that to go down and him being doped up on Benadryl.

In addition to all that, we were minimum skills testing for roller derby. You have to pass this test in order to pick out your derby name and number (or yearly to renew), and more importantly actually participate in a bout. We had practice Sunday - Wednesday every day for 1-2 hours. One day was indoors since it rained. We took our written test and had dinner together (I was soooo thankful to not have to cook and just sit there in good company). I think we have a day or 2 more of testing to do this week since the rain was not kind to us last week.

Friday and Saturday we did some volunteer work with the derby team (friend the team!). We did a fundraiser with Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society selling hot dogs. Then Saturday we had a booth at the base to base run and 1/2 marathon. We were handing out fruit and water to the runners, and giving sugar highs to their kids with some baked goodies and Easter eggs. I had a few people at this point asking if I was okay since my eye bags had bags and their own dark circles at this point.

By Sunday I was ready to fall over. We had a pajama and Disney movie kind of day. It was just what I needed. I'm finally starting to feel human again. Oh the joys of Navy life and getting to deal with stuff like this all alone from time to time.