Ipsy August 2013

 This month I received my first Ipsy subscription.  Ipsy is $10 a month, and you receive 4-5 products in the mail.  All of my products were of a rather good size, maybe even full.  If you like the sound of Ipsy, you can use my referral code, Ipsy.

The product comes in a pink bubble wrap envelope, as soon as I opened the mailbox I knew what was there.

Speaking of mail...It took 12 days for this baby to ship from NC, to here in Indiana.  The first day it made it to IL though.  I don't know what took 11 days to get from IL to Indiana.

Each Ipsy subscription comes in a reusable makeup bag.  I am rather excited about this.  I am an organization freak, and I need more stuff to organize with.

I thought this was pretty cool.  Benefit and Ipsy are coming together to create a kit for a hostess to have a makeup party.

I wanted to apply to do this, but the contest closed yesterday, which is a bummer that I just got this in the mail today.  I want to learn more about makeup as the title of my blog is Discovering Girly, and this would have been the perfect opportunity to do so.

These are the 5 products that I received.  I haven't had a chance to use all of the products, but thus far the mascara and BB cream are my favorite.  Overall with the selection that I was sent I wasn't disappointed whatsoever. I received a variety of products that fit my needs.  I had actually been hoping for a BB Cream.

Noya Vanilla Lip Balm

 The Lip Balm is all natural, and overall feels wonderful.  One great thing about this product is that it isn't tested on animals.  It reminds me of when you would have a little bit of whip cream on your lips, and everything felt so smooth.  This lip balm retails for around $3.23 on amazon. They have other "flavors" such as cherry and spearmint.

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub

This product I am excited about using later, I am about out of facial cleanser.  My brother keeps using my Aveeno face cleaning pads, but I don't think that he will use this!  This has one of those essential oil smells, maybe Jasmine.  This product is considered to be 100% organic and gluten free.  The scrub has an oily feel to it, and when I wiped it on my leg afterwards, it did leave black streaks.  I would be sure to look in the mirror after bathing to ensure removal of the scrub.  This scrub is retailed at $18 for 3.4 oz at Michael Todds.  I have a feeling that I will be purchasing this again.  

Pacifica BB Cream

This is my first BB Cream, so I actually had to google what it is used for.  I just knew that I wanted to try some, as I had read what some people had used them for.  I have actually received Pacifica before in a tinted lip balm, which I love also.  From the picture above, you can see that the cream actually blends well into my skin.  This product is 100% vegan, and cruelty free.  Also, a portion of their profit goes to support clean water.  The BB Cream retails for 15.99 at Target for 1 oz.  

NYX Blush Espresso

This blush may become a bronzer, because I have a tendency to accidently put it on too dark.  If you look I created 2 swatches.  One darker and one lighter, in between them would be my BB cream from earlier.  I probably won't purchase this again later.  Maybe I will change my mind as I use it. This can be retailed at $5.00 at NYX.   

Pixi Lash Booster Mascara

To be able to get a picture that does the mascara justice is a skill, and one that I don't have.  I applied this mascara outside without a mirror, and then took this picture.  I really like this mascara, for the fact that it still looks good without having to "fuss" with it.  I may be purchasing this again.  This can be retailed at $17.00 at Pixi.  

Wantable July Jewelry Box

     As promised, I managed not to rip open my box without writing a review as a whole about it.  I've had my box for awhile, and am just now getting around to it.  My summer classes ended about a week and a half ago, and back to work I went.

    Wantable is probably my favorite subscription service.  I really need jewelry and they provide a nice selection, especially for what you pay for.  Click here for my referral code Wantable

    I am thinking about expanding my subscription boxes past jewelry and beauty to workout clothing, and cruelty-free/organic boxes.  I have already used stitch-fix, which I LOVE!  I just have to wait until my wallet is a bit thicker because last time, I bought my whole fix.        

The boxes come in a nice white classic box, and when you open them up you have a welcome card.  There is also an information sheet that comes with the products that you received.

Wantable always ensure that the value of your box exceeds what you pay.

Before your box gets sent to you, you take a style profile.  I wish they had more questions about the rings.  I like rings, but not giant ones!  There was no option for me to choose a type, and in my first box, I received three rings that I am probably never going to wear.  Other than that, I have loved every piece I have received.  At first I was a bit unsure on some, but I realized it was lack of confidence on pairing the piece with clothing.

In this box I received 4 pieces.  Each piece ranged from $22-$26, with the average being $24.  The first piece was the Flora necklace.  Wantable suggests wearing this with a tank and cut-off shorts.  Adding bangles will complete the look.  This necklaces value is $24.

                                                           

  

The great thing about this box is that it gives you variety.  The next thing that I received was a pair of Collins earrings that work for a low key date, or at work.  Wantable suggests to use these earring to add a touch of glamour to an outfit.  The earrings are priced at $24.  

The following necklace I was a bit unsure about, and is probably my least favorite, although I am growing to like it.  The Akiko necklace has a turquoise stone with a bird on a birdhouse.  Wantable states that it can be worn with any outfit.

The last item I was amazed by.  The Traci watch necklace can be layered with other necklaces and still look great.  The cost of this piece was $26.  This was my favorite piece, to have a watch disguised inside of a necklace!

The Wantable jewelry box is probably one of my favorite boxes that I have subscribed to thus far.  I truly recommend it.

Banana Coconut Chia Pudding

I haven't been doing very well at updating this at all.  Today I did make something that I wanted to share.  I found a recipe and tweaked it to how I want to be eating.  My goal is healthier and organic.  I haven't quite figured everything out yet, but I am getting there.

In the picture you can see the ingredients that I used.  (Making this was on a whim)
*2 cups Almond Milk
* 4 Tbsp Chia Seeds
*1 Organic Mashed Banana
*1/2 cup Organic shredded unsweetened coconut
*1 Tsp vanilla extract
*1 Tbsp Organic Honey
*Pinch of Cinnamon
Berries and Mint leaves for Topping

First you want to place the almond milk and chia seeds in a saucepan over medium heat.  Bring the solution to a low simmer using a whisk to stir occasionally.

The mixture will eventually begin to thicken.  Using the whisk combine other ingredients EXCEPT TOPPINGS.  Allow the pudding to simmer 5-10 minutes.  (I only did 5.)                                                        

The pudding should look about like this in the end.  Don't freak out if the banana doesn't mix well, and stays in slight clumps here and there.  

Afterwards, divide the pudding into 4 containers, and place the topping onto each.  Allow for the pudding to cool in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.  

Nelson Argan Oil 7 in 1 Non-Foaming Shampoo

"Nelson J Argan Oil Non-Foaming Shampoo is a revolutionary product for hair care.  A 7-in-7 formula, this one product replaces your shampoo, conditioner, detangler, shine spray, smoothing serum, color protector, and pre-styling lotion.  It is the first non-foaming shampoo that cleanses hair thoroughly but without the harsh ingredients that may be found in ordinary shampoos.  It is designed so it won't strip hair and scalp of their natural oils.  Your hair is left with shine, moisture, manageability, and better color retention."

I received this produce from one of my subscription boxes.  I was subscribing to Beauty Army, Glossybox, and Pop Sugar at the time.  I had a bad habit of ripping them open and not writing a review in my blog about them, because I didn't have the blog ready yet.  I am going to work on writing on the box as a whole once I am back home, and not all over the place again.  This product is suppose to be a Shampoo, Conditioner, Detangler, Argan Oil Shine, Color Sealer, Smoother Serum and Pre-styling Lotion.  Pretty cool right?  The product also smells like citrus mint.  I was rather excited to try this.  The product has little blue beads in it.  When I used it, this was the only way I was able to tell where the product was in my hair.  I rinsed it out, for a while to make sure there was nothing left.  The next day I was finding little blue beads on my pillow, and I had missed an area in my hair.  Granted the areas that I had covered were so soft and amazing, but I hadn't washed all my hair.  I still had some left, since my boyfriend melt my hair and had given me a compliment (which is rare for a compliment to be dished out), I gave the rest to him.  I asked him later if he liked it, and he did.  He said the didn't know how to tell where it was, but his hair is short so it was easy to wash.

Analysis

Rating: 2/10

Granted it did work really well, but I don't want to wake up in the morning risking parts of my hair not being washed.  I wasn't too fond of the fact that I also was finding little blue beads on my pillow and in my area the next day.  

Purchase:  No

I wouldn't purchase it for me, but maybe for my boyfriend.  

Cost:  $22.00 for 8oz, Product sent by box $2.75

Baked Cinnamon Apples with Blueberries

Today is a Cleanse Phase 2 day, and for a snack I made Baked Cinnamon Apples with Blueberries.  You want to preheat the oven to 350.  During the time it preheats, the prep will be done.  I used an apple and sliced it up into pieces.  Afterwards, I drizzled honey, and sprinkled cinnamon on top.   I used a loaf pan to bake it in, and you bake the apples for 15 minutes.  After I placed the apples on the plate, I microwave the blueberries until they are warm and bubbly.  This is typically between 15-30 seconds for me.  

Warm Avocado and Blueberry Salad with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

    I have been on a desire to be healthier, and my boyfriend has been bringing it up lately too.  I have decided to start a cleanse that TeamTaralynn is doing.  Since I am constantly in between Indy, Bloomington, and Terre Haute right now I haven't been able to start the "full kick butt" mode yet.  Sunday night I will be home, and things will get serious!!!  I will even have time to work out, and hopefully when IU starts back up, I will be able to continue the routine.

     I am currently on "Phase 2" (Please note I haven't been sticking to everything 100% this week).  This Phase consists on 3 days of all fruit.  You can choose from grapefruit, strawberries, blackberries, cranberries, blueberries, apples, oranges, lemons, limes, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, cherries, pomegranate, kiwi, pear, mandarin, apricot, peach, plum, dates, prunes, figs, tomatoes, and avocados.

Now, what you all have been waiting for my breakfast!  Warm Avocado and Blueberry Salad with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle!  I got the it from the UndressedSkeleton Blog.  She is also the one behind the cleanse.

She grilled hers, but I baked mine.  You slice an avocado longwise.  I placed them in a loaf pan, and baked for 5 minutes, and then flipped them over.  Afterwards, I baked for 7 minutes.  After I removed the Avocado and placed them on the plate, you warm up the blueberries, by placing them in a bowl, and microwaving.  This will depend on the microwave.  The one that I used the spinner is rotating.  I microwaved for 30 seconds.  You should only need 15.  Microwave the blueberries until they are hot and bubbly.  (I could eat the blueberries by themselves, lasted just like a warm pie!)  Place the blueberries on top of avocado.

    Time for the finishing touches, use some honey and drizzle it over the salad then sprinkle with cinnamon.

   I had a glass of hot lemon water (half of a squeezed lemon and boiled water) and this salad for breakfast.  At first I thought that it wasn't enough, until I finish my water, but it was just enough to hold me to the mid-morning snack!  I didn't really start to like avocado until I gave it after try until this summer, and now I believe I could it eat here or there, in a house or with a mouse, in a box or with a fox!  If you are wondering why that sounds familiar, yes I did just use Green Eggs and Ham from Dr. Seuss.  I am going to be a teacher you know.  ;)

Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot

Ahhh!  It's like a Spa for my feet, instead of getting beat with a baseball bat blindfolded!  I hate wearing heels for the fact that my feet will hurt, in lets say oh THIRTY SECONDS!  Although now with Dr. Scholl's this does make this pain happen so fast.  I usually am not out in heels long enough to find out how long it takes with the inserts for them to hurt, but I'd rather have the inserts!  Guess what, they can be taken from one shoe and put into another!  Exciting right?  You don't have to buy 50 million for all the shoes in your closet, just a few for the pairs that you wear a lot, so that we aren't constantly switching the inserts.  :)