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.  :)  

Apple Cranberry Oatmeal Crockpot Style

So, as I stated before I am working on eating healthier.  I am CONSTANTLY on the go.  The quicker I can get breakfast made, or have it pre-prepared the better!  That is what is great about this recipe.  Although it made a bunch, and I am just one person.  I forgot it was in the crockpot after I came home, and I only ended up with one more serving, because it ended up burning from setting too long.  

You could most likely freeze the excess amount in serving sizes.  I am still new to the freezing concepts.  I would imagine the night before take out a serving and let it thaw in the refrigerator.  I used old-fashioned oats this time, next time I want to try steel-cut oats.  I might even add chia seed just to add some extra health benefits.  Chia seed health benefits  gives information about the various benefits provided.  

Anywho you're probably tired of my rambling and waiting for the recipe.  Oh, try using ziplist.com to save your recipes.  In the end its a HUGE time saver!  It has a meal planner, creates shopping lists off your recipes, and stores your recipes.  AMAZING!

Apple Cranberry Oatmeal (Crockpot Style)

6 cups of water

3 cups of old-fashioned oats

2 apples (chop and peel them)  (This is going to seem like a lot of apples, trust me)

3/4 cup dried cranberries

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

Brown Sugar or Honey to taste (Added prior to serving)

1.  I haven't tried the liners by Reyonds yet, but you could use these, or just spray the crockpot with a cooking spray.  This avoids oatmeal sticking.

2.  Mix the ingredients from the water-salt.   Place the lid on the crockpot, and place on a low setting for 6-8 hours.  (I did 8 hours)

3.  Serve.  (Plain it didn't taste good, but the first time I added brown sugar, and the second I tried honey.  The honey was my favorite.  

One serving has about 250 calories.  

Next time I make it, I'll try and get pictures.  

Balancing Act

Finding time to get everything done that I want to do in one day is tough.  I want to work on cooking/eating healthy, exercising (or at least a plan for when school starts), keeping up with my homework, working more with makeup/hair, and DIY activities.  There are just not enough hours in the day!  I think I need to start setting myself on a schedule for when school starts.

At the same time, I want to be able to be spontaneous, and be able to take time to enjoy the pretty trees.  Granted I took this picture a while back, but I have always loved fall!

How am I supposed to balance all of this?

LUSTER Premium Whitening Toothpaste

I received Luster from Influenster.  I really loved the product, especially the taste, and the fact the it actually whitens!  I had received Colgate Optic White in a previous box, it was a good product that I bought again, but I definitely like Luster more.  Will I buy Luster?  Yes definitely.  I do still use my optic white powered toothbrush though.  A regular brush doesn't feel like my teeth are clean anymore! 

NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine

I received this product from Influenster.  I liked the gloss, although I wish it had more of a staying power.  The company offers colors that I enjoyed, and the color sent to me went well with my skin tone.  This lipgloss due to the shine has a Pop effect with the lips.  The gloss has a smooth vanilla smell, but it comes off on my boyfriend.  I have to make sure that I take it off before I see him if I want a kiss.  Is there a way to make it a permanent color without the transfer effects, but still make the lips pop!

EBOOST

I recieved this product from Influenster.  EBOOST is supposed to taste great, and support your immune system while giving you energy that keeps you from crashing,  What more can you ask for?  It is advertised as being Natural Energy with ingredients such as Vitamins C, D B6, B12, as well as 5-HTP, Resveratrol, Green Tea and Green Coffee.  Most energy drinks honestly taste disgusting but these have Fruity Flavors that sound good, and they come in travel size packets.  You can carry a weeks worth in your pencil bag for school, and then just put EBOOST in your water when you need energy!  I have had my sample in my pencil bag for awhile!  I forget it's there all the time.  That's why I haven't tried it yet, I usually open my pencil bag in class.  I don't to be pouring powder into a bottle in class.  I get messy sometimes.    

Goody QuikStyle Hair brush

I recieved this product from influenster.  I really love this hair brush!  It became my daily brush.  My other brush is the brush I keep at my boyfriends for after motorcycle rides.  The benefit of the brush is that it starts to dry your hair faster.  I am one of those people who tend not to blow dry, or towel dry their hair too much.  I intend on buying another when school starts back up, and keeping it in my gym bag, as a new goal is to start working out more.  This brush will most definitely help prevent going to class with wet hair!  They even have a round one, which I might get, to help style my hair!  

Kiss Nail Dress

I recieved this product from Influenster.  I really enjoyed this product.  It was so much easier to apply than nail polish!  Sometimes when I paint my nails the polish actually pops off a few days later, as in the WHOLE nail polish comes off in a solid piece.  This wasn't the case.  It started to chip minorly after a few days...but I am rough my hands!  The process at first seems to take forever, but the next time that you paint your nails, you remember how much quicker you got the nail dress on, and want to smack yourself in the face for not using it again!  The first nail or so takes a bit longer, but once you figure out, you get in a rhythm.

I actually ended up being one of the Badge winners for the Kiss line.  I was sent another Nail Dress.  I plan on using it in a few weeks.  I currently have my Annual Training for the Army for a total of 15 days, and I can't have on nail polish.  (Is anyone picking up on the fact of why I have trouble with the whole how to be a girl thing?)  I can't wait to try my new one!  I think once I finally run out of polish, I might use Nail Dress.  The only thing is, the price adds up.  

Wantable March 2013 Jewelry Box

This month I discovered a blog called Glamorable.  It has amazing posts about all of these subscription boxes.  I have been trying to be more "girly" as of late.  Almost 6 years in the military, being raised around all boys, and having mainly guy friends- I missed the "How to be a girl" lesson.  I figured I would start with jewelry as of now, since my collection is ummm lets just say not that appealing.  I was so excited when I ordered my first box, and it came quick!  I ordered it on the 23rd and had it the 28th!

Wantable will send you 4 to 5 jewelry items (I got 5).  These items are hand selected by Bjorn Nasett, and new items are chosen each month.  In the mail, you will get a paper that tells you how to pair each item with an outfit, if you are like me this will come in handy while you learn!  These items are customized to you, because of a jewelry profile quiz you take.  The shipping is free, and you can subscribe for $36 monthly or a one time purchase of $40 whenever you want.  The items in the box will range in total from $80-$100.

1. Rosebud Ring $15.00

Wantable Styling this ring is a playful addition
to a classic chic look.

I am not really into the huge ring kinda thing, but a lot of times, I have to be forced to try something and I end up loving it!  Kinda like jeggings, I was unsure about the concept, and skinny jeans before that!  This rosebud ring is rather large if you look at it on my finger.  It's gold, with diamonds on the sides.  I am more of a silver person, but this ring would probably looks best gold.















2.  Cream Teardrop Necklace  $24.00

This piece and one other I was torn between choosing as

Wantable styling Little Black Dress,
 and this necklace, Thank you
Uptown  Girls you thought of everything.

favorites.  I chose the other only because, I don't know how often I will get to wear this lovely piece.  The necklace has 7 teardrops on it with strands on gold chain hanging around them.  Once again, I like silver but this piece looks best in gold.  I don't believe the silver would have balanced well with the Cream Teardrop stones.  I believe this piece is from Uptown Girls.














3,  Whimsical Elephant Ring $15.00

This item is my least favorite.  Its super big, and well there is a lot going on in the design of the ring.  There are 15 different materials (stones, beads) on the ring.  It's just not me.

Wantable Styling this ring is a delight to wear.

4.  Maverick Crystal Earring $18.00

These earrings ended up being my favorite piece.  I rarely wear earrings, but I believe it I keep getting cute things like this that may change!  I really love how it has different colors that I can try and match my outfits with.  The earring isn't super heavy either!

Wantable Styling earrings with a Maxi dress
 for a romantic evening.  

Gold yet again, but I love it!

5.Starlet Pave Ring $12.00

I like this ring, I just wish it wasn't so big.  I feel like if I bunched someone they would be knocked out!  The ring is sturdy, made of a metal material, and has several crystals.

Wantable styling wear with a bold spring polish
for a show stopping look.

.

SURPRISE ITEM!!

I was sent some illuminating lip gloss that has a mirror, and a light in the cap!!  Its a cool plumping gloss in which you feel the effects right away..The gloss is made by beautyforreal.com  The color I received was starlust.  The image does not do the gloss justice.  The lighting in my room is awful.  It is a beautiful, natural shine!