January Ipsy

I might consider cancelling my ipsy subscription and going back to Sample Society. In the beginning I liked getting the new makeup bags every month but now they’re starting to pile up and you can only use so many, right? Also, I prefer birchbox’s point system to ipsy’s. Balanced Guru Body Balm-The description says Organic Sweet Cocoa & Tangy Body Balm. Maybe I received a bad sample but mine doesn’t have a pleasant scent at all, it smells waxy. Also it’s very lumpy (what is up with that!) and greasy. So I will not be purchasing this or probably even use it. Maybe on my heels… Absolute Makeup Cleansing Tissue-Just another face cleansing wipe. Smell is too strong for me in a face wipe. Nothing too exciting. I prefer the CVS brand makeup removing wipes. Yaby Liquid Foundation-I was surprised to see this actually match my skin, I’m very pale and apparently they sent the same shade to anyone who received this foundation. I don’t think that I’ll switch from using my Revlon Whipped Foundation though. Benefit The POREfessional-I have about 3 samples of this, it’s just a primer, it doesn’t hide my pores or make my foundation look any better. Malin & Goetz Mojito Lip Balm-I was excited to try this, I’ve seen Essie Button feature this brand in her videos. Sorely disappointed though, doesn’t smell like mojitos at all, and it’s just a greasy balm, kind of like Vaseline. :-/

January Birchbox

I finally received my January birchbox, it took over 2 weeks to arrive. I had cancelled my birchbox subscription last summer when I had had enough of receiving pens, gum and tea. I’m happy to say I was excited to get this month’s box. Gilchrist & Soames Shampoo & Conditioner –the bottle says Est. in London but these were made in the US. So I was glad to see the price was only $16 for full size products because I will be purchasing these as soon as they are available on birchbox, unfortunately they are now sold out. They both smell amazing and seem to work pretty well on my fine, dry hair. Burt’s Bees Day Lotion with Clary Sage-I’ve been using Burt’s Bees since I was in high school. The day lotion is nice but a little heavy for me and I expected some sunscreen in a day lotion. This I would only purchase for use at night. Coastal Scents Eye Quad-I’ve received samples for their eye shadow before and wasn’t too impressed. But these colors I really liked, they are highly pigmented and stay on very well, no fall out. I looked at the full size on birchbox’s site and the whole palette comes with 3 brushes for $34. I will be purchasing that palette in the future. Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster-This is a Vitamin C serum. It says immediate brightening but I didn’t notice anything when I used it. It also has a horrible smell. I’d like to use a vitamin C serum of some sort but not this brand, I can’t get past the smell.

Macarons!

I had my second trip to Trader Joe's this weekend and finally got my hands on some cookie butter! 

That stuff really is good.  Only one jar per customer :-(  I also managed to find some macarons.  This was my first time having them, I loved the texture but the flavor was just meh.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to make them at home, I've heard they are challenging, but I found a recipe this morning for Frosted Flakes Macarons.  I may just have to try.

http://picky-palate.com/2013/05/22/frosted-flakes-macarons/

Homemade Ding Dongs

I used to love when my mom would put those foil covered ding dongs in my lunch when I was a kid.  Usually with a bologna (who still eats that anyway) and some doritos.

I don't normally eat them anymore because of all the bad ingredients in them now.  I think I will give this homemade recipe a try!

http://thediva-dish.com/uncategorized/homemade-diva-ding-dongs/

http://www.boredpanda.com/amazing-places-to-see-before-you-die/

I'm born and raised in Texas, never left it.  My husband is from Scotland and has been to quite a few places.  At least a lot more than me.  I hope to someday to take our boys to some of these places.  At least the ones that are in the US.  I'm not much of a plane person.

Valentine's

I love, love, love Valentine's Day.  I love the hearts everywhere, the pink, red & white EVERYTHING!  I almost wish I could decorate a room in my house with Valentine colors.  I am planning on making the boys Valentine class favors this year, although I haven't decided which I should do.


http://pinterest.com/pin/270356783852512804/ 

http://pinterest.com/pin/270356783852512809/

http://pinterest.com/pin/270356783852512814/

Good Kids Gift Strategy

I love this idea on Emily's blog

http://jonesdesigncompany.com/holiday/giving-gifts-to-our-kids/