Inside My Beauty Boxes: BIRCHBOX

This month's BIRCHBOX theme was Wanderlust and they also are sporting a new logo 

(I'm not really feelin' it, I miss my pink box *tear*).

Birchbox wanted to help us get ready for our summer vacations and look great! 

Let's take a look inside my BIRCHBOX.

Full Size

amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask - $40 for 16.9 fl. oz

Sample Size

$1.60 for 0.67 fl. oz

This conditioning mask is all natural and organic.  I enjoyed the smell of this mask and it definitely lingered in my hair all day, which is a plus. The only thing I didn't enjoy was that it didn't make my hair easy to brush through after my shower.  My hair felt tight and a little knotty. 

Rating: 3 stars

Full Size

Color Club Wanderlust Collection - $8 for four mini polishes

Sample Size

$2 for 1 mini polish

Every BIRCHBOX subscriber received one of the colors from this collection.  I received the purple, Pardon my French, and love it! I really hoped for the bright coral but for only $8, I might just buy them all! I love getting these polishes, keep them coming BIRCHBOX.

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

Paul & Joe Beaute Moisturizing Foundation Primer - $35 for 1 fl. oz

Sample Size

$11.55 for 0.33 fl. oz

Priming Moisturizer? Yes, please!!

Rating: 5 stars

Full Size

 Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser - $32.95 for 4 oz

Sample Size 

$8.24 for 1 oz

This fresh lemon scent was very invigorating and lovely.  The formula is also quite fun.  It goes from a sugar/bead to foam.  Though I enjoyed the experience I didn't see noticeable smoothness like it promised.  P.S. DO NOT GET INSIDE YOUR EYES, I wanted to gauge my eyes out!

Rating: 2 stars

Full Size

Say Yes to Carrots Lip Butter - Set of 4 - $9.99

Sample Size

$2.50 for 1 full size lip butter

I received the citrus flavor (not pictured in the set) and I love the scent and taste! It feels very moisturizing but my heart still holds my Burt's Bees much closer. 

Rating: 4 stars 

Full Size

Violet Oasis Therapeutic Body Butter - $35 for 8 oz

Sample Size

$4.38 for 1 oz

Love love love this body butter.  The smell is amazing and the texture is so luxurious.  This lotion promises a tightening effect and I would approve of that promise.  I would buy this full size if it wasn't for the hefty price tag.

Rating: 5 stars (times a thousand)

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Retail Price: $125.94 (full size) $30.27 (sample size)

Box Cost: $10

Full Size Products: 2

Come back soon for a look inside my Ipsy Glam Bag! 

Let's see who won this month's beauty box battle.

Thursday's Three

LAST Thursday in June, can you believe it? I can't!

F A S H I O N 

Zara Medium Height Sandal in Sea Green - $79.99 $59.99

   Just ordered these beauts in the Zara sale this weekend and I am in love.  The strap, the color, the suede.  Nothing gets better. 

M A K E U P 

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous - $7.49

    Yes ladies, that is an orange lip stain.  I decided to be adventurous with my lips this week instead of gravitating to my usual pinks.  So soft and moisturizing and a lovely shade of orange.  Will be wearing this lots and lots....with no shame of course.

H A I R 

Large Flower Crown Headwrap - $20

   Finally got my hands on a flower crown and it was just as magical as I thought.  See me wearing it here, and as one commentator said, I looked as though I had been in "heaven's garden."  Must get this in the other available colors! 

Hope you are all have a fantastic week so far!

Makeup Wish List: Caudalie

(Sorry for the late post)

Say it with me...."Coe-dah-lee."  Not "cah-dah-lie" or "cow-day-lee."
The French skin care company may have a confusing name but their products are quite easy to describe....
UH - MAY - THING!
I have received a sample of the Caudalie Divine Oil in a Birchbox
before and have been rationing it ever since.
Here are some more products I am particularly coveting.

Divine Oil - $9 - $49

Divine Scrub - $38

Hand and Nail Cream - $15

Moisturizing Cream Mask - $40

Moisturizing Toner - $28

Beauty Elixir - $18 - $49

Have you tried any of these cult products?

Pin-spiration

Feeling a little down?

Here is a little "pin-spiration" to put that pep back in your step.

Follow me on Pinterest!

Tomboy Style

Whether your a classic beauty or chic trendsetter, the summer time is the perfect season to rock the tomboy style.  Shorts, tanks, and masculine inspired accessories give a carefree and effortless cute look.

O U T F I T 

H&M Top - $4.50

   This basketball tank keeps you cool in the summer sun and the raw edges give the boyish and lived-in style. 

Zara Ripped White Shorts - $49.90 

   White shorts are a must for summer and a closet staple! (Bonus: It will make you look 10x tanner) 

Zara Flat Sandals with Metallic Plate - $39.90

    These flats tie the outfit color with the neutral/white color palette, but the metallic gives an instant coo factor.

A C C E S S O R I E S 

BCBGeneration Leatherette Baseball Cap - $38

    Leather baseball caps were spotted in every outfit of BCBG's Fall 2013 Collection at New York Fashion Week.  Start the trend early while protecting your skin from harsh summer rays (don't forget SPF too!). 

Topshop Matt Flat Brow Sunglasses - $38

    These blunt boy shaped glasses are the perfect combo of edgy and chic. 

Zara Braided Clutch - $79.90

    Just because your'e wearing a tomboy style doesn't mean you have to lug all your purse essentials in a Jansport backpack.  This braided clutch incorporates Spring/Summer's biggest color trend, black and white. 

                               How will you be wearing the Tomboy style this summer?

                          Stay connected with me between posts on Instagram and Twitter! 

Thursday's Three

F A S H I O N 

Express Crackle Coated Ponte Knit Skater Dress - $59.50 $29.99 $17.99

   The End of the Season Sale is going on at Express right now! I picked up this dress and absolutely love it and for that price, this pick was a no brainer.  Additional 40% off sale items and more, hurry down to the mall so you can find some great finds too!

H A I R 

Amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask - $12 (60ml) $40 (500 ml)

    Received a sample of this in my Birchbox this month and loved it! I will have a better review and rating in this month's "Inside My Beauty Boxes" post coming soon!

M A K E U P  

bareMinerals Mineral Veil - $20

   This finishing powder leaves your makeup looking satin smooth and keeps your foundation and concealer in place all day! 

What have you been loving this week?

Stay connected with me between posts on Instagram and Twitter! 

Makeup Wish List: Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown is renowned for her effortless, natural looking makeup.
With Bobbi, expect a flawless face.

F A C E 

Corrector - $23

Shimmer Brick in Nectar - $42

Creamy Concealer Kit - $33

Skin Foundation SPF 15 - $47

E Y E S 

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Violet Ink - $23

M I S C E L L A N E O U S 

Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules - $24.95

Papa

As you may or may not have noticed, I have been MIA for the past two weeks.

Here is the reason why. 

(photo by Meghan Klein of Floataway Studios)

This is my Papa, Leo Carol Walther, and he passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. 

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I was washing my face and brushing my teeth getting ready to hop into bed on what I thought was an ordinary Tuesday night.  But when the phone rang at 11:30 pm, I instantly knew it wasn't.  

Though he wasn't sick, he didn't take the best care of himself with his eating habits, like many people.  He died of a massive heart attack.

It happened after he had gone to bed and it was quick, just as he wanted his death to be.

(photo by Meghan Klein of Floataway Studios)

My Nana, his wife of 53 years, my mom and her two siblings, and all us grandkids are heartbroken, but we have security and peace in the memories we have with him and in his love for 

Jesus Christ, His Savior.  

(My mother rocking that white fur coat)

Here's a little more about my sweet Papa's life. 

He was a small town man who owned a liquor shop. 

 He loved talking with everyone and made friends very easily.  He loved his wife and kids and was a good provider.  Though he lived a moral life he was missing one thing, a purpose. 

His wife, Evelyn, was an active member at her church and his kids attended a Christian private school.  They prayed and begged for him to attend Sunday service with them but he conveniently scheduled himself to work on Sunday mornings. 

It wasn't until he turned 57 that my Papa decided to attend church on request of his son, Craig (my mom's older brother).  They went to Lancaster Baptist Church and he sat and listened to Paster Paul Chappell give a very convicting message.  That night he decided to give his life to Jesus Christ.

He was still a moral and loyal man but now he had a purpose.

He sold the liquor shop, moved to Lancaster, CA (1 mile down the road from the church), and began to faithfully serve there up until Tuesday, June 4, 2013. 

He woke up at 5:30 am every morning to serve breakfast to the college students of West Coast Baptist (affiliated to Lancaster Baptist Church), worked in the audio ministry selling and making tapes and DVDs of the sermons, drove the sports teams of the college across the country to their many games, and traveled the 80 miles to and from LAX to drop off and pick up people from the church. 

He volunteered around 40 hours a week, the time of a full time job, because he loved Jesus. 

Jesus changes people's lives drastically and makes life worth living.  

My Papa was a small town man who owned a liquor shop but because of Jesus he was able to touch thousands of peoples lives. 

The estimated 800+ people (not including the many who watched online) who attended his funeral are proof of that. 

Today my Papa walks with Jesus and is living out his life verse. 

Psalm 84:10

"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.

 I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." 

I miss you so much, but I am so incredibly thankful and blessed to have had you as my Papa.

I'll be seeing you. 

Makeup Wish List: Dior

Dior.

I don't think I need to explain this choice.

F A C E 

Diorskin Shimmer Star in Rose Diamond - $45

Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen in Roseglow - $37

E Y E S 

Diorshow Mascara - $25

5 - Colour Eyeshadow in Peacock Green - $60

L I P S 

Dior Addict Lip Glow - $31

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer High Volume Lip Plumper in Sheer Pink - $31

*swoon*

Get Those Greens In!

Did you know you should be eating vegetables at EVERY meal?
Yes, even breakfast and NO your hash brown potatoes don't count.
To get my leafy greens in, without eating a salad for breakfast, I drink a green smoothie.
Here is my recipe.

Smoothies obviously gotta have fruit.  I use frozen to make the smoothies extra cold and add texture.

My desired veggie is spinach, but kale is also very good.  If you are feeling very green, add both!
Don't worry your smoothie won't taste like steamed spinach or kale, I promise.

Now that we've got our fruits and veggies, it's time for protein.
Protein will keep your tummy full and give you tons of energy. I like to use non fat Greek yogurt because of it is packed with way more protein than plain non fat yogurt.  But if you don't have Greek in the fridge that is fine, any yogurt will do, even flavored yogurt is okay!

To help the blender we've got to add some liquids.  I like to add orange and pomegranate juice for some nice flavor and added antioxidants and vitamins. 

If you are planning for an extra busy day or just want an added umph you can add one scoop of vanilla protein powder of your choice.

(This is a great option post-workout)

Add all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth.

 Voilà!
There is your quick, easy and incredibly delicious green smoothie!

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Measurements:

2 cups frozen fruit
2-3 cups spinach/kale or both
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup pomegranate juice
1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Products I used:

Great Value Mixed Fruit 
(pineapple, peaches, strawberries, and mango)
Fresh n' Natural Baby Spinach
Dannon Oikos Traditional Greek Yogurt
Minute Maid Premium (Pulp Free) Orange Juice
POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
Body Fortress - Super Advanced Whey Protein in Vanilla

Nutritional Value:

Calories: 702
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 234mg
Potassium: 1505mg
Carbs: 115g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 87g
Protein: 43g
Vitamin A: 62% of daily value
Vitamin C: 343% of daily value
Calcium: 30% of daily value
Iron: 21% of daily value

This recipe makes about 24 fl. oz.
I drink about half in the morning and put the rest in the freezer for later.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe and let me know if you want more!
And remember smoothies are very customizable!  Add, subtract, and swap any ingredients to fit your preferences!