Nail Files & Birch Box all rolled into one

I kept my nails in the natural once my V'day polish started coming off (read "I started peeling it off). I've had the Oxygen Nail Treatment I got in my last Julep Maven box on since Wednesday evening.

It has a very sheer pink tint to it that you can't see at all in this picture! But it seems to be holding in place since I put it on. According to the box, the Oxygen Nail Treatment is "A perfect tint and a revolutionary treatment for thin, weak nails prove to breakage and peeling." Those are the two biggest issues I have with my nails, so here's hoping this stuff does the trick.

On to my Birch Box!

Here's what I got:

Juicy Couture: Couture La La, Dr. Jart+:  Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm, Curly Hair Solutions:  RevUp Volumist, and theBalm cosmetics:  Mary-Lou Manizer. Oh, and a caramel filled Ghirardelli square (yum!).

Here is something you may, or may not, know about me. I am make up challenged! That is the main reason I wanted to do Birch Box - to be introduced to other products that may help my routine. I use the word "routine" very loosely! My routine consists of Olay moisturizer (with an SPF of 15 or higher), Cover Girl Powder foundation, blush (currently Victoria Secret brand or theBalm I got last month), and Mascara (water-proof). I carry blistex with me...in fact, I may be a little obsessed as I have one in my purse, one in my make up bag, one by my bed, one in my backpack for travel, and one in my desk drawer. *pauses to coat lips*

So I really wasn't overly impressed with the contents of this box (and I'm mucho jealouso of those that got the nail polish...but that's not why I did Birchbox...I have Julep for that).

Here's my thoughts on the items:
* Ghiradelli Square - YUM! (duh!)
* theBalm cosmetics:  Mary-Lou Manizer - love this! It's a little lighter than I normally go for, but I like it as an eye shadow/highlight. The shimmer effect is just enough for me.
* Juicy Couture:  Couture La La - Not my thing.
* Curly Hair Solutions: RevUp Volumist - not impressed. I really didn't notice it doing more than letting my hair air-dry does. I take that back...it did define the curls a little bit (I have naturally wavy hair - enough to drive me crazy if I don't straighten it or shellac it into place with curl spray). But as far as volume, no.
* Dr. Jart+:  Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm - probably the only thing in the box that impressed me. I had no idea (NO IDEA) what BB cream is or does going into this. So imagine my surprise when I go to put it on like a moisturizer and it not only comes out tinted, but goes on tinted too! HELLO! And it was the perfect coverage color.

I may have a new item to add to the routine replace two of my current items. And it has SPF 15!! 

Today I've linked up with the lovely Tara over at Fabulous but Evil to bring you these two reveiws/links ups. 

 

 and

Happy Friday, y'all!!

Friday's Letters - the first for me

I've toyed with joining this link up for a while. Mainly because I already do a Friday link up. But more and more each day/week I find myself "writing" letters in my head throughout the days. So I figured, why not?!



Dear designers,
Thank you for the lovely clothes each season. I realize the purpose of summer fashion is to keep cool, but could we tone down the sleeveless tops? Don't get me wrong, I love a sleeveless on a hot day even if I don't have toned arms. But I'm looking at work clothes and they're just not cutting it on a professional level. Sleeveless dress tops mean I have to add another layer, which defeats the purpose of the coolness of the summer clothes line.

Dear stores whose clothes I love (Target & Kohl's),
Can we work on the Women's selection, please? You have some great clothes and a HUGE selection of misses or juniors. But your Women's (AKA Plus) is lacking on so many levels.

Dear people who decide what's in for fashion every year,
Thanks for FINALLY making teal an "in" color. Why couldn't you have done this 8 1/2 months ago when I was planning the wedding of my dreams...in teal?!

Dear UPS,
Please train your new guys a little better! Due to lack of training/preparing on your part, a VIP (very important package) wasn't delivered yesterday like it was supposed to be. And it almost wasn't delivered today. Had it not been delivered today, I would have had to bail my husband out for damage to UPS property the next time he saw brown. This week, Brown did nothing for us!

Dear Brianna at UPS,
THANK YOU!!!! You saved the life of one of your drivers.

Dear husband,
I love you! And your child-like excitement for your birthday present. I'm sorry it didn't come yesterday like it was supposed to, but I'm glad you have it now.

Have a happy weekend, all!