Monday, May 5, 2014

Favorite Things - Mothers Day and Birthday Edition

Hint, hint honey... I wouldn't mind seeing one or two of these items on Mothers Day, or even my birthday!

With Mother's Day coming up soon (and my birthday the week after), I thought it might be nice to share some of the things I'm loving and/or longing for lately.   So, in no particular order, here are a few of my favorite things:


Basin Orange Vanilla Shea Scrub (shop here)

I tried this body scrub out last time we were at Downtown Disney.  It made my hands feel so soft, but not greasy at all.  The fresh citrus smell is so refreshing!   (Honey, if you're reading... We get a discount with our Disney Annual Pass)







Earrings to match my name charm necklace (shop here)

Paul gave me a name charm necklace from Suzanne Myers Jewelry when Harper was born (link here).  It is my all-time favorite necklace! Suzanne creates awesome sterling silver jewelry.  Ordering from her is very special - she takes the time to get to know you while creating your special piece.   Even celebrities like Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Sharon Stone, and Faith Hill order from her!  I think a pair of the Willow earrings will go nicely with my name charm necklace.



And here is a pic of my name charm necklace:




A coin purse to match my purse (shop here)

The smartest purchase I ever made was my LV Totally PM.   I've been carrying it for three years, and haven't had any desire to buy a new purse.  I have a large Sarah wallet, but I would love a small coin purse that slides in the side pocket of my purse and offers easy access to coins and my ID for when I'm paying tolls or don't feel like carrying my larger wallet.






Custom chalboard family name print  (shop here)

I've been looking for the perfect print for our recently remodeled bedroom.   I've been looking on etsy for something that I like, and found this one.   I think it would look great personalized with our initial and name on it.





So... there you have it.  

Some of my favorite things, and some things I really want.  (And honey, if you're reading... these range in price from $15 to $250.  So there's plenty for you to choose from.)


Happy Mother's Day, Everyone!


Edited to add:  The companies mentioned in this post did not reimburse me for reviews, nor do they even know I love their products so much.

Ipsy Glam Bag Review April 2014

I got my third Glam Bag in the mail today!   I really enjoyed the items I received this month - Ipsy has made it so easy for this SAHM to enjoy wearing makeup!




Before I go any further, I want to share my referral link:  CLICK HERE to try Glam Bag for yourself! (Hint: Sharing Glam Bag on your facebook page allows you to skip the wait list.)





What is an Ipsy Glam Bag, you ask?

Michelle Phan started out doing Youtube video tutorials.  She was constantly asked the question: "What are the right products for me?"  I totally understand that question, since I've asked it myself.  Choosing the best items for your needs can be a challenge! That was why Michelle created ipsy. Michelle and her team of stylists have selected products they love, for you to try.

Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month.

When you sign up, you take a beauty quiz, asking all about your skin tone, beauty preferences, favorite brands, skill level, etc.  I love this service, because I never buy new beauty products.  I've used the same tube of mascara since I quit work and started staying home.  I never wear makeup, because it's not fun for me.  All of that has changed since signing up for Glam Bags!

I can't tell you how excited I am about primping a little, especially since I've got some nice new clothes from Stitch Fix (link) to wear too!

Ipsy is also very involved with social media:

  1. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.
  2. Explore beauty Looks on ipsy.com and enter monthly "Look Challenges" to win prizes.
  3. Subscribe to the monthly Glam Bag... it's just $10/month and packed with beauty products.
  4. Reveal exclusive offers from leading brands in your personalized Glam Room.
  5. Tell your friends about ipsy by using your unique ipsyPoints referral link.




 

The Review

I received an email the second week of April, letting me know that my bag shipped.  They provided me with a DHL tracking number, which was transferred for delivery by my local post office.   My Glam Bag was delivered three days after receiving my tracking info.  This is the stock photo of the April glam bag.  I knew that I would probably get different products than pictured, since each glam bag is customized for your needs, skin tone, product preferences, etc.




 

 

First Item: Navy record print cosmetic bag

I gave this bag away to a teenager in our church.   I am not a fan of 'rockstar' type stuff.  And this edgy design isn't really my style.  I much prefer preppy looking things.  But even though I don't care for the decorations, it was a nice bag!








Second Item:  Urban Decay - 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil Travel Size





I've never tried Urban Decay products, which is one reason I love IPSY.  It exposes me to new brands without breaking my piggy band.  This eyeliner goes on so smooth!  It looks great, and I really like using a makup sponge to blend it a little before I apply eyeshadow.

The product can be purchased here, and it costs $20 for a full-size pencil (I received a trial size). Since this item was in my Glam Bag, I get a free gift if I order $35 worth of products from urbandecay.com.





Third item: Coastal Scents - Medium Shadow Brush

 


The Coastal Scents Shadow Brush is a medium sized brush made out of natural fibers that is wide in shape and condensed to allow an even distribution of eyeshadow on the lid. This professional cosmetic brush can be used for shading the crease and highlighting the brow bone with complete precision.

You can buy this brush here, and it's $2.49 plush shipping.  Ipsy glam bag recipients also get 25% off their oder at coastalscents.com!




 

 Fourth Item: dr. brandt® - microdermabrasion



The dr. brandt® microdermabrasion gently sweeps away dead skin cells and softens skin texture, which enables better absorption of skincare products and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, acne marks, and skin discolorations. A great at home alternative to professional clinical treatments. Safe to use for all skin types.

You can buy your own here.   Retail value for this is $78!!!  Even with my 20% promo code, this is out of my price range.  Although... let me tell you, this stuff is awesome.




 

Fifth Item: Elizabeth Mott - pop! goes the shadow in champagne

 

The Elizabeth Mott pop! goes the eyeshadow is the ultimate eyeshadow that's long lasting, easy to apply, and effortlessly blends. Buildable colors will take you from subtle highlights to dramatic smokey eyes. With pop! goes the shadow, eye shadow creasing is a thing of the past.

This product can be purchased here.  Retail value for this is  $12.99, and I got 50% off my order this month.



 

Sixth Item: Starlooks - Luscious Longwear Lip Pencil

 

Starlooks' Luscious, Longwear, Matte Lip Liner formula contains a Kiss-Off Resistant polymer that, when worn alone or in combination with a matte lipstick, offers an incredible 8 hour wear - with little no need for touch-up or re-application. Comes in one, brilliant shade of nude for all skin tones! 

This product can be purchased here.  Retail value for this is  $14, and I got 20% off if I decide to order it.

My Thoughts

This was an awesome experience.   For just $10, I got at least $35 worth of product, including three full-size items (eyeshadow, lip liner, shadow brush).  Plus I easily got double that amount in coupons and online discounts.

Is this worth my time and money? YES!   Will I continue to use this service?  YES, and I have no reservations about continuing this service indefinitely.