Birchbox - March 2014

Here are the products from my first Birchbox:

Click on the pic to join the fun!

This month: Spring Forward! The card inside talks about the season of change and maximizing daily routine - getting more out of everything. Here in Trinidad & Tobago, we have 2 seasons - dry and wet or rainy. But hey, anytime is a good time to talk about change ...for positive results!

The products:

Agave Healing Oil Treatment:

There was more than I thought in this little sample package, and didn't want to leave it in this packaging as it felt 'exposed' so I kept a little in a small container. Since I have long hair, I applied cautiously as I didn't want to have oily hair jus after washing.  I kept adding more as time passed. I love the smell of this product! It applied nicely without feeling heavy, but it didn't do anything much for my hair. Maybe I need to use all because of the length and thickness of my hair while it was damp. Overall - it was 'average'

Gilchrist & Soames London Collection Body Lotion

Definitely fast absorbing with an earthy scent as described. I'm not a fan of earthy or musky scents as I prefer something fruity or sweet, but I didn't mind this as it really absorbed nicely into my skin. This scent eventually grew on me. The packaging of the sample is great as well, and it can be reused for travel or to pop into your purse. I'm really feeling this ...a little more every time I use it!

Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum

A bit on the fence on this as I don't use much face products - it felt a bit greasy and I was conscious that something was applied to my face. Good packaging, an ample amount in the sample and it doesn't have a strong scent. It's difficult to think about how effective this product can be... I'll continue to use it to make up my mind. 

theBalm How 'Bout Them Apples? Cheek & Lip Cream

Very cute package! Since I do consider myself a beginner to make-up use, I used it as a lip tint. I have dark lips and adding this to already moisturized lips gave it a nice subtle look.  

* Lifestyle Extra *

Mighty Leaf Tea Pouches

I'm a coffee drinker and this is a great way to open up to the 'tea world'. I tried the Green Tea Tropical - and it was a pleasant aroma and taste. Can't wait to try the other samples! 

A Treat from Ghirardelli

Easy review: *nom nom nom nom* - lol. You jus can't go wrong with chocolate! It was a great find in my first Birchbox. 

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Overall, my first Birchbox was awesome! - maybe it was the long wait and finally receiving the products, or just the thrill of getting the box itself! I can't wait for my next box! If you wanna join in the madness, click the first pic to sign up :)

See what others got in March 2014 here

My First Birchbox!

Birchbox - a New York based company that provides a "beauty box" for subscription of $10US  a month. Upon subscribing, you will complete your profile so that Birchbox will know what kind of samples to send you. According to the research, you usually get 4-5 sample size products to help you decide if you want to purchase the full size version- available from the site.

I found out about this subscription service via a trini blogger Ceola and I was immediately intrigued. I am a novice in this field - but the aim is to start learning about different products and how it can be of benefit. This seems like the perfect way to get me started. With my recent 'addiction' to online shopping - the Birchbox subscription quickly got me wanting to join :)

My first box - March 2014, and I was a bit worried about the 'how' of it all. How did it work? How will I use it? ...How will it get here?! Especially as I don't live in the United States. So, I added my US shipping info to my credit card to allow me to access the service (and it allows me to do more shopping!) I wasn't too sure about how shipping beauty items will be handled in Trinidad & Tobago, but after following Ceola's post, I didn't see any issues.  After doing a little more 'investigating'; reading reviews, looking for blogs, watching youtube reviews - I decided to give it a go. I signed up, and then I waited ...and waited ...and waited. Maybe I was impatient - maybe it was more excitement.

*The How*
First, you request an invite and then eventually create an account. I selected the monthly subscription (I can cancel whenever I wish) or you can chose the annual subscription for $110US (do the math and it's 12 boxes while paying for 11). I reserved my first box the 15th March and I was welcomed to Birchbox on the 17th with my first order (my credit card was charged on this day as well). My box was shipped on the 18th and received at my shipping address on the 22nd. I got my confirmation on the 25th and I finally got the box today - the 27th March 2014.  As for the cost, getting the box to Trinidad cost me $38.47, the box itself was $65.02; a total of $103.49TT. I will display/review the products in another post

After watching all the reviews, I kinda knew what to expect. I loved that I got a chocolate in this box as well ...and the excitement is still here :)

Wanna join the Birchbox craze with me? Click here

Angie

One step at a time

It's amazing how a simple thing as a shoe rack can make a difference. The footwear I do own are usually scattered in selected area in my room. Truth be told - I'm yet to commit to decorating my space and making it my own. But for now, I've added a shoe rack :) 

...Sunday things

April Challenges

Here are my challenges for April 2014

Blog
I have been away from blogging a while. I don't want to treat this as a task, so I'm going to take it light. I do need to improve in my writing - it was never a strong point for me (well, writing 'accurately'). Up to me - I'd blog in trini dialect ...can't spell to save my life and grammar rules refuse to stick to memory. I have always been struggling with this and as an adult, I will always 'google it' to be safe.
Challenge: blog new interesting experiences; don't be afraid to voice your opinion on anything - write! write! write!

Water
As simple and silly this may be to have as its own challenge - it is necessary. It is no secret that I am a Coca Cola junkie (can't say that the other way) and it's been my main source fluid. I remember promising that I will drink the same amount of water than I do coke - but that didn't really stick. I know the importance and I know I just have to do it - the benefits are countless ...I just need to get with the program
Challenge: drink it everyday ...every single day ...and even more each day

Exercise
An area I'm lacking in here... I defiantly need to get my body moving. I will come up with a simple plan to get me started; the trick is not biting off more than I can chew, nor too small that it doesn't make a difference. My aim is to have a wicked body that I can be proud of - reality is that it will not happen overnight. The focus is forming the habit so that I can improve and develop even more. Yoga is a must - I need to learn how to use this to my benefit.
Challenge: follow exercise plan/challenge

Self
Sometimes I forget to really treat myself to something special & easy - jus to build up momentum. A movie I've been wanting to see, give myself a manicure/pedicure, take a pic of me when I look/fee pretty, do more creative things that I know I will like to do and never took the time to. Many time I put off things cause I jus never took the time out to do so - make the time, keep trying, definitely something to help boost my mood
Challenge: at least once a week, treat myself to something special 

So - here it is, challenge accepted!

First Post!

The first post is going to be on preparation for an April 2014 challenge.

Here's the general list of what I'm going to focus on:

1. Blog
2. Water
3. Exercise
4. Self   

The aim is to form new habits. Time for change. Going back to basics with these 4 items jus to get me started. I still trying to find my 'new blog groove'. I have had my first blog back in 2007 and I loved every minutes of it. Unfortunately, I no long have it - which is both a heart breaking and a blessing. Some times its good to let things go.  

I have a few more days until the start of April. I must admit, it is kinda funny that I am officially starting these challenges on April 1st ...'daam fools day' as a typical trini will say. But a start is a start. My phone is practically an extension of me so posting should be easy. I will do the guidelines when I figure out how exactly I will go on with it. 

Lets see how this goes - and if any body is reading, let me know :)