ipsy - May 2014

The theme for ipsy May 2014 Glam Bag:

The usual $10.00 US cost, but this month, the shipping was $82.15 TT as the contents came in at 1lb *gasp*

Approximate cost: $145.00TT

Honestly, I wasn't excited about the contents of the bag - jus the bag it self was really nice this month. Leaves on the front and a plain back. I like the 'organic' look of it. I don't ...or I'm not used to wearing sunscreen or moisturizer (oh the horror!!!), I wasn't sure what the 'spring water' was about and the nail polish isn't a color I will pick. But! the eye shadow is neutral enough for anything ...and I can use this color for nail art designs. Did I mention I like the bag? lol

  

I haven't yet used the products - only the spring water because it was so ...odd. I will eventually use these items or pass them along. Maybe I will change up the answers on my quiz to see what I get next month. (Items in your Galm Bag are selected for you based on this Beauty Quiz)

Here's the loot with the description from the ipsy site:

Avène Thermal Spring Water
Known for its long history in treating atopic dermatitis, the Avène Thermal Spring Water is the only thermal spring water bottled directly from the source and packaged in a sterile environment to guarantee purity and maximum skin benefits. Its unique composition is proven to soothe inflammation, itching, redness, general sensitivity and post-medical and aesthetic procedure irritation as it softens, protects and purifies the skin. Avène Thermal Spring Water is recommended by dermatologists worldwide. Spray onto the skin in a fine mist. May leave on for 2 to 3 minutes, and then gently pat dry. Ideal for use after cleansing, shaving, exercise, sun, to soothe diaper rash and set make-up to help keep it fresher looking longer. 

Hang Ten Classic Sport SPF50
Protect and nourish your skin with our clear, lightweight, naturally scented sunscreen. Provides maximum water resistance and full body coverage against harmful UVA/UVB rays. - Oxybenzone Free, Paraben Free, Retinyl Palmitate Free, Non-Greasy, Non-Nano, Synthetic Fragrance Free 

Pur~lisse pur~moist hydra balance moisturizer
Achieve beautiful balance with the Pur-lisse pur~moist hydra balance moisturizer. Gently smooth over face day or night after cleansing and toning. Glides on like a gel and hydrates like a cream and never greasy. Hydates your skin to create a perfect canvas for makeup application. Dries down to a healthy glow. 

Nailtini Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer (Bloody Mary)
No makeup cabinet is complete without an all-star nail lacquer and Nailtini stocks top-shelf, 3-free nail lacquer in dozens of shades, textures and finishes. Wear them alone or layered to create custom looks and effects, each one a cocktail unto itself. Cheers to beauty, and as always, apply responsibly! ipsy subscribers who receive this product will receive the shade Frappe, Champagne, Bloody Mary, or Caviar Cocktail. 

Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo (Celestial & Opal)
The Pacifica Mineral Eyeshadow Duo are coconut infused mineral eye shadows that are a perfect addition to any makeup collection. Packaged in a beautiful travel ready recyclable container, these exclusive duos are customized just for ipsy! These shades can be found in the Pacifica Mystical and Charmed Palette. Smooth application with gorgeous color pay-off. ipsy subscribers who receive this product will receive Duo #1 (Celestial & Opal) or Duo #2 (Moonbeam & Unicorn). 

...things in May

There was quite a bit happening in May for me - didn't get to post as much as I planned.

I got my ipsy bag a week ago and I'm still waiting on my Birchbox :(
Apparently there was some mix up and I wrote to them expressing my concerns. They sent a replacement box (that I'm still waiting on).

I planned some photography posts when I got my lens and cleaning kit from Amazon - but I wasn't happy with the quality of my pics since it was a bit rushed (...to get the post done! lol). I really hope that I can schedule this better and have better work to display. Part of my plans include documenting the basics as I learn - interpreting it in a manner that is easy to follow for a novice DSLR user

Another little area that I will like to bring into this space has to deal with my room ...my fortress of solitude. It's been years since I've moved and I haven't yet made it my own. I must admit it's quite difficult to get exactly what I like and even more difficult to compromise ...not to mention expensive! Hopefully, I'll capture that journey here... hopefully

Until then, have an awesome cup of coffee :)

#coffeetime

Detox Drink

There are many option when it comes to 'detox' - but what does it really mean?

detox: a process or period of time in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances; detoxification.

An easy way to start is using 'detox drinks'. In research, I've found an easy recipe for a simple mix that can help any one get started with a detox process. But why detox? Just take a moment and think about the junk you put into your body (...or maybe you got it under control). Any way you spin it, the benefits for junk eaters and the healthy ones are definitely there!

What you need:

• lime or lemon*
• cucumber or watermelon*
• mint leaves

*or add both! mix it any way you like :)

Results:

Day 1: cucumber and lime slices with mint leaves

Day 2: cucumber and lime slices with watermelon

I love this post from Everyday Roots that breaks down the benefits of what's inside the drink: 

• Make Your Own Detox Drink for Daily Enjoyment & Cleansing

Here are some other articles that peeked my interest: 

• Breaking Down Detox: Is it Good, Bad, or Just a Fad?
• Detox Waters for Cleansing and Wellness
• 3 Natural Drinks to Help Get Better Sleep

Other simple ways to start a detox process:

• meditate - purge your mind from any and everything and be at peace
• drink lots of water!
• breath deeply, to allow oxygen to circulate in your body 
• stay away from alcohol and cigarettes
• exercise - get your heat pumping and sweat!
• try green tea
• exfoliate or 'dry brush' your skin
• get enough sleep

Articles on detoxing for more information:

• 10 Ways to Detoxify Your Body
• 8 Simple Ways to Detox Your Body
• 10 Simple Ways to Detox Every Day
• 28 Simple & Natural Ways to Detox your Body

The important thing is really simple - nothing in excess, watch your intake, exercise and keep a positive outlook. The other really important is - getting into or developing a 'health habit'.  

"Do something your future self will thank you for"
Do this for YOU

:)

PCOTM - #FlipFlopLife

I got my first Phone Case Of The Month case today! Woo!

wander: walk or move in a leisurely or aimless way

Let's talk about the time line - the journey from Las Vegas to Trinidad

My CC was charged on the 30th April 2014 and the email to confirm the case was shipped came on the 2nd May 2014. The case was received in Miami on the 9th May and... I got the case in hand today. Total wait time (using Websource to ship) 10 days

About the cost...

The subscription is $10US a month - but I actually paid $5US ($32.46TT) for my first case via a referral link. I paid $38.47TT fro shipping. Grand total: $70.93TT

Here it is!

Here's the case:

In the package:

The Wallpaper

My first impression was: ...errr. I wasn't blown away. I was able to see the design of the case via my PCOTM account log in area, where you can download a wallpaper (up there *points*) - so the element of 'surprise' wasn't really there. Also ...the case looked dirty (pics below). It was in the bag ...but ...idk ...There was a 'sweetie' :| ...I ate it :| (ok, kinda really weird to eat stuff like this :|)

If you're interested, click here to get your first case for just $5US
...you're welcome :)

Pic of the Month - April 2014

At the end of the month, I hope to review all the pics I have and post my favorite, or - maybe by the most 'liked'  from what I posted online.

Here's my fav for April 2014:

iPhone5 Photography
Posted on my IG

I love that it looks like it's glowing!

Hope you like it!!!

...where did my order go?

Just an update to my camera post - I did get my order that I was super excited about, but didn't post. The entire package was awesome, but! I didn't keep it all...

I decided to sell a friend the lens kit who was looking for a Mother's day present (who jus got into photography as a hobby). So! right now I'm waiting for the new kit to arrive (along with a battery charger that I forgot I needed)

Until then ...I wait!

Nail Art - trying new things

So - here are a few shots from today

IG Post with filter

...my attempt at a Cherry Blossom ...almost like the Arizona Ice Tea can

Attempt at leopard print, cherry blossom, nail gems, polka dots, metallic 

I must admit, it feels weird on my nails. I'm not used to having 'embellishments' on. I only did my right hand as I'm still practicing. I saw this tutorial and I decided to put my spin on it. What do you think?