Little Surprises By Mail

So it has been A LONG TIME since I've posted. Life has gotten away from me, and I forgot about the doing the activities I love and enjoy in lieu of those that just keep my head above water. But here I am - back and ready to continue my journey to live life in the best way possible for me. So it is Saturday, and if I remember correctly, it is a product review day!

Very recently I signed up for two different subscription services: Little Lace Box and Popsugar Musthave. I received a "mini" Little Lace (they do their full boxes every other month, and a little "surprise" box on the off months). It was nice, a couple pieces of make up, that unfortunately do not match my complexion, a really cute birthday card I will definitely use, and a voucher for a delivered wine that sounded YUMMY, but alas, my state does not allow for such deliveries. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.

Then my PopSugar box came in yesterday!!! OMGeee, was I excited. Lots of stuff I will use, including a Judy Blume book, some great sunglasses, a Pacifica eye shadow palette, some candy, of course, and my personal fav, a Spongelle. I got one of these bad boys awhile back as a birthday present and was completely perplexed. I did not understand WHY I would want a pre-soaked sponge of shower gel. It seemed like it would be a complete horror show of a product. But, it was a birthday present, so I tried it out, and they are really great! It is a course sponge, so I use mine to exfoliate, and the one I received with PopSugar came on a really nice black ribbon with Velcro (which is awesome because I can get it around my towel bar to dry). It has a really yummy papaya scent, which is perfect for the summer!

For anyone who has NO IDEA what I'm talking about (which I get, it was new to me too), I've included a link to both PopSugar and Spongelle. *Note, I am not paid or endorsed in any way for either of these products, I just think they are fun!*

As a workout treat, this box was great, and my little exfoliating sponge is good for 5-8 washes and is reusable after that (though I normally throw them out after 10). Word to the warning though, the soap used WILL dry you out, so make sure you either use a body conditioner or a lotion right after! Great find overall, and it is wonderful to be back!

Use Whatcha Got

I keep telling myself I want to live in a “waste less, want less” world – and yet – my recent buying spree continues to crush me. I tell myself, “but I really NEED that”, or “it’s a BOGO deal, I should stock up now”! This is not working for my space or my wallet. It’s time to trim the freak down. What better way to keep myself on the “lose baggage, lose stuff, lose weight” kick than to review the mass of stuff I have as I go through it all.

Right now, I have a perfume issue. For a time, I thought it was a really good idea to spend 115 a year on samples that they will pretty much GIVE AWAY at any department store or Sephora if you were nice to the sales rep. Now, granted, I didn’t have to shlep to the mall (which I try to avoid at ALL COSTS), and be my fabulous gregarious self when I all I want is free swag. For $15 dollars a month, Birchbox will get me out of the hassle, fill a box full of deluxe samples, and the second Friday of each month was a baby Christmas. Awesome.

Instant Problem. I am a hoarder of samples. I don’t know why. I love them and I keep them. I put them in my gym bag, I think that I’ll “get to them” on a “at home spa day” (internal uncontrollable laughter), or that they will be PERFECT to pack for the airplane (yes, because I’m willing to try a brand new product when I’m on vacation and want to look my best . . . .). I currently have 6 boxes worth of items. This is not normal. Something must be done.

So, right now I’m going through my perfume collection. After 1,000 mini bottles sent to me from the wonderful people at Birchbox, samples thrown in my bags at department stores, and a deluxe sample kit from Sephora, I am starting to have quite the collection. Each mini-bottle gives me about 2/3 applications, which is nice because I can see how I feel about each fragrance and if this is something I should invest in. Note: I have a “signature” scent. VS Bombshell and I go way back and it works with my chemistry SO WELL. It’s the only perfume I’ve ever worn where strangers will stop me and ask what I’m wearing. That being said, it’s always important to have a couple “scents” because your body chemistry changes and, well, sometimes they just discontinue stuff. Always have a back-up. Always have a “day” and “evening” scent. Never be without perfume. It’s my mantra.

So this week, I have been testing my collection out.

1.)    Chloe, Roses de Chloe: This has the traditional undertones of magnolia and bergamot that is found in any of the Chloe lines, but I feel that this one is much lighter and has a “fresher” smell. It stayed around really well, and lingered without being overpowering. It smelled nice and clean – perfect for the random spring day we had this weekend. This is perfect for day, weekend or work!

2.)    Lancome, Tresor:  I made the HUGE mistake of wearing this to work. This stuff is strong. It’s like I fell into a lilac vanilla bath. Personally, it isn’t for me. It’s a super popular fragrance and a Lancome bestseller. It is traditional “romantic” musk, and would be perfect for a date night. That being said, I feel like I smell like a wealthy old lady. I’ll wait and revisit again when I’m in my mid 40s and want a “distinguished” scent.