April Birchbox

Have you  heard of Birchbox? With a monthly membership for a fairly small fee you receive about 4 to 5 samples of beauty products. The idea is to give you a taste of a variety of products, from facial creams and cleansers to self tanning lotions, lip gloss, and nail polish, help you cut through the clutter of products we all know we're guilty of purchasing, and allow you to make smarter buying decisions by purchasing products that actually work (and you like). You receive discounts off of full sized products of the samples and earn loyalty points to use for future purchases. I love it!

I joined in February and received my first box in March. My samples included toothpaste, lip gloss, self tanner, facial lotion (that I loved), facial mask, and a few other things. I still haven't tried everything (I'm not a self tanner person) but I will say that I absolutely loved the facial lotion.

Pangea Organics Facial Cream

It was really light and refreshing and when applying, it felt silky smooth with a slight tingle. It has a nice lavendar smell and my skin felt moisturized all day.

This month, Birchbox is celebrating Earth Day. All of the products in the box are eco-friendly and it even came with seed paper that is not only used in stationary products by Bloomin but can be planted and flowers will bloom.

I received:

Ski Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

 I love exfoliating cleansers and can't wait to try this. It is full of all-natural ingredients and has a really nice citrusy scent.

Zhena's Gypsy Tea Italian Chamomile 

 This tea sounds like it's chock full of all sorts of ingredients to relax you and aid in digestion.

Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion

 This is a rosehip seed oil-infused moisturizer. I can't wait to try it out.

LIV GRN C2C Fragrance Collection Natural Eau De Parfum

 This perfume is made with renewable materials and the scent is really light and refreshing. I'm not a perfume person at all but I have it on now and it doesn't bother me it all. Again, the scent is light and I actually really like it.

Zoya Intimate Spring 2011 Nail Polish Collection 

 This nail polish not only has 0 harmful toxic chemicals, it supposedly has superior staying power. We shall see!

 I pay $10 for my monthly Birchbox but there are various packages you can subscribe to. You can even give these as gifts. And, I will say that the samples are of generous size. 

 Check out the site. You won't be disappointed!

www.Birchbox.com

 (I don't know what's wrong with my spacing. Sorry about that!)

Finds Under $50

Finds Under $50

Also, what did you think of this week's Anthro sale? I held back for the most part. I did snag these cute Dearie Me wedges! 

 

They arrived Thursday and are super cute. The only problem I'm having is that I have super tiny ankles and I will have to poke a hole about 2-3 inches from the existing ones. All and all, I really like them and am 99% sure I'll keep them.

Looking back at the sale today, I'm eyeing this Hydrangea Petals Maxi Dress. I just love it! Who knows if it'll stick around for another markdown?? I might stop by Anthro tomorrow and see if my store has it so I can try it on.

There are so many things I want....actually that I need! We didn't have a summer last year but I'm really hoping we do this year as it's my favorite time of the year. However, I don't want to go too crazy for the sake of our bank account and buying things I won't be able to wear. 

Oh, to live in the Pacific Northwest!

How Cute! - Gussy Sews

I stumbled across this website while reading some of the blogs I follow. Gussy Sews carries ruffled accessories, from totes and make-up bags to diaper/wipe wristlets and kindle cases. These products are hand-crafted and I just love the fun patterns and ruffles! I have to say my favorite right now is the diaper and wipe wristlet. I am not a diaper bag carrier and this wristlet fits 5 diapers, some wipes, and it even has room for extra items such as ointment and pacis.

My newest want:

 Diaper and wipe wristlet - $32

And, I know Ella Grace will want this. How cute is this little purse!

Girl Purse - $21

Whether you're looking for something for yourself or a handmade gift, Gussy Sews has a lot of cute options to chose from!

Gussy Sews

What I'm Currently Eyeing

I'm currently on the road, Indianapolis to be exact, for business and the warm, breezy, sunny 70's weather put me in the mood for Summer. I long for Summer and living in Seattle is tough when the rest of the country is warming up and in shorts while we're freezing our batookies off. Anyway, as I'm holed up in my hotel room, I'm finding several summery pieces that are catching my eye.

 Tricolored Shift

I just love this colorblock dress.

 Bowtied Batik Shorts 

Elastic waistband shorts? I'm in!

 Brickwork Tee

 Drawing Parallels Skirt

I think the top and the skirt are a great pair. I might have to have these before sale time.

 Ride the Wave Poncho

Doesn't this poncho look so comfy?! You could pair it with skinny jeans or even a cute pair of shorts.

 Frilled Scoopneck Tee

 Striped Slubby Roll-up Tee

Love the bubble gum pink...and I'm not really a pink person.

 Make A Wish Skirt

The embroidery on this skirt is beautiful and such a light, flowy skirt for warmer months.

 Striped Flutter Shrug

As I review what I posted, it's obvious I have a thing for stripes right now!

So, what do you think? What pieces are catching your eye right now?

Fun Find - Bedding

Let's face it - my bedding is right at the 5 year mark and boy, has it been through a lot! For over a month now, I've been telling myself to buy new bedding. I picked out several Antropologie quilts I loved but never pulled the purchasing trigger because they have to be dry cleaned. With a child who spills milk on it daily, I need something that can be machine washed. My current bedding is West Elm - very modern and obviously great quality. And, it has been put through the ringer. I've washed it so many times that it's now ripped....let me remind you, ripping after 5 years of wear and tear!!

Anyway, I love yellow and I have a green bedroom. I first found this duvet on sale and thought it was the one. Well, after waiting a month to purchase, one of the sham sizes needed are no longer available. 

 

My impulse buy for the night -

And all for a whopping $139! Not bad, huh?!

This can be yours, too.

Organic Flower Market Duvet + Shams

Giving It A Try

At least once a week, I have a thought I want to post but it doesn't really fit my family blog theme. I've decided to create a separate blog that will enable me to share those thoughts, whether it's a fun find at a clothing store, an easy recipe (you know I don't cook!), some of my favorite things...you get the drift here.

I'm going to do my best to post once a week as we all know managing two blogs is a bit tough (the family comes first and frequent Ella Grace posts are a must!).

So anyway, I'm going to give this a whirl. If you like what you see, please make sure to be a follower and tell your friends!