April Birchbox Review

Birchbox brings so much joy to my life every month and this month was no different.  If anything it brought me even more joy!  Hands down the best box I've received yet this year!

If you don't know, Birchbox is a monthly subscription box of high end, hard-to-find in stores beauty and lifestyle products.  It's $10/month and worth every penny (most months that is). 

I would have to say, that I have actually made additional purchases on their website and have always been happy with my orders and if not, their customer service team is fabulous!

Well, let's dive into this month's box...

Color Club-Gala's Gems Collection in Breakfast at...

   As soon as I saw this on the info card I got excited!  First off, I love this color! It's not quite Tiffany Blue, but it will do...Can't wait to use it this spring!

Number 4 High Performance Hair Care-Clarifying Shampoo

   Looking forward to trying this brand.  I have seen it alot on Birchbox.  I'm a  little worried about trying a clarifying shampoo, since it's known to strip hair, but I think once a week should be okay.  Any thoughts on this?

    They also threw in a Reconstructing Masque-which I'm glad this was an extra, since it was a wonderful foil packet. :/

Sumita-Color Contrast Eyeliner-Deep Purple

   Decent size sample.  At first I thought this was a nice brown color, but it's actually a deep purple.  It glides on really smooth and it is really like a crayon.  I did purchase a full size one off the site, as well this week.  I decided to go with the brown.  Love it! 

Supergoop!-City Sunscreen Serum

   I've seen this brand before at Ulta, but never really looked into it.  Another decent size sample.  This goes on really smooth and leaves a silky feeling.  I'm planning on wearing this in place of my moisturizer in the summer, if I'm going to be outside.  However, I did also purchase the Coola Tinted BB Cream, that has SPF 30 for the summer. 

Finally, the lifestyle extra-KIND Snacks-Healthy Grains Bar in Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt.  Most likely won't be eating this, since I'm not really a fan of pumpkin.  Might look into other flavors of this though. 

Overall, very satisfied with this box.  They seem to keep getting better and better every month. :)

~Holsnicole

Eating Healthy

If any of you know me, you know that I'm not a very healthy eater.  It's not that I eat a lot, however I don't always eat the right foods. I am determined to change that!

During the week, I normally just have a bowl of Special K for breakfast.  At lunch time, I typically don't eat, which is not good, but my schedule typically doesn't allow time to have a full meal.  I'm lucky if I get a piece of string cheese. Dinner just depends on the night.  I know I need to start cooking more. I normally cook about 3-4 times a week and eat out the rest.  Which not only takes a hit on my bank account, but my body also takes a hit.

One bad habit that I need to knock is drinking soda.  I typically have at least tumbler of water a day at my desk, but at lunch time I always seem to crack a can of Pepsi. Darn caffeine!

Another bad habit, is chocolate. It's all in moderation!

Here are some of my favorite recipes from Pinterest and YouTuber, Aspyn.

My Pinterest Food Page (note-not everything on here is healthy :)  Pick and choose what you think is healthy).

All I can say is bring on summer for seasonal fruit and farmers markets!  My favorite Farmers Market. Check it out if you are ever in Madison, Wisconsin during spring-fall on Saturdays. 

Healthy eating everyone!

~Holsnicole

Influenster UniVoxBox Review

I recently sign aboard with a website called Influenster. Haven't heard of this site before?  They offer opportunities for consumers to review products currently on the market or getting ready to go to market.
You do have to be chosen to receive a box and I'm not really sure if there is a limit on how many boxes you can receive.  However, I did receive a box pretty quickly after taking a handful of surveys on their website on different industries that I'm interested in.

I was uber excited to receive this box. Overall, the products were so-so. Out of the six products I received, I will most like be using three of them or even thinking about going out and re-purchasing those three.

The theme of the box is "Back to School".  Included were full size products of the following:

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure
    I will not be using or even trying these. I might be more open to them if they were in a solid color or even a pretty pattern.  However, the pattern is pretty tacky looking.  Maybe for a vacation to the beach, even that would be pushing it.  Just my personal opinion.

Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fuchsia
   I have tried the NYC brand before and have always been happy with the results of the products, however this color is just not flattering on me.  It reminds me the color of Lolli-tint by Benefit.  It would actually look nice on the cheeks. It does have a nice smell of bubblegum.  At age 30, I don't think it's something I could pull off.  I might look into other colors that NYC has to offer.  

Pilot Acroball Purewhite
   I use pens on a daily basis.  I like how it is a little larger than a stick pen and has a nice grip.  I have the starting stages of carpal tunnel, so I'm going to test it out and see how tight I grip the pen.  It might actually help.  The pen always came with a $1.50 coupon that I will be taking advantage of!  1st product of the box that I will get use out of!

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation
   I received the shade-Light Ivory, which is perfect for me.  I can't wait to try this product. I like a natural looking face and I feel that matte will do this, with using a beauty blender as an applicator. Very happy about this product.

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance
   Not much to say about this, other than I will get use out of these.  It's a full size box, which is fantastic.  the third and final product of the box that I will be using.

Red Rose Real Tea Premium Water Enchancer
   I recently gotten into tea, however not a fan of black tea.  Won't even be trying this product.  Hoping I can find someone to give it to. This also came with a $1.00 off coupon.

This was a great opportunity to try new products or products I typically wouldn't purchase myself or at least the brands of the products.

Looking forward to getting more boxes by Influenster!  Don't forget to sign up on their website for a chance to review products!

~Holsnicole


*I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from influenster.