January Birchbox Review

Why, hello 2014! Starting off the year right, I started juicing and eating more healthy. I also did some Pre-Spring cleaning by recycling old goodies that I no longer use and need. My monthly subscription to beauty boxes always replenish my current stock and let me try new products! 

This month's Birchbox contained:

Nail Rock in a gorgeous Burgundy shade ( haven't tried this yet.. but will this weekend!)

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Creme (I've gotten a sample of this before from Sephora, so look forward to trying this again)

Camille Beckman BodyButter

Retrospect C4-7 intensive serum (red foil packets)

bonus: UnderArmour braided headband (my fave item!)

I am excited about this bonus item as it will come in very useful with my workouts and it is an item that will last (as long as I don't lose it) ;) Overall, I'm content with my Birchbox this month because of the variety of products. They're not makeup related, which is ok as I look forward to trying new lifestyle items this year. Hopefully I'll see one next month!

 

Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Serum Review

I recently won a giveaway for Jurlique's Restorative Treatment Serum (Thank you Jurlique) and have been including this in my nightly treatment. My winter skin has been incredibly dry this year which has resulted in redness in my cheeks. Although I moisturize frequently, my sensitive skin still tends to be a bit red. What my skin needed was this serum! 

The Australian-made serum is formulated with Calendula, Chamomile and other botanical extracts to provide hydration and soothing relief. It smells wonderful and makes my skin feel soft. (bonus!) Since using the treatment I have seen less redness and more moisture in my skin. Look forward to trying more from this brand!

January Wantables Box Review

I signed up for the Wantables subscription CyberMonday, when they offered the Buy One Get One Free deal. I received my "free" or second box this month and I'm psyched! I got 4 basics that I'll be adding to my closet:
* Wantables fleece-lined leggings
* Wantables soft bra (super soft and comfortable!)
* Steve Madden Shorts ( seen in previous boxes)
* Muk Luks Tights (previously seen from December's boxes)

 I decided to remove any socks/undies so I could get more loungewear and leggings/tights. I'm quite please with what I have received so far, but would have liked to see a tank top in there. I will probably skip next month, as I want to be able to wear what I've gotten and it's been too cold to wear shorts. I've already worn the Wantables line, and I'm impressed. They're comfortable and and fit snugly.

If you're interested in getting Wantables, ($36/month), get more details here!

2014 is here! What are your resolutions?

Hope you're all having a great start to a NEW YEAR!  It's 4 days in the new year and whether you're home-bound by the snowstorm or relaxing this weekend from the holidays, there's always time to focus on YOU. First thing I think about is Fitness & Health. I'm always looking for new routines and workouts to try at home and checking out YouTube videos (such as Tone It Up!). I'm also a huge fan of workout DVDs! If you've got 20 minutes, check out Targeted Toning Pilates DVD or if you have more time, try the new Barre Conditioning DVD. Looking forward to sharing more of my fitness, beauty, and lifestyle adventures this year!

December's Project DIY Collection: Baroque n'Roll

Calling all DIY-ers! If you remember my previous post on the Project DIY subscription box, December's box is even more amazing! Themed, Baroque n'Roll, it's all about the gold & black, lace and embellishments! This month's box had 3 beautiful projects- perfect for the sophisticated party/gala. It costs $30/month but includes a FREE starter kit (which is already valued at $20). I'm excited to see what is in next month's box already, as I love Spring time jewelry.

Project DIY also includes instructions online and on their app, so in case you already have some of these materials, you can use their tips to DIY at-home!

FabFitFun Winter Edition Review

For the holidays, one of my bffs gifted me the FabFitFun box! Not only was I psyched to hear I was getting it (surprise!) but I was incredibly wowed when I received it!

There were already two sneak peeks of the box- TruEnergy ear buds and the Giving Keys necklace. The variety in the box is perfect because theres something for the fitness/beauty/Everyday kind of gal! 

Fitness-focused:

- TruEnergy ear buds- snug in my ears, will be using these for my workouts and even in the office.

- Physique57- 5 online workouts for FREE! Already have one of their workouts, I can't wait to explore more! 

Beauty-focused: (there's a lot and they're all good!)

- Beauty For Real lipgloss

- NYX eyeshadow

- Simple Skincare Foaming Cleanser face wash 

- Skyn Iceland Eye cream - say goodbye to those bags!

Everyday:

-Giving Keys necklace- mine was inspire. The keys are meant to be given away when you feel someone else will need to be "inspired". Sharing is caring!

-MeUndies- $20 credit to try a pair of their undies or other basics! I have my eye on a comfy tee and socks! 

- Lorna Jane Bracelet- bright neon pink, it'll be sure to brighten your day! Not your fave color? Try it out when wearing a black ensemble to make your outfit pop!

I'm excited with all the fun things to use in this box and can't wait to see what will be in the next edition! It's a box that comes with each season, so will be saving up for the next one! 

Thank you to E for this wonderful box! We are subscription-box buddies :)

Element: Targeted Toning Pilates for Beginners DVD Review

Have an hour to spare? Instead of watching your favorite TV episode, spend it on Pilates! The Targeted Toning Pilates for Beginners includes 3 targeted 20-minute sessions to help you lengthen & strengthen your body. And if you have 10 minutes to spare, you can also try their 10 minute BONUS video to strengthen your core. I'm all about mixing up my workouts between yoga and pilates, so when I don't want to do a warrior pose, I go for Pilates. 

Bonus after any workout? The feeling you can do anything! Your mind and body feels energized and relaxed at the same time to get you ready for the day!

  (Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.) 

Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

December Love With Food Box Review

It's a foodie winter wonderland! This month's Love with Food subscription box was a treat -literally 10 of them! Wonderfully packed in its bright red packaging, the box also came with a reusable bag- perfect to hold all my gifts in! This month, subscribers will get to taste the following:

* Angell Candy bar - mine is called Snow and it is white chocolate with a coconut center. Yummy!

* Lindt 70% Cocoa Chocolate sample- tastes great bc I love dark chocolate but too small.

* St. Claire's Organic Peppermints- fresh breath, anyone?

* Madyson's Marshmallow topper- 3" diameter marshmallow is a cute idea! 

* Donsuemor's chocolate dipped Madeleine cookie- one is not enough! :)

* Les Confitures a l'Ancienne hot Choco packet- French-made hot cocoa with raw cane sugar is absolutely delicious!

* 34 Degrees' crispy crackers- great when looking for a crunchy snack!

* Grey Ghost Bakery's Molasses Spice cookies- something different and incredibly tasty. New fave!

* Desert Gardens Spinach Dip mix- haven't tried yet but look forward to sharing my masterpiece with family for the next gathering! 

* Food Should Taste Good sweet potato tortilla chips. Always yummy these were a great mid-afternoon snack.

So, there you have it! All 10 amazing treats in this month's Love with Food box!  

Join today for $12/month and remember, with each box received, a meal is donated to a hungry child as well. 

For a limited time (until Dec 31), you can get $10 off your first subscription box with code: YEAREND13

December Intimates Wantables Box

I got the Wantables box this month after a Buy One Get Free Cyber Monday deal. I was excited to see I got a pair of PACT socks, Steve Madden lounge shorts, Coobie soft bra and a pair of undies. Wantable subscriptions are a great way to build your basics and get new fun ones while you're at it. The Lounge shorts are a plus for me as they're cute and super comfortable. Each monthly box costs $36 with a subscription or $40 for a one-time subscription. It makes $$ sense to subscribe for $36 first and if you're not a fan, to unsubscribe the next month.

Look forward to getting my next month's box!! (I tweaked my preferences a bit, so I won't be getting  socks/undies.) Get your Wantable box today!

December Ipsy Bag

My December Ipsy bag arrived last week and earlier than I expected! It's been a pretty busy month so the waiting time wasn't as excruciating as last month. Themed "Celebration", this bag included goodies to celebrate the holidays, New Year and all that fun, warm and spirited cheer! The bag is so cute and will definitely be put to good use! 

If you enjoy getting full-sized makeup products, join Ipsy today!

Crown Brush HD Cosmetic set review

iFabbo Shop gave select iFabbo members the opportunity to try this amazing #CrownBrush HD makeup brush set with a mirror and tweezer. This compact set contains 6 different brushes to complete your flawless look.

If you're familiar with #CrownBrush already, you know that they have incredibly soft bristles. If you're new to this brand, it's a must-try! They're great for blending and application. This amazing set contains your necessities: powder brush, medium blush brush, smaller contour brush, eyeshadow brush, crease blender brush and eyeliner brush.

As the holidays are approaching, this will make the perfect gift for your makeup-fiend friends or newbie. :)

Get yours today at crownbrush.com or go here: http://bit.ly/19fuEGV
 

(Disclaimer: I received this product from iFabbo to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

December Birchbox

This month's Holiday Birchbox was bit of a letdown and less holiday-ish than I would've expected.
The sample sizes were small and there wasn't anything in there that made me go WOW. I'm hoping my next box will be a lot better!

Here's what I got:
* Eslor Skincare System- 4 sample packs of the cleasner, cream, scrub and mask.
* Number 4 Hairspray- hair spray to give your hair its hold
* Supergoop! CC Cream- a one-up from regular BB cream, its primer finish helps create a smooth finish. Wish the sample was larger though.
* The Honest Company's Healing Balm- Perfect for hydrating dry skin and protecting.
* Extra: Pretzel from Fatty Sundays- This literally one bite-sized pretzel snack was yummy. Would've loved a larger sample, like the Ghiradelli chocolate last month!