Get Your First Birchbox Free (and 10$ to spend in the store!)

I have an AMAZING deal to share with you. Follow the directions below to get your Birchbox free AND 10$ in points to spend at the Birchbox store.

First you need to make an account at ibotta. It is an app on both the App store and Google Play. ibotta helps you earn rebates to products at grocery stores and some online retailers!!

Once you have an account on ibotta, click "rebates" on the bottom left corner. Then select "Health & Beauty" and then "Birchbox.com". Select the picture that says Birchbox Monthly Subscription (the $10.00 one). Then you need to select "take a poll" and "learn a fact".

Then click the little pink shopping cart on the bottom row and then select send link. Check your email for your redemption link and purchase your Birchbox. Don't forget to use code BBJETBLUE to get an extra 100 points ($10) to spend at the Birchbox store.

This whole process took me less then ten minutes. Leave a comment if you try it, or if you need any help!

June 2014 Birchbox Review

I just got my birchbox in the mail today and I'm so excited to share it with you. Birchbox is a monthly subscription box company. They curate beauty and lifestyle items and ship them to your door for only $10 a box. (You can sign up for a yearly subscription and you get one box free!) 

The best part about Birchbox is their points program. You can review each product in your box for 10 points. 100 points = $10 to shop at there website. For example right now I have 331 points, after I try all the products in my box if I want to purchase the full size version I have a 30$ discount. You can combine points and discount codes to create a really awesome deal! 

Now let's start talking about what I got in my June Birchbox. Here is the card that came with the box describing the contents and prices.

The first thing I noticed was the Antica Farmista Bergamot & Ocean Aria body wash. This is a light scent that smells like a sweet seaside.

Next is this gorgeous lip stain from Cynthia Rowley in the hot pink shade Valentine. It's a creamy lip stain that is soft with one soft but can be layered for more opaque color. This is a perfect shade for summer!

Next up is Davines Love Smoothing Shampoo, Conditioner, and OI All in One Milk treatment. I'm excited that they sent coordinating samples so I can see how they work together on my hair.

Perfume samples aren't my favorite but so far Birchbox has sent me two perfumes I like. However I'm not a fan of this one. The English Laundry smells nice initially...it's a little too "woodsy" for my taste. 

The last product is The Aloe Source Vitamin C Antioxidant Creme. The smell is light and refreshing for summer. And I've recently read that Vitamin C is a good ingredient for face creams. 

This box was a huge hit for me and I cant wait to use all of my items. You can still sign up for this months birchbox using this link. 

And don't forget to review your products for points!

May 2014 Birchbox Review

I just got my May Birchbox in the mail today and I'm so excited to share it with you. Birchbox is a monthly subscription box company. They curate beauty and lifestyle items and ship them to your door for only $10 a box. (You can sign up for a yearly subscription and you get one box free!) 

The best part about Birchbox is their points program. You can review each product in your box for 10 points. 100 points = $10 to shop at there website. For example right now I have 310 points, after I try all the products in my box if I want to purchase the full size version I have a 10$ discount. You can combine points and discount codes to create a really awesome deal! 

I'm going away this weekend so this shampoo and conditioner set from Nexxus will be packed in my travel bag. The body lotion by Gilchrest & Soames is light and doesn't have a strong scent so it won't interfere with my perfume.

The little packets are minty pop rocks that help freshen your breath! It tired the honey mint one and it was surprisingly tasty! 

Pixie Shea Butter Lip Balm is a fun makeup treat to try for summer. I swatches it below so you can see how pigmented it is.

Ever since I've been subscribed to Birchbox I've wanted to try the Whish brand shave cream. The scent Acai Grapefruit is perfect for summer. Fresh and Fruity.

This Pixi balm is surprisingly pigmented!! On my lips it's a coral red, but since it's still like a balm it's not intimidating to wear. I plan on wearing this all summer!

Overall, I really enjoyed my box this month. It was full of both practical and fun products. If you're interested in trying Birchbox it's normally $10 a month but use code SUMMERSUB to get your first box for $5. Once you factor in there points system to use on products in there store the box is practically free!! Gotta love "shopping math"!!

Birchbox Limited Edition: In Full Bloom

I ordered the Birchbox Limited Edition: In Full Bloom set as a treat for myself. After using points and a discount code I paid 6.40 instead of 58.00! 

I've used the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish before and love it. It gently removes all makeup but doesn't leave my skin dry. 

I'm excited to try the Cecilia Wong Anti-Aging Rose Serum Spray. 

I've heard of the brand Tokyo Milk before but have never had a chance to try anything from them. This Rosewater Lip Balm is nice and makes my lips feel hydrated. The smell is a soft rose that doesn't bother my sensitive nose. 

I'm excited to try the tenoverten nail polish in the color Spring. As soon as I take off my current nail polish I'll update this post with a swatch of this pretty pink nail polish.

I love the packaging on the Soap & Paper Factory hand cream. The scent I received is in Bella (grapefruit, bergamont, and black pepper). It's not my favorite scent but it feels wonderful on my hands. The smell irritates me a little bit so I will probably end up using this as a foot cream to get my feet in summer shape.

This travel sized Juara Tiare Jasmine Tea Bath & Shower Gel smells so beautiful. I don't even know how to describe it, but it's now on my shopping list to buy it in the full size.

Last, were the products I was most excited for, the blush and the candle.

This Make blush in the color Geisha is the perfect soft pink shade for spring. It just looks like my cheeks are glowing. It's not completely matte, there is an almost sheen to it.

The Votivo candle in Blush of Rose is perfect. It's a light floral scent that is not a cloying "gramma" type of rose. It makes my bedroom smell like a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Overall, I am very happy with this Limited Edition box. It has a great value and I will use all the products.

If your interested in trying the monthly subscription here is the link. Every month for $10 they will send you curated beauty and lifestyle products. Then you can review the products for points. Once you get 100 points that is $10 to spend in the Birchbox Shop. That is how I was able to get this box for 6 dollars instead of $58.

Sephora Favorites - Meet Your Match swatches and review

I recently picked up the Meet Your Match set from Sephora. It contains six corresponding lip and nail colors. I picked this up mostly because I've only tried two of the six brands (Formula X and Tarte). 

The picture below shows (messy) swatches of all three nail colors. 

I was pleasantly surprised with Nails. Inc (the purple color). It applied with ease and that is one coat!

I was really excited to try the Deborah Lippmann nail polish (coral) since it's raved about and way out of my price range in full size. This polish was gloopy and awful! This picture makes it look better than it did in real life. Now this is my only experience with this brand of nail polish so maybe other colors are better but I am less then impressed.

The Formula X (nude) was also disappointing. It just would not apply evenly, but I think this might be this specific color since I've used (and loved) other colors from this brand with no problem.

Last are the lip swatches.

The purple is from bite beauty. There lip products are FDA approved. In other words if you accidentally lick all this off...you will be just fine. However, the smell is pretty awful that I haven't caught myself licking it off;) But the color is beautiful on the lips. It's a bright punchy purple that is going to be fun to wear this spring.

The coral color in the middle is from Tarte. I was a little nervous since it seemed so bright but its kind of a "my lips but better" coral shade when applied. This stains the lips and lasts the longest out of all three lip products.

The nude color on the left is from Hourglass. I was excited to try an Hourglass product since the brand is quite pricey. It smells like vanilla cupcakes and is the perfect nude shade without making me look like death. This is a product that I would consider buying the full size version if I finish the mini. 

Overall, I'm happy with this kit even though two of the nail products were fails. I bought this kit to try mini sizes of brands so I didn't buy a full size product that I might not like. These favorite sets Sephora offers are a great way to try brands and also who doesn't love a cute miniature product!

If you're interested in getting this set make sure you go through Ebates first. Right now Sephora is at 4% cash back!

Saving Money Online - Ebates

Ebates is an online rebate program, that is WAY easier then snail mail rebates.

Ebates is a FREE cash back site that offers cash back when shopping at popular stores such as Sephora, Victoria's Secret, JCPenney, Home Depot, and many more!

Ebates is a FREE cash back site that offers cash back when shopping at popular stores such as Sephora, Victoria's Secret, JCPenney, Home Depot, and many more!

First create an account on there website. Basically before you shop online, check Ebates for the store you're shopping at (Sephora, Lands End, Nordstrom, etc!). There are hundred's of stores so make sure you always go through Ebates first. Then click through to there site. Ebates gives you a cash back percentage of the total you spend. 

Here is what my personal account looks like. You can tell I have recently shopped at Sephora, Victoria's Secret, and Groupon to get cash back. 

Ebates pays quarterly and once you get 5 dollars in your account (which is easy to do!) you can choose for them to send you a check or deposit it into your Paypal account. 

Paula's Choice

I have been hearing more and more about the brand Paula's Choice and finally had to try it for myself.

I've only made two small purchases so far, but I'm planning on ordering more. 

One of the cool things about this company is you can order samples of the products to try before you buy. They have a pretty awesome guarantee. Along with frequent sales and free shipping offers.

Paula's Choice has tons of face and body products, even some makeup. But I want to share this little gem I found with you.

Brighten Up - 2 minute teeth whitener

It's the size of a slim lipstick. And you apply it just as you would a lipstick but on your clean, dry teeth. There's a slight foaming action and after two minutes you can wipe it off. The formula is even safe to swallow. I accidentally did and nothing terrible happened. Promise.

Best part is, it doesn't irritate my sensitive teeth! Crest white strips I'm looking at you...Ouch!!!

This freshens my breath, whitens my teeth and fits in my purse for those awkward moments you forgot to brush and need to run to the ladies room.

This link will save you 10$ off a 15$ purchase which is a crazy good deal. I'm planning on purchasing full sizes of products in the Resist line. It contains retinal for both wrinkles and acne which sadly I am fighting both. Those samples won me over. 

POPSUGAR Must Have Box March 2014

POPSUGAR Must Have Box is a new to me subscription box. I've seen reviews before but I was never interested enough to try it. 

Then I saw the spoiler for this scarf and a discount code and I pulled the trigger.

And I'm so glad I did. I love this scarf. It's beautiful and very soft. I have to dress modestly for work so I'm always looking for scarves of different fabrics and this is lightweight so I can wear it in Spring and Summer.

Next up is this ADORABLE elephant ring holder. (Don't mind my dirty rings...it's been a while since I've cleaned them.)

While I love this...my cat does not. She sends the Elephant tumbling off my nightstand every night.

This mini opalescent pink exercise ball has not been used...yet. But my goal is to print off some exercise pictures so I know what to do with it!!

The Jurlique serum I now use every night. Now sure if it's actually doing anything but it smells nice and my combination skin appreciates the extra moisture at night.

This Strawberry Fig Bar was edible...but nothing I would purchase myself.

The necklace is cute but not my style. It's a charm that you wear until the string breaks. Ill probably pass this off to a neighbor.

There was one more item that I didn't photograph...because I ate it right away! Oops! They were freeze dried/fried (?!?) snap peas that tasted like potato chips! 

All in all this was a fun subscription box and if your interested in signing up here is the link (use code REFER5 for 5$ off). I had cancelled my account after this month but they released another awesome coupon code and spoiler (a too faced natural eyes palette!) so I obviously resubscribed. I will blog about it as soon as I get it in the mail.

Birchbox April 2014

I just got my birchbox in the mail today and I'm so excited to share it with you. Birchbox is a monthly subscription box company. They curate beauty and lifestyle items and ship them to your door for only $10 a box. (You can sign up for a yearly subscription and you get one box free!) 

The best part about Birchbox is their points program. You can review each product in your box for 10 points. 100 points = $10 to shop at there website. For example right now I have 105 points, after I try all the products in my box if I want to purchase the full size version I have a 10$ discount. You can combine points and discount codes to create a really awesome deal! 

Now let's start talking about what I got in my April Birchbox:

The first thing I noticed was my blush from The Balm. Its called How 'Bout Them Apples and it is in the color in 'pie'. It is a lip and cheek stain and is a beautiful just flushed color. The packaging is so cute! 

Next was this nice sample size of peppermint and macadamia shampoo from Keims. I've never heard of this brand and can't wait to try it. 

I was thrilled to receive the Sumita eyeliner in Jamun, a deep purple that does not budge!! 

Also included is a pretty Color Club polish in Aquamarine Azulino, an exclusive to Birchbox shade that's perfect for spring. 

My lifestyle item this month was a KIND Healthy Grains Bar in Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt. I've heard a lot of awesome things about these bars but never tried them. After sneaking a bit its the perfect combo of chewy and crunchy and is lightly sweetened. This would be the perfect snack to keep in your purse.

This box was a huge hit for me and I cant wait to use all of my items. You can still sign up for this months birchbox using this link. Use code SFBB100 to skip the waitlist and get 100 extra points (worth $10 in the birchbox shop!!!) 

And don't forget to review your products for points!

3 Easy Pallet Furniture Ideas

My husband and I are looking into making furniture for our sun room. Ideally we are looking for a sofa-like seating arrangement with a coffee table and a small patio table for outdoor dining. We just moved into our home and our budget is a little tight and pallet furniture is right in our price range. A friend recently dropped off some pallets from his work and it's my job to come up with the design. Here are the images that peeked my interest, and also appear relatively easy...hopefully our final versions wont end up on Pinterest Fail's website. Especially because it's easy to find pallet ideas online- but hard to find any directions!

This L-shaped sofa would fit nicely in the corner of our sun room. I'm imagining bringing my coffee there in the mornings with a book or a magazine and enjoying the breeze. The one change I might make would be to stain the wood instead of paint and maybe cover the fabric in a black and white stripe with some bright pillows.

(can't find the original link for this one)

This dining table made from pallets looks to be easy enough to make. My favorite part about this image is the colorful outdoor chairs to brighten it up. 

Lastly, I found this unbelievable gorgeous coffee table. So pretty  I would consider putting this in my home. Except that I know most pallets are chemically treated which is why I'm only considering these ideas for outdoor furniture. 

I'd love to know if anyone has attempted a pallet project...if you have any advice or to share the links to your final projects in the comments please!

:Weeknight Dinner: Balsamic Veggies with Sun-Dried Tomato Sausage & Rice

I have a recipe so fast and easy to share with you, it really shouldn't be considered a recipe. Even the pickiest adults have loved this. Not sure what small children would think since I currently don't have any.

Ingredients:
1 package of Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Sausage from Trader Joes
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 bags of Fire Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic Butter Sauce also from Trader Joes
1/4 cup of water
brown rice to serve on the side

Prepare:
Slice the sausage into bite sized pieces. Brown them in a large sized pan with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add 2 bags of vegetables. Add a 1/4 cup of water and cover pan with lid. Stir occasionally, it is done when the veggies are hot.

Serve:
On a cup or a plate put about 1/3 cup of brown rice. Scoop sausage and vegetable mixture over top. Don't forgot to add a spoonful of sauce! I usually serve this with a side salad and would guess this makes about 4-6 servings depending on how hungry every one is.

Couldn't be easier or quicker. To make things extra easy on me - I will cook a large amount of brown rice and freeze them in dinner sized portions. This way whenever I need brown rice I can just quickly have some without needing to cook some for 45 minutes EACH time!

:Beauty Essentials: Hair

Beauty products are taking over my bathroom. While I am currently cleaning and organizing the rest of my house this summer I am also slowly working on reducing the amount of beauty products taking over my bathroom closet. While going through all my beauty products I plan on sharing my favorites with you!


Lets start off in the shower. I now only have one shampoo, conditioner and deep conditioner! After finishing off a couple of bottles I'm ready to share what has been working for me.

First I have been coating the ends of my hair with this Suave Moroccan Infusion Conditioner to protect the ends while I scrub my scalp with the Suave Moroccan Infusion Conditioner. I have really dry ends that have been highlighted one too many times. I find this helps prevent my hair from drying out and gets the ends ready for their actual conditioning treatment! Plus it's Suave so you know this is affordable!

Sidenote: Since I love the smell of the shampoo and conditioner I decided to try out the styling oil from the same line. I've only used it a couple days so I haven't tried it enough to decide if it's worth it. Quick review- it smells great, but doesn't have enough power to keep my hair styled or frizz free in this summer humidity. However this might be wonderful to use during dry winters.

After I rinse out the shampoo/conditioner combo I break out the big guns, Amika Nourishing Mask. There's so many things I LOVE about this.

1. It works! My hair has never felt softer or healthier. I truly think this helps prevent split ends from from happening and also reduces the appearances of frizzy, fried ends.

2. The smell- it is a light floral almost fruity smell. I wasn't sure if I would like it since I normally like lighter fragrances (like light blue by Dolce and Gabbana for reference) but I just get this happy feeling every time I smell it on my hair.

3. The packaging- It's so cute and colorful. A tiny piece of happiness in my shower!

Now I just bought the trial size from Birchbox and I can already tell a difference. I will be ordering the large size soon so I don't run out. I really can't say enough about this. I highly recommend it! It isn't the cheapest of hair products but I think the low cost of my Suave shampoo/conditioner routine help even it out :)

I'd love to hear what your current hair products are! Let me know if you've tried either of these or if there is something else I need to try in the comments below.

Organization- the bane of my exisistance

I'm not sure why I dread organizing so much since I'm actually decent (once I finally start). The hardest part for me is the pre-organizing purging. I'm always afraid "Hey- maybe I will like that again" or more realistically "In the future this might come in handy". When actually that's only happened once or twice.

Recently viewing YouTube videos on organizing and seeing different organizational pins on Pinterest has motivated me to try again. I was able to get rid of two FULL grocery store size bags from my bathroom closet! I'm also working on re-organizing the kitchen cabinets to make most sense of the space.

Also being attacked is our home office. With three separate areas in our house being purged and re-organized, no wonder my type A husband is so grumpy when he comes home to the mess. Hopefully he believes my promise that soon it will be perfection!

Here are two of my inspirational organization pins. These are two things that I can easily do to make my home seem a little prettier (to make me happy) while being nicely organized (to make my husband happy).

What I love about this image is I already have a plain wooden box that once held a wedding gift that I can paint. The only difference is mine is bigger and I will need to put dividers to organize the cold meds versus band aids. But my point is to look around your house first to see if you can re-use something you already have instead of going out and buying them.

BEAUTIFULLY organized pantry with nicely labeled items. I also adore the stenciled wall and coordinating side wall colors. Click the picture to head over to her blog to see how she did it all!

These are my plans for the next week. How about you? I'd love to hear (and see) what you plan on doing for your abode this summer!