Birchbox: November 2012

"Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel." - Unknown

I received my November Birchbox yesterday. This month's box shipped about a week late because of Hurricane  Sandy but the box made pretty good time considering how strongly the Birchbox offices were hit by the storm. This month I received some really great sized samples and a really good balance of lifestyle/makeup products. Here's what was in my box:

The theme of this month's box is: Give. 

 


1) Caldrea: Hand Soap



I received two small paper packets of hand soap in "Crimson Pear Ginger" and "Mandarin Vetiver". I haven't  opened the packets to smell them yet but the scents sound very intriguing. I'm always interested in finding a good hand soap so I really liked having these samples included in the box. They're also a great size to keep in your purse or travel case for those little emergencies on the go.

Three Leaves * * *

2) Feeling Smitten: Holiday Bath Bomb

This was my favorite sample in the box. When I found out that BB was including cupcake bath bombs in some boxes this month I hoped very much that one would find its way into mine. It was pretty crumbly when I opened the box and some of the product had spilled out of the plastic bag into the box. Birchbox says that the bomb contains almond and coconut oils to moisturize your skin. I'm excited to take a fun birthday bath with this cupcake! Can't wait to see how it smells.

Five leaves! * * * * *

3) ModelCo: Fibre LashXtend Lengthening Mascara


This false lash mascara has tiny fibers that attach to your lashes as you sweep the mascara wand over your lashes. The sample is full size and has a little mirror on the back so you can apply with ease. I have been weary about using fiber lash extension mascara because I'm scared about getting the fibers in my eyes. This is one of those samples that is super nice to have because I would never buy this product (or fake lashes in general) for myself. I would only really use this product if I were going out and wanted to try something fun and new, but I don't expect to use it regularly. For best results, curl lashes before application. Here is a picture of my lashes after I used this product:
 (sorry that the picture is sideways)

Four Leaves * * * *

4) Oscar Blandi: Pronto Texture Spray


I've been in the market for a texturizing spray for a couple of month so I was excited that this product was included in my box. The sample size is great for travel and on-the-go, but sadly I wasn't very enchanted with this product. I didn't really find a difference in the texture or volume of my hair after initial use and I can't get over how bad the smell of this product is. This spray just stinks. As I've said before, I think that hair products should always smell fantastic. In all, I'm really happy BB included this in my box so that I didn't take a chance and buy a full size product of something I don't like.

2 Leaves * *

5) Stella Cadenta: Miss Me Eau de Parfum

There are a lot of mixed feelings about including perfume samples in each month's Birchbox, with a lot of people arguing that these samples are essentially free and easily obtainable from the makeup counter and that they are included too often, but I actually enjoy getting a new scent each month. My first month I received Viva La Juicy La Fleur and I totally fell in love and had to purchase a full size. I haven't felt as strongly about any of the other samples I've received, but it's still nice to have them. I'm also the person who LOVES when magazines have perfume ads in them, even though they rarely smell like the perfume in the bottle.

With that said, I hated this sample. It is supposed to smell like "exotic blossoms and a subtle powdery finish," but it just smells like baby powder (and not in a fresh way, in a changing diaper way). The only thing I liked about this sample was the packaging.

One Leaf *

Lifestyle Extra: SoyJoy Cranberry Bar


No. Just no. Couldn't eat more than a couple bites.

One Leaf *

And one last addition to the box: Birchbox Gift Box

Birchbox included a small gift envelope for you to give someone you love a little Thanksgiving surprise. It's a very cute idea. Maybe I'll pass along the eau de baby powder...

Well that's it for November's Birchbox. All in all, I was very pleased with this box, even if I didn't love everything. I feel like a lot of Birchbox subscribers are becoming very disillusioned with BB, but I've been very happy with my subscription so far.

Birchbox is a monthly beauty sample subscription that costs $10 a month. Get yours here.

d.

Favorites: Belated October

"I restore myself when I'm alone."--Marilyn Monroe

Here are some of my indulgences this month. Due to technical difficulties, this post is a little late. I hope you enjoyed your October as much as I did and that you had a fun and festive Halloween.

1. Snack: Mini Apples


Little apples are a perfect fall snack because they are crisp, refreshing, flavorful, and perfectly sized for throwing in your bag or adding some nutrition to your lunch. I've been loving these bite-sized apples all month. For a savory snack, spread some garlic cheese on top of mini apple slices. For a sweet treat, dip in caramel or peanut butter.

2. Scent: Lollia "Wish" Eau de Parfum 

This perfume is a great transitional scent for late fall because it's a heavier scent that is still sugary and sweet. According to Lollia's website this fragrance's notes include: warm vanilla bean, sugar pastille, rice flower, jasmine leaves sweetened with sugar cane, ylang ylang, and amber woods. Also, can we just talk about how beautiful the gold leaf bees and sky blue detailing on the bottle are?


3. Treat: Godiva Chocolate Truffles

The month of October for me is all about discovering new sweets and treats. For me, Godiva is the perfect indulgence because these truffles are extremely decadent, flavorful and rich. This month I was lusting after the Pumpkin Cheesecake truffle but a perennial favorite is the Champagne truffle.


4. Tis the Season: Bath and Body Works Slatkin and Co./White Barn Candles

To say that BBW candles are a personal obsession of mine would be the understatement of the century. These candles conjure up all the comfort and coziness of staying inside as the weather grows colder and the feeling of pulling out chunky sweaters, thicker scarves and heavier blankets, even if the weather isn't quite right yet. My favorites include: Marshmallow Fireside, Farmstand Apple, Autumn Day, Black Pepper Bergamot, and White Barn No. 2 Chestnut and Clove.

5. My Cup of Tea: Mariage Freres- Bolero

This month I have been sipping this beautiful French fruity black tea. The peach, apricot, and fig in this tea gives it a very strong and rich flavor that is very calming and soothing. I love sipping this tea with Trader Joe's all-butter shortbread cookies with chocolate filling. To enjoy this loose-leaf tea, I recently purchased this damask mug from TJ Maxx that comes with a  large strainer and a matching ceramic coaster/lid (not pictured).

6. Adventure: Disneyland's Halloween Time

The Halloween decorations at Disneyland are probably my favorite of any season. I love the colors, the vintage motifs, and of course- the villains! The only thing I might suggest is getting there in September so that you can enjoy the fall decorations but beat the insane October crowds.

7. Colors: Fall Pumpkins

My favorite colors for the month are the many bright hues of fall pumpkins. Oranges, hunter green, creamy white, smoky grey, and golden rod. This picture was taken of a festive display in front of the Ritz Carlton hotel in Half Moon Bay.

8. Favorite Film: Gone With the Wind (1939)

Photo Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_with_the_Wind_(film)

In early October I had the amazing opportunity to watch Gone With the Wind for the first time...on the silver screen! Watching this classic the way it was meant to be seen in a theater was truly a unique experience. This movie is definitely one of my all-time favorites and I'm tempted to brave Margaret Mitchell's novel.


That's all of my favorites for the month of October. Hopefully November will not be as painfully delayed. Enjoy sweet November, lovelies.

d.