January Birch Box Review

Another month, another Birch Box! Though I wasn't as passionate about the products in this month's box as I was the last - I still have had the opportunity to sample some great products. Here are my thoughts on what I got to try this time:

Key West Aloe Gentle Aloe Facial Cleanser

$17.00

I am always so anxious to try new cleansers. The treatment part of the beauty business has always interested me much more than the color side. I was immediately impressed by the freshness of this cleanser. It is extremely light and airy and smells like summer break. Because of this, I would recommend it more for summer months. I liked the cleanser, didn't love it and it seemed to dry my skin out a little more than others I've used. On a scale of one to ten, I would give it a five. 

Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner

$16.00

I have actually had the opportunity to try this eyeliner before. It is easy to use but be forewarned that it doesn't last as long as typical eyeliner does in regards to number of uses. I am TERRIBLE at applying eyeliner so I appreciate the smoothness and easy use of the product. However, I am choosing not to purchase the product as it tends to smudge and come off by the end of the day. 

Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

$34.00

Ok, I have to admit I completely forgot this was in my box until I sat down to write my reviews (oops!) However, after reading up about it I think that this might be my favorite sample to try this month. I mean....just read the effects of the product and you'll be jumping out of your seat to try it too! "microdermabrasion...breaking down dead skin cells to even skintone...crystals to fade the appearance of fine lines & acne scars" count. me. in.

Supergroup! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35+

$32.00

I don't know what is up with all the exclamations in product names this month but they must just be really excited about their products! Before now, I had never tried the infamous CC cream & BB creams before. However, it came just in time as a monster appeared to take over my forehead. I carefully applied the CC cream after my base powder foundation and before my finishing powder for complete coverage. The blemish was gone within 24 hours. I was really impressed by the healing performance of a color product. Two Birds, One Stone for BrightenUp! I will say though it is a lot pricier than other CC/BB creams my friends use - buy & use sparingly.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Spray

$21.95

My name is Allie Withers and I am a chronic straightener. Ok, now that that confession is out of the way, you know why products like this are so important for me. My hair takes so much heat (hehe, no pun intended) from me Im surprised it hasn't fallen out in protest by now. I really enjoyed Beauty Protector! The smell is out of this world - though it's super sweet smelling (think Lancome's La Vie Est Belle perfume) it almost makes it more enjoyable. After use, my hair is noticeable more smooth and thanking me for the coat of armor versus the daily blow dry and straightener routine. This is the product this month that's on my list for purchase!

Valentine's Day Gifts for Men

Valentine's Day is the WORST holiday to buy for. I'm going to be honest, if it were my choice - the night would be spent ordering a pizza and picking a hilarious movie. However, I know to expect a small something from my special someone no matter how many times I express not to. Not because I don't appreciate it - more because it's just plain hard to reciprocate. To be honest though, I do try to keep these gifts simple. Not too much, not too expensive, juuuuuuuuust the right amount.

Here are a few of my thoughts for this year's "love gifts"

Gap - Heart Boxers

$12.95

Kiel's Ultimate Man Body Refueling Set

$47.20 - On Sale

Twelve South HoverBar 3 for iPad 

$59.95

Bella Panini Grill

$29.99 On Sale

Three Jerks Jerky

(as seen on Shark Tank)

3 for $30.00

Tailgate Chairs

$19.99 each

What are you getting your man for Valentine's Day?

Snow Day Like A Snow Day

I survived Snowpocolypse 2016. Sorta. Tuesday afternoon I got a phone call that my apartment had flooded. It wasn't your typical bottom to top flood but instead one that went top to bottom. The apartment above mine's water pipes had burst and because I live in such a small complex, it wasn't realized until hours (and a completely ruined apartment) later. 

My roommate and I spent plenty of nights in a hotel while the repairs started. After excessive eating out, picking out a new mattress, and mooching off of friend's for a couple of nights...I am finally back home! On an air mattress... (insert slit eyes & mouth emoji here).

Considering I didn't have a home to cuddle up in during the storm I would say I made the most of what I did have. Unfortunately though the office was closed on Friday, I spent a majority of the day working, with a quick lunch hiatus to fit in a good workout. We ended the snow (ice?) day at Sycamore Brewery - a staple for every weekend's plans. I enjoyed a couple Timburrrrrr Lagers (approporiate, right?) before heading back to my friend's apartment for a frozen pizza, salad, and an embarrassing amount of episodes of Making a Murderer. Those nights are always so underrated.

Saturday morning was beautiful. Now that the snow and ice had passed, it lay on Charlotte like a that blanket you always tend to choose over all the others. Wow, worked way too hard on that metaphor...but you get what I mean. We enjoyed the scenery with a nearly two an a half mile walk in South End. I was in awe by the serenity of the snow, the cold, and the city. 

After heading back to the apartment for a break, we decided "wow, that was really good for our health, lets go completely cancel it out with a dank lunch at Mac's Speed Shop." OK, maybe it didn't go like that, but needless to say, it happened. And every. single. bite. was worth it. Mac's is one of my favorite's in Charlotte. I have yet to find another restaurant that serves green bean casserole as a side (I know, life changing, right?) so that's reason enough to eat there. For those of you who choose not to eat the most delicious God given dish on the planet, their BBQ, Mac & Cheese, and sauces are to die for as well. I really want to go back and try the ribs.

We ended the evening with a visit to Triple C, another great brewery in South End, Charlotte. Their Zest A-Peel brew is my favorite, but their IPA is well known by locals as well. I wasn't as impressed with the beer this go around (mine was lukewarm, bleh) but the band was killin' it with 90s hits (think Hey, Jealousy & Slide) and atmosphere was busy enough to feel like a cool kid without being so busy you inhaled your drink so fast for an excuse to leave. 

Sunday has been spent cleaning, dusting, wiping, and scrubbing the disgusting, pieced back together apartment. With sheetrock everywhere from the repairs, it has been a marathon rather than a sprint to finish. . .with about 10 miles of the race to go. 

Here's to a new week, a new bed (it's being delivered tomorrow, Ill be sure to review!), and a Panther's win (hoping this won't jinx the game tonight...) 

What did you do during your snow day?

What I'm Loving . . . Dr's Remedy Enriched Nail Care

You know those things that never even cross your mind as being "bad for you" until you really start to think about it? Well, I hate to break it to you, but nail polish (yes, you read that right, nail polish) is one of them. Ew Alert: often times, nail polish, you know, the girly stuff used to make you feel pretty whether it be on your toes or fingers, causes brittle, discolored nails due to all the harsh chemicals. This is especially true of girls who can't help but wear it all the time. Are you feeling guilty yet? Don't worry...so was I!

Until I found Dr's Remedy Enriched Nail Care. After the discovery on Amazon, I couldn't wait to ask for some of the products for Christmas to see what the hype was all about. With 30 different shades, Dr's Remedy offers nail care infused with a special blend of ingredients individually chosen by the podiatrists that came together to create them. The ingredients include wheat protein, tea tree oil, garlic bulb extract and lavender. Already sounds a lot better than formaldehyde resin, toluene, and phthalates doesn't it? and let's be real - we don't even know what those are...

As far as shades go - Dr's Remedy has it covered (no pun intended?) I have tried out both Positive Pink and Balance Brick Red. The polish goes on SO smoothly and stays on without chipping. Guys - I loved this so much, I took the polish with me to the local salon this past Sunday. Who does that?! Me. When I like something this much! And I know my nails are loving the TLC, too. When removing the nail polish, I can tell a noticeable difference in their health and strength. Another thing you probably never think of - nail health. Ok, you can call me nerdy now.

Dr's Remedy - Positive Pink Nail Polish - $17.00

Dr's Remedy Balance Brick Red Nail Polish - $17.00

I also invested in the Dr's Remedy Acetone Free Enriched Nail Polish Remover. There are two HUGE benefits to the investment. One: no more stinky acetone. Two: it WORKS. You know those removers that require half the bottle just to remove the polish on your left thumb? This is not that remover. With just two swishes on a cotton ball, I could remove every drop.

Dr's Remedy Acetone Free Enriched Nail Polish Remover - $11.00

Great Dates - Mimosa Grill Wine 101

Hayden and I are always looking for fun activities we can do to spend time together besides the typical dinners, movies, and Netflix. Don't get me wrong - we spend plenty of time cliche dating; however, to keep it interesting we always love coming up with something different every once in a while. This is why I was so excited when part of my Christmas gift this year were two cooking/education classes at a well-known, upscale Charlotte restaurant - Mimosa Grill.

The first class was Wine 101 - a wine education class taught by a local sommelier partnered with great small plates by Thomas Marlow, the executive chef. It started at an early 10am but from the get go I was impressed by the staff's chipper welcome! We enjoyed getting to know those around us before the class began. There were approximately 25 others in the class with us ready to learn!

We started with Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley paired with the most delicious oysters I have ever tasted. Seriously, my mouth is watering just thinking about them again. The wine was very sweet and smelled decadent. The sommelier taught us the proper technique for swishing, dipping, and sniffing our wine. Both the chef and him agreed we taste a great deal more if we really take in the smells of what we're about to enjoy rather than just diving in.

We were then introduced to two additional whites - Sassi Pino Grigio & Mile 71 Pino Gris. The sommelier educated us on the difference between Grigio & Gris teaching the that Grigio will always be slightly sweeter than Gris. He also informed us that Grigio wines come from Italian grapes while Gris come from grapes grown in France. Though we are not white wine drinkers, Hayden and I really enjoyed the Mile 71 and purchased a bottle before we left to save for a great grilled chicken dish this summer!

Partnered with these white wines were grain mustard deviled eggs. Anyone who knows me knows that I do not eat eggs under any circumstances. The sheer smell of them make me want to leave the room. I guess it was the three previous glasses of wine that encouraged me to take a bite. I was blown away by the richness of the mustard - after all, I am a HUGE mustard fan. Though I was proud of myself for trying, I couldn't stomach any more of the hard boiled egg. 

It was then time to start the red wines (my favorite!) paired with Chef Thomas' avocado, lump crab toast. I had never tried a Chianti wine before but was impressed with it's sweetness. It paired perfectly with the bite sized toast - which had been fried for approximately 5 seconds and topped with local crab (uhhhh YUM.) The plate was so delicious I didnt want to eat it - but after one bite, I was smitten and ate the whole thing, right down to the slice of fig (also the alcohol influence because I don't think you're supposed to eat the garnish - oops!)

The meal was finished with three additional glasses of Margeaux, Tuscany, & Cavernet Sauvignon. Not going to lie, after the previous wines & small bites everyone was feeling toasty (no pun intended). I would recommend and uber if you decide to try the class in the future! 

Though all were absolutely delicious, the Cabernet Sauvignon was by far my favorite of the three with the Margeaux my second pick. We learned that after the swish, reds that have more drips around the glass and cling to the surface are generally "better" wines. Contrary to my belief that anything over $10.00 qualified as "better" wines. These would be great gifts for future hostess gifts so you bet I'll be saving the names of these delicious bottles!

The reds were paired with the most delicious beef I have ever had. We had two cuts, a short rib topped with "pea soup" (basically pesto without the pine nuts) and a tenderloin filet. Both cuts absolutely melted in your mouth. We didn't even need a knife to cut the steak to give you an idea of just how tender and delicious they were. 

Overall, we had the best time meeting new friends, learning about wine and sampling some of the most delicious food I have ever tasted. I am taking away a plethora of knowledge I would have never known without the class & the yearning to go back to try Mimosa Grill's regular menu. Speaking of which, Charlotte's Restaurant week is just around the corner, January 22-31. Start making reservations now because they fill up fast. I'll be posting about my recommendations and choices later this week. 

December Birch Box Review

One of my favorite gifts this Christmas was a year long subscription to Birch Box. Though I had continuously heard the raving reviews about the monthly box that delivers samples available for purchase right to your door - I never knew everything that went behind it! From the personalization to the online Birch Box shop I am beyond impressed!

First thing's first, the packaging for the delivery was adorable. I couldn't wait to immediately break in to see my samples but felt crazy doing so because I didn't want to ruin it! I have to admit - I did save the box to use for wrapping presents in the future - it was literally too cute to throw away.

As far as the products go, I was extremely impressed! Though I will not be purchasing all of them as I don't necessarily use some of the kinds of products sent to me - there are two that I am definitely hooked on. Here is the skinny on this month's product:

Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm - $16.50

I was especially excited to see some intense lip balm in this box as the weather is finally starting to cool down. With the change, my lips are constantly screaming for moisture. After using Dr. Lipp a few mornings, I didn't necessarily notice any difference to any other balm. No sudden changes, no extra shine, just pretty...average.

Soap & Paper Factory Shea Butter Hand Cream - $18.00

Now this is what I call a compelling sample. The packaging is adorable, smell is mesmerizing, texture is light and to top it all off - the hand cream is effective! I am always intimidated by "shea butter" because normally the consistency is both thick and sticky but NOT THIS! Highly recommend for your purse pocket. I have become addicted and will be purchasing this ASAP. I received the Green Tea sample and love it but could definitely be in to trying any of the other flavors. I am already brand loyal.

Eyes Fat Liquid Eyeliner - $16.00

At first I was intimidated by the thickness of this product. I am new to the eyeliner game and definitely not the most skilled when it comes to the application; however I was able to apply this no problems! It looked great for a dramatic New Year's Eve eye. Because of the size, its definitely more of a night look and I wouldn't be able to rock it to work but would recommend for bold gals interested in a rockin' night out eye! Though I won't be purchasing this product, I am extremely impressed with the full size product included in the Birch Box and the price for such quality!

Smash box Photo Finish Foundation Primer - $36.00

WARNING: I am a primer snob. I am obsessed with my Bare Minerals Prime Time Foundation Primer so when I saw this, I knew it was going to be hard to like. I did muster up the courage to try the primer and wasnt impressed - especially for the price. The primer was sticky. Though some people like to feel the product working, I am not one of them and was immediately unimpressed. While this might not be the product for me, I know many who use it! You never know until you try!

Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume - $100.00

Psych. It's a perfume. And I would be lying if I said that didn't trip me up at first too. BUT I saved the best review for last because I AM OBSESSED with this perfume. I can honestly say I have never bought a perfume for myself in my life but this will most definitely be the first and it will be worth every dang penny. The scent of this perfume is extremely light, airy, and clean. I cannot stop sniffing the small sample we were given and am dreading it is almost gone already. Can't wait to get my full size in the mail!

So - there you have it! I will be buying some hand cream & perfume this month and though it'll cost me I know I won't have buyer's remorse (a common theme in my life) because I have had the chance to sample the products. So - cheers to you Birch Box! Its been a fantastic start to the year!

Small Updates, Big Changes

Happy New Year to my sweet followers! This is my public declaration and promise to maintain my blog better now that the hectic holidays are over. It actually goes hand in hand with my New Years Resolutions. Though I have never been one to make them, this year I am trying to complain less and to take more pictures. What does this have to do with my blog, you ask? 

My blog gives me the outlet and opportunity to complain less. It inspires me to post on what I love the most and to look for subjects that, though small, bring big joy to my day to day life. In addition, more pictures will make for more interesting posts. Here's to trying new things in 2016!

I spent the afternoon making two simple changes to my room that made HUGE differences to its appearance. Not only were these updates easy and not at all time consuming but they were so inexpensive as well!

The first was updating my shower hooks. Don't ask me why but until now, I was using the white plastic hooks that continuously change color due to the humidity and are such an eye sore to an already dull bathroom. I found some simple, silver shower hooks at Home Goods that I knew would make the biggest difference. Not to mention - the set was only $5.99! 

Before

After

Though Home Goods doesn't sell online due to their wide & limited variety of products. Here are some similar hooks for your home: Amazon Silver Chrome S Hooks, Bed Bath & Beyond Nickel Bail Shower Hooks, Home Depot Moen Shower Curtain Rings

The second quick update I executed was a simple reorganization of my jewelry. Ever since I went off to college I have stored all of my jewelry in a hanging organizer I got for high school graduation - and no, that is not a mistake, HIGH SCHOOL.

That changed today when I invested in two matching jewelry organizers, also from home goods and covered the top drawer of my dresser, located in my closet, into my jewelry heaven. I am a statement necklace girl if you have ever met one so though those did not fit in the drawer, simple necklaces, bracelets, rings, and all earrings did. There was even room to store my traveling jewelry cases. 

My statement pieces still reside on an elk antler found during my summer in Moose, Wyoming. It acts as both decoration and organization above my dresser. The picture doesn't do the antler any justice, it is one of my favorite pieces I own.

As far as the workout headbands go, they have their own point on the antler. Now that my top drawer of my dresser is all jewelry, I now have to figure out a place for my hats. Thinking another cool hook to the small wall space on the right will be a good place! Until then, they will have to rest on top of counter.

Want to organize a jewelry drawer yourself? Here are some items similar to my finds!

Jewelry Drawer Organization:

WOLF Stackables Medium Standard Tray

18 Section Accessory Drawer Organizer

Stackers Jewelry Organization Box

Unique Jewelry Decor:

Target Metal Twig Jewelry Holder

Faux Deer Antler Rack in Gold

DIY Rake Necklace Hanger

What are your New Year's resolutions for 2016? Perhaps, to get more organized :)