Oct 2 2015

It’s Fall, Y’All!

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It's Fall Y'All

I don’t know that I’ve ever been more excited to see the calendar flip to October! I’m excited to greet the fall foliage, put on my boots, and grab a pumpkin spice…something. Anything!

You know I’m a hobby-of-the-month girl, with my interest changing WAY more often than the seasons. So what’s caught my interest lately?

*Virtual Teaching (I recently started teaching at a virtual school and I LOVE it!)

*Optimal Health (This summer, I dropped 35 lbs…I can’t wait to tell you all about it)

*CrossFit (I started last January, then took a break over the summer…I’m staring my new onRamp on Monday!)

*Free and low cost kindle ebooks (sources WILL be named!)

So, my long lost readers, what would YOU like to hear about first?

 

Oct 29 2013
Pop Sugar Must Have Box

PopSugar Must Have Box for October 2013

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Pop Sugar Must Have Box

Do you have the PopSugar Must Have Box?

This is my first PopSugar MustHave Subscription Box and I LOVE it! First of all, what is this PopSugar thing? PopSugar is the BEST (in my opinion) subscription box service. For $35 per month (going up to $39.99 in November), you get a delightful assortment of gift items especially curated from the PopSugar team. Wanna sign up? Sign up here and use the code REFER5 and you’ll get $5 off your first box. Each box contains 5-8 items in a variety of categories. This month we have Must Have Food, Must Have Beauty, Must Have Fashion and a Special Extra, for a total of 9 items!

Special Extra

I’m going to start off with my most favorite item in the box! Stitch Fix is a really cool site. You fill out a questionnaire and your personal stylist will handpick items and send them straight to your door! You get to try on the pieces with your current wardrobe and accessories. After each Fix, you review what you liked and didn’t like about each piece so the stylist can get closer to exactly what you want. Each Fix has a $20 styling fee, but if you buy something, they take $20 off the price. In this PopSugar box, we got a gift code to waive the styling fee AND get $20 off a purchase. Once my fix arrives, you can be sure I’ll have a review to share. I CAN’T WAIT!!!

StitchFix

Stitch Fix

Must Have Food

The first item is The Cripsery Halloween Crispycake. It was the most delicious rice crispy treat ever! Super gooey and delicious. And these things are HUGE! they could easily be cut up for dessert for a family of 4. However, I quickly snarfed it up before my children laid eyes on it.

PopSugar Must Have Crispery

Next up is The Can’t Cook Book: Recipes for the Absolutely Terrified!  by Jessica Seinfeld. I love the “you can do it” attitude of this cookbook! It talks about how to braise and broil, and a bunch of other techniques. I’m afraid I won’t get much use out of it since our household is mostly Gluten Free. I was hoping to give this as a Christmas gift, but how do you say, “You Can’t Cook, so here’s a cookbook for you,” without stirring up a bunch of family drama?

PopSugar Must Have Box The Can’t Cook Book

Must Have Fashion

This was the most disappointing thing in the box: the Gorjana Charity Bali Bead Bracelet. I know this is a big designer and the price is listed as $45. However, it sort of looks like something my daughters could have made from a craft box. I’m sure it’s much more special than that, but it’s just not my style. It is delicate, hot pink, with golden beads. 100% of the proceeds go to Breast Cancer Connections, so that’s good, but it also frustrates me…what will they do for Lung Cancer month or Prostate Cancer month? My pet peeve, I know, but all this combined made for a sad little bracelet.

 

PopSugar Must Have Box Gorjana Bali Bead Bracelet

PopSugar Must Have Box Gorjana Bali Bead Bracelet

 

The Wet Brush is pretty awesome. I have a little pixie cut so tangled hair is not on my personal radar, but I have two daughters, one with especially long, thick, tangle-prone hair. This brush was really helpful to decrease the tugging and tearing of hair. It isn’t a magic cure, but it sure helps the battle!

PopSugar MustHave Box Wet Brush

PopSugar Must Have Box Wet Brush

The Jane Tran Bobby Pins  were interesting. I received the metallic set with blues and greens. In my dark hair, they barely show up. When I let my daughter’s borrow them, they held ALL DAY. One has thick, straight hair and the other has thin wavy hair and neither was a problem for these bobby pins!

PopSugar Must Have Box Jane Tran Bobby Pins

PopSugar Must Have Box Jane Tran Bobby Pins

Must Have Beauty

I am excited about the NYX Cosmetics Liquid Liner and Smokey Shadow Palette. I’m in love with the color variety of the palette, plus I like that “smokey eye” doesn’t need to mean “my little dark brown eyes look like lumps of black coal in my face” which is usually how dark colors and/or anything smokey makes me look.

PopSugar Must Have Box

PopSugar Must Have Box NYX Smokey Eye Palette

Another beauty goodie was the Julep PopSugar Duo. My color was Char, which is a lovely blue with a hint of purple. The topcoat is pretty amazing. It’s called Freedom Polymer Top Coat and it promises to leave nails smudge free in 5 minutes. Wow! I slapped on a coat of this on my way out the door to tae kwon do, and by the time I was kicking, my toe nails were solid…no chips, no nothin’.

PopSugar Must Have Box Julep

PopSugar Must Have Box Julep

 

 

Are you in? Sign up here to get the next PopSugar Must Have Box! Do you have another subscription box you recommend? Have you tried PopSugar?

Oct 21 2013
RocksBox Beauty Wishlist

My Beauty Wishlist: RocksBox Subscription Box

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RocksBox Beauty Wishlist

UPDATE: I just ordered RocksBox. If you sign up NOW, you get a FREE month of RocksBox

 

Wishlist Item
Rocksbox Subscription Box

Why I Covet ItThis is sort of like Netflix for jewelry! You fill out a profile then the curators send you three pieces of designer jewelry. You can keep it up to 60 days. When you are done, simply return the three pieces in a prepaid envelope and you’ll get three new pieces. If you love something, just keep it! Your credit card will be charged at the discounted members rate.

 

Rocks Box Reviews

Available
RocksBox.com-Plans are $15-19 per month, depending on how many months you purchase up front. Each box has an average retail value of over $200, so the pieces would have an average price of $66 each.

Why I Haven’t Purchased It Yet
I rarely wear jewelry, but I would like to. That’s why this is so appealing. I could try things out and see what I like! On the other hand, if I never wear jewelry, will I really I start wearing it enough to justify the cost? Plus, the pieces themselves are pretty expensive, even after the special member discount rate.

Dupes

As far as I know, there is nothing quite like RocksBox out there. If you know of something similar, PLEASE let me know!

RocksBox

Have you tried Rocksbox.com? Do you love it?h do you think it would encourage a non-jewelry person to start wearing jewelry on a regular basis?

Oct 18 2013
Coldwatercreek.com

Coldwater Creek Is My Holy Grail

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ColdWater Creek CardiganColdwatercreek.com review

Part of Finding My Fabulous has been to upgrade my wardrobe. Last year I met with a personal shopper at Nordstrom. It was a fantastic experience and I feel much more confident with my personal style and selecting outfits and pieces.

Hey, I’ve got some affiliate links in here, just so you know. 

My sister recently turned me on to Coldwater Creek. It’s a perfect blend of style and color. It’s definitely on the mature end of things, which I enjoy. I accidentally wandered into Forever 21 and I felt like a cranky octogenarian. I may or may not have plugged my ears, closed my eyes and slowly backed out of the store.

Back to Coldwater Creek. The clothes are classic and timeless, but also on-trend. The prices are moderate, about what you would expect to find at Nordstrom. However, Coldwater Creek has AMAZING sales you won’t find at any department store. Several times a year they have 40% off the entire store! This brings things right down to my price range! In May I snapped up a bunch of tank tops with lace trim for only $10.

Like I said, the style tends toward the mature, but not frumpy. To me, Chico’s is well suited to sassy grandmas in their upper 60s. I think Coldwater Creek is for women in their 30s and up who like a classic, business-casual vibe.

That might seem expensive compared to a Target sale, but these clothes are really well made, the colors don’t fade and they wash well. Read the care instructions because I narrowly avoided some Hand Wash Only items. I can barely keep up with my regular laundry, let alone hand washing and gentle cycle. If I can’t wash with like colors, it just ain’t gonna happen.

They often run sales online, too, so if you find something you like and you can bide your time, chances are good it will go on sale. As in 30% off, 40% off or even 50% off.

Today I found my holy grail…the Coldwater Creek outlet! There is only one in Washington state, up in Marysville. This was my first visit so I don’t know what the prices are usually like, but today was awesome. The entire fall line was 30% off. So a lovely teal blue sweater was originally priced at $85.99, marked down to $69.99 at the outlet. My final price was under $20 with all the markdowns and because they were giving an additional 10% off for teachers. Woot! Woot!

ColdWater Creek Cardigan

They have entire racks of sweaters, blouses, tanks, pants, cropped pants, and more.

All accessories were 70% off so I got a lovely statement necklace for under $5 and a pretty pair of earrings for $5.95, normally well over $60 each.

I sort of hate bargain shopping. Looking for clothes at Marshal’s makes my head explode. Not so at the Coldwater Creek outlet. The deeply discounted clothes were organized by type (sweaters with sweaters, blouses with blouses, etc.) then by size, then by color. It was really simple to scan through. But they also had a large selection of clothes like you would expect to find at a typical store. Each dressing room had a complete outfit hanging on each door, including jewelry. All the sales people were really friendly, too.

I know some of the clothes are late season items that have been moved out of the regular stores. I spotted a pair of my Capri pants I bought in May. But I think some of the clothes are made just for the outlets. A few tags said “compare to” or something. Plus a sales lady told me how happy they are with the new buyer.

coldwater creek capris blue

A couple of notes: I think the sizes at Coldwater Creek tend to run large. I normally wear a large and in several pieces, I ended up purchasing medium. That means they run large, right?

I’ve always wanted to have one store or one brand that was my go-to for my wardrobe. That way I would know everything went with everything, I would know what size I should buy, etc. I think I’ve found what I was looking for at Coldwater Creek!

Have you found a brand or store that completely fits your style? That personifies your signature look? Please share below!

Did you enjoy this blog post? Leave a comment at the bottom and click the button below to share it with others who may enjoy it, too. Sharing is caring!

Oct 16 2013
Clarisonic Mia 2

My Beauty Wishlist: Clarisonic Face Cleaner

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Since I decided to Find My Fabulouss I’ve become a beauty blog stalker. If you spend any time looking at beauty blogs, you will eventually develop a wishlist.or, if you have unlimited funds, perhaps yours is a shopping list. Mine is still a wishlist!

Clarisonic Mia 2Wishlist Item: 
Clarisonic Face Cleaner (models start at $125 and go up to $235, replacement brush heads start at $25 and should be replaced every 3 months)

Why I Covet It:
I once had a facial that used a Clarisonic. I loved it and my skin felt wonderful. It also seems as if every beauty blogger has one of these and they all rave about them. The results on the website are impressive, too. Clarisonic claims that by using their product, skin is 6 times cleaner than by using your hands only. Plus, softer, smoother, more radiant looking skin. Who doesn’t want that?

Check out what these beauty bloggers said:

Lainey over at The Belle Beauty Blog said, “Buying a Clarisonic was literally life-changing. I have never been so confident about my skin, and I strongly recommend it to people struggling with acne or other skin issues. The price is steep, but worth every penny.

Christine at 15 Minute Beauty said, “I think that much like going between a normal toothbrush and the Sonicare, starting to use the Clarisonic is definitely addicting. You can feel a big difference in your skin with just one use. I’m not sure that this is due to exfoliation, though I’m sure there is a mild exfoliation with use. My skin feels soft and very smooth with the Clarisonic.”

 

Where Can I Purchase the Clarisonic?

All prices below are for the Clarisonic Mia 2, which seems to be the most popular.There are TONS of color choices, limited edition patterns and sets/combinations/packages, especially at Sephora.

QVC ($136.20 with Peter Thomas Roth and a super cute pattern!)

Nordstrom ($150)

Sephora ($150 with bonus Fresh products)

Beauty.com ($150)

Macy’s ($150)

Ulta ($150)

Why I Haven’t Purchased It Yet:

Again, the price. That’s a lot a moolah for something to wash my face. Plus, the cost of replacement heads is expensive. Would I really use it or would it be an expensive bathroom accessory? Lastly, I find all the models, colors and special sets a bit confusing. I just sort of freeze with too many choices. However, the lower QVC price with a cute pattern and a pricey bonus? It might be just enough to push me over the edge!

Possible Dupes?

Spa Sonic Skin Care System at Beauty.com ($65)

4 brush heads, including a pumice stone, new brush heads are $9.99. Hmmm….

 

Do you covet the Clarisonic cleaner? Any quality dupes? What’s your final verdict?

Oct 14 2013

Unmentionably Cheeky Subscription Box Review

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Unmentionably Cheeky

 

Updated: I just got my second mailing of Unmentionably Cheeky and I love it just as much as my first!

My love for subscription boxes is growing…quickly. Is this my favorite? It’s hard to say, since I’m beginning to have so many!

NOTE: This subscription box is for ladies only. If you actually know me in real life, feel free to stop reading. Please stop reading.  I really don’t want my co-workers to know about my panties, new or old.

PS-Yep, I have affiliate links here. I might get a latte with my yearly earnings. 

My newest find is Unmentionably Cheeky. This is a subscription for cheeky panties. For $6 with a coupon code (normally $9) you’ll get two pairs of cheeky undies. Each package is a surprise…you select the size (XS to XXL) and Unmentionably Cheeky picks the colors and style. These aren’t thongs, but they are pretty cheeky. So don’t expect any pictures of this subscription box!

Unmentionably Cheeky Subscription

My first two pairs arrived last week and so far I’m delighted! The first pair was a bright peach color with lace trim. I could see adding these to my daily rotation. They are surprisingly comfortable, way better than a thong.

The next pair was white and lacy. By lacy, I mean lace only. These are very delicate and will not be joining my daily rotation. They will be in the special event drawer. Everyone has one of those, right?

Unmentionably Cheeky includes free shipping to US and Canada, $5 shipping to all other countries. The package arrives in a black shipping envelope, usually within 3 days in the US. I think the address said UMC or something nondescript.

The price is normally $9 for 2 pairs of panties, which is a pretty good deal. But right now if you use the Unmentionably Cheeky coupon code FALL 13 you lock in the price of $6 per package for the however long you keep this subscription, so that’s only $3 per pair! That is darn cheap! Victoria’s Secret Cheekies start at $11 a pair, not including shipping and tax. Sure, you get to select your own style and color, but for triple the price? I’ll take a good surprise!

As you journey to Find Your Fabulous, consider Unmentionably Cheeky. Can new panties change your life? Perhaps. Having a little something special no one knows about can be a huge confidence booster. And it might even add a little spark to your love life.

Unmentionably Cheeky Panties

Just a note: I have affiliate links in this post. If you click on one of my links and end up buying something, I get a little bit of cash. Like 2-10%. I know, life changing. I will be a dollaraire in no time!

Oct 11 2013
Image from Soldier2000 @ deviantart.com

Finding My Fabulous Through Tae Kwon Do

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Image from Soldier2000 @ deviantart.com

Image from Soldier2000 @ deviantart.com

My journey to find my fabulous  has primarily focused on makeup, plus a bit on skin care and clothes. I recently realized it has also included Tae Kwon Do.

Let me give you a little background…

As a kid, I tried every sport available; t-ball, basketball, soccer, swimming, track, and cross country. I would estimate I was in the bottom 10% of every sport I participated in. I was awarded several “most improved” trophies, which basically meant, “you really sucked when you started and now you only half-suck.” I had great fun doing all these activities, but I just knew sports weren’t my thing.

7 months ago my husband decided our family would start tae kwon do. I reluctantly agreed, mostly to show our girls that even if you aren’t great at something you can still have fun. If given the choice, I would have stayed home so the rest of my family could have Daddy/Daughter time.

We signed up at our local dojang and attended class twice a week. My husband and I were the only adults most of the time. The majority of the class only came up to my *white* belt. When we ran laps to start class, I was the slowest. Those little twerps lapped me every time, including my own daughters.

When we stretched, I wasn’t even close to touching my toes. One of the teenage helpers would walk through the students and say, “John is down. Bella is down. Andrew is almost down. Danielle is trying hard.” I knew I would never get past trying hard. Why? When I was 14 years old, my cross country coach told me I had the hamstrings of a 40 year of man. Thanks, Coach!

Much to my surprise, I got better. I was able to do most of the kicks and blocks and do them well. My flexibility improved. I am now “almost down.” Some kids still lap me, but I sometimes lap a few who run all out the first three laps then peter out before lap 10.

When it was time for our first belt test, I passed with flying colors! Happily, so did the rest of my family. We now proudly wear our yellow belts!

The topper came last week. I was called to the front of class and I had no idea why. The lead instructor announced that I was the Star of the Month for our entire dojang! This doesn’t mean I’m perfect or the best, but it’s a heck of a lot better than “you did suck and now you only half-suck” awards!

Our next belt test is about a month away. If we pass, we will begin sparring. That will be my chance to really show those fast little buggers!

As you journey to Find Your Fabulous, I encourage you to try something new. Take a cooking class, join the local choir, maybe even look into Tae Kwon Do! You never know where you might Find Your Fabulous!

Oct 9 2013
NARS Blush in Orgasm

My Beauty Wishlist: NARS blush in Orgasm

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I affiliate linked the HECK out of this post!

Updated: I just bought a great blush that has a very similar color without all the glitter. It’s the CORALista from Benefit.  It’s not much less, but you get almost twice as much blush. Plus, when I bought it at Ulta, I got 20% off. 

Wishlist Item:
NARS blush in Orgasm ($29 every single place I checked…see below)

Why I Covet It:
Every blog lists NARS Orgasm blush as the perfect shade for everyone of every complexion and the perfect blush in general. Who wouldn’t want that?

NARSAccording to 15MinuteBeauty.com, “Obviously this color is a cult favorite for a reason. Orgasm is an amazing blush color on almost everyone, and I’m certainly no exception.”

SparkleandMIne says, “This compact is basically my favorite thing ever. Both the blush and the bronzer are universally flattering and super handy when you just need to throw something in your bag or apply makeup on the go.”

QueenOfAllYouSee reports: “It’s a soft beautiful flush of pink that looks good on just about everybody. It has tiny shimmering dusts that makes your cheeks look like it has a natural luminous blush. As if your crush just asked you out on a date and your cheeks blushed pink (I had another image in my head to describe this blush but lets just go with this wholesome story). It lasts for almost an entire day on me, until I remove my make up.”

Lastly, according to Allure, “Without hesitation, this shade—a multiple-year Best of Beauty winner—looks good on just about everybody, creating a soft, convincing flush on fair skin and lending warmth and sparkle to darker complexions. You need only a light dusting, and the color stays true and strong till you take it off. If the shimmer seems too much for day, save this for nights out.

Allure AWARDS:
Best of Beauty 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004; Best of Beauty Hall of Fame 2011; Readers’ Choice 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, and 2002”

Available:

Nordstrom ($29)

Sephora ($29) 

Beauty.com ($29) 

Saks Fifth Avenue ($29)

Bloomingdales ($29)

Amazon ($29)

Nars, or course ($29)

Why I Haven’t Purchased It Yet:
Price. $29 for a blush? It sounds totally amazing, like it could totally change my life. Life changing blush for $29? Sounds like a great deal! I’m SO conflicted! I hate to spend that much on a single blush when I’m so happy with my ELF All Over Color Stick for $1. Why, NARS, why?

Do you wear NARS blush in Orgasm? Is it worth it? Is it as amazing as everyone says?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on one if the links included above and you end up buying something, I’ll get a little commission. And I mean little, usually to the tune of 2-7 percent. No car payments, but maybe a latte here and there. Heck, I might go wild some day and get a Venti!

Oct 7 2013
To Nerium or Not to Nerium

Nerium Review NOT from a Brand Partner

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To Nerium or Not to NeriumI do not sell Nerium. I have purchased several bottles at full price and I received one at no charge in the 3 UR Free program. There are no affiliate links in this review. It is my honest opinion after using Nerium for several months.

Nerium is a facial moisturizer distributed in a direct sales format, similar to Mary Kay.

I’ve never tried anything like Nerium. At night, after you wash your face, you apply 4 to 5 pumps of Nerium to damp skin. In the morning you splash it off and continue with your typical AM routine.That’s it! The simplicity of this product is very appealing to me!

PS-Nerium recently introduced an additional morning step.I have not tried it and I don’t know a thing about it!

When I was using the product, I never knew if I was using too much water or not enough. Too much and it’s super runny and way too much. I end up rubbing into my belly…stretch marks are like wrinkles, right? Not enough water and it’s like spreading glue.

The product itself is the color of putty. The smell is…unique. It’s not lovely, but not awful. Some people say it’s stinky.My husband says it smells exotic. I would prefer an unscented version. Either way, the scent fades pretty quickly.

My skin feels pretty tacky for several hours after I put it on. Not my-pillow-is-stuck-to-my-face tacky, but when I touch my skin it feels sticky.

So the real question: does Nerium work?

I think so. The person I bought it from took pictures before I tried it then again after 10 days of consistent use. I don’t think I have many wrinkles, but I did notice the parenthesis from my nose to my mouth seemed softened. The frown lines between my eyes seem a little less, but only in the morning, right when I take off the Nerium. By evening, they are back, probably because I’ve been frowning all day. And I never really knew how close to my eyes I could put it.

Overall the difference wasn’t amazing. It wasn’t anything others have commented on. I think it did help, but not enough to justify the price.

The price. That’s my biggest sticking point. The bottle of Nerium is about $80 plus shipping, which is a total of nearly $100 per month. When they say it lasts 5 weeks, that is pretty spot on. To me, $100 per month is pretty pricey for minor results. They do have a 3 UR Free program which means if you can get 3 people to “sign up” under you, then your bottle will be free.

Did I mention when you purchase Nerium it is a monthly subscription service? It is automatically delivered each month.

I will say, canceling was easy.

With the 3 UR Free program, they tell you right away that you qualify for a free bottle of Nerium, but there is not a whisper when one of those people cancel.

PRO: I think it really does work.
3 UR Free program

CON:Price
Scent
Tackiness
Automatic delivery
No notification when you are off the 3 UR free program

Final Verdict: Don’t buy it. If you can get 3 people to sign up under you, then maybe go for it. But keep a close eye on your account.

If you would like to give Nerium a try, just make a Facebook post that says, “Anyone sell Nerium? I want to buy some.” You’ll get a quick response, I’m sure.

Sorry for this sad sack review, but if you want honesty, this is it, Ladies!

Have you tried Nerium? What do you think? I would love to hear your thoughts!