Weekend Adventure: October 26 & 27

This past Saturday I FINALLY got to step foot into an actual Lush store!  I traveled all the way to (almost) Detroit to the Twelve Oaks Mall with a few girlfriends for a day of shopping and adventure! 

 

We wandered about the mall and looked at all the sad puppies locked in the pet store there - discussed the possibility of a PETA-esque rescue mission where we would smash open the glass containers and flea down the halls with a stampede of freshly freed canines bounding along behind us.  Somehow I envision this would be happening in slow motion and there is obviously a giant fan blowing our not-a-strand-outta-place-even-after-a-crazy-puppy-freeing-stunt hair because we'd be heroes and who wants a hero with a bad 'Do!  Seriously though...there were for-real clearance puppies, and if you came from over 100 miles away, you got an additional $100 off.  I thought the whole idea of a "clearance puppy" was just something they said in the movies!?

 

But, on a positive note - I scored a dress for EIGHT BUCKS!  It's an orangey color with an interesting back, perfect for Summer - so you know, I purchased it upon the eve of WINTER!  But, I just couldn't resist such a crazy good deal!  BOOM:  Eight Dollar Outfit - yes please, I'll take two!

 

We moseyed into several other stores and even found these bangs attached to headbands.  Of course we all had to try them on to see what we would look like if we made the chop!  Pretty good learning experience really.  I may go through with it...maybe, if I don't lose my balls on the way into the hair salon next time 'round???

 

And then there was LUSH!  I finally got to try out several of their products via an online purchase I made thanks to my bestfriend!  You can read my review here.  But, they sell face masks so freaky fresh they have to be refrigerated so they don't spoil!  That said, you can't order them online....major bummer since I really enjoy smothering goop on my face and then showing Rob!!  I also really was just looking forward to smelling and touching EVERYTHING in sight!  The store was pretty small and kind of hard to navigate because of the herds of folk every which way, but we managed! 

 

They actually do little demonstrations in the store - which is a great way to test the product before you commit to a purchase!  I ended up with several little treasures, including a couple face masks and two bath bombs (we don't even have a bathtub by the way - just a shower...so I'll be heading to Mom's for a little R&R and to take up residence in her tub!)

 
 
 

Just used my Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask tonight and it feels like my face went on a vacation to a magical world where everyone has amazing skin! 


And, I can't believe I'm putting this out here on the interwebs but here's what I look like covered in goop! 

 After the mall we went to this little joint called Lucky Stike (or something of that variety).  It was alright - they had an arcade in the other room that looked like fun - kind of reminded me of a casino actually!  All the servers were wearing Halloween costumes - we had the pleasure of being served by 'Officer Naughty-Pants.'  Unfortunatley we did not have time to let our inner children loose in the place since we wanted to make it to the Outlet Mall on our way home and we were definitely running out of time!!!!  Gonna have to save my skeet ball skills for another time I suppose.

 

Sunday was much more relaxed - Rob and I spent a lazy day playing couch potatoes, but we did manage to watch several movies and I did a few loads of laundry so the day wasn't a total wash! 

 

Let's see if I can remember what we viewed....

 

 

1.  Grown Ups 2

2.  The Purge

3.  Monsters University

4.  The Internship

5.  Man of Steel*

 

*Rob Only:  I had seen this one earlier with Allison in D-Box, so I cleaned up the kitchen tornado!

 

 

 

❤

Megan



October 2013 PopSugar

I wasn't expecting this to come until Monday, so I was SO excited to see it Friday when I got home!  I didn't get much time with it then - Rob and I were planning on meeting some friends for dinner that night and had to get going almost as soon as I got home, but I sure tore it open quick just to get a peek inside!  I had to satisfy that curious kitten that lives in me!

 

 

 

Here's the first look!  (I actually remembered to take photos of this this time around....usually I can't contain my own excitement and end up tearing into it immediately!) 

And here's what was under all that pink paper!

 

 

At this point I was already pretty excited about the Wet Brush and  the giant Rice Krispy Treat!!!

 

The October "theme" was PINK (for Breast Cancer Awareness Month), in addition to Halloween and Fall in general (getting back in the kitchen, etc.)! PopSugar is donating $1.00 to Breast Cancer Research for each box sold this month and has also teamed up with some companies this month who are supporting the same!

 

MUST HAVE FOOD

The Can't Cook Book: Recipes for the Absolutely Terrified! |$27.99       

by Jessica Seinfeld

I just finished thumbing through this a few minutes ago!  This cookbook has some really good tips and tricks and also really explains the how-to's for beginners (such as how to wash produce, how to cut garlic, how to zest fruit, etc.) as well as describes the must-have kitchen essentials (knives, pots and pans, bakeware, etc.).  Some of these recipes sound A-Maz-Ing as well!  I'm definitely going to try some out (and post them to the Recipes page so check back!)  This cookbook also features a cute intro by Jessica and really wonderful photos!

MUST HAVE BEAUTY

NYX Cosmetics Liquid Liner and Smokey Shadow Palette | $6.00, $7.00



I actually already have this Smokey Shadow Palette!  I got it with the Mortal Instruments Parallel Worlds Kit a few months ago.  So that's a bummer, but I'm sure I can make use of the liquid liner!  I'll be gifting the shadow palette since I don't really need two!  The NYX shadows are pretty good especially considering how inexpensive they are!  The only complaint I have with them is that they didn't work well with my Urban Decay Primer Potion!  On their own they seem to be fine though!

Julep Duo: Julep Nail Polish and Freedom Top Coat | $14.00, $18.00

I received the color "Char."  It's a pretty, bold blue color that I think will be great for Fall and Winter!  I'm also excited to try the topcoat!  In addition to the Polish and Top Coat Duo, they also sent an offer code for a free Julep Maven Box (Additional value of $19.99)!  I just signed up to receive my free Maven box!  I'm pretty excited about a free box, but I don't know that I'll continue with the monthly subscription once that ships.  I just don't think I need $19.99 worth of nail polish, etc. each month!  But that's just me! ;-) 

The Wet Brush | $8.99

I have the worst tangles when I get out of the shower!  I just heard about this magical brush a couple  months ago or so, and I've been on the hunt for one ever since!  I haven't been able to find one so I opted for something somewhat similar!  But I'm absolutely thrilled to actually have 'the' Wet Brush!  Looking forward to using this puppy tomorrow!  I hope it lives up to all the hype it's been getting on YouTube!  PS.  I love that it's pink! <3

 

MUST HAVE FASHION

Gorjana Griffin Charity Bali Bead Bracelet | $45.00

I love this cute little pink bracelet!  I also love the fact that 100% of the proceeds from these are going to support Breast Cancer Research!  This bracelet is nice and bright but pretty delicate at the same time!  I'm really trying to bulk up my stackable bracelet collection, and this helps! 



  

  Jane Tran Bobby Pins | $12.00

Can never have too many bobby pins!  Plus, these will be cute to hold back lose strands when I throw my hair in a random braid! I know a few of my friends have received other bobby pin sets from Jane Tran in their Birchboxes, but I never did, so I'm excited to see what the buzz is all about!

 

 

 

 

 

 

MUST HAVE FOOD

The Crispery Halloween Crispycake | $3.95

This thing caught my eye immediately!  Maybe because I've been dieting for The Biggest Loser competition at my office...maybe because it was dinner time, or maybe because I have a problem when it comes to sweets!  Heck...I'd say it was D.  All of the above! :-)  Anyway, this crispycake looks so so so SO good!  I can't wait until my final weigh in so I can sink my teeth into this thing!  I'm sure I'll just devour it all at once, practically inhaling it's gooey goodness and then pass out in a sugar high state of bliss!

 

YUMMMM

SPECIAL EXTRA

Stitch Fix Gift Card | $20.00

Rob's Sister-In-Law has been doing Stitch Fix for a little while now!  Last time I saw her she was telling me all about it!  I had never heard of it, but was intrigued with the idea!  It's a kind of personal styling subscription service where you get sent a few hand-selected fashion items so you can try them on in your own home and see how each piece will incorporate into your own wardrobe.  Then you can choose to keep and purchase whatever pieces you choose and return the rest.  I've been wanting to try it since she first told me about it, but didn't want to get into yet another sub service!  I need to have a little bit of self-control!  But, this is a good excuse to try it out once!  If you're interested in this sort of thing, I'm sure they can explain better than me!

 

 

 

I think this might be one of my favorite boxes from PopSugar to date!  The total value of the box was a whopping $162.93 (or $182.92 if you count the free Julep Maven Box!)  Wowza, I'm impressed!

xx

Megan

September 2013 PopSugar

Better late than never!!!

Anyway....here's all the happy-making products that were stuffed into the September Box!

MUST HAVE HOME

Barr-Co. Original Scent Reed Diffuser ($45.00)

The information card tells me this scent is a blend of milk, oatmeal and vetiver....I think it smells clean!  The bottle is HUGE!  I only poured half the oil in the glass at first and hid the rest behind a frame on the same shelf.  This diffuser has a nice simplistic charm to it!  I like the smell and the way it looks, so I'll consider this one a win!

 

Rifle Paper Co. Coaster Set ($16.00)

These are just a pretty floral printed set of those thick cardboard coasters you see at most bars now a days.  Nothing I'm too excited about, but they're pretty and I'll probably use them next time I host a Girls Night In! 

 

MUST HAVE FASHION

P.S. - You're Invited by Erica Domesek ($26.00)

This is a really cute DIY book.  The intro and little notations are all super cute and fun to read and there's some really cleaver ideas in here!  I'll definitely try out some of these projects - but I'm not sure when since we don't have much space for DIYing it in our little apartment!  Although I'm sure the cats would be super interested in "helping!"

 

Shoptiques Gift Card ($25.00)

Shoptiques is an online marketplace where you can shop at all sorts of stores and boutiques local and international at once - all from the comfort of your own home!  I'm excited to browse the site and see what kind of goodies I can find!  I really like that PopSugar has been including Gift Cards lately!  It's fun to find out about new stores and get to pick out something you love for free or at a discount! 

 

MUST HAVE BEAUTY

Kitsch Headbands ($11.99)

I must have a funny shaped head!  These things NEVER stay on me!  They constantly slide back until they just pop off the back of my head!  I'll be gifting these to someone with a more suitable head shape! 

 

MUST HAVE FOOD

That's It. Bar ($1.75)

I received the 1 Apple + 3 Apricots flavor.  I was interested in trying this so I took it to work with me the other day as a mid-morning snack!  When I opened the package I was somewhat confused...it was like a fruit jerky type substance in a bar shape!  Anyway, once the initial shock wore off, I gave it a go.  It was....different, not necessarily good different, but not bad different either...just different! I really tasted the apricot, and it was a bit tart for my liking!  I shared the bar with my co-worker, Brittany...and she seemed to like it less than I did.  I would be up for trying some of the other flavors since I think I was mostly affected by the tartness of the apricots.  They've got 1 Apple + 1 Pear, 1 Apple + 1 Mango, 1 Apple + 20 Blueberries, 1 Apple + 1 Banana, and 1 Apple + 10 Cherries.  These all sound way more appealing to me than Apricots...especially the Banana and Pear ones!

 

MUST HAVE FITNESS

Sharkies Organic Energy Chews ($1.70)

I haven't tried these yet - and I'm not sure what flavor I got since these have been stashed in my purse since my box came.  My plan is to try them on my drive from the office to the gym!  Now, I just need to actually make it to the gym some day after work!  I've been lacking motivation!

 

Total Box Value:  $127.44  Wow!  Not too shabby!

 

xx,

Megan

FIRST Ever Lush Haul and Review!!!

I had been lusting after Lush products for quite some time and SURPRISE....my best friend sent me an E-Gift Card to enjoy for my birthday this year (back in July)!  I was so super psyched to receive this little treasure I immediately took to the website and began eagerly planning out my first purchase! 

After much deliberation and reading something like a hundred reviews this is what I finally decided on....

Well, I've finally gotten the chance to actually test out everything I purchased so here's what I thought! 

Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly:

This cherry-coconut shower gel not only smells amazing but it has some little glitters so it leaves your skin with a little sparkle-farkle! ;-)  I only bought the 3.5 oz. size of this so I could give it a go before committing to the larger size...but Allison and I are planning a day trip to Lush over on the other side of the state in the end of the month - and this will definitely be on my shopping list...especially since I'm down to one more shower's worth!  I found that it's easiest to scoop some out and lather it up on a loofa or sponge/washcloth because it's kind of jiggley and slippery!  It really lathers well and did I mention it smells a-maze-ing!!!  Get your own here! (3.5oz. for $6.95 or 8.5oz. for $11.95)

 

Cynthia Sylvia Stout Shampoo:

There's not a whole lot of suds to this shampoo and it smells a little off but it works great!  Rob told me that people sometimes use a can of straight up beer in the shower as a hair treatment and it's supposed to kind of work like a hair mask and increase shine, etc.  I didn't know how I felt about pouring a completely good beer over my head but then I came across this stuff.  It really does leave my hair super soft and definitely adds some shine!  I even noticed a minor improvement in my frizz monster!  I don't know that I'll purchase this often, but just because I tend to gravitite toward really good smelling shampoos and conditioners!  I liked this but I was really hoping to love it, and I didn't love it more than any other shampoo I've used!  I'd repurchase this in the future, but like I said, probably not too often...  If you want to check it out further you can do so right here.  (3.3 fl. oz. for $9.95 or 16.9 fl. oz. for $29.95)

 

Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter:

 

This was my big splurge product of the bunch!  I had read so much about the Lemony Flutter on blogs and reviews that I was dying to try it myself...plus, I LOVE the smell of anything lemon!  I have really dry skin and this is the perfect cure - not only for cuticles but for any random dry patch like elbows, knees, the random bit of eczema!   The only downfall...if you aren't in the dry skin club, you probably won't love this - it gets pretty greasy before it soaks in.  I've been using it before bed so it has plenty of time to absorb overnight, and that seems to work best.  This product is pretty small but a little goes a looonggg way!  You don't need much, and it seems like the small size of this stuff is going to last forever!!!  Don't wait, with winter approaching, I'm definitely glad to have this laying around in my bathroom!!  (1.5 oz. for $16.95)

 

Mint Julips Lip Scrup:

 

Hello JUNIOR MINTS!  This smells and TASTES wonderful!!  I am absolutely OBSESSED with this lip scrub!  I can't get enough of the minty taste and smell!  Um....and, did I mention that it leaves your lips feeling and looking amazing!  You simply rub it on your lips and lick it off!  That's it!  Yes...I said LICK!  It's completely edible and tastes just like the inside of a Junior Mint!  Delicious!  No chapped lips here - at least not anymore!  This sheds off any dry skin and then I simply apply any old lip balm for absolutely incredible results!  I can't wait to stock up on more of these and try some of the other flavors as well, particularly the bubble gum one!  (.9 oz. for $9.95) - It's small but so worth it!  Gonna give it the true test when winter rears its ugly head here in Michigan!  You can too, right here!

 

Sparkle Toothy Tabs:

 

These are a little weird, but pretty cool at the same time!  I had never heard of them before I began perusing the Lush website and found myself intrigued by these little tabs!  I used to pre-brush my teeth with straight baking soda for the whitening effect, then rinse and use regular toothpaste as a follow-up.  These are along that same school of thought...but conveniently packed in little round tabs.  You just put one in between your front teeth and chew it up.  Add water to your tooth brush and brush like normal.  They taste a little funny since I think they're mostly made of baking soda themselves, but if you can get past that, they really do clean as well as any other toothpaste.  I do feel like they definitely whiten better than normal toothpaste.  I've been going back and forth between them and my everyday Colgate and typically gravitate toward the tabs when I know I have some type of event coming up for the whitening bonus!  And, watch out - these things sure foam!  You can get some to try here! (.3 oz. for $4.95 - I want to say there's 40 tabs in a box). 

 

The Godmother Soap:

 

Lush describes this as a "Candy Scented Magical Pink Soap" and they're not lying.  I really wanted to love this, and I don't dislike it by any means but it just doesn't lather as much as I wanted.  It does smell delightful and it's a pretty color and if it would just lather more, it would be a soap I would definitely purchase again.  I'd like to try another soap from Lush to see if there's one that better suits my lathering needs!  This soap does leaving my skin feeling silky smooth though!  (3.5 oz. for $6.50 here.)

 

 

Over all I'm very impressed with my first ever Lush experience!  I love their products and have been making a new list of all the things I want to try next!  So looking forward to our upcoming shopping trip!  Have you tried any Lush products?  What were your favorites?  Any recommendations?!

 

xx

 Megan