Liebster Award!

I have seen buttons for the Liebster Award around other blogs, but I never knew what it was for.  I just assumed that it was (obviously) an award given to bloggers for great content.  Little did I know that it's actually even better than that -- it's passed along from blogger to blogger as a way of making connections and recognizing other blogs you enjoy!

I was nominated by Brandi over at That Saucey Mama, thank you Brandi!  She has a really fun blog with lots of great beauty reviews, be sure to check her out.

Here are some more details on how the Liebster Award works:

• You must link back to the person who nominated you.
• You must answer the 11 questions given by the person who nominated you.
• You pick 11 nominees to answer your questions.
• You cannot nominate the person who nominated you. (This keeps the wheel in motion.)
• You must let the nominees know that they've been nominated by you. (How else will they know, duh?!)

And here are Brandi's questions for her nominees:

1. What made you want to start a blog?
   I was an English major in college and I've always enjoyed writing, so blogging gave me an outlet to do so after graduation.  I decided to start a product review blog because I love buying new things, and the first place I turn to before trying out a product (especially makeup) is the blogosphere.  I figured I could share my insight about certain things and hopefully it would help someone else out there make a decision on whether or not to purchase a product.
2. If you were given a shopping spree, in what store would you choose to use it?
   Probably either Sephora or Michael Kors.  Can I pick both?
3. Do you wear makeup everyday, or just on special occasions?
   I wear makeup most days, but usually not on the weekends or if I'm not going anywhere.
4. Who is your favorite band/singer/musician?
   This is a tough question for me because I like a lot of different musicians, but I don't have one single favorite band or singer.  I appreciate songwriters, people who play their own instruments, and people who truly sing from the heart.  I'll most likely give a listen to anyone who falls into one or more of those categories (some favorites are Guster and Carbon Leaf).
5. What is the one thing, no matter how crap your day was, that can make you smile?
   My pets!  I have a Siamese mix named Bing (The Bing Thing) and a rabbit named Gus.  They both have very distinct personalities and I love playing with, and even just observing them.
6. Are you a tech junkie, or just a tech user?
   I don't think I would qualify as a tech junkie, but I am a tech user.  Maybe the best term would be "tech appreciator."  I love my laptop, iPad, and iPhone, but I don't have to have them.  I also rarely buy new technology when it first comes out.
7. If you were a lip product, what product and color would you be? (lipstick, gloss, balm...)
   I would be Badger Balm Lip Balm.  Not only is it my favorite lip product, but it's like me because it's not too flashy and it gets the job done (with great efficacy).
8. What is your favorite type of blog post to read/write?
   I love to both read and write reviews of subscription boxes.  I can't afford to subscribe to as many as I'd like to try, so it's really fun to see what comes in each box every month from other bloggers.
9. What is your go to type of outfit?
   Honestly, if I could live in sweatpants and a t-shirt I would!  But when I need to look presentable, I like pairing a button-up with jeans (or dress pants for work).  It's a simple look but it always looks great and can be dressed up in a lot of different ways with accessories.
10. Do you have a favorite meal to cook?
    I like to cook Chicken Milanese because it's easy and delicious, but I don't know if it's my favorite thing to cook.  I don't really have a favorite thing to cook because I don't love cooking.
11. Are you a glass half full, or glass half empty person?
    Everyone hates my answer to this question, but I'm really just a "the glass is there" person, I don't care whether it's half full or half empty, because every situation is different and sometimes I'm feeling optimistic, and other times I'll feel more pessimistic.

And here are the blogs I nominate, and my questions for them!  If you're on this list, don't feel obligated to play along, but definitely feel free to if it tickles your fancy.

Rebecca at Soap Deli News

Jo at The Little Dandy

Lucy at supergolden bakes

Chung-Ah at Damn Delicious

MJ and Tim at The Adventures of MJ and Hungry Man

KW at Must Have Boxes

Lisa at Girl Meets Box

Lauren at Subscription [Box] Lovers Anonymous

Erin at Subscription Box Mom

Karen at Unpack the Box!

Liz at My Subscription Addiction

1. What has been your favorite blog post to write?
2. Where is your dream vacation destination?
3. Do you have any pets?
4. If you could star in any film, which would it be?
5. How would you spend your perfect day off?
6. What's the best bit of advice you've ever been given?
7. Do you have any quirky habits that you don't mind sharing?
8. If you could go back in time, would you?  Which era would you choose?
9. What is your favorite book?
10. What's your favorite form of artistic expression?
11. When was the last time you had a great meal?

Midnight Velvet Laser Cut Handbag Review and Giveaway!

I reviewed the Padlock Handbag from Midnight Velvet back in July of last year, so when they put out a call for bloggers to work with them for their spring campaign I jumped at the chance!  Midnight Velvet offers a wide range of stylish products, from home decor to clothing, and even mineral makeup!

Midnight Velvet was even kind enough to offer a $50 gift card to one of my readers...more details on that at the end of the review.

I chose to review the Laser Cut Bag, and it is absolutely gorgeous.  It features a rose-gold layer underneath a pattern of floral cutouts, which I think makes it perfect for transitioning from winter to spring.  The black pattern is chic enough for work or play, and the rose-gold backing is just enough shine to match any occasion.  I carried this to work today and received a bunch of compliments on it; people were really impressed by how interesting and classy the design was!

The bag's interior features a zip pocket and two slip pockets.  It also has an outer zip pocket, so there are tons of places to fit your phone, lip gloss, or any other items you need easy access to.  This bag is the perfect size for me -- it measures 12.5" length by 6 3/4" width, and a height of 8.5".  The barrel shape is also convenient for carrying all of my items because it's structured enough to stand upright on its own.  The strap drop is about three inches, but it also comes with a removable shoulder strap so you can easily carry it over your shoulder.

• Visit Midnight Velvet's website to browse their full line of products
• Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, and their BeautyBlog

Bottom Line: I would pair this purse with a little black dress for a night out, or a button up and black pants for work.  The quality is excellent and the price is very reasonable.  The Laser Cut Bag from Midnight Velvet is beautiful and would look great on anyone's arm!

To enter to win a $50 gift certificate to Midnight Velvet, please enter using the Rafflecopter form below.  This sweepstakes is open to U.S. residents aged 18+.  It begins today, 26 February 2014 and ends on 6 March 2014 at 12 AM EST.  Please read the full Terms at the bottom of the Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Midnight Velvet.  I received no monetary compensation.

March Escape Monthly Destination & Coupon Code

Escape Monthly has announced Ireland as their March destination!  The box costs $49.95 a month and delivers a different "vacation in a box" each month with high quality lifestyle products.

Here's a sneak peek of what the box will include, directly from the Escape Monthly website:

Authentic, Imported Foods right from Ireland: What would an Escape to Ireland be if it didn’t have the finest gourmet delicacies and treats the country had to offer? We’ve tasted dozens of different small, artisan-crafted foods, from the finest cheeses to the most delicately baked soda bread, and what we’ve found will woo your palate!

A Piece of Ireland, For You: Our hope is to give you something from Ireland that will long outlast any other item. Something that you can cultivate, cherish, and enjoy for as long as possible. What we’ve found is some very unique cultural icons, and we can’t wait to hear what you think.

The Finest in Irish Relaxation and Pampering: Using local ingredients and crafted in small batches, some of the most luxurious bath and body products in Ireland are produced using the same artisan techniques used for hundreds of years. What we’ve found will leave you feeling relaxing, reinvigorated, and renewed! - See more at: Escape Monthly

I'm fascinated by Ireland and Irish culture, so I think I will definitely be checking this box out!  Use code IRISHESCAPE for 20% off for the life of your subscription.  If you sign up today you'll also receive a special bonus item!  But hurry, there are only a limited number of boxes available -- click here to sign up!

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.  Post contains affiliate links.

February Birchbox Review

This month Birchbox teamed up with Us Weekly to curate boxes that were all about the glitz and glamour of awards season!  I read a few reviews from bloggers who received the same box as me who were not happy with it, but I actually felt that this was one of my best Birchboxes yet.

• Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Pallette - This was my "beauty extra" for the month, meaning that it didn't take the place of a true sample.  I think this was the product I saw the most dissatisfaction with because it's just eyeshadow on paper, but I thought it was a cool extra.  I don't buy Smashbox products because they aren't an entirely cruelty-free brand, but I did think the neutrals in this palette were really pretty.
• COOLA Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face - This came at the perfect time for me, because I'm actually on vacation in Orlando, Florida right now and I needed a good facial sunscreen!  I've gotten COOLA products before from other subscription boxes and they're great quality.  This mineral sunscreen is made from eco-friendly ingredients, which is always a plus for me.  As far as tint goes, I found it to be pretty much not tinted as far as my skin went, but it applied really smoothly and felt really light on my face.  I don't really need for my sunscreen to be tinted, so I wasn't disappointed that it didn't provide any coverage as far as skin imperfections went.
• Beauty Protector Protect & Oil - I've heard Birchbox staffers say on multiple occasions that Beauty Protector is one of their most popular brands, and after receiving two products from them so far I can see why!  My favorite thing about the brand is the scent of their products--it's a warm vanilla base (I think) that just simply smells amazing!  I applied this oil on damp hair before blow drying and I definitely noticed that my hair felt softer after using it.
• Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish in Kitten Heels - Some subscribers had received Ruby Wing polishes in their January boxes and I was bummed that I didn't get one in mine because I've been really interested in trying them, so I was so excited to get one in this month's box!  I was really curious to see how well the color changing aspect worked, and to be honest I didn't notice much of a change in color at all (but that very well could be because I live in Western NY and we've had more snow than sun this winter, and it's supposed to change color in the sunlight).  Even still, I was impressed by the formula of the polish and would definitely recommend it regardless of the color changing aspect.
• Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure Mascara - I already have a ton of both full- and sample-sized mascaras, so I passed this one off to a friend.  I haven't asked her if she's used it yet, but I'm sure it works well because Smashbox usually gets good reviews.

Birchbox also ran two contests this month, one for a box full of Valentine's Day-themed loot, and one for a special "Party In a Box" that could only be acquired  by winning one, and I actually won both!  I guess February was a really lucky month for me, so be on the lookout for reviews of both of those boxes soon!

Bottom Line: This month's box was another great one for me.  I haven't had one box yet since I resubscribed that I didn't enjoy.  My favorite product this month was definitely the Beauty Protector Protect & Oil, with the Ruby Wing polish coming in at a close second.

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.  Post contains affiliate links.

February Bestowed Review

Bestowed is a favorite subscription service of mine; each month they send a box packed with healthy snacks and treats.  I have been able to review quite a few of their boxes and I've been thoroughly impressed with each one.  February's box continued the trend of impressive quality!

Bestowed costs $19 a month or $209 for an entire year.  The products in each box are selected by author and nutritionist Heather Bauer, and they include an informational booklet that goes into detail about why each product was chosen, and it even contains recipes and creative ideas on how to use the foods.

• R.W. Garcia MixtBag Yellow & Blue Corn Tortilla Chips - I noticed these chips first when I opened the box because I've had them before and I love them!  They're really hearty and have a great crunch.  My mom had just returned from a business trip to Arizona when I got this box, and she brought me back a jar of chipotle salsa that tasted wonderful with these chips.
• Wholly Granolly Clusters - Two flavors were included, Double Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Pretzel.  I ate the Double Chocolate Chip right away and they tasted like bunches of cocoa crunch--very good!  I haven't tried the Peanut Butter Pretzel yet but I bet they're great, too.
• Bakery On Main Carrot Cake Instant Oatmeal - I am not a fan of carrot cake so I'll be giving this to a friend to enjoy, but I've had other Bakery On Main products before and they are great quality.  I bet this will taste delicious.

• Santa Barbara Bar in Coconut Almond - I'm actually on vacation right now and I packed this in my carry-on bag to eat as a snack.  I haven't eaten it yet, but I most likely will tomorrow for a quick afternoon snack.  It's gluten-, soy-, and GMO-free.
• Herbal Philosophy Feel Beautiful Tea - I love tea, especially loose-leaf teas.  I haven't tried this one yet, either, but I'm looking forward to relaxing with a cup of it.  Bestowed also suggested to try using this as a facial steam and toner, which I will probably try as well because I love using toners on my oily skin.
• Unreal Candy The Smooth One - Candy!  I've had Unreal products before and they're very good.  I haven't tried this particular candy bar, but it has chocolate, caramel, and nougat so I already know I'll love it.  I also brought one of these with me on my trip to try.

Bottom Line: If you're looking for a fun food subscription that won't hurt your budget or your waistline, I think Bestowed is the perfect fit!  They have always sent foods that taste great, so you don't have to sacrifice flavor for healthy with these products.  Use coupon code HELLOYUM11 (expires 3/15) to get your first box for only $10 (normally $19)!

*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Bestowed.  I received no monetary compensation.  Post contains affiliate links.