Len Foot Hike Inn

Both my mom and Chad's uncle Jay asked for time - not things - for Christmas. They wanted to DO things with us and how could we argue with that? Since they are pretty hilarious when gathered together in the same company, we decided that it would be fun to pick something that the four of us could do together.

Enter: The Len Foote Hike Inn at Amnicolola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, GA.

Mom suffered through a hike to Mt. LeConte with us a couple of years ago when we all swore we'd never go again and Jay suffers through that hike most years, with us in tow at least once more and probably again this fall. We knew that hiking would be something they would both enjoy as long as it wasn't too strenuous (me neither!) and it was something that was on my mom's bucket list.

Off we went last weekend and enjoyed a hilarious, cold, invigorating hike up the mountain!

Good fun these folks are. 

I would HIGHLY recommend this hike to pretty much anyone. It is about 4.8 miles of rolling hills. There were only a couple of places that made me lose my breath or where we needed to take a break. It is generally very flat or gentle slopes, crossing a couple of little creeks, and hills. 

The Inn itself is SUPER nice...think hot showers, great food, mostly comfy beds, and an incredible view of the GA mountains. Quite a shock to our Mt. LeConte hiking systems. 

The cost includes a bed, dinner, and breakfast - plus snacks and hot/cold beverages all day. Lots of games to play in the Sunrise Room or you can hike around nearby. 

Go make some memories with folks you love!

April Birchbox!

It's April Birchbox time!

Yay!

I've been waiting for it to come...it is a few days later than my box usually comes and the email came 9 days ago. Eeek.  

Chad and I have actually already purchased some Kind brand granola bars at the grocery store so I was excited to see a different kind in my box. This is this month's lifestyle item and usually I am kind of annoyed about tea samples instead of cosmetic samples but this one is OK. :) 

I had been thinking that it would be fun to have a light green color for spring so I am super excited to see this one. Color Club does a lot of partnerships with Birchbox and this is a pretty good one. I think the color is called "Breakfast at..." and it has a little bit of a pearl finish. Might see this one at Easter! 

Sorry the pictures are a little blurry - cell phone pictures cause I got a little excited. This is Anastasia's clear brow gel. I am not entirely sure how to use this but I will definitely try it....since I have unruly brows anyway. :)

This is Camille Beckman's body butter. It smells really good and has a beautiful butterfly on the because the scent is Morelia Monarch. It smells like almonds and a little like vanilla and almonds. I already used it on my hands and it feels reeeeally nice.  

This is the Keims brand energizing shampoo. I love getting haircare samples in my box so I am excited about trying this one. I haven't ever heard of this brand so it should be fun. Peppermint and macadamia? Mmmmmm... 

The theme this month is Rainy Days so the colors were really pretty. The muted teal paper was nice touch since the tissue is usually bright pink.

All in all, a fun month even though there weren't technically any makeup samples this month. Good stuff to try!

Yay Birchbox! 

March Birchbox!

Oh folks, it is March Birchbox time! 

This is - you won't believe it - my 25th Birchbox. 

This means that I have been receiving these for TWO YEARS and I honestly can't believe it has been that long. I have really loved having this subscriptions so keep them coming secret sender (a.k.a. mom). 

 This is a really good sized sample of Michale Todd's citrus cream moisturizer. It smells truly divine - I am a big things of most citrus things - and the perfect size to throw in my purse. My hands and arms have been crazy dry with this spring/winter/spring/winter weather we've been having so its perfect!

 This is a sample of the OmniPotent Duosity Hair Treatment. You actually tear open both sides and mix them together before you put them on your hair. I am pretty excited to try it - I have some dry ends from taking my time waiting to get a haircut (ahem...embarrassed to say it has probably been over a year since my last one and I might have trimmed it myself two weeks ago...or maybe not...?). I really like the Fekkai product in my January box but I will put it aside long enough to try this one too!

 This is a small sample of Benefit's Big Easy product. I think it is sort of a foundation/BB cream so I'll try it. I use their Fake Up concealer and I really like it (in fact, about to purchase my second one!) but I don't love their "They're Real" mascara (I think it flakes and gives you dark circles under your eyes after a few hours)...so I will definitely give this a go and see if I like it!

 This is Air Repair's Rescue Balm. I am excited because it says you can use it on lips, cuticles, elbows, etc. You have to trim the tip off under the cap to use it so I haven't actually opened it yet but it will be nice to put in my purse too. Depending on the smell/texture, it might be a cuticles only thing or it might end up on the lips too!

Finally, I was hoping to get a sample of this product from theBalm. I have had other products of theirs before and really liked all of them! This is a "How 'Bout Them Apples? Cheek and Lip cream" and I already love it. It is perfect smudged on as a cheek color and just enough pink to give your lips some color. Not sticky, just smooth. I would consider buying the full size of this once I use up the current cheek color I already use (which is also a cream from one of my FIRST Birchboxes!). 

And of course, I'm happy anytime I get chocolate so Ghirardelli is always awesome. I haven't already eaten this but I can't say it will last until tomorrow. 

As usual, this was a pretty good box. Some things I am really excited to try!

If you want a Birchbox of your own (and you probably do!) and you want me to earn the points for referring you, use this link! 

February Birchbox!

It is Birchbox time! This was a pretty good box this month - it looks like they partnered with Us Weekly (magazine) but I am not really sure where anything different or special happened because of it. That's ok with me since it is basically a gossip mag - something I am interested in having less of in my life. :)

Upon first opening...the theme looks like Step. Pose. Repeat. I know this is NY Fashion Week so maybe that is the connection.

Here are all the goodies before inspection...

This is Dr. Brandt brand "Pores No More" pore refiner. I don't think I really have a problem with large pores but sometimes I use products like this before my foundation when I am really trying to pull it all together. So, I'll stock it away!

This is the "lifestyle extra" for my box this month - 32Oral Care brand effervescent breath crystals. I am not sure if i will be able to convince myself to use them since they pop in your mouth - I'm a sensory gal. Mint flavored Pop Rocks aren't my jam but I will probably stick them in my desk drawer at work in case I need them! :)

I am excited about trying another product from the Beauty Protector line of haircare. I loved the last one - a spray de-tangler, heat protector,  and this one is similar. It is the Protect and Oil product and defends against UV rays, heat, and breakage. I like to use these on days I know I will be drying and curling my hair - I think it really helps!

I edited my beauty profile to include "no more than 6 perfume samples" per year and they have actually done a good job of that. I was getting one in every box and now I only get one in about every 3rd box so that is nice...makes me more exited to get other things and more excited about perfumes when they do show up. This is another Juicy Couture brand scent "La La Malibu"...smells nice. I'll add it to the collection in the bathroom and use it periodically. 

This is the thing I am actually most excited about. Ruby Wing brand nailpolish that changes colors in the sun. Oh yes. Excited. The color is called Kitten Heels and it changes from the bright pink to a darker magenta pink...I might whip this out next time I paint my nails. I am desperate to change to bring spring colors! :)

All in all, a fun and interesting box. Thanks to the person that gifts these to me every month! :)

Spatulas.

First, my mom is hysterical.
Second, the story...
Mom came to visit a few weeks ago and ever since I haven't been able to find a couple of my spatulas. I am not ACCUSING her of taking them...nor do I think she actually did. It is just a little coincidental that they went missing upon her visit.
Yesterday, I got home from Knoxville and checked the mail. I found a set of spatulas from my mom. Just clear wrapped with a mailing label on them. Hysterical.
(P.S. if you didn't know, you can mail most anything as long as it isn't dangerous. It doesn't have to be in a box - just needs a label. I remember working at camp many summers ago and people had things like hula hoops and kickballs mailed to them. Awesome.)

January Birchbox!

It's January Birchbox time! I think I completely forgot to blog about last month's Birchbox - my first miss! - so I will try to do better (sorry Mom!). 

This month's box had a theme of "Go Time" and honestly my favorite part was some little postcards with pretty quotes on them that will probably make their way to being displayed at my office.

 

This is Nail Rock's sequin nail polish. it is a clear polish with a little pot of glitter that you press on your nails after you paint them. This is a full size product and retails for $6.99 which is pretty cool. However, glitter is a beast to get off your nails so this will be a special use polish for me. I did score a really interesting green color which wouldn't normally be my first choice BUT it is Girl Scout green so it will be fun to use it for a special event!

 This is the second or third time that I have gotten tea bags in my box and it is always sort of a letdown. I don't drink that much tea so I usually end up giving it to my guy but I would rather have the beauty product! Either way, Chad will enjoy it so it's OK with me...

 Of all the products I received this month, I am most excited to try this one. This is a Fekkai brand Brilliant Glossing Creme. It is a frizz tamer (that's me!) and has a teeny bit of shimmery stuff in it to make your hair shiny. You only need a pea sized amount each time you use it so this is actually a decent sized sample! This brand is well known in the hair care world so I am always excited to get something of theirs!

 This is a mascara sample from the 100% Pure company. It is pigmented by fruit so it actually smells really good. The full size is $18 which is a little more than I would spend on a regular mascara but I haven't tried this one yet because I got an awesome one for Christmas, thanks to my sister. I will definitely try it!

Finally, I think I might have saved the best for last. This brand is called Paula's Choice. At first, I was like wow....they customized this box something serious (kidding) but then I was excited to see a higher end beauty brand with my name on it! This is the Resist Ultra-light super antioxidant concentrate serum (that's a mouth full). Supposed to be great even under eyes and I am always looking for a good moisturizer that doesn't leave me greasy but does its job. Excited to try this one out!

So, there you go! January's Birchbox...great except for the tea. :)

FitBit

Over a year ago, my first Fitbit went through the washing machine and met an untimely demise. (FYI: a Fitbit is a fitness tracker that measures steps taken like a pedometer, calories burned, flights of stairs climbed, etc.) Fitbits apparently don't like swimming so I was just out until I could buy another one. It has been on my wish list for a while - I was busy doing other things with my moola - so I hadn't had one in a while. My sweet friend K got me the newest version for my birthday back in October - one that you wear on your wrist instead of your pocket.

I was super excited about it - this one was water resistant! - until the very next day (literally) when I got an email that the even NEWER version was coming out soon. This one also had a watch function (the other did not so I was wearing it in addition to my usual watch and my wrist was getting a little crowded). So, K and I chatted about it and I ended up taking it back and waiting on the newer one to come out. It finally did this past week and I picked up the Fitbit Force at Target.

I've really been enjoying it...on the small screen you can tell time, see how many steps you have taken and what that equates to in mileage, see how many calories you've burned, how many flights of stairs you have gone up (you get one for every 10feet in altitude you gain so you can climb a mountain or a skyscraper), and how many minutes you were "very active" during the day. It sort of helps you challenge yourself to park a little farther from the door, make an extra lap around the building during your lunch hour, etc. One of my favorite parts about this version is that it also vibrates to let you know when you have reached one of your daily goals...a fun reminder that you go there! You can also set multiple alarms on it and it will vibrate on your arm to wake you in the morning so your alarm doesn't wake your sleeping buddy. For this first shift wife with a second shift husband, this is extra nice!

Fun gift and helping me try to be a little more healthy!

October Birchbox!

Its October Birchbox time!!

 

This month was actually a really good one and I'll tell you why in a minute.

This is a small sample of the benefit brand Fake Up. It is supposed to be a hydrating, crease control concealer. I have not tried it yet but I probably will tomorrow because I am always on the lookout for an awesome concealer for genetically dark circles under my eyes. Plus - hydration is always a good thing for those too. It is in a little twist up stick so easy to smear on...

This is an interesting item that I will definitely try. It is the Lix Earle brand Cleanse and Polish hot cloth cleanser (a UK brand). It comes with a muslin cloth to wipe off the exfoliator which is interesting and unusual. You are supposed to run it under hot water first and then use it on your face. I love that it came in its own little blue box...so fancy!

This is the item that makes me feel like this month's box is awesome.

It is a Chapstick brand hydration lock chapstick.

1. a product that everyday folks can afford and will actually use.

2. a full size item. awesome.

3. it came in this awesome little printed Ziploc baggy - this month's "Birchbox Find"...just a little extra.

Apparently the Chapstick is so self-explanatory that they didn't even feel the need to list is on my enclosure card that explains each item. Simple and awesome. Get in my purse NOW.

Sorry for the crazy blurry picture on this one (all this month's pictures were taken on the cell phone because literally my camera was in the car and I was too excited to go out and get it before I opened my box).

This is a Pop Beauty brand Aqua Lacquer. It is a sheer gloss with a little bit of pink color. I have actually already used this one and it has some sort of tingly agent in it to "plump" your lips. Love the colors lots - super sheer, could be great over anything. Don't love that it is a little on the sticky side. BUT...I think this might be a full size item too. Which means two full size lippies in one month.

It was an excellent month.

 

 

 

So, that is all the goodies for this month. A surprisingly good month. Maybe they knew it was my birthday week. :)

 

Great snail mail surprises.

I lurve Birchbox.

 Want one of your own? Get it here: Birchbox

September Birchbox!

It's September Birchbox time!

As always, it is so exciting to see this pink surprise in my mailbox.

 

This month's theme was heritage...

Upon first opening, this is what I saw. I have heard other things about this "Yes to..." brand...

This is a pack of 8 travel towelettes which I am really excited about trying. It is their "Yes to Blueberries" and they smell lovely. It'll be something nice to toss in the gym bag for the post workout face wipe down!

This is a pack of 8 but the full size is a pack of 30 and only costs $7.99. I was excited to see something that was much more reasonably priced in my box this month...lots of things that I receive samples for are more high end.

I've never heard of this manicure hand mask but I am really excited about it. They are basically gloves that you put on during a manicure to moisturize then you can tear the fingertips off to paint your nails and leave the glove on to continue moisturizing.

The most interesting part is that they are UV blocking so if you decided to go get one of the gel/shellac manicures, you could wear these and protect your skin from the UV rays that the lamps put off! Cool!

This is another sample from the "Yes to..." company...their grapefruit CC cream. I am excited that it came in two different shades so I could get a little closer to an accurate sample. Sometimes with the makeup samples it is hard to tell if I will love it because it isn't the right color...can't wait to try this stuff!

And finally, these two goodies were in my little blue box.

A nail polish sample from the Ruffian brand - in Birchbox exclusive color of "hedge fund" - a green-ish fall color with a little bit of reflectiveness in it. I think I will bravely try it on the fingers soon!

The eyeshadows are in the Moroccan Sunset shades and are from the Coastal Scents brand. I haven't ever heard of them so it'll be interesting to try it!

 

Oh Birchbox, you pick up my week!



August Birchbox!

Hurrah! August Birchbox time!

Almost as good as a Sister Box and a step below a Mom Box - but none the less, easier on everyone I'm sure. :)

This month's theme was "Finishing School" - not your grandma's type though - more like thinking about the details type of thing.

 

Upon first opening, this is what you see. I guess the little monthly inside boxes are here to stay. At least this month's is a beautiful teal!

First sample (as always, apologies for the terrible pictures. I am WAY to excited about all of this to stop and take great photographs of my haul!) is a Jasmine Seven brand Fresh Feet Wipes. These are two little towelettes to cleanse and soften feet...interesting. I don't usually go barefoot in public but I do love to wear my Chacos so it might be nice to be able to cleanse the footsies every once in a while. These will go in my purse! 

 

This is a uniqONE hair treatment - a leave in conditioner basically. I have superbly thick and dry hair so I'm always up for a try on one of these. It actually smells awesome - kinda like dryer sheets? Very clean. It'll be nice!

 

 This is the Jouer brand Eye Definer in the color "gris" (which I believe is grey?). Either way, it is a smudge-resistant eye liner which after testing on my hand - I'll attest to the fact that it isn't moving! I actually really like the color - I tend towards a more smokey liner instead of solid black so this will be great! It is not the twist up variety so I'll need to locate my sharpener soon....because I'll definitely use this!

 These were the two items in my inner box. The Coola brand sunscreen  - the perfect amount for a face application in sport, meaning sweat proof and water proof, in SPF 45. Awesome! Another purse addition for surprise trips to the park, etc. I used to think I looked better tan but now I'm realizing I look better skin cancer free and I'm pretty serious about the sunscreen! I don't want to open it to smell it since it is a once time use thing but I can't wait to smell the mango!

Second, there was a stila brand "stay all day liquid lipstick" in the color Beso. Um...it might look pink in the picture but it is RED. Like candy apple...fire engine red. I'm gonna try it but I think I will look silly. This one might get passed on to my more adventuresome sister. :) Either way, I really want to like it because I tested it on my hand too and it isn't moving! I would love to have a different color and have it stay all day for real!

 

Finally, Birchbox also partnered with Anne Taylor this month sot here were some styling tips and coupons in the bottom of the box. Fun! I don't love the way their clothes fit on me but they have some GORGEOUS statement jewelry pieces so I will definitely slip in there to use my coupon.

All in all, a pretty great month! Some things that I am super excited about trying - sunscreen! hair conditioner! - and at least one thing I am a little intimidated by but want to give a chance - RED LIPSTICK!

Birchbox rocks!

July Birchbox!

My sweet sister reminded me that I had not blogged about my July Birchbox yet and by golly...she was right!! All the pictures were taken on my cell phone because I was too lazy/excited to wait the day it came to go get my camera out of the car. :)

The theme this month was "Power Play" and was somehow connected to the TV show "Suits". It is probably good that I delayed/forgot to write this blog post because I have actually been able to use some of these products now and I can give an accurate opinion on them!

 



This is the ModelCo. Party Proof Lipstick in the Peony color. It is actually a matte lipstick which is a little different than what I am used to but I just put a touch of gloss over it and I have been really happy with it. The color actually does last most of the morning for me so "party proof" might actually be accurate. It is pretty bright on me so I use sparingly. It says that the full size is priced at $19 but I can't imagine that this isn't the full size - it seems like the same size as my other lipsticks (product goes all the way to the bottom of the tube, etc.) so this in itself pays for 2 months of boxes!

(See! Way more opinion!!)

This is Dr. Jart's Ceramidin Cream. Supposed to be a great moisturizer but I like my moisturizer/have break-out prone skin that I don't want to put strange things on so I used this on my hands. I really liked it there - great light scent - but I am never excited about the sample size of any of the Dr. Jart stuff...sorta skimpy? It would be hard to try it enough days in a row to decide if it was worth purchasing at a $48 full size!

This is the Caudalie brand Divine Legs, the only item that I have not tried yet. I sort of got a little tiny sunburn on my legs last week so I was waiting for that to go away and for me to stop going to camp so much so it was worth having lovely shaded legs. Excited to try it...

This is the second bottle of this Color Club Birchbox exclusive color. Truth - I traded the off-white that I got last month for a super fun bright orange/color that a co-worker got (perks!) so I was excited that I didn't get that color this month! This shade is called London Calling and is one in a set of 4 if you purchase in the Birchbox shop. They call them "neon pastels" - an oxymoron in my opinion - but it is ok because I am really liking the shades (on toes!).

I think this beauty extra of patterned giant bobby pins is my favorite thing I got this month. Great for my thick hair and adds a little funky color to a hair do! I feel like I have to wear them with things that match - cause I am weird like that - but I have really enjoyed them! A LOT...never had cute bobby pins before so they are pretty neat.

So, here's the month's box! I love that they have started doing a little chevron on the inside of the boxes. Cute and so "in" right now.

Thanks sweet sister!