Birchbox January 2016

Finally – my last subscription box arrived! I will always love Birchbox, even when I don’t always love my box each month. I’ve come to realize that having small sample sized items are GREAT for travel, and since I’ve been doing a lot of that lately, these have definitely come in handy.

I have to say – I adore the theme (and the color of the box) this month. I selected “ambition” to be my word for 2016. I want this to be the year I achieve some serious goals!

This month the items in my box are just OK. I laughed when I opened it because there were two products (shampoo and conditioner) from Beautiful Nutrition. In my Glossybox I just received a bottle of toner from the same brand – so this brand must be blowing up the beauty market. I’m curious to give it a shot! See what else I got in my box below:

Beautiful Nutrition Grapefruit Detox Shine Repair Shampoo

Beautiful Nutrition Grapefruit Detox Shine Repair Conditioner

Cargo Swimmables Shadow Stick – Coral Reef

derma e* Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

Peripera Peri’s Tint Water – Strawberry Juice

What did you guys get in your box this month?

What’s on my iPad

I recently got an iPad mini because my regular iPad was a first gen and wasn’t working well. I didn’t realize how much more efficient the smaller size would be for every day use. There used to be days where I wouldn’t pick up my iPad, but now I always have it on hand. I wanted to share the apps I’m loving!

Of course I have the obligatory Facebook, Twitter [Follow me: GVGP1989] and Pinterest right at the top. And I know I’ve already discussed my obsession with Audible. So we can start with Podcasts. Season two of Serial is pretty great. I’m about one episode behind, but I find the story intriguing. It seems to be heavy on jargon that I don’t understand, but given the nature of the case [Beau Bergdahl] I think it needs to be that way. My boyfriend and I also listen to Lore, which delves into the history behind certain folklore and superstitions. Skipping to the bottom – Colorfy is a new app I found that is like a digital coloring book. I’m still trying it out, but I think it would be fun if you had a stylus.

I do have some iBooks and some digital books from the Nook app, but I honestly haven’t read them recently, so I can do a post once I’ve gotten through some of them. While I don’t read many books anymore, I do LOVE magazines. Cosmo, Glamour and Women’s Health happen to be my favorite – especially when country music stars are on the cover. I’ve been home sick and having these on hand has been great.

I love to binge watch things. YouTube videos, tv shows, movies, etc – it doesn’t matter, I love it all. So naturally I have every possible app (Hulu should be there, but I must have forgot to add it). On Netflix I’m patiently waiting on Fuller House to drop, while I binge watch seasons 3 and 4 of The Mindy Project on Hulu. I know it sounds weird I subscribe to both, but I love them for different reasons! Amazon Video works with my Amazon Prime account, so on occasion I’ll check out what is new on there.

These two apps are more informational than anything. MSA is the app for MySubscriptionAddiction.com, a website dedicated to trying out and reviewing subscription boxes. I like to check out spoilers for my boxes, so I keep this on my iPad and iPhone too. I keep the Ebates app on both as well because I like to keep tabs on how much money I’ll be getting back from my purchases. Many people think this is a scam, but it is honestly great and has proven to be very much legit. You get a percentage of your purchase back through them if you shop using their add on in your Google Chrome browser. [I discovered Ebates on my own, and signed up on my own – I have no affiliation with them]

I do have two games on my phone as well – one is an app where you put together puzzles, and one is the Simpon’s Tapped Out game I’ve had forever.

What apps are you loving? Please share – I’d love to discover some new ones!

Glossybox January 2016

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I’ve seem to hit that point in the month where I finally have received nearly all of my subscription boxes. There is nothing I love more than coming home to a fun box and checking out all the new products in these curated boxes.

Over the past year I’ve had a love – hate relationship with Glossybox. I love that the products are full sized or deluxe sized. Sometimes though the products are all misses for me. But I missed getting it, and took advantage of a deal on Gilt recently, so I’m locked in for the next 6 months.

This month was interesting. I don’t love everything. But I’m willing to try it all out!

Products in this months box:

Beautiful Nutrition Lemon Rinse Gentle Clarifying Treatment

MeMeMe Lip Glide in Playful Peach

-417 Foot Nourishing Cream

Royal Apothic Cream Creme to Go

Emite Make Up Diamond Heart

What did you guys think of this months box?

#BEAUTYCONBFF

Until recently I was unaware the Beautycon made a monthly box. I saw an ad for it on my Facebook (I know, I’ve been seeing a lot on there lately) and was super intrigued. Mostly perhaps because this month the box was curated by Bethany Mota.

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I did read spoilers ahead of time, so I knew what I’d be getting, but that didn’t make me any less excited about receiving it. I couldn’t wait for it to get here! It was packaged pretty well, but unfortunately the eye shadow was cracked and separated. Otherwise though I’m very happy!

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These are deemed Bethany’s “winter essentials” and this is definitely a super fun box. The packaging, items – it all mixes together for a sugary sweet box of all things girly. Here is a peek inside the box:

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Murad Hydrating Toner – I can’t wait to try this! I’ve heard great things about Murad

Essie Marshmallow Nail Color

Maybelline NY The Falsies Push Up Mascara

Soap & Glory Hand Food Hydrating Hand Cream – Love this hand cream for keeping in my purse. Super small and portable.

Garnier Fructis Root Amp Lifting Spray Mousse

Disney Minnie Mouse Tattoo Junkee Jewelry Inspired Tattoos

Disney Sequin Minnie Mouse Ears – I’m hoping to get to Disney soon, so these and the tattoos are perfect!

NIKE $20 Gift Card Off $50 Purchase – This came in the cutest, tiniest shoe box!

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor

ColourPop Highlighter – Sadly this was broken, but I think I can still use it because it is so creamy! LOVE the color!

Aeropostale $10 Gift Card Off $50 Purchase

Beautycon Gold Digger Notebook – This came super scratched, but is still so cute and I love the gold!

Have any of you tried this box? Thoughts??

I LOVE Love With Food

After being diagnosed with stomach problems a few years back I’ve gotten used to having to hunt for fun new gluten free foods. I came across Love with Food a while back, and was so excited to find that I could get a box of gluten free foods delivered to my door monthly. I stopped for a bit, but picked back up again after grabbing a deal on Black Friday. I’m SO glad I did. Since coming back to the box I’ve had amazing snacks in my boxes and I just had to share. They also make boxes that aren’t gluten free as well. Plus for every box, a meal is donated to feed a hungry child in the US. That is awesome! EVERYONE should check out this box! Click here to go to their website.

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Not all items are pictured in the box above, because I ate them already!!

Included in my box:

Dried garcinia Indica Superfruit by Sant – you add this to water. I haven’t tried it yet but should be good!

Corn and Sea Salt Chips by The Better Chip

Oat Chocolate Chip Coconut Whenever Bars by Pamela’s Products

Gluten Free Brown Sugar & Maple Oatmeal Cup by Bob’s Red Mill

Handmade Sea Salt Caramel by Annie B’s

Dark Chocolate Toffee by Dave’s Sweet Tooth – SO. GOOD.

Snickerdoodle by Cybele’s Free to Eat

Baked Mac N’ Cheese Puffs by Snikiddy – I HAVE to buy more of these. They are the best thing ever.

Rosemary Truffle Gourmet Popcorn by Pop Art

Almond Butter and Cashew Pecan Energy Balls by Betty Lou’s

These are my new favorite!

People x The Voice Box

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I’ve been home sick for the past week, and during my endless hours of Facebooking, I came across an ad for a box put together around the show The Voice. Full disclosure, I don’t watch the show. I know what it is, I like the judges, but ultimately, I just don’t watch it. However, this box caught my eye.

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It was put together by People.com, and is officially called People x The Voice Gift Box. The concept was that they put together a gift box designed around the three rotating female judges: Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, and Shakira. Originally it retailed for $49.99 but is on sale for $20! They say the value of the box is $150, and I very much believe that. The brands are AWESOME. This is a serious find. Click here to check it out! Note: I paid for this myself, and came across it on my own – I just love this box!

My favorite thing in the box is the adorable pair of sunglasses by celeb favorite Quay. These retail alone for $50! Screen Shot 2016-01-16 at 12.21.09 PM.png

The Ban.do coffee mug is one that I have seen all over, and probably wouldn’t have gone out of my way to get it, but only paying $20 for the box alone made it worth it. Plus it is pretty cute!

Screen Shot 2016-01-16 at 12.21.33 PM.png The poppin notebook is cute, and I’m a lover of stationery, so I’m positive this will get used!

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I like Laqa & Co, and I LOVE this color. I seriously can’t wait to give it a try. Mine doesn’t look as dark as the picture below – mine is a light nude.

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These earrings from Bauble Bar are adorbs! I wore them yesterday and just adore them. Note – they are very hard to take on and off, but so worth it!

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These last two items are ok, and I’ll probably use them. I’m not a huge fan of Julep’s formula, but I’ll give it a shot! And the konjac sponge from Julep comes pre-moistened, so it should be interesting to try! Screen Shot 2016-01-16 at 12.22.12 PM.png

Obsessed with Audible

I’m not one to love reading. I want to love to read, but when I sit down and try, I either get bored or distracted. But then I found Audible and I fell in love. I’m not at all affiliated with the company nor asked to talk about them. But this app has made such a difference in helping me make strides in getting through books.

Most people think that audio books are lame. I get it, because frankly, I did too. I prefer to read books that are biographical in nature, and therefore are often read by the author. This helps BIG TIME. Amy Poehler’s book is a great example of this. Just reading the book you don’t get to hear her read it along with Seth Meyers and Carol Burnett.

40 minutes a day is all it takes. I use my 20 minute (each way) drive to work as my listening time. I don’t have to focus on directions, and I can just listen to the story.

I encourage everyone to check it out! Below are the books I’ve listened to and enjoyed:

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Going INSANE

When 2016 rolled around I knew I wanted to make some big changes. I wanted to follow through on all of the things that I hadn’t in prior years. I want this to be MY year. So, I decided I’d make small changes. I wanted to finally (and properly) use my GLO teeth whitening system, and follow through on it. I made small diet changes to eliminate the massive amount of sugar I was eating. I finally cleaned out my makeup, and got proper storage. All small things, but the results do make an impact.

I was working out pretty consistently last year with my kick boxing classes, and I plan to maintain that. But I want to not only be able to work out consistently, but have the option to do so at home. I was recently diagnosed with Raynaud’s – a condition where hands and feet turn white/blue and go numb – and so going out at night to work out during the winter has resulted in several painful nights of numb feet. On the nights when its 20 degrees, I wanted an at home option.

So, I decided to try Insanity. Tonight will be night one, and I’m on a 60 day journey to get healthy. I’m terrified, but I hate feeling fluffy and out of shape. I purchased the Insanity Max: 30 version because I wanted to try the Tabata training. Has anyone else tried this version? Here’s to hoping I’ll fall in love with the program.

Ringing in 2016

I know I already posted goals for 2016, but I wanted to do a post about how I spent my NYE 2015. My boyfriend and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary that day, so it wound up being extra special. We both took the week of New Year’s off from work, and decided to drive down to Myrtle Beach for the week.

It was a BLAST. I had been planning our trip for months, and made sure we hit every groupon/deal we possibly could. It definitely paid off. For NYE, we both wanted something chill. Brookgreen Gardens does a candle light event, complete with christmas lights and hot chocolate. You walk through it and enjoy the beauty of the night. They are only open from 6-9, but it was gorgeous! (pics below).

I also made reservations at a place called Croissants, which has an amazing chef and some of the best food I’ve ever had. And I was thrilled that it was food that I could actually eat with my gluten free diet! Many places name Croissants as the #1 place for g-free foods in Myrtle Beach. I didn’t realize before I made the reservations, but was thrilled when I later found that out. Check out their NYE menu!

I really wanted to wear something super sparkly and partyish, but the reality was that we were going to a garden and to dinner – not to a club. So I was happy to wear a fun slightly sequined dress I scored for $10 (!!) at Express with tights and black flats. The photos came out so dark though it really didn’t matter what I wore!

Regardless we wound up back at home before midnight and watched the ball drop while sitting on the couch with a glass of champagne ready for midnight to hit. We then watched a movie and I of course fell asleep. But it made it so special to be able to spend NYE together – just the two of us – and ring in the New Year together. Writing this now 7 days later it seems like it was forever ago, but I’m ready for 2016 to be the best, most amazing year ever.

New Year, New Outlook

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I was SO excited for 2016 to get here. While last year started off better than I could have ever imagined, it brought a series of rough patches that I never want to relive. I am thrilled to be kicking off the new year with a new mind set and a number of goals. Sharing them and making them public can have a positive effect, and I wanted to share mine for my own accountability.

Commit to living healthy. I have a number of health issues with my stomach, and I really want to start to heal myself from the inside out.
Get fit. Of course this is on everyone’s list, but I’m quite serious about not just losing weight, but building muscle and toning my body.
Find life balance. After I got a new job in 2015 my life balance went out the window. I became obsessed with doing well in my career, and many things fell by the wayside. Now that I’m settling in, its time to re-balance everything.
Build my blog. I really love blogging and coming up with fun ideas for posts. I can’t wait to get them all going!

What are your goals for 2016??

GabGoesGlam

Beauty. Lifestyle. Fashion.