I'll Be Back Soon!

Hi all, I hope you've been well! I haven't made a post here since August 14, 2014. Whew!  I've had a couple life changes that caused me to take a break from some hobbies. Including blogging, vlogging, and even social media.  Actually, I've been sort of semi-absent from social media for a little while. I've been posting here and there on instagram  and on my jewelry Facebook.  Other than that, I've been pretty quiet. I will be back though. Stay tuned for an update vlog that I plan to make soon. See ya then!

August 2014 Birchbox Unboxing - Hibernation

Here is my August 2014 Birchbox unboxing which I'm satisfied with. Though, If I weren't such a spoilerphobe, I could have received a better different box with products I'm more interested in.
Also, Birchbox thinks I'm Queen! Check the video to see what I'm talking about. Let me know what you think and don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe!
Join Birchbox HERE


Are a Birchbox subscriber? If so, did you like you box this month? Let me know in the comments.
Please watch in HD for better quality viewing!

 

July 2014 Treastsie Box Unboxing (Get First box for $4.95)

Here is my Treatsie box for the month of July! And I have to say this has been my favorite box so far. Treatsie box offers high-quality, artisan sweets and I got my first box for free. I just had to pay the shipping cost which is $4.95. And you can do the same by going to Treatsie.com and there should be a prompt asking if you want a free box. Of course you say yes and continue the sign up process. Otherwise the box (shipping included) costs $19.95
Check out the video to see what I got and please watch in HD for better quality viewing!


 

July 2014 @Glossybox Unboxing - My First Box

So...... I subscribed to another box. Surprise, surprise! This isn't the newest box on the block either. It's Glossybox which has been available in the US since 2012. The subscription is $21/month and offers 5 luxury beauty samples. When Glossybox launched here, I thought it looked like a cool box but I wasn't interested in paying $21 for a box (at the time). I did, however, register on their site to receive emails. And early this month I got two sneak peek emails featuring items that would be in  the July box. One of these products is a high end facial mask (supposed celeb favorite) that I've wanted to try. And the other product just seemed very appealing to me. What sealed the deal for me though, was watching a couple of unboxing videos on Youtube; especially their collaboration with Bergdorf Goodman. So, I am now a Glossybox subscriber and I think it's well worth the cost. In fact this month's box has a value of over $90 with one item being twice subscription's cost. I'm very pleased with my first box and can't wait for next month. Check out what I got!

Are you subscribed to Glossybox? If so, for how long?

Subscribe to Glossybox HERE using my referral code.


Please change video setting to HD for better quality viewing

 

Graze.com #Nibblebox Unboxing -My July 2014 Boxes

Here are my Nibbleboxes  for the month of July. This is a subscription service. Boxes cost $6 each and you can have them delivered as often as once a week. Or as little as twice a month.
Check the video to see my snack for this month. Also, If you're interested in trying  Nibblebox, you can get your first and fifth for box free. Go to graze.com and enter my friendcode, 97NKLZN7B. And if  you're counting calories, Graze.com has a Calorie Counter Box which only includes snacks that are 100-150 calories per serving.

Please change video setting to HD for best quality video

 

July 2014 #Birchbox Unboxing - #Powerup

I got my July 2014 Birchbox a few days ago and filmed the video right away! This month's box is a collaboration with Women's Health Magazine and the theme is Power Up. Check out what I got this month and let me know what you think.
Do please subscribe to my Youtube channel - rate, comment, and subscribe!
Join Birchbox HERE

Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? Let me know what your fave is.

Please change video setting to HD for higher quality viewing!

June 2014 Treatsie Box Unboxing - Get Your First Box for $4.95

Here is my Treatsie box for June 2014. I uploaded the video a few days ago but totally forgot to post it here. Check it out and let me know what you think. Also, you can get your first Treatsie box for free - just pay shipping which is only $4.95. Go HERE to get your box!


 

Graze.com #Nibblebox Unboxing - My June 2014 Boxes

These are the Nibbleboxes I got for the month of June. This is a subscription service. Boxes cost $6 each and you can have them delivered as often as once a week. Or as little as twice a month.
Check the video to see what I got. Also, If you'd like to try Nibblebox, you can get your first and fifth for box free. Just go to graze.com and enter my friendcode, 97NKLZN7B. And just in case you're watching your calories, Graze.com offers a Calorie Counter Box which only includes snacks that are 100-150 calories per serving.

Please change video setting to HD for best quality video

June 2014 #Birchbox Unboxing - Away We Go!

Got my Birchbox this month and I couldn't be more pleased. When I first picked up the box, I noticed it was a little heavier than usual. Then I opened it and realized why. Also, one of the items I got has a retail value over the amount of two Birchboxes. Check the video to see what I got this month. And please rate, comment and subscribe!
Join Birchbox HERE 

Please change video setting to HD for best quality video

The Makeup Show Chicgo 2014 - Random Footage

Here is a little bit of footage from The Makeup Show Chicago 2014. Actually it's more like a walk through. The show was about to end and it was starting to empty out a bit. So, I thought it'd be a great time to film a quick video.
Also, check out my hauls from The Makeup Show here:
Part 1 - Blogger Swag Bag
Part 2 - My Purchases

Please change video setting to HD for best quality video

 

The Makeup Show Chicago 2014 Haul Videos and Swatch Photos Part 1

Earlier this month I attended The Makeup Show here in Chicago. It took place at the Bridgeport Art Center on June 7th and 8th. I also went to the the blogger preview which was on June 6th. And I finally got around to filming and uploading haul videos. I filmed two videos just like last year. In the first video I show what I got in the blogger preview swag bag. And the second video is everything I bought.
Also, I took photos of the products and swatches. I decided to photo the swatches because sometimes the lighting in the video is a bit off. So I figured the pictures might help you all get a better idea of the true colors.
Lastly, was going to make this one huge post but I'm going to make this two parts too. So click HERE for the second half of my haul from The Makeup Show 2014.

Check out the videos and please rate, comment, and subscribe. Also let  me know if you see any favorites, wishlist items, or if you have any questions.

Please change video setting to HD for best quality video

 


               Blogger Preview Swag Bag
             

               
             Check the Part 1 video for products. Below are only swatches of color products.
           
              Make Up Forever - Arty Blossom Palette

              Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) Tarred and Feathered Lip Balm Duo      

  Kevyn Aucoin The Loose Shimmer Shadow - Topaz

Nars Dual Intensity Eyeshadow, Senna Cosmetics Pinpoint Eyeliner, Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Liner

             Check out part 2 of my haul HERE. 

The Makeup Show Chicago 2014 Haul Videos and Swatch Photos Part 2

 Welcome to Part 2 of my haul from The Makeup Show Chicago 2014. In this post you'll see all of the products that I bought at the show. Check out Part 1 to see what I got in the Blogger Preview swag bag.
Click HERE to see part 1.

Please change video setting to HD for best quality video



              My Purchases

               Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (Occ) Lip Tars

              L.A Girl Glazed Lip Paint

               L. A. Pro Conceal HD High Definition Concealer

              Mehron Precious Gem Powder

              Flash photo with same colors as above

               Inglot AMC Pure Pigment Eye Shadow

               Magnolia Makeup Eyeshadow and Illluminator

              Kevyn Aucoin The Liquid Patent Lip - Jupitesse Metallic Blue

              Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow - Myracle

              Myracle shown with The Liquid Patent Lip - Jupitesse

             Nurturing Force Clean Sweep Foam Makeup Remover and Aromatic Rose Blotting Paper

                Crown Brush

That's the end of my haul. Click HERE to see Part 1 - The blogger preview swag bag haul. 

Nourish Organic Face Cleanser #Giveaway

Nourish Organic is running a giveaway this month for it's Moisturizing Organic Face Cleanser. There will be 5 winners and entering is so easy! Just complete the tasks on the Rafflecopter below. The more you complete, the more chances you have of winning. Good Luck!


Here's a little info about the Face Cleanser:
"This gentle cleanser washes away impurities without drying, irritating or causing redness. Cucumber hydrates and soothes. Watercress, rich in antioxidants, helps protect skin from free radical damage. Fragrance-Free. Alcohol-Free. Gluten-Free. Vegan."

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links for which Favoritethingsetc will receive a small commission if products are purchased from the link.

May 2014 Treatsie Box Unboxing (First Box Free)

Another subscription box. Somebody help me. This time it's the Treatsie box which offers high-quality, artisan sweets from independent confectioners/vendors across the US. I got my first box for free.  I just had to pay the shipping cost which is $4.95. And you can do the same - Just go to http://fbuy.me/XOHP to sign up.  Otherwise the box (shipping included) costs $19.95
Also, I have to mention Treatsie's awesome customer service. My first box never quite made it to my house so I contacted Treatsie and they sent me another box right away. Also, there was one item missing from my box. I never contacted them about the item and had no plans to do so.  A day or two later, I received an email from Treatsie apologizing for the missing item and they sent a couple replacements days later. So Kudo's to the Treasie Customer Service team.

Check out the video to see what I go in my very first Treatsie box and let me know what you think.

May 2014 Graze.com #Nibblebox Unboxing #2

This is the second Nibblebox I've received from Graze.com. Check the video to see what I got. Also, If you'd like to try Nibblebox, you can get your first and fifth for box free. Just go to graze.com and enter my friendcode, 97NKLZN7B. And just in case you're watching your calories, Graze.com offers a Calorie Counter Box which only includes snacks that are 100-150 calories per serving.
Any of these snacks sound good to you?

New Products and Exclusive discounts from MAKE UP FOR EVER, OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE COSMETICS, TEMPTU, INGLOT, and more

The Makeup Show Chicago is just 9 days away and I couldn't be more excited. I'm especially stoked to hear that several of my favorite brands will be launching and showcasing some of their newest products. And, there will be some exclusive discounts only available at The Makeup Show. So, new products and sweet deals.

Here are the full details:
Make Up For Ever will be showcasing Rouge Artist shade extensions, with matching Aqua Lip liners.   The Makeup Show Chicago is the first beauty event where these will be available.


Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics will be bringing Tarred and Feathered to Chicago for the first time!  ‘Tarred’ Lip Balm veils the lips with sheer black, giving subtle definition, while ‘Feathered’ Lip Balm creates a gesso-like blank canvas, allowing other lip products to read more true to color. I'm definitely interested in checking this one out.

Kevyn Aucoin will be selling their new shades of Loose Eyeshadow Shimmers!  With a silky smooth formula these eyeshadows blend effortlessly while adding a stunning shimmering highlight to the eyes.  Also, buy the full range of KEVYN AUCOIN Sensual Skin Enhancers and receive 50% off the sale, rather than 40%!

 Charlotte Tilbury, for the first time ever, will be offering free shipping plus a 20% discount on all orders over 75 pounds.

Inglot  will be offering several show exclusive discounts, including 30% off (excluding accessories and palettes) and 50% off for selected products.

Temptu Pro will be launching Temptu Best In Kit exclusively at The Makeup Show Chicago.  These 6 perfect shades will sculpt, line, define, and highlight.

The Makeup Show Chicago will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 9am to 6pm and on Sunday, June 8, 2014 from 9am to 5pm at Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago. Check themakepshow.com for more info.






Stay up to date on the latest show news on The Make Up Show's blog -www.themakeupshow.com/the-makeup-show-blog/.  And you can follow The Makeup Show on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.

Sweets and Snacks Expo 2014 #SSE14 Haul

 Here is a haul of what I picked up at the Sweets and Snacks Expo Chicago 2014. This is an industry only expo but I was there working with a company. During my breaks (and after the show floor closed) I was able to walk around the expo. I checked out the exhibitors, snacked, and grabbed PLENTY of samples.  I wish I were able to get more photos and video but as I mentioned, I was there to work. So I couldn't do much "bloggy" stuff. Maybe next year I'll get a chance to go outside of working. Either way, I must go again.
Check the videos (yes, there's more than one)  to see some of the stuff I got. And let me know if you've had anything I mention.

May 2014 Birchbox Unboxing - Freewheeling

 I got my May 2014 Birchbox a few day ago! This month's theme is Freewheeling which is about ignoring all the beauty rules and having fun with your beauty and style. There was also a cool offer inside and a info about a fun giveaway. Check out the video to see the unboxing.  And don't forget to rate comment and subscribe.
Are you a Birchbox subscriber? What'd you get this month? Are you subscribed to any other beauty boxes?

If you're not a Birchbox subscriber you can join HERE to start getting beauty samples and racking up points. I  was able to pick up 3 full-size products for only $3.20. See what I got HERE.



 

The MakeUp Show Chicago 2014 - Face Off Stars and Pati Dubroff Take Main Stage

The Makeup Show is coming back to town and I can't wait to go. I went last year and had a blast. I sat in on a few sessions, met some great folks, and of course picked up some really cool makeup/products.

If you're a makeup industry professional, this is an an event you don't want to miss. Over 75 beauty brands will be there including MAKE UP FOR EVER, Crown Brush, Temptu PRO, NARS and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. What's cool about this show is that many of the owners and creators of the brands are actually there in the booth.

And of course I have to mention the celebrity artists/keynote speakers which includes headliner Pati Dubroff (celebrity makeup artist to Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Biel, Drew Barrymore, and more). She'll take the stage on June 7th from 12:30-2 to share tips and techniques that have made her a successful celebrity makeup artist.

Also headlining will be Anthony Kosar and Nix Hererra who are known for their incredible body of work and appearances on SyFy's Face Off and Naked Vegas. They'll take the stage for the "Face Off Panel" on June 8th from 2:30-4.

 And here's a quick list of the other artists and speakers:

“Making it in Makeup” with Renny Vasquez on Saturday, June 7th from 10:30am to 12:00pm – Celebrity clients include Kelly Rowland, Gabrielle Union and Brandy and more. 

" The New Movement in Makeup” with Ashunta Sheriff on Sunday, June 8th from 12:30pm to 2pm– With over 16 years in the beauty industry, Ashunta has mastered thart of makeup and managed to change the game. 

"The Art of Application” with Ricky Wilson on Saturday, June 7th from 3pm to 4:30pm – Ricky has worked with John Galliano, Dior, and Betsey Johnson and more. 

“Making a Name in Makeup” with Lianne Farbes on Sunday, June 8th from 10:30am to 12pm – Lianne Farbes is the creator of the award-winning beauty blog The Makeup Girl Girl and has gone to make a name for herself as a social media strategist, beauty expert, brand consultant, and founder and principal of Digital Girl Media, LLC 

Sounds like a cool lineup. Right? Not to mention all of the opportunities to network with peers which is so important in any industry. Especially creative fields.  So if you're interested in going head on over to TheMakeupShow.com for more info on tickets.

Lastly, let me mention that although this is an industry only show, last year, non-industry individuals were allowed to come on the last day. I'm not sure if that will be the case this year but let's hope. Especially for those people who are super beauty enthusiasts.

The Makeup Show Chicago will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 9am to 6pm and on Sunday, June 8, 2014 from 9am to 5pm at Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago. Check themakepshow.com for more info.
Stay up to date on the latest show news on The Make Up Show's blog -www.themakeupshow.com/the-makeup-show-blog/.  And you can follow The Makeup Show on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.

#Nibblebox via Graze.com Unboxing (Get a Free box)

Well...I picked up another subscription box. This time it's the Nibblebox from Graze.com. It's a box that offers healthier options for snacking. One of the cool options for this box is their rating system which lets you  give a little input into what you might receive (more details in video). I got my first box free and you can get your first box free too by entering my friendcode 97NKLZN7B in the promo code box. FYI, there's also the option of getting their Calorie Counter Box which only includes snacks that are 100-150 calories per serving.

Checkout the video and let me know what you think. Is this a box you'd wanna try out?