Mini Haul | GAP Outlet

We got bored a couple days ago - so we drove on over to Columbus Georgia for some impromptu shopping. Mainly for "Miri's Birthday related stuff"...but I did happen upon a GAP Outlet store while we were there. ;) This location is pretty small in comparison to the one in Foley AL. (My favorite) I did leave with some pretty sweet deals though! Check it out ---->

GAP Outlet

5555 Whittlesey Blvd

Columbus, GA 31909

V-neck navy sweater - $5.99

Skinny blue belt - $1.18

Blue perfume gift set - $11.19

Grand total - $18.36

Not too bad! The perfume smells fantastic. :) I fell in love with it right after I sniffed it. This scent kinda reminds me of Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana. Similar names - coincidence? I was going to post a link but it does not appear to be available through Gap.com - sad day. I tried ladies!

How is 2014 treating you so far?

My favorite Winter fragrance!

Ugh - I am just getting over the plague. :( Everybody in the Cherry house has it - minus the animals. (Thank goodness) I tend to always worry about the rabbit since he lives in the kid's room. Enough about all this snotty business though!

Mary Kay

Warm Amber 1.7 fl oz $20!

Here it is folks! I am absolutely loving my new Mary Kay fragrance! It has such a rich scent - unlike the Bath & Body Works version. It's something that you can enjoy all year long, but I feel like I'm going to especially gravitate towards it during the cold season. :) There's just something about it.

It's a perfect mix of warm amber and creamy sandalwood - that's not too musky.  I'm a big fan of earthy scents and this one is particularly enjoyable. I used to douse myself in patchouli...which I really regret ever doing. LOL (There was this whole Walmart thing that happened, not good) This is a much better alternative. (Oh, and a little patchouli goes a long way people) Don't even get me started on the dreadlocks girl that I can smell before I see her coming. (I've run into her 3 times in the past two weeks) I think she takes patchouli baths - I should know...because that's what I used to do haha. 

If you are interested in trying out this perfume for yourself or purchasing it as a Christmas present you may want to check out the two links below. 

----> Warm Amber 1.7 fl oz $20 <----

----> Special-Edition Holiday Duets - Warm & Wonderful $34 <----

What's that you say? You don't have a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant to purchase these from? I happen to have just the loverly lady for you! 

All the way from Texas!

Who I have had the pleasure of being best friends with since I was 5 lol. We have obviously always been into cosmetics haha. 

You can visit her site by clicking the link below. :)

------> Independent Beauty Consultant Jesslyn Wilson <------

She has some great holiday specials going on right now! So go check it out. 

Birchbox Un-boxing | October 2013

This year is really flying by - and it's completely freaking me out lol. This is a thing right? I've always heard that the older you get - the quicker time passes. Just stop it already 2013! :P
Anywho! October Birchbox a'hoy! 

I really couldn't publish my un-boxing post quick enough lol. I wanted to dive right in and start using everything. Birchbox really stepped up their game this month - big fan over here!
Benefit Cosmetics Fake Up | Full-size, $24
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser | Full-size, $21.50
Liz Earle Pure Muslin Cloth | 2 cloths, $6
POP Beauty Aqua Lacquer | Full-size, $14
&& Birchbox Find ChapStick Hydration Lock
Were you pleased with the October box? :)

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------> Etsy Shop Lust <------ I'm going to try out something new here on ye olde blog. I thought it would be fun to give random shout-outs to Etsy shops that I'm currently loving. I find some pretty awesome sellers on a regular basis...and I feel like I should share them with my readers!  Today's shoppe (<--- oh fancy) is "Mint and Arrows." I already own one of their hair ties and 2 more are on the way. They are so soft and comfortable - no headaches. I may end up purchasing a couple once a month or so. ;) At $6 per tie...who can say no? I highly recommend them!

Feature | Eynack Glasses

I'm really excited to spread the news about my super cute new glasses. :) These are a fashion pair - but I'm very much considering having prescription lenses put in them. Aren't they adorable?

Bomer frames

$85 on Eynack.com ♥

They are designer acetate/organic sustainable bamboo glasses made by Eynack. (Handmade, actually!) I wore them to work the day after they arrived in the mail and I received many compliments throughout my day. They look simply lovely on - very unique. The "Bomer" frames put a new spin on the classic nerd glasses. My only complaint is that I got a slight headache towards the end of the day. I'm going to blame that on my sensitive noggin. I can't even wear headbands...it's ridiculous. They are affordable and there are many styles to choose from. What is one of my favorite things about Eynack? For every pair of glasses purchased on their site they donate TWO pairs to children in need. How awesome is that?

----------> View their entire collection here <----------

I may need to add the "Expert Shades" to my Christmas list. ;)

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How has your week been so far? I'm not going to lie - it has been quite a long week for this mama. Nothing that a Starbuck's coffee won't fix! ;) Interested in seeing October's Birchbox tomorrow?

October's Lust-worthy Items

:Sigh: October...it's my favorite month out of the entire year. It was actually cool outside today! Hey! Maybe I will get to wear a scarf tomorrow and drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte!? It's the little things folks...

 

Custom Tree Bark Ring

$68 on Etsy

Retro Hair Tie

$6 on Etsy

Mumford & Sons Painting :)

$20 on Etsy

 

Walk The Line Necklace

$15.95 on Etsy

Let Them Eat Cake Ring

$104 on Etsy

Additional $74 for the plain band ----> Here <----

Martha Stewart 9 Cube Organizer

$44.98 at Home Depot

You may get to the last item and be all "say what?" We have several of these neat "cubes" in a piece of furniture in our old room. (Furniture from IKEA) It's a giant closet-thing that won't fit in our new room. So - we need to move our cubes into our bedroom and this thing seems like it will be pretty low profile and flat to the wall. (The new room is considerably smaller) I'm going to purchase it ASAP. I'm tired of running to the kid's room every time I need something out of one of my precious cubes! (Panties, socks, etc.) Plus - I can sit cute decor on the top of it! How was your Monday? I'm going to be honest - mine was pretty darn foul!

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Review | Balm Chicky Balm Balm's Huge Cucumber

See what I did there? lol

Balm Chicky Balm Balm

In the flavor "Huge Cucumber"

$12 at balmchicky.com ♥

Guys - this lip balm company is pure genius. Everything about it impresses/makes me giggle...right down to the very box it was packaged in. All of their balms are 100% natural and they feature a unique patented "friend end." How many times have you been minding your own business while applying your lip balm - when your girlfriend comes out of nowhere like Batman and is all like "oooh - can I borrow your lip balm?" -_- Too many times right? The "friend end" is a separate chamber of product for your friends to enjoy that is located on the opposite end of the tube. (So they can share their crusty lip germs amongst themselves and not with you) Yum. The flavor that I chose is "Huge Cucumber." It seemed to be the most scandalously named out of the bunch, so naturally I went with it. I might have also picked it because the man on the tube reminds me of Paul Rudd (in Anchorman)...he's so fine. Here is a list of the flavors that they currently have for sale in their shop.

Juicy Melons

Sweet Baby Ginger

Huge Cucumber

Wild Mountain Honey

and Hot Chocolate Love

Huge Cucumber (how many times can I say it in one post?) smells pretty fantastic. It seems heavier on the hemp seed than cucumber scent. That doesn't bother me one bit though - I love all things hemp. It reminds me of a balm that I used to buy at the Whole Foods Market in Winter Park, FL. It has a slight shimmer to it which I was a little disappointed about. Maybe it's because I'm becoming an old lady and I can't handle glittery things? (Ahh, my eyes) Maybe I should embrace more glitter in my life? Anyways - it's not really that noticeable...but it's there. Simply put, it doesn't look like a disco on your lips. I usually apply it every night before I hit the sack. I always wake up the next morning with baby soft lips. Here is a list of the ingredients!

Organic: extra virgin olive oil, palm oil, hemp seed oil, beeswax, rosemary, vitamin E, fresh mint, and cucumber. 

I plan on picking up the "Hot Chocolate Love" next. Do yourself a favor and check out their stuff. I really admire a company with this sense of humor, and I'm sure you will too. ;)

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AND...Silas says the letter of the day is A! (He did it all by himself)

Review | Mommy-Baby Bonding Blanket

Mommy-Baby Bonding Banket

$29.99 on mommy-babybondingblanket.com  ♥

I was so excited to show Miri her new blanket that arrived in the mail on 9/20. It was waiting for me in the mailbox on my birthday when I got home from work. :) How stinkin' awesome is that? Miri loves all things soft and fluffy - so I knew it would be a big hit. I was right!

We had pizza with my parents that night - so I took the blanket with me over to their apartment in Auburn. Miri's initial reaction was absolutely hysterical. She seemed to think that the blanket was some sort of snuggly dessert? LOL She tried to eat it and was immediately disgusted by the minky texture against her tongue. This "taste testing" went on several minutes (much to our delight) before she decided that is was indeed a blanket haha. 

...And what an adorable blanket it is! (Let the snuggling commence!) It was handmade by the talented folks over at mommy-babybondingblanket.com - and I would not have been able to find something of equal quality unless my grandmother made it. (She is hardcore about sewing nice stuff) I especially like the size of this bonding blanket - (16x16) it's perfect for the wee baby on the go! (Miri doesn't like to stay in one place long!) We enjoy tossing it on my shoulder during our mama/baby snuggle times. She likes to rub her face back and forth on it. I would highly recommend it for newborn baby/mama bonding sessions. They come in several different prints for baby girls or boys. Definitely go check out their selection of high quality products. I plan on snatching one up for the next baby shower I get invited to! ;)

Would you like to sponsor a blanket for a baby in need? You can do so here!

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Review | Butter than Love Hair Whipped by Wonder Curl

Butter than Love Hair Whipped by Wonder Curl

$12.00 ♥

When I was a teenager I had beautiful spiral curls. I did not appreciate them at all. In fact, I did everything in my power to get rid of them lol. I wanted straight hair so badly...

Well, I finally got my wish. After I had Silas - my hair slowly began to lose it's curl. Since Miri arrived...it only has a slight bit of wave to it. :/ I like this and all...it's just that I don't exactly know what to do with such straight hair. I'm finding it very challenging to style it. Ponytails are nice...but I can't wait for it to get a little longer so it doesn't look so darn stupid. I think braids will eventually be my friend too. ;)

With all of this said...I still hold out hope that some miracle product will come along and raise my curls from the dead. (Zombie curls) Unfortunately, today's product worked no miracles for me. :( It did curl my sisters hair quite nicely though! So there lol! The model in the photo (above) is my little sister India. India seemed to really enjoy using the Butter than Love Hair Whipped. It's very nourishing. Her only complaint is that she found the smell a bit unpleasant. This only means that the formula doesn't include harsh perfumes though. After further research - unless I am misunderstanding something...this hair line is more geared towards African American ladies. Maybe that's why it didn't do anything particularly special for my sister's locks? ;) The "Hair Whipped" has a nice thick consistency that I'm sure would tame coarser hair beautifully. I really believe that it just depends on the person's hair type. In our case...it's not the best product for curl enhancement. But hey...it may be great for your hair? Wonder Curl makes quality products that I definitely want people to check out. 

----> See their entire product line here <----

Photo credit: wondercurl.com

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Update 9/23/13 Response from Wonder Curl

Wonder Curl Thanks for your review. I think you probably would have loved the Get Set Hair Jelly and/or the Butter than Love Pudding. These products are my best sellers and work great together or on their own for any hair texture. You are correct, the Whipped is thicker for coarse, dry hair.

NOTD - Birthday Week Edition

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

"The Bold Rush"

$8.50 at Walmart.com

Please excuse my crap-tastic quality photo again - it's another iPhone kinda night. (I'm being hella lazy over here) I really should be in bed right now but blogging doesn't require me to get off the sofa just yet lol. In honor of my birthday (on Friday)...I decided I should have fancy nails this week. I ended up picking out peel and stick Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. These babies last forever on my nails! Plus - they are super easy to apply and remove. You just really can't go wrong. They are cheaper than a manicure and I have found them to last longer. I have tried several of the designs in this line but I think this is my favorite so far. (The Bold Rush) It's a fun ombre' glitter set that doesn't have that nasty glitter texture. Am I the only one who hates the feeling of sparkle chunks? Removing real glitter polish is such a hassle too! With these - you get all the pros and zero cons. If you have not tried them out yet...you really should. 

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Review | Flower Color Play Creme Eyeshadow

$7.98 at select Walmart's

Available in 12 fabulous shades!

Oh my lanta. I have been dying to get my hands on one of the products from Drew Barrymore's (I LOVE HER) new cosmetic line for about a year now. When I first heard about it - I was under the impression that it would be available at every Walmart. My assumptions were incorrect my friends! The closest Walmart that carries Flower Beauty is in Montgomery. (The Chantilly location to be exact) I've been in the store several times this year. I'm still not sure why it didn't occur to me sooner to look for it. Whatever, darn Mama-brain. 

All of the products were arranged very strangely on an end cap and the display was half covered by this wire rack? It was ridiculous. Matt basically picked up the entire display and moved it so I could have a good look at everything. There were several other ones that were set up the same way. (Shame on you Wally World) I ended up picking up this "Flower Color Play Creme Eyeshadow." Initially - I thought it was going to be too similar to the Maybelline Color Tattoo shadows. Thankfully - I was wrong again! :) Not that I don't love my "bad to the bronze" shadow...I have been wearing it pretty much everyday. 

This creme is incredibly smooth, and yet totally build-able. I have worn it to work 3 days in a row this week. It gets crazy hot at the printshop, and this stuff stays right where I put it. The only tiny bit of creasing that I have noticed shows up towards the very end of the night. It is convenient that I can apply it with a fluffy shadow brush. You have to use your finger with the Maybelline shadow. (Ugh, messy hand towels) In my opinion, "Flirty Floret" is much more pigmented than "bad to the bronze." This shade is very versatile and reminds me of hot cocoa. It creates a loverly smokey look.  The packaging is gorgeous too. My only complaint is that the sticker left gross residue on the cap...and kinda spoiled it for me. (Sigh) I would have provided some example shots of me sporting the product...but I am terribly terribly sick right now. I caught Silas and Miri's cold. -_- (Boo hiss boo) I do believe after I get this post up and running I am going to head towards the bed. I need some good sleep desperately! 

Happy almost Friday to you!

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Review | Derma E's BB Creme

BB Creme, Light Tint, SPF 25

$39.50 on dermae.com ♥

I tried BB creme for the first time at the beginning of my last pregnancy. My friend Jesslyn was visiting from Texas and she was using a creme by Garnier. I ended up purchasing my own tube - only to be grossed out by the scent. (Pregnancy woes) To this day it makes me sick when I think about that particular BB creme lol.  Since last Summer I have tried many brands and none of them have worked for me. They all make these grand promises. "Renews...brightens...hydrates...protects!" Brittany just ends up looking like a shiny raccoon! (Oily and dark circles lol) BB cremes have never provided enough coverage for my face - until now. :)  I really love the guys over at Derma E, they have been so kind to me. I am absolutely infatuated with their BB Creme! Finally a real color-correcting beauty balm that actually conceals! 

Please excuse everything about this photo. It was taken at about 7 o'clock in the morning. I was sleepy and I had no eyebrows. Literally, I was only wearing the BB Creme. I think it looks pretty darn good all things considered. I have been one busy mama lately - a good bit of very little sleep is happening for me right now. 

Eyebrows y'all!

Ugh, I'm not a fan of before and after photos. I hope you guys appreciate it lol! This BB Creme makes my skin look so radiant. It's super moisturizing without being oily...or smelling nasty. (Cough Garnier cough) It only has a very very faint herbal scent - which I approve of. ;) Currently this creme only comes in two shades. (light & medium) I am unsure if Derma E has any plans on coming out with any more colors. I think these two are pretty universal though and will work for many different skin tones. I will tell you that this product is a hot item! Last time I was doing a Derma E review I was browsing through the rest of their line and the BB Cremes were actually sold out! (Crazy huh?) They are just that good. 

Unlike many other cremes on the market this one is 100% vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, gluten free, and GMO free. That is a lot of positive usage of the word "free" folks. :) It's ingredients include Active Plant Stem Cells that brighten and even your skin, how cool is that? You can apply it over primer, moisturizer, or gel, or you can use it to replace your foundation like I did! This lady right here highly recommends it. Derma E has impressed me yet again!

Check out my handsome birthday boy! We are having his 4th birthday party on this Sunday. I took this photo! I think it turned out kinda gorgeous. 

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Review | Downy Unstopables in-wash Laundry Scent Booster

Downy Unstopables Laundry Scent Booster (13.2 oz)

$6.99 at Target 

(We got ours on sale for $5.99 on 8/27)

I was perusing through the Target dollar spot the other day when I happened across a sample of this new product by Downy. (See product line here) It was a little sachet ($1) that contained enough for two loads of clothes. I was so pleased with the smelly-good-ness of my laundry that I ran back to Target the following day and bought a full size bottle. 

I'm not sure why - but I've never been very happy with the scent of my clothes when they are fresh out of the dryer. Maybe detergent/softener commercials have made my expectations too high? There is no snuggly bear when I remove my clothes! Flowers are not shooting through the air! I am not dancing in a field next to a clothes line with happy children running around! I disapprove of the lack of these things. -_-

These little scent booster beads by Downy have finally done the trick. (They don't create hallucinations - they just smell nice) I can leave the laundry room door open and our entire house smells like amazing things. (I believe this particular scent is Glow?) The sample I tried before I bought the full size was the purple kind - aka Lush? 

Somehow this product has made it pleasant for me to wash my family's clothes. This is a small miracle my friends. I find Downy Unstopables Laundry in-wash Scent Booster to be a very enjoyable product. Way to go Downy!

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Review | Taylor by Taylor Swift Eau de Parfum Spray

Every now and then I feel so passionate about something that it requires me to go on a lengthy blog rant. I'm going to apologize for this one in advance. You best ready thyself!

----------> Begin rant <----------

Matt came home from work with a terrible headache today. Unfortunately - Miri decided that tonight was the infant night of screams. (Sounds like a bad M. Night Shyamalan movie) Literally...she would just sit in her bouncy seat and scream like a banshee. (Then she would purse her lips and glare/repeat) We have a professional diva on our hands folks. So - I decided that I would give Matt some relief and take Miri shopping with me. Miri and I love to go on mother/daughter shopping adventures. (We have loads of fun) I was on the hunt for roller clips for my hair...and hot chocolate...maybe lol. 

Our first stop was an unsuccessful trip to Wal-mart. We ended up finding what we were looking for at Sally's Beauty Supply instead. (5 mins till close) The cashier was actually really rude to me. :( I apologized to her for being in the store so near closing time. (I went right to what I needed and went straight to the register...probably 35 seconds of total shopping) She then snarkily said to me "Oh it's no problem! If you had been in any closer to 8...well...I probably wouldn't have been so nice." I just stared at her. I ended up hastily purchasing my clips and leaving. (Opelika location) At least they had my clips?

Crappy Sally's visit aside...Miri and I then travelled over to ULTA. We grabbed a couple items and were about to leave when I spotted Taylor Swift's new fragrance! 

"Taylor" by Taylor Swift

$49.50 for 1.7 oz at ULTA

Anything Miss Swift always catches my eye because my little sister India loves her. We have listened to her albums many a time in Wanda (Yolanda) the Honda. (Accord) lol So - Miri and I rolled over to see what this new fragrance was all about! (We are fans of the Wonderstruck fragrance btw) Firstly, the bottle is to die for. It may be one of my favorite bottles ever. It's a large vase-like clear glass bottle with a smaller bottle inside that holds the liquid. (It makes it magically appear that you are getting quite a lot of product when you really aren't) The top of the bottle is flat with multi-colored swirls with pearls and a fanciful cap. It's just the bees knees. At first sniff I "thought" I really enjoyed it. Similar to Wonderstruck - it had a very sweet scent. (Luscious fruits, blushing florals, and soft woods blah blah blah) Initially I was sad...I thought "hey, I like this and I'm poor and can't afford it." Even a crappy roller ball "Taylor" was $20. -_- (Don't get me started on fragrance prices y'all) I then decided to spritz it on myself...right when this stuff made contact with my skin I knew I had made a terrible mistake that only a shower could remedy. The best way I can describe this perfume after it sat on my skin for about 30 mins is a bubblegum scent?...with a hint of cheap hairspray. (It's shocking/sad I know!) It actually smells like something I would buy Miri in the kiddie perfume section at Wal-mart. I mean...Love's Baby Soft cologne is better by leaps and bounds. (I've always loved that stuff, sniff sniff mmm...childhood) I immediately called up my sister to tell her the disappointing news. We also had a nice laugh over the name. Original Miss Swift...real original. 

Please go to your local perfume counter and give this stuff a good test. Let me know how you feel about it. I know I'm rarely ever this mean in a review but I just found "Taylor" by Taylor Swift simply revolting. There...I said it. 

Happy Saturday y'all hahaha!

Birchbox Un-boxing | August 2013

Another late post! Ugh - I'm working on it folks! You should see me right now...my body is not used to all this new activity yet. I have compression socks and a back pain patch on lol. I feel/look like I'm 80 - Matt has gotten a good laugh out of it. Blogging from the sofa...oh yeah!

Dreams Nail Lacquer (D's Calcium Base Coat)

Full-size, $9.50

Jasmine Seven (Fresh Feet Wipes)

Full-size, $25.95

Juice Beauty (Green Apple Peel Sensitive)

Full-size, $39

ModelCo (Party Proof Lipstick)

Set of 3, $24

Ahmad Tea London

Assorted Teas | Full-size, $7-$16

Personally, I feel like the Party Proof Lipstick is what saved this months box from being a total dud. I'm all about some matte lips. Plus, it's a great neutral shade! The packaging is absolutely adorable. 

The only other product that I find the least bit interesting is the Green Apple Peel. (What is up with all these facial peels?) I had one in my July box too. I definitely plan on using it though...Juice Beauty is a great brand. I may end up using the Fresh Feet Wipes. Every now and then a dirty-foot-related-catastrophe occurs in the Cherry home. (Dog poop etc lol) How was your Friday? I made cookies and took them to work. I think the guys really enjoyed them. :) Working at Mammoth has been a lot of fun so far - I love it. 

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