Not Another LA Blonde

Tag: review

Ipsy – August 2017

Good Morning and happy Tuesday y’all! I got my Ipsy bag at the end of last week and I’m going to be real honest… I like about half of what I got (maybe I’m just being picky lately, but I haven’t been super impressed with the last few bags I got)!

I know we never talked about the July bag, but with everything going on last month I just ran out of time!

Here’s the deal, I’m going to share with y’all what I got in my pouch this month and what I did or didn’t like about each item in my bag:

For starters, the theme of August’s bag was GOOD VIBES ONLY. My bag said Peace Love Lipstick. I liked this bag more than some of the others because of its simplicity and is cute enough to throw into my work purse.

The Products:

theBalm Cosmetics Voyage Vol. 2 Eyeshadow in Willkommen – Value for 0.57 g= $5.50

You can get the Face Palette for $39.50 which includes 9 eyeshadows, 2 blushes, a bronzer, a highlighter, and 2 lip/cheek creams. Famous for their triple-milled pigments and anti-aging ingredients, theBalm is one of our fave go-tos for gorgeous, cruelty-free products. The Willkommen eyeshadow is a deep caramel shade, perfect for creating boho-inspired looks. I think this color is super cute and if I didn’t already have like 5 of the same color then this would def be a keeper in my book. I really like theBalm products and look forward to receiving it in my bag!

FORMULA 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure Skin-Clarifying Mud Mask – Value for 1 oz = $2.06

The full 3.4 oz mud mask retails for $6.99. You’ll instantly feel the tingle of this clarifying mask as it sucks the gunk out of clogged pores. AHHHH yes, I love masks that I can paint on my face! I prefer these over sheet masks any day of the week. This one smells really good and left my face feeling really clean but not all dried out like some masks make you feel. I can’t wait to use this again and with its inexpensive price I will definitely be buying this again!

sundays Nail Polish in No. 28 – Value for 14 ml = $18

This is a FULL size product!! Based in NYC, Sundays’ nail salons have spawned a cult following for their cruelty-free, non-toxic nail polishes! Sundays nail polish has an insanely shiny lacquer finish and a totally curated color selection. This color is a lavender grey and looks really nice on the nail. I normally do gel manicures, but sometimes a girl’s just gotta let the nails breath and use a regular ol’ polish. This color will be great when the weather gets a little bit cooler and we transition into Fall!

Make Up For Ever EXCESSIVE LASH Arresting Volume Mascara – Value for 2.5 ml = $7.35

The full size 8.5 ml mascara retails at $25. This mascara gives you the fanned-out lash look with its petite brush. The blend of soft and hard fibers on the brush allows you to layer on the formula and build up your lashes while combing through to nix clumps. I LOVE getting mascara in my bag!!! Personally, I love Make Up For Ever and was super excited to get this in my bag this month. I’ve been looking for a new mascara so this came at the perfect time. (side note: I haven’t purchased mascara for almost a year now!) I really like this mascara and it’s become my go-to in the morning.

Hey Honey Come Clean: Propolis & Minerals Facial Scrub – Value for 15 mL = $5.14

The full 70 mL cleanser retails for $24. The main ingredient in this scrub is Propolis extract (a healing and anti-inflammatory compound produced by bees). It helps dissolve residue, minimize the look of pores, hydrate, and brighten up your skin. It’s also packed with non-abrasive dissolving crystalline beads to help clear dead skin cells and blackheads for a smoother complexion. This is the perfect size to throw into my gym bag for when I shower after my workout during lunch. It has a nice feel to it because of the beads (I always feel like my face gets cleaner with them) and I am totally washing away all the sweat/makeup residue after my workout!

While I can’t guarantee an exact price of the products in the whole bag, I’ve estimated that the AUGUST bag is worth at least $38.05! While there was only 1 FULL size item in the bag, I think that the $10 you pay for the bag is such a steal compared to buying each item separately!

The cost of the box every month is $10 + tax and free shipping. So for 5 products (one of which should be full size, the low price is a pretty good bargain. The bag is great if you’re looking to try out different products that you may not currently use.

To subscribe to Ipsy use my referral link to discover new brands/products that you might come to love that you wouldn’t otherwise try!

XOXO

p.s Let me know if you got anything different that you absolutely loved!

Also, if you see something that you like/want feel free to check out Mercari if you have it. If I can’t find friends that want any of the goodies I’m not a fan of, I try to sell it!

August 15, 2017
BARKBOX – JULY

Happy Wednesday y’all! I only have one work day left this week and I plan on crafting this Friday so check out my insta stories to see what I’m going to be up to! Ok though, enough about what I’m going to do in two days, let’s talk about the box I’m going to be reviewing today.

This is the second Barkbox in my subscription and I have to admit that I’m still loving this box and Bella loves it even more since it’s for her! For what you get in the box each month, the $21 I pay is worth it.

Barkbox is a monthly subscription box just for dogs. Each box has 4-6 dog products and is customized to the size of your pup, plus there is a new, cute theme every month. Bella is a cairn terrier that I adopted from the shelter as a puppy, so I chose the “Small & Cute” size (0-20lbs). You can choose to just buy 1 month for $29, 6 months for $25/box or 12 months for $21/box.

For July, the theme was: A Lick in Wonderland #WAGHATTER

Here is a BREAKDOWN of the goodies in my box:

Squeak Me Sweet Treat – Value = $8.00

Bella got the small size in her box, but you could buy the larger size for just $2 more than the small. This toy is super cute and filled with squeakers and fluff, but typical Bella has already chewed the cherry off the top! She really enjoys this toy and it’s become one of her favorites to bring to me to throw for her. Last night I caught her rolling around with it in her mouth…talk about cuteness overload!

Squeakle Dee and Squeakle Dum – Value = $10.00

Packed with fluff and… oh dear! We’ve begun wrong. The first thing in a visit is to say “How d’ye do?” Built with a spiky ball base, this BARK original has a gregarious squeak and provides a bonus toy hidden inside when your pup chews through the notorious tweedle twins. It’s a two sided toy, so one side is blue while the other is red. I’m holding off on giving this one to Bella since she still has few toys that she hasn’t completely eaten!

My Doggy Beef and Potato Treats – Value = $7.00

Made in the USA without any wheat by our friends at My Doggy, they are as nutritious as they are delicious. These are a great size for training or to give as a snack. They are bite sized and perfect for throwing a few in your pocket or purse for when you and your pup are out! Being the piggy that she is, Bella loves these and they’re perfect sized for a small snack for her.

Integrity Treats Lola’s Lamb Jerky –Value = $6.00

Forget the chops, lamb jerky is where it’s at. Made in the USA without corn or soy! These are currently sold out on the barkbox website. These treats were a BIG hit both dogs this month! I’ve been breaking them in half and giving each dog only half at a time.

Rabbit Chew –Retail Value = $3.00

Got a picky chewer on your paws? Rabbit Chews are a palate pleaser. Made in the USA, these chews are easily digestible and great for teeth and gums. My dogs don’t actually get to eat the chews since I worry about them choking and it’s just way too big for Bella (she’d probably eat the whole thing in one sitting).

THE VALUE

The value of this month’s box is $34. For the $21 I pay per month, I thought that the value was a little low this time. I still love the box and there are a lot of positives to the box: Bella and Kodiak get to try out new treats, Bella gets to destroy a new toy every month, and I don’t have to go to the pet store for any of that! It’s literally a win-win for all of us!

The box automatically renews each month, but it’s super easy to cancel at any time. You can subscribe to Barkbox through my referral link here.

XOXO

July 26, 2017
The Ring Boxes July: A Box for the Bride-to-Be
Happy Monday! Welcome to the start of another work week… I recently got my second The Ring Boxes box in the mail and finally got a chance to look through it properly. I have to throw this out there…I’m not writing my own vows for the wedding, so this box was a little bit of a letdown for me, but if you are writing your own vows, then this is perfect for you.

From the subscription website: “Who doesn’t love flaunting that fiancé title and flashing your new fabulous bling! You always want to have all the newest and cutest bride to be goodies when you’re engaged and The Ring Boxes gives you just that, one big box full of all the most popular and fabulous bridal products each and every month leading to your special day! Each month we arrange a new box packed with full sized custom gifts, wedding décor, beauty and spa products as well as date night perks! Giving our brides the ultimate bridal experience.”

The Ring Boxes was created in January 2017 so it’s still pretty new. It features handpicked bridal items delivered right to your door each month. You can choose from monthly, 3 month, 6 month or 12 month packages. The price varies depending on which subscription you choose. Since my wedding is exactly a year away, I choose the 12 month package which brought my pricing to $35/month or $420 for the year. A single box costs $40. This box is the perfect subscription for the bride-to-be!

This month there was a definite theme to the box and it had to do with: WRITING YOUR OWN VOWS

Here is a BREAKDOWN of the JULY goodies in my box:
1. Wedding Vow Writing by Alycia Curtis – Retail Value = $14.99
A guide on how to write the most original tear-inducing, non-boring wedding vows of all time! Since I’m getting married in the Catholic Church, I won’t be writing my own vows. I think this book is great if you are writing your own, but it won’t really be useful to me (luckily I know a lot of people getting married, so maybe one of them will want the book!).
1. Vow Journals by Stevie + Bean Paperie – Retail Value = $18.00
Forget the crumpled index cards and use these beautiful notebooks to read your vows from. They also make a perfect keepsake for years to come! Again, this item isn’t really relevant to me, but there are 8 lined pages in each book which provides a lot of room for the happy couple to write their vows in. maybe I’ll keep them and the fiancé and I can write our own private vows that we can read on our own on the wedding night or something.
1. She said Yes Candle by Lux Illumie – Retail Value = $15.50
This white tea and berry scent captures the fun moment of saying yes with all the excitement to come! This candle smells divine! It’s not too overwhelming of a smell. This brand lasts for such a long time! I was really happy to get this in my box!
1. Rose Gold Diamond Topper Pen –Retail Value = $14.99
The perfect wedding planning accessory adds some glam to writing your vows and to do lists leading up to the big day! Ahh this is so cute! I def wouldn’t spend $15 on it, but since it was in my box I’ll be using it even after the wedding day!
1. Natural Handmade Bathbomb by Lizush –Retail Value = $5.00
This All Natural, Vegan, Non GMO, Essential oils handmade bathbomb will help you to relax and escape from all your wedding planning stress. I don’t think they sell bathbombs individually, but here the link to the Lizush website and here is their etsy shop page! I’m not a huge bath taker (I usually only have time to take a shower since I live at home with 4 other people still) so I’m not sure about this product. I love the way it smells, but I just don’t have the time or patience for a bath right now. Maybe I’ll see if my cousin wants this item.

BONUS!!!

The box also came with 2 recipe cards. One was a recipe for the bride to be and the other was a recipe for the perfect date night. One was “Penne with Chicken & Prosciutto Cream Sauce” and the other is for “Chocolate Fondant Lava Cakes”. They both come with a recommended wine pairing. I think that this is such a good idea for the soon to be bride to have a collection of recipes to make. I can’t wait to try out both of these recipes!

THE VALUE

The value of this month’s box is $68.48. While there are some items that I wouldn’t pay for or wouldn’t pay that high of a price for, I felt that the value of the July box was really good. The cost of the box was half of what the whole box was worth, so that was a win in my book.

I think this box is a great for the bride-to-be and I can’t wait to see what the rest of my year subscription has in store for me! After my year is up and I’m married I will cancel my subscription but only because I will no longer need a bride-to-be box delivered to my door every month!

XOXO
July 24, 2017