SUBSCRIPTION REVIEW - MY FIRST BIRCHBOX

Today I'm here to talk about Birchbox's little pink box. I received my first box in the mail on Saturday. I can't even express the giddiness I felt opening it. They did well choosing products that fit me personally. I'm impressed!

I was even impressed with the packaging. It felt like a close friend sent me a gift that was hand wrapped just for me, and I expected much smaller samples. Score! 

Here's what I think about the actual product samples.

*Note: I am not affiliated with Birchbox or any of the product brands featured in this post. I have not received compensation for this post in any form (monetary or otherwise), I paid for the subscription, and the opinions voiced on this blog are strictly my own.

1. The Laundress Delicate Wash 

Description: We know how tricky it can be to care for your delicates and lingerie. The Laundress Delicate Wash cleans effectively yet gently for those tricky specialty fabrics such as silk, silk blends, fine cotton, polyester, rayon, nylon and more. Specially formulated to remove perspiration, body oils and stains for both hand and machine washing.

I haven't used this sample yet, but I'm curious to see if its claims are true. What woman wouldn't love a product that cleans her delicate clothing as well as a dry cleaner? I must admit, I'm a bit afraid to try it. Me and Ms. Laundress might be brawling if one of my treasured items is ruined.

2. Ahava Mineral Foot Cream

Description: Rescue and renew the rough skin on the soles of your feet and prevent further chapping and cracking. This exclusive formulation – enriched with our very own Mineral Skin OsmoterTM, anti-bacterial Tea-tree oil and other natural plant derivatives –makes the splits and dryness disappear. Enjoy a smoother, revitalized surface on your legs and feet that is visible for all to behold. Hypoallergenic.

I don't notice a difference after using this product, but I've only used it once so far. I think foot creams need to be used regularly to see noticeable results, so I'm interested to see how well it works after using it for a while. It smells really good, though!

3. Redken Shine Flash Glistening Mist

Description: Fine-mist aerosol spray illuminates hair with brilliant sheen and a silky feel. Weightless formula gives a light, clean application to all hair types.

I'm already familiar with this spray because my hair stylist uses it, and I've always been a fan.

4. Blinc Mascara in Black

Description: Formerly known as Kiss Me, Blinc is the original mascara invented to form tiny water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes rather than painting them like conventional mascaras. Once applied, these beauty tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes. Whether your daily activities take you from the office, to your sweaty workout and then out to dinner, your lashes will look as good in the evening as they did when you first applied Blinc in the morning.

I'm not sure what to think about this mascara.

There isn't anything wrong with it, per se. It didn't flake or smudge, but... it's really quite strange. What are these "tubes" they speak of? I keep imagining literal tubes encasing each individual eyelash, which just sounds really weird to me.

5. Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

Description: As your days get busier, simple, pampering skin care becomes more important. Purity Made Simple deep cleans pores, dissolving dirt and debris -- acting as a cleanser and eye makeup remover, and eliminating the need for a toner. Follow up with Hope in a Jar moisturizer, and you're on the path toward makeup-optional skin.

Those are bold claims, Philosophy. I will say that this was my favorite sample in the box. I've always been a Philosophy fan, but this was my first time trying their facial cleanser -- it didn't disappoint. 

My face felt fresh and clean. It even cleared up a few small breakouts that had been hanging around in just a few days. I'll likely be buying the full-sized version of this product.


Have you joined Birchbox?
What did you receive in your box this month?

*All product descriptions came directly from the company's website.

RECIPE: Scooter's Spaghetti

This spaghetti is HANDS DOWN the best I've ever tasted. I originally found the recipe on Pinterest, but the link no longer works. 

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti 

1 pound ground beef

1 large can spaghetti sauce

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 cup chopped green peppers

1/3 cup chopped onions

8 ounces cream cheese

2 tablespoons milk

Grated Parmesan cheese

French fried onions (small can)

1. Cook spaghetti; drain and set aside.

2. Brown ground beef; drain. Add spaghetti sauce to the skillet and heat through.

3. Combine onions, peppers, and butter in a small bowl. Cover and microwave for four minutes on high, until soft. (As usual, I don't like adding veggies because I feel the need to keep my foods fatty.) I actually don't mind the vegetables in this recipe, but I didn't have them on hand, so I just melted the butter in the microwave.

4. Add cream cheese and milk to the vegetables (or in my case, to the butter); stir. 

 

5. In a casserole dish, layer the following in order:

Spaghetti

Cream Cheese Mixture

Spaghetti Sauce

Parmesan Cheese (add however much you prefer)

French Fried Onions (add during the last five minutes of the baking process)

*I mixed half the sauce in with the meat and noodles prior to layering, and I used the remainder as directed in the layering process. I was afraid the sauce wouldn't be evenly distributed otherwise.

 

 

*I didn't have eight ounces of spaghetti noodles so I added ziti noodles to the amount I did have.

I left the French Onions on my second attempt. The original poster claimed that the French Onions are what makes the recipe so special, but I beg to differ. Omitting them didn't make the recipe any less delicious, and I don't think adding them makes it any better either. The ingredient that makes this spaghetti so addictive is the cream cheese baked inside. 

It's so creamy, like "melt in your mouth" creamy. The major fail for most baked spaghetti recipes is that they usually turn out really dry. You don't need to worry about that with this one. I can't think of one thing that would make it taste better. This dish is in heavy rotation at my house. 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

ALLURE BEST OF BEAUTY REVIEW - Acne Spot Treatment

Disclaimer - I am not affiliated with Allure (or any of the brands featured in this post). I have not received compensation for this post in any form (monetary or otherwise). I paid for the products with my own money, and opinions voiced on this blog are strictly my own.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Gel - $8.49 

I’ve seen a noticeable difference with my complexion after using Neutrogena's Fight & Fade Gel. It works well, doesn’t feel sticky, and it doesn't dry out the area surrounding the blemish. 

While this gel did its job, it didn’t do it fast enough to justify switching from my usual spot treatment. Although Neutrogena gel cleared up my blemish in about two days, I see a noticeable difference mere HOURS after applying Clean & Clear Acne Spot Treatment.

If I dab a dot of Clean & Clear gel on a blemish before going to bed, it's almost gone when I wake up.

I had an exceptionally nasty blemish one day and just happened to grab this one out of the bunch from CVS. I'd never seen or heard anything about it, but the cute little girl at the checkout counter sang its praises while ringing me up. The next morning I understood why when I woke up and my nasty blemish was barely visible. Already! I honestly could not believe it.

Clean & Clear's spot treatment is slightly cheaper than Neutrogena's. And, at $6.99, it does a far better job. 

*I noticed that Clean & Clear took over the award this year. (Neutrogena Rapid Clear was the winner on 2010's list.) Allure is definitely on top of its game.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY