Finished Products Pt 2

Hi All!

It’s time for another products that I have finished post! I feel like I am on a roll, but the be realistic this is probably the final batch of products that I had a little left and am now really working on full products (phew!) I’ve been pretty good with not spending money, last that I calculated I am at (roughly) 40 dollars spent. 

L-R: Softsoap Spa Radiant Body Wash, B&BW White Tea and Ginger Body Wash, Aveeno Lotion, B&BW White Citrus Lotion. TOP ROW: Calgon Tahitian Orchid, No Brand Foot Scrub, Avon Naturals Vanilla Lotion, B&BW Moonlight Path Body Butter

 1. SoftSoap Spa Radiant Body Wash: It says that it had some pearls in it, but the formula was so watered down that I had to use a lot to get a lather and the "pearls" were so few that I didn't bother to count it as "exfoliating". Not a huge fan of the scent either. Not repurchasing. 

2. B&BW White Tea & Ginger Body Wash: Talk about concentrated and getting your moneys worth. This lasted me 3 months! But I loved the scent and just a tiny bit lathered up so much and left my skin feeling clean. I already have bout 9 backups of this (B&BW sale...no shame!) The scent is fresh, and even my boyfriend purchased one because he loved it so much.

3. Aveeno Lotion: My sister used to have REALLY dry skin and hated many formulas, this was one that she didn't really like. I personally loved it, and will probably repurchase once I finish all these other lotions I have laying around the house (dear God, why did I buy so much!?!)

4. B&BW White Citrus Lotion: I've said it before, after using a lot of lotion products, I find that B&BW lotions just aren't moisturizing enough for my liking. Yes the scent lingers for a little while but when my elbows and knees need some TLC...it don't work too great.  I liked the scent though, found it rather refreshing and not sweet. I might repurchase, but it's not a MUST have for me. 

5. Calgon Tahitian Orchid: *siiigh* ok, I can say this product took me a while to finish, but just the scent doesn't seem right. FIrst off...doesn't smell like a real Tahitian Orchid, and second...it just didn't work right on me. I ended up using it as a room spray and even then...it just didn't seem to fit (really weird and wonky I know...but ever have just those products where you can't put your finger on it but it just seems wrong?)

6. No Brand Foot Scrub: Let's be real...this was rubbish as a foot scrub, but worked great as a body scrub. Yes it was minty but I liked it to wake me up on tough mornings. It wasn't greasy, or oily, just a great shower jelly with scrubbies in it. I liked it so much that i obviously cut into it. If I knew the brand or where I got it...I would probably repurchase. 

7. Avon Naturals in Vanilla: This just smelled like fake vanilla bean to me. I didn't love it, and it was just not memorable...or anything to write home about. Will I repurchase? probably not. 

8. B&BW Moonlight Path Body Butter: Ok, while the B&BW lotions aren't amazing...the body butters are pretty damn good! My legs still felt moisturized the next morning (after my nighttime application) and the scent was good. I might not try to use this particular scent though. (granted I have roughly 4 other body butters to get through...)

L-R: Color Workshop Eyeliner in Black, Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb, Carmex Tub

9. Color Workshop Eyeliner in Black: This was a sample sized black eyeliner that came in a palette I purchased, and I was actually really surprised how smooth, dark and creamy this liner was! If they sold these separately I would probably repurchase, but I have only seen them in palettes (and these are dirt cheap too!)

10. Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb: I love this thing! It has the mintiness of the regular Burt's Bees but a really nice tint to the lips.  This color does not have a frost or shimmer and feels really nice on the lips. Once I get through a few more glosses or chapsticks I will be buying this again.

11.  Carmex Tub: My holy grail lip treatment. My lips had never felt as nice as with this product. It was just medicated enough to protect my lips. Will be a repurchase as soon as I can because I almost always have one on hand.

B&BW Wallflower in Cranberry Bellini, Rembrandt Mouth rinse, Nail Polish Dryer

12. B&BW Wallflower in Cranberry Bellini: I was introduced to this scent by a friend and it just smells so yummy. It has a light and crispness to it that allows it to still be fruity but not fruit-punchy. I will probably repurchase once I finish out my other 4 wallflowers and if they go on sale again at B&BW.

13. Rembrandt Mouth Rinse: Meh, it was a good mouthwash, but nothing to really write home about.  I didn't notice my teeth getting any whiter. Frankly, if I had to pick between this or a large bottle of my usual mouthwash, I'd probably pick the cheaper version. Not going to be a repurchase simply because it just doesn't seem to be anything amazing.

14.  Nail Polish Dryer: This product was pretty cool, it dried my nails a bit and left a nice sheen on my nails.  I would probably buy this product again once I get through my Avon nail polish dryer.

L-R: Burt's Bees Citrus Scrub, Olay Gentle Cleanser and Scrub, St. Ives Apricot Mask

15. Burt's Bees Citrus Scrub: I enjoyed this sample and I found it rather surprising to have enjoyed it.  It took quite a while for me to really be willing to try because it had a different texture and color (deep brown). But the exfoliates were quite nice and varied in size. I'd probably repurchase if I see it, but it's not something I would go out of my way to get.

16. Olay Gentle Cleanser and Scrub: OYE, i was not a fan of this product. The only really good thing I could say was the pump on it which made it much easier to dispense.  The scrub was SO fine that it did not leave my skin feeling clean and the gentle cleanser was TOO gentle cleansing. It didn't lather up, and it was just an overall disappointment. NOT repurchasing.

17. St. Ives Apricot Mask: DISLIKED. After using the scrub I thought that it would be just as amazing, but I just did not like it. It wasn't great as a cleanser and the mask was ok...but got a lil funky towards the end there. For what I hoped it would be...it didn't deliver. Every brand has it's own flops and I think this is the flop of the St. Ives brand. 

So My Running Totals Are:
Lotions/ Fragrance/ Hair products: 9
Makeup: 6
Candles/ Scents: 5
Cleansers/ Body Washes: 11
Randoms: 2
Grand Total: 33

How are you all using up products?
xoxo,
Ema

Health: My Numbers

Hi all,
   I realized I hadn't given you guys my current numbers that I'm working with. Granted I did not take measurements of my body (because I never remember exactly how I did them--anyone have a good method?) But I had a fitness evaluation back on my first day at the gym. To keep track and maybe give someone an idea of what this journey is...I figured why not post them on my blog. Plus it keeps me accountable!
Starting weight: 196.5
BMR (similar to bmi but calculates differently): 45.6 (majorly obese)
Resting Heart Rate: 90
Active Heart Rate: 180 (nearing heart attack levels! eeeep)

So this is what I'm working with here *oye*. But I have been to the gym each day so far, and have been eating better. I've cut down my alcohol *because some dishes were meant to have a little wine pairing -- culinary school did that to me!*

Now I don't know what size I am exactly...I fit ranges of 14-18 in sizes depending on brand but that 14 was getting a lil too squishy and that brand was always big! My reasonable size is a 12, but not JUUUUUST squeezing myself into it, but actually properly fitting into them. I also want to fit into my dresses properly without my belly protruding like the pregnant woman who I was once mistaken for *how embarrassing!* SO...I will update you all with the numbers probably every 2 weeks *give or take* How's ya'lls journey going?

xoxo,
Ema

Day 3

Hi All,
   So it's day three of me going to the gym and eating better! I'm still extremely sore to the point that I wake up at night, but I'm also careful to not overdo it and end up spraining some body part! The two most important things for losing weight/ getting healthy is 1. actually going to the gym and 2. nutrition.  One fact I learned about recently in a magazine is that most woman over- calculate how many calories they lose after a workout -- sometimes by 500 calories! This put into perspective that I should probably put down a few snacks because I am SO guilty of this!

Another tidbit is switching out wasteful snacks for something better (trust me your talking to a junk food junkie so its not easy at all for me to munch on celery when all I want is ice cream or chips and dip) But my big culprite was my breakfast, I'd usually have a roll (bout the size of the ones you get at fancier restaurants) with butter or cream cheese or even a bec. But on days that I want a glass of wine with dinner or a desert, I'd feel so guilty!

I wanted to share a quick recipe for my breakfast. I recently purchased a TON of yogurts, berries and almond milk because it was on sale and I miscalculated when school ends for University. So now I'm stuck with a huge fridge of snacks that didn't really work out perfectly on their own.  So....

Breakfast Smoothie Numero 1
Several strawberries
Several raspberries
Several blackberries
Almond milk
Berry yogurt (I use the 80-90 cal versions)
2 pinches of muesli (or sugarless granola)

I used a hand held blender because I can't be bothered with the big blender, pulsed it. From that small yogurt, I ended up with a nice big smoothie that tasted really good!

I'm looking at several other recipes from online (various random combos) so I'll post here how they go! How do you all start your mornings?

xoxo
Ema

Whoa! Hold it...New Name?

Hi all,
   Yep I changed my blog name because I felt like it didn't really fit ME. I never really liked it,but knew I had to post some sort of title.  Some of you are going to be like "ok...so wth does it mean???" Well I was nicknamed "foodie" by my culinary teacher back in secondary school, and I really wanted to add in "health" to my blog because that is something that I have really struggled with and since school is done, I got serious about getting back into shape! I always figured that health and makeup go together under the title of beauty, so I would love some feedback on this. If you all really preferred my other name I can always go back to it!

As Always,
xoxo
Ema

What is on my nails today

I was just drinking my morning cup of coffee when I looked down and had an “EEEEEEK” moment. My nail polish was so chipped and ragged looking that I jumped into my stash of nail polishes and thus here is my post. (I work in a jewelry store so my nails have to be neat looking, but with my finals they kinda went a lil blah) I had worn corals and fuchsias all of April, and just needed a little change, so out came my China Glaze Spontaneous.  I will mention that this is my only China Glaze so I can’t really answer too many questions about the brand.  It is a crème with no shimmer, and goes on with only two coats to get full opacity.  

 My accent nail is 2 coats of a glitter by the company Funky Fingers ( found at a store called 5 Below) in the Shade of Sugar Plum.  I love this glitter and have worn it several times on its own (3 coats usually covers the nail completely) The nail polish has a slight pink jelly base with silver, gold, blue, green and red tiny glitters. A perfect and fun look for the holidays!

What's on your nails today?

xoxo

Ema

Julep Maven Subscription : 1 Cent!

Hi All!
    So there has been a huge rush for subscription boxes, which you pay a fee for deluxe- full sized products.  Some offer points for filling out surveys, others offer a discount.  I had come across a really stellar deal for a nail polish subscription box.  I think I've heard 2 youtube gurus mention this company but...it is JULEP MAVEN!  So, I started my subscription about a week ago, and even with a shipping issue, I got it within one week. I have to say that the website is well organized and VERY clear about when you should opt out of a month if your on a budget, if you want to switch your style etc.  It's very user friendly and even the style quiz was more interesting then most of others that I have seen. The style quiz, in the end also gives you a peak at your colors, so if you really REALLY hate them you can redo the quiz and get another pair of shades. This is something pretty different from most other companies because they really do take into account that some people just can't wear certain shades.

 So a normal box is 19.99 and they offer one-time payments for several months, which I believe gives you a little discount. Now this is a more expensive box than most others, especially for a monthly product, but I used a coupon code and got a introductory box for a PENNY (doing a little dance in my chair right now!) The Box comes with a nail file, a hand product and two nail polishes that are 8ml each.  (To put into perspective, the Sally Hansen Xtreme wear bottles are 11.8ml so you are getting roughly 2/3 of that size)

ONTO THE ACTUAL BOX!
So it came in a simple black box with Julep Maven on the side with the company logo. It's a sturdy box so if your box gets caught in the rain it will not get ruined.  When I first opened my box I saw this: the typical card explaining the company with a reminder of what my style profile is (Classic with a Twist) along with a welcome card outlining details of when you can change your style profile if you don't like the next month's colors, when you can cancel, and exactly when your card gets charged. (Good idea!)

  

Next under the cards I saw nicely bundled together this: (There was some crinkle products at the bottom so nothing would break) 

  The first product I pulled out was a basic black nail file with the company name on one side. The next product I pulled out was the "Facial For Hands Glycolic Hand Scrub" in 3 fl oz.  It's a nice sized product and has an orange essence scent. I have not tried it yet, but worst comes to worst I can use it on my body!

 

Finally the nail polishes came wrapped in bubble wrapped and then packaged in a pink bag with a black bow on it. Pretty cute if you ask me. The two colors I got were Anne- which is a rich violet color with definite blue undertones and Kelly- a cream colored polish with a buttercream-y tint to it. They are packaged in tall bottles so they stand out from the other bottles I have. They both have the standard brush, so it's nothing super fancy with that.

So I had to put off the next box because it does come with a 20 dollar price tag. I feel like this subscription is one that I'll purchase 2-4 times a year because they are pretty colors. (Plus it was nice getting something other than bills in the mail) One little thing I would nit-pick at is the fact that the colors were not both labeled.  If you check the photo above, the cream color has a label but the purple one does not have it at all. I would probably just give Julep a heads up just for the future.

SO if your interested in signing up and testing it out for a penny (ONE CENT with FREE SHIPPING) the code to use is: COLOR2012.
It's easy to put off a month or to cancel (they ask you to call) 
Here is a link to the site:

http://julep.com/?r=20447938 

 Anyone else use this subscription? I know they are now selling in Sephora, how much is it going over there? 

Have a great night all! 

xoxo, Ema

Product Review: Stile Smudgeproof Eye Definer in Peacock

Hi Everyone,
            So going on with my products I'm working on getting through/ finally using, I decided to use the Stile Smudge proof Waterproof Eye Definer in the color Peacock.  I got this a few months back through my Birchbox and yep...JUST now started using it.  I've never used Stile products before although I have had a "makeover" done at Sephora using just Stila products.So you can imagine that I was rather excited to see how this color and product would work on me.

          The consistency of the liner is so smooth and creamy, so I can understand all the fuss about their texture. It went onto my waterline very nicely and even when I swatched it on my hand it was consistent and not bumpy or chunky. The color is this beautiful deep aqua with a metallic finish to it. I have never used a color like this before but it added such a nice emphasis on my blue eyes and gave me something different than my typical browns.
        I wore this color with a purple/ neutral eye to just allow for the blue to really pop but the purple makes the look come together. I have been able to wear this look to my job which is very conservative and my boss had no issues with the color so that is an added bonus! (yay)
       Now for the disappointing part of this product (there just always seems to be one!) This liner was not waterproof nor smudge proof. When I swatched it on my hand it was tough to get off and all I could think about was how awesome this would be on the water line. WRONG! Within an hour the color faded from the deep aqua to a lighter aqua (still pretty but if I wanted a light aqua I'd BUY a light aqua). While it didn't smudge easily, it still had a decent amount of smudginess that actually left lil lines of the color right under my eye. I don't know if I could say that it is waterproof because it did obviously start to breakdown after 2 hours or so.

Final Verdict?
- I like the color and the product but if I am going to purchase a product that claims to be smudge proof and waterproof....it better BE smudge proof and waterproof. It isn't a repurchase but I do like it for just that added boost.

Have you tried this product? Can anyone suggest a good liner that is REALLY waterproof?
xoxo Ema