May Birchbox...

I wanted to get this post out today since tomorrow will be June 1st! Below is my review of my May Birchbox, which happens to be my first box. If you aren't familiar with Birchbox, briefly it's a box of 5-6 samples you get every month for $10. It gives you an opportunity to try out products before deciding to buy the larger size. To learn more about Birchbox, go here.

This month's Birchbox theme was based on the sitcom Gossip Girls. I have to admit, I have never seen an episode of Gossip Girls. I've read some reviews of other bloggers May Birchbox, and none of them got the box I received. Birchbox tries to customize your box based on your profile.

Gossip Girl theme.

Inside the box. Very lovely presentation.

This moisturizer is amazing! Exactly what I need, to firm and lift. However, for $94 for a full size, I'll pass on it.

Next up is shampoo and conditioner from Kerastase. Not for my hair. Did try the conditioner and it was rich, but I'll stick to my Shea Moisture products.

Sweet notecard in pink and green.  I will definitely use this. I do love to send a personal note.

Miss Dior perfume sample. My review:  If I can take the words from In Living Color Men on Film quote, "Hated It." This perfume smells like old ladies who lunch. Too powdery and floral for my taste.

Ahh, I've been wanting to try Diorshow Mascara. I really like this mascara! Receiving this was a pleasant surprise. But... after I use up my sample, I think I'm going to stick to my orange tube Cover Girl mascara. 

Twitter Nameplate...

I hope everyone had a terrific Memorial Day Holiday! I had a great holiday. My parents came in town for a visit, went shopping at the Outlets, had an awesome banana/peanut butter/greek yogurt smoothie, finished reading Catching Fire (Hunger Games Series 2), ordered Mockingjay (Hunger Games Series 3), ate some amazing homemade guacamole my daughter made, and truly enjoyed a family cookout with my husband on the grill. Lastly, after waiting 4 long weeks, I finally received my personalized Twitter nameplate necklace from Bauble Bar.  I love it! It's special. Sydney Austin are the middle names of my children and it's the name of my handmade jewelry business.

Source: sydneyaustindesigns.tumblr.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Smile...

My friend's photo challenge for today is: Something that makes you smile.  What made me smile today was my sexy shoes that arrived via Fed-Ex from Zara! Let's just call it an early Mother's Day gift from me to me.  I met the delivery guy at the door with my arms wide open and a huge grin on my face that said, "Come to Mama."

Something I Wore...

Day 3 of the 31 day Photo Challenge. Theme today is something I wore.  I wore a leopard print flower hair clip in my hair.  I got this hair clip from Claire's for under $2.  Wore my natural hair wild and curly today.

Breakfast...

Day 2 of the 31 day photograph challenge. The theme is breakfast. I usually have a really good healthy breakfast. As the day goes on, healthy eating tends to go downhill. Working on it. Today's breakfast was Multi grain English muffins with Smart Balance peanut butter and Greek yogurt. Taken with Instagram. 

Peace...

My friend, Frances, just announced a 31 day photograph challenge on her blog.  For the month of May, take a photograph that represents the theme that Frances has selected. Day 1 is Peace. Below is a Instagram pic of our peace lily. It was given to my husband when his grandfather passed away over 2 years ago.  This plant has been chewed on by Bella (our greedy dog), it has survived my black thumb, and now thrives once we moved it to the kitchen (had to get it out of Bella's sight).  I will be posting my 31 day challenge photos here.  If you want to participate in the challenge, go here.