Oops! Almost forgot...

So, now that it is JANUARY, I thought I'd update on items I used from my DECEMBER Birchbox.

First, I was so excited when I opened my pretty wrapped box, and saw a full size mascara. If there is one thing I have a weakness for, it's mascara. To plump up my lashes, make them long, luscious, and fake me looking awake! But, seriously, if my lashes where like my son's, I'd probably nev... no, I would totally wear mascara :)

So, the mascara ... first, it has a mirror on the body of the tube. Genius! I love the brush too.. I haven't had clumping.. It just seems to really coat my lashes without making them like spider legs. Did I mention it was a full size mascara? LOVE! <3 (ModelCo Fibre LashXtend. Get it!)

Next item --- perfume. It's Nicole by Nicole Richie.. Eh, it's okay. Perfume is a tough one to really sell to me. I prefer something light, sweet, more fruity than floral. Somehow I have managed to collect a drawer full of perfume .... some of those really should go to file 13..

Last -- a shampoo. First, I have a serious case of OCD when it comes to my shampoo/conditioner. I can't do one without the other. So, now my conditioner is a little less. Blah. It's a low sud shampoo, and if I'm going to use a low suds shampoo, it better do something for the curls/waves. This one didn't. I like the low suds Redken shampoo that I blogged about in the past.

I still have nail polish remover pads to try out and some skin care. More to come!

December 18

There are some days that I dread seeing them on the calendar.. today is one of those days. I'm reminded of what happened 30 years ago and how little I really do know about the individuals that gave me my genes. Today I try to avoid driving as much as possible, I stay home and reflect. For most of us, we are busy getting ready for Christmas. It's a week away... but there are individuals all around us that are also thinking of those we miss this holiday season. 

This year, I am also thinking of the families that lost dear ones in CT. I pray God's love, compassion and grace will envelop those families that are hurting. The innocence of the first snow, the magic of Christmas lights, the carols, the time of reflection. 

To those of you who attend holiday parties -- be smart. So much can be lost in the blink of an eye... 

Make memories while you are able to do so. Take the time to form and keep family traditions this season. Revel in the wonder of this season.

Babblings.

Anyone else ever start a blog then wonder WHY am I writing about this? Who really cares? Or how many bunny trails can one person seriously go down???? 

GUILTY! :) 

I feel the want to write, but our lives have been so eh recently. Short version --- BOTH of our vehicles were out of commission with the need for new water pumps.. Shannon's had a few other things that needed done (timing belt, inspection, oil change, some light thingy... I know a lot about cars!) While I have been stranded at home for two days, since he needed my vehicle, I began to think about getting a horse and buggy for a back up. Ya know, JUST IN CASE. Ha. Totally not going to happen... maybe it was a thought from cabin fever! Pro - I could wear my sweats and not feel guilty about it, I was also able to work on some of the craft items I need to finish, and I got SOME cleaning done.

Love these two!

So, while I'm here, let's do an update on the fam.

Shannon's car is fixed! HA!! This year's Christmas to each other is knowing we put money into our vehicles, we are driving safe vehicles, and general maintenance is done. He recently had a very positive review from his job and we are so thankful for the blessings that have come from his position. 

My men at Thanksgiving

I love this photo :) Audrey at the Greencastle Parade

 Audrey is loving preschool. Still. Phew. Now that it's Christmas time, our elf, Jumpin' Jack, has made his return. Every morning she looks for him. It's been cute to see her reaction when he does something crazy (like cut some of my yarn and swing from the fan. Crazy elf!)

Handsome boy @ Parade

Landon is on the go. All.The.Time. Love him, but I really liked him not being mobile. He went from army crawling, to hands and knees crawling in a weekend. He crawls like a bull dog. It makes me laugh. I love him :) He has 6 teeth, loves to eat almost anything that's put in front of him. Right now, his favorites are little crunchies, yogurt drops, noodles, cuties (clementines)... Really anything he can pick up and put in his mouth. Which means I need to vacuum more. Blah. (Did I mention he is almost a year old!? Where in the world has the past year gone?????!!!!!)

First Thanksgiving!

And the author, me. :) I have been busy making stuff and I love it! I love being able to create, use my imagination, and use talents. But, my favorite is seeing the recipients reaction. I love the smile of - wow! this is amazing! (gloating a little! some pride is good, right?!) But my favorite is seeing photos on facebook of people wearing items I have made. Man. I love that! I'm so thankful folks WANT me to make things.. that keeps me busy. I am anxious and excited to finish off my list so I can get started on new concepts and put my new knitting needles to use!

In case I forget to mention in the next 11 days ---  

Merry Christmas to you and yours from us! :) 

November Birchbox Part 2

I realized in the busyness of my normal daily activities that I forgot to post about the rest of my box... As I stated previously, I really wasn't impressed with this box :( So, here goes my opinion of the rest of the contents ---- 

Skin Transformer sounds like it should be on some type of movie my husband would watch.. With an item like this, I think I would need to use it for an extended period of time and consistently. Most of the time, I have an almost one year old (HOLY COW!!!) climbing up my legs. I'm lucky to get my teeth brushed some mornings. I'll continue to use my sample, but I don't see this item becoming part of my routine :/

Stila shimmer I mixed this with my foundation. I'm sure if I hadn't been lazy and done things in two steps I'd be able to see the product. Regardless, it's something that is nice to add for a date night or a holiday party.

Texture spray -- ok, this I really liked! I used my curling hair products and needed to vamp my hair for a date night. I could feel the texture and the volume in my hair. Really liked this. I also have a dry shampoo from Oscar Blandi and really like that also. Only downfall - a shower WILL be required unless you want a serious sexy, bed-head look for the day :)

Perfume and chocolate covered chips?

It's that time of the month again! :) My Birchbox came this past week! I'll be completely honest --- I'm kind of disappointed with this one and it pains me to say it. I love trying new things, and I should expect to not have everything be catered to me, but this one .... I'm just not thrilled. 

So here is what I tried so far --- 

Perfume vial. First of all, since companies started making their perfumes in a spray trial size I so prefer that! I hate having to be SO careful to open the vial then my fingers smell and taste like the perfume. Gag. Sadly, Atelier Cologne Rose Anonyme kinda did that for me. It was a dab on vial and I really can't stand the smell. I should have known with the word 'rose' in it, it would be extremely flowery. From working in a bank, I have smelled a lot of things. Super sweet little old ladies who OD on flowery perfume is one scent that makes my eyes water and I start to gag. I have a slight opinion about perfume -- can ya tell?! 

Second -- Chocolate covered potato chip - Chuao Chocolatier Assorted ChocoPod. Sounds good, right? Ehh.. If it's a chocolate covered POTATO CHIP -- where was the chip? It was a little crunchy, but I was really hoping for a thick lardy chip covered in chocolate. Not so much. It was like the crumbs at the bottom had been molded into a leaf-like shape and covered in chocolate. But it's only 60 calories.. I wouldn't buy them, but it was nice to try.

I have 3 more items to try, but so far, this box has been a bit of a bust :/

What have I been up to....??

I am so excited to tell you JUST that! Ha. About a month ago I started taking a knitting class in town. I have been wanting to learn how to knit, and YouTube just wasn't helping me at all. I have learned so much in the past month! My first project was a washcloth and I couldn't tell you how many times I ripped it apart and started over. So it has a big hole in it, but I didn't want to start over when I had less than 10 rows to go (whole thing was 60ish). Anyway, it's done, we use it, and I feel more confident about basic knitting stitches. 

Second project was, and still is, a pair of pedicure socks. One is done and the other will be started within the next week or so. 

Within the past month I have also toyed with the idea of making craft items to sell. Starting with some basics - hats, scarves, flowers.. My latest find and fun thing to make are fingerless gloves/mittens. Kinda love them!

In my bag of tricks I have accumulated quite the collection of items -- above mentioned, and add to that fingerless gloves, knitted headbands (LOVE these!), and I'm about to make a prototype coffee sleeve. I'm not sure what may be added, or where this will take me/us, but I love being able to create things. 

OMG I forgot - add to that some basic beading. If you or someone you know has a teething infant I TOTALLY recommend an amber teething necklace. If you have chronic pain (I broke both my wrists in elementary school, 3rd and 4th grade, do a lot of needle crafts - see above - and I have a lot of pain in my wrists in the winter months... Even with adding more crafts, my wrists don't feel as bad as they normally "should". I have been wearing amber bracelets on each for about 2 months.) I also recommend Amber. There are so many healing properties in a number stones. Have an ailment? Let me know and we can talk. 

Wanna see things on a regular basis from me? Become a fan of my facebook page here --- Brandie's Basket. Catchy name, huh? I like it :) 

Have a great day folks!

Ugh. The humidity! The curls! The fly aways! What is a girl to do!?

So, my amazing stylist, Katie from Roots Salon (go see her. She's kind of amazing. And I've known her FOREVER) told me about a new line from Redken. Let me first of all tell you a little about my hair.

1. It's wavy, but it's also developed some weird textures/habits since I've had two babies. It's changed after both kiddos were born. Not a fan, but pregnancy does this!

2. Totally color treated. After I became pregnant with Landon I noticed some grays coming. (tears.) Oh well. It happens.

3. I'm lazy and cheap.

That being said --- When I have time, I love my hair flat-ironed, but seriously. I have zilch time unless Landon is asleep. Even then, there is always a chance only half my head would be finished. However, it's so much easier for me to wash, towel dry, slap on some product, and roll. I'll be honest - I'm usually running late. I try, but it's hard some days. Roots Salon had a sample package of Redken Curls. I am so glad I picked this up!! A try me size of shampoo, conditioner, mousse-like product, diffuser, and some instruction. 

-Shampoo is a low sud shampoo, but I like it. It was weird to use because I'm used to some serious lather, but I like the results!

-Conditioner is very similar to what I am used to. Like it.

-Mousse - not like a puffy, touch and it vanishes. Website describes it as a foam wax. Little tacky, but kind of amazing.

My dear, sweet, fellow curly haired ladies - give it a try! I'm really liking the results! Enjoy and embrace the curls!