Philosophy 101

As a mommy to two little ones, it's very seldom that I get a moment to myself; it seems as if I have at least one permanent companion at all times. I'm not complaining; I'm kind of enamored with my babies and I love that they seem to be endlessly fascinated with me and all my doings. It's like having an in house fan club! The only time it gets a bit tiresome is when it comes to going into the bathroom, for any reason whatsoever. I tend to have tagalongs for that, regardless of the, uh, task at hand.

I took ill over the weekend, and was literally down for the count and weak with fever until last night. When I finally surfaced from my haze (and got a proper whiff of myself), I decided to indulge in a bath (as I was still too weak to stand in the shower for a substantial amount of time and it seemed as if the babies were sufficiently distracted at the time).

See, when the little ones hear bath water running, it's like the Bat Signal: they stop whatever they are doing, run from where ever they were, and either disrobe (London) or attempt to catapult themselves, fully clothed (Kenzie) into the tub. So it truly is a luxury for me to take a bath, particularly one all by myself. As such, I have many accoutrements associated with taking a bath: oils, salts, candles, and my favorite, bubble bath.

Other than the Purity Made Simple Facial Cleanser (which I love), I haven't had a lot of personal experience with Philosophy products, but I have heard a great deal of wonderful things about them. So I was very excited to try their Vanilla Birthday Cake Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath. I honestly got it with no interest in using it as anything other than a bubble bath, but I do think it's pretty awesome that it is so multi purpose.

photo via Philosophy.com

photo via Philosophy.com

So I was kind of psyched to be using this bubble bath for the first time; I was envisioning luxurious, frothy bubbles and for the bathroom to transform into a homey little bakery as it filled with the warm, sweet scent of  rich vanilla birthday cake. However, neither things occurred. Womp womp. Unfortunately, the bubbles were sparse, minuscule,  and faded within  minutes of forming in the bath water. And the scent was virtually nonexistent; I had to take a deep whiff straight from the bottle to reassure myself that it was supposed to be fragranced. Sigh.

Anyway, Kenzie decided to join me in the bath before the tub was even halfway full. C'est la vie. I ended up utilizing the other 2 purposes of the gel; I used it as shampoo and shower gel for the baby. It actually worked quite well in those capacities (though I truly wish the fragrance was little more potent). So it wasn't a complete fail, just one for the intents and purposes I actually purchased it for. 

What is your experience with Philosophy? Should I perhaps try another scent and consider this experience to be simply a one off? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Until next time...

Ciao, XxO, 

Q

My Favorite Bedtime Story

I am a wife and a stay at home mommy to 3 daughters, aged 11, 3, and 1. The concept of “me time” (quality “me time” at least) has been nonexistent for over a year now. There was a little pocket of time when the two little ones would take a nap at the same time, while my husband was at work and my oldest daughter was still at school, but I usually used that time to get necessary housework done. By the end of the day, once everyone was clean, fed, happy, and drifting merrily off to slumberland, I was so drop dead exhausted, most days I counted myself lucky if I could muster up the energy to swipe a cleansing cloth over my face. Thus was the  extent of my skincare regimen.

But today is a new day! Yes, I’m still bone weary by the time the house falls silent and everyone else is asleep. Now I manage to stay awake to enjoy one of the best (and one of my absolute favorite) parts of the day, my “me time,” aka my Nighttime Ritual. I spend at least 30 minutes in my little bathroom, removing my makeup, cleansing my face, moisturizing my skin, and pampering my curly tresses. Sometimes I even play a little music and light a candle. It is one of the highlights of my day. It doesn’t matter how tired I am (or how many times my husband wakes up to ask me what I’m doing in there and why I am taking so long), I relish this time and have no idea what took so long for me to do this for myself. I sleep better, I am happier, and my skin looks PHENOMENAL.

The final part of my routine happens once I get back in the bed. Since my hands just spent the better part of 30 minutes immersed in water (and I wash them like 2 times during the course of the whole routine), the last thing I do before I go to sleep is put on a nice hand cream. Not just any old lotion, cream, oil, or butter-it has to be a legit hand cream (my husband has no idea why this makes a bit of difference, but it does to me). And I’m all out…

I really liked my old tube of hand cream (a marvelous concoction from Bath and Body Works), but as a beauty junkie, I love to try new things. So when I ran across this new (to me at least) brand, I had to take a closer look.

Jurlique is a brand being featured in April’s Birchbox. According to them (and experience has inclined me to take their word for it): “Not only do their skincare products feel (and smell) amazing on your skin, they also have an impressive dedication to planet earth. The eco-conscious company’s packaging is already 95 percent recyclable. And now Jurlique has pledged to reduce its energy and water consumption as well as its amount of waste to landfill by 20 percent by 2015.” Color me intrigued!

So I checked out Jurlique’s products on Birchbox’s website and found this lovely…

Jurlique Lavender Hand Cream

LAVENDER hand cream, people! What a perfect goodnight kiss!  This rich hand cream uses safflower seed oil and macadamia oil to restore moisture and protect from future dryness. Carrot root extract and aloe vera soften and soothe, while vitamin E provides antioxidant protection for the skin. It  would be the perfect addition to top off my night time ritual. 

So, what is your definition of "me time?" How do you treat yourself? Does your bedtime routine rival mine? My inquiring mind wants to know. Let me know in the comments below. Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

Didn't Think That I Could Be More Excited About Birchbox Than I Already Was...

I've already shared my love for Birchbox  in a previous post (here), but I don't think that adequately expressed how great I think this subscription service truly is.  I can not explain the absolute excitement I feel when I get the email that my box has shipped and the sheer giddiness I get when I check the mail and find that it has finally arrived. Just the fact that I get to try out so many new (and awesome) products and learn about brands I would have not otherwise heard of is enough, but there's also the informative and fun emails, blog posts, and YouTube videos to enjoy. Birchbox is truly one of the most well rounded subscriptions services out there. And now there are two more reasons to love them.

Birchbox has just launched Birchbox Man, a $20 a month subscription that will deliver high end grooming and lifestyle goods direct to your door! What an awesome gift that would be for the discerning men in your life!

But what I'm truly EXCITED about (other than the arrival of my April box) is the May Birchbox. I just received this press release:

LIVE AND LOOK LIKE YOUR FAVORITE UPPER EAST SIDER WITH GOSSIP GIRL–INSPIRED BIRCHBOX 

 Curated by the Key Makeup Artist and Hairstylist of The CW’s Hit Series, Special Edition Birchbox Features Distinct Looks Inspired by the World of Gossip Girl 

 Whether your look is downtown chic or uptown fabulous, Birchbox—the company helping women discover the best new beauty and lifestyle products—will partner with The CW’s hit drama series Gossip Girl (Mondays 8/7c) this May to curate a special edition Birchbox filled with Gossip Girl–inspired glamour. 

The Gossip Girl Birchbox will contain chic beauty products inspired by Manhattan’s poshest social set, chosen in consultation with the series’ department head for makeup, Amy Tagliamonti, and department head for hair, Jennifer Johnson. New subscribers to Birchbox will receive the Gossip Girl box as their first monthly delivery in May—just in time for the season finale of Gossip Girl airing Monday, May 14, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on The CW. Fans can also watch Gossip Girl via The CW’s new app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. For more information on the special edition Gossip Girl Birchbox, or to join Birchbox’s growing number of subscribers, visit www.birchbox.com/gossipgirl.

 “We are so excited to announce Gossip Girl as the first entertainment brand to partner with Birchbox,” said Sonia Borris, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Operations, Warner Bros. Television Group. “Gossip Girl fans — like Birchbox subscribers — are cutting-edge trendsetters who easily navigate and populate the social media landscape, and are trendsetters in fashion and beauty. This is a perfect way to give these influential fans their own Gossip Girl experience.” “Gossip Girl is one of the biggest trendsetters in fashion, but also in beauty,” said Katia Beauchamp, Birchbox, Co-Founder. “At Birchbox, we are passionate about sharing the latest and greatest beauty products, styles and tips, so partnering with Gossip Girl was a natural fit. We think our subscribers will be delighted with the special Gossip Girl Birchbox.” 

 Gossip Girl airs Mondays at 8/7c on The CW. The series—from Fake Empire, Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios—was developed by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, who serve as executive producers with Leslie Morgenstein, Bob Levy and Joshua Safran. 

 About Birchbox Launched in 2010, Birchbox is the discovery commerce platform redefining the retail process by offering consumers a personalized way to discover, sample, shop and learn about the best beauty and lifestyle products and brands available. Birchbox members have first-touch experiences with products each month and access to educational content to help them get the most out of their products. Top brands like Kiehl’s, Benefit, Deborah Lippmann and Stila have partnered with Birchbox. 

I'll admit that Gossip Girl is one of my guilty pleasures. I DVR it every week and watch it while the hubby is at work (so I don't have to suffer his ridicule for watching it). I love it! The fashion, the style, the life in the city; I'm hooked. So I'm totally stoked about this collaboration and Birchbox set the bar awfully high after partnering with Teen Vogue for the March 2012 box (I received a full size Essie Luxe Effects nail polish AND a Tarte LipSurgence pencil in addition to several other goodies). 

If you haven't signed up for Birchbox, now's definitely the time to do it!

Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

Speaking of Oils...

Hello lovelies! Since I previously wrote a post about Josie Maran and just recently shared my obsession with oils (including Argan Oil), I thought I'd share this press release with you...

INTRODUCING THE “MODEL CITIZEN” ARGAN OIL COLLECTION

FROM JOSIE MARAN COSMETICS

THINK: Luxury with a conscience, beauty for a cause.

WHAT THEY ARE: Three Model Citizens.  Three charities to support.  Three bottles of Limited Edition 100% Pure Argan Oil.  It takes more than a pretty face to be a model citizen—but in the case of supermodels Josie Maran, Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall, it sure helps. They may be famous for their beauty, but these three activists are committed to improving the world we live in, bringing new meaning to the term “model citizen.” That’s why the eco-beauty maven behind Josie Maran Cosmetics tapped fellow models Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall to join her in creating limited edition artwork for the bottles of her signature Argan Oil to benefit the causes they believe in. Launching in conjunction with Earth Day, each of the three limited-edition designs supports a cause close to one of the model’s hearts.

“Living in a sustainable, earth-friendly way that benefits the planet has always been an essential part of beauty for me,” explains Josie Maran. “Petra and Angela are also so dedicated and passionate about the causes they support, and I wanted to share our enthusiasm with the world. We want to encourage everyone to join us in becoming ‘model citizens,’ and the limited-edition Argan Oils are a great place to start.”

ABOUT JOSIE AND HER CHARITY:

Josie Maran is a supermodel, mother, and the founder and Chief Eco Officer of Josie Maran Cosmetics, a company committed to creating Luxury with a Conscience beauty products that are both good for you and safe for the Earth.

Women for Women International gives women survivors of war tools to become self-sufficient. Since its creation, Women for Women International has given hope to more than 299,000 women survivors of war and conflict and helped them move toward economic self-sufficiency with our year-long program of direct aid, rights education, job skills training, and small business development. We have distributed $95 million in direct aid, microcredit loans, and other program services. Since 1993, Women for Women International has mobilized more than 250,000 women and men in 130 countries worldwide to reach out and support women survivors of war – one woman at a time.

About the Design:  “My mother, daughter, friends, and coworkers are all women who inspire, support, and challenge me everyday.  To empower each other, to hold each other up and to stand together is how we’ll change the world. I wanted my bottle to capture this powerful message and to reflect this truly important cause.”

ABOUT PETRA AND HER CHARITY:

Petra Nemcova is a model, host, author, philanthropist and the founder of the Happy Hearts Fund (HHF).

Happy Hearts Fund is a non-profit foundation dedicated to rebuilding schools and restoring hope and opportunity in the lives of children after natural disasters. HHF works during the period after emergency response is complete, implementing sustainable practices to ensure a lasting impact.  Globally, HHF is active in nine countries and has built/rebuilt 56 schools and kindergartens. Since inception our programs have benefited more than 34,412 children and 337,450 community members.

About the Design:  “Like the girl in the artwork, I hope all the children that benefit from HHF are uplifted from hardship to a brighter future after natural disaster.  That’s what the balloon hearts symbolize to me – a better life for those children. After what they’ve been through, they deserve this and I will always make this a mission of mine.”

ABOUT ANGELA AND HER CHARITY:

Angela Lindvall is a supermodel, actress, mother, an active environmentalist and a health advocate.

Healthy Child Healthy World ignites the movement that empowers parents to protect children from harmful chemicals by expanding awareness of unnecessary toxic risks to children's health, encouraging easy actions and responsible lifestyle choices, advocating for corporate policies and government legislation that protect children from environmental health risks and engaging communities to take collective actions to create a healthier world.

About the Design: “The simplicity of the dandelion symbolizes what I would like for the future of our planet: an environment free from toxins and harmful chemicals that grows and exists peacefully, and the promise of hope for the children of the world. From an early age, we’re taught to wish on dandelions and I hope to inspire people to remember to be positive and to always look forward.” 

I'm already a fan of argan oil (and Josie Maran) so I think this is a wonderful venture. And the charity connection definitely makes the splurge more worthwhile in my opinion. What is your experience with Josie Maran products? Does a product's or company's charitable affiliation make it more likely for you to make a purchase? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and tell me all about it. Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

Oils: Otherwise Known As My New Obsessions

I'm wracking my brain to figure out when this obsession began. I mean, oils and butters have always been tools in my repertoire to combat dry skin and hair, but somewhere along the line, I've amassed quite the collection of various oils, for various purposes, and I love them all!

What can (the right) oil not be used for? I squirt good old Johnson & Johnson's baby oil into the tub when I put my little ones in for bath time. That way, if I can't wrestle them down to lather them in lotion once they get out, I can feel safe that their skin is still sufficiently moisturized. Or, if I'm able to keep the baby still for just a little while, baby oil is the easiest and quickest thing to apply to keep her skin soft, smooth, and protected. I also use the same baby oil when I use my scented lotions from Bath & Body Works, etc. Not only does it give my skin extra moisture (and a lovely feel and sheen), but it also extends the life of my lotions (several of which are seasonal releases and/or discontinued).

This is the kind that we use. I LOVE it! (photo via Target.com)

Then there's my BELOVED Coconut Oil. It starts as a solid, but melts in the heat of your hands and it can be used for absolutely EVERYTHING! But I use it in my hair while it's dry as an aid to detangle my curly q's. My thirsty tresses soak it right up and my hair is left soft, silky and incredibly manageable. I have no idea how I existed without it!

This is the brand I am currently using. I love it because it has a great, faint coconut scent. (photo via jamaicanblackcastoroil.com)

I am a Julep Maven, and once a month I get a lovely black box with the best nail colors EVER! I usually just get 3 or 4 nail polishes, but one month I opted to get a bottle of Argan Oil in lieu of one of my polishes. Boy, am I happy I made that decision! For no more than I usually pay a month ($19.99) I got 3 great polishes and a good sized bottle of pure Argan Oil. I was unsure how to use it for a while, but when I revamped my night time skin routine I decided to incorporate it as my facial moisturizer. I was kind of wary about putting oil on my face in the beginning, as I have oily (and what I mistakenly believed to be acne prone) skin, but imagine my surprise when I began to wake up every morning with GLOWING (and by golly, CLEAR) skin! I'm totally a convert; I believe in the power of Argan Oil!

By itself, it's $24.99 which still isn't that bad. I use 3 to 4 drops and rub them between my hands, before gently patting them over my face. It absorbs quickly and never leaves me looking or feeling greasy. (photo via julep.com)

Last, but certainly not least, there is Bio Oil. Oh Bio Oil! I have given birth to 3 babies that each gave me battle scars on my belly that you would not believe, but I did not purchase this gem until recently. I burned one of my boobs (yes, I said boobs) with a heating pad (long story) and it left an unsightly (and very visible) scar. So I searched on Amazon and got a great deal on a bottle of Bio Oil and didn't even have to leave my house to get it! I use it twice a day and though it's been less than a month, I already see an improvement. 

These are just my top four! Now that I've opened my mind to the vast wonders that oils are capable of, I'm literally on a quest for more  (maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but like the title says, I'm kind of obsessed now). So what oils do you incorporate in your skin, hair, and beauty routines? What brands do you like and why? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you're using (maybe I'll try it to). Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

CGC: The Name Says It All

First, the good news: I made it through the entire month of March (and a little bit before and up until now) without using a comb or brush in my hair to detangle it. This, in conjunction with the use of a myriad of various new products, has led to a noticeable difference in my hair: it is longer, thicker, shinier, and presumably healthier. Yay!

Now on to the bad news. Don't judge me, but I think I see straight hair in my near future. I probably won't keep it for more than a week or two, but I am in desperate need of a hair cut (due to an unfortunate and embarrassing accident involving a lit, 3-wick candle and my hair), and I feel like the cut will be more precise on straight hair (and it'll be easier for me to assess the actual loss of length my accident caused).

Thanks to the wonderful ladies at NaturallyCurly.com, I've been able to learn so much about how to take care of and make the best of my curly tresses. In addition to an ongoing and invaluable education, with them I have found constant encouragement to be myself and a sense of camaraderie and community.

Part of the education I have received has involved something called "The Curly Girl Method." I won't go into great detail about it (as I am not a staunch follower of the practice, but do recognize it's value), but one of the core principles is the "no-poo" approach. See, most shampoos contain harsh, drying sulfates that are extremely damaging for curly hair, which is particularly fragile.Because they strip hair of it's natural oils and moisture, they  make curly hair frizzy and uncooperative. "The Curly Girl Method" encourages regularly using conditioner as an effective method of cleansing the hair without the stripping it, while incorporating gentle shampoos that contain mild cleaners (like cocamidopropyl bentaine or coco bentaine) occasionally for a deeper clean.

Use Me is line of vegan, sulfate and paraben free, salon quality products that are not only good for your hair, but are eco friendly too! I had the chance to try out the Cleanser, Moisturizer, and Curl Up & Shine Creme and was quite pleased. 

One of the things that I really liked about this line was the detailed instructions on how to properly use it. The cleanser says to use it every day or every other day, and to use it directly on your scalp and NOT the hair shaft or ends, and to rinse it thoroughly with tepid water. It left my hair clean, but not squeaky, and oh so soft. It also has a very pleasing, light and natural scent. 

The moisturizer (conditioner) has the same heavenly scent. It states just the opposite of the cleanser; you are to use it on your hair and NOT your scalp. You start by gently removing the excess water from your hair and applying the moisturizer from the ends up, while being careful to keep  it away from your scalp, and rinsing immediately with cold water. After using it, I was able to detangle my hair (with my fingers) and it was soft and smooth (silky even!). 

The Curl Up & Shine Creme has a slightly different scent from the cleanser and moisturizer (bummer). It can be used daily to prevent frizz and enhance your curls. Like the moisturizer, you start application from the ends of your hair and work your way up the shaft, putting only very little on to your scalp. It tells you that a little bit goes a long way (use only 1/2 a tea spoon or so), and once applied, not to mess with your hair until it is completely dry. This product was the only disappointment in the line. While it left my hair satisfactorily moisturized, it didn't do much to actually define my curls. But my hair felt really, REALLY good. 

All in all, I really liked Use Me as a line. I especially like that I feel safe using on my young daughters because it is free of chemicals and gentle on the hair.  I think that for me personally, when I use the line I use an additional styling product with, so as to give me the definition I like. 

So what are your holy grail products for your hair? What odd methods do you implement to keep your hair beautiful and healthy? Better yet, have you ever had a hair catastrophe that led to major re haul of your look? My inquiring mind wants to know! Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

PS: FTC Disclaimer-All the products mentioned were provided to me by NaturallyCurly.com and Use Me products. I was not paid to review them and the opinion stated is honest and entirely my own.