Walmart Winter 2014 Beauty Box

Here are the goodies I got in my 2nd beauty box from Walmart. To learn more about this subscription program or to see what I got in my 1st box, please click here. If you would like to sign up to receive your own box, please click https://beautybox.walmart.com/.

By the way, if you are a parent, expecting a baby soon, or need gift ideas, Walmart also has a baby box. For more info on this box, please go to https://babybox.walmart.com/

Disclaimer: I wasn't sent these products. I paid for them myself.

Let's get digging!

Again, the Walmart box came wrapped in plastic so the box wasn't dirty and can be reused!

You will know what season's box you received because it will say it on the included card inside.

 

I received 2 samples with coupons included. I have thought about buying the Maybelline powder, so I can try that now.

Can't have enough face wipes in my opinion. I wonder if this 10 pack of Olay fresh effects makeup removal wet cloths is full size?! 

These are generous sample sizes of Loreal Oleo Therapy shampoo and conditioner. They smell good and since I have been into sulfate free hair products, these are perfect. Can't wait to try them!

 

This Jergens BB Body skin cream smells nice and is a good sample size to carry in bags. It does have a slight tint, but even on my medium/ brown skin tone, it is not a problem.

I wish the Maybelline lipstick in Maple Kiss came wrapped. The color is nice though and I have bought some to try in the past with no success. Now I have my own to play with!

 

Final thoughts

Overall, I am enjoying my Walmart boxes. I love the amount of products I received in both, the variety, and the price is good too. I plan to keep my subscription to this beauty box and can't wait for my next ones!

 

Let me know in the comments below what you think of Walmart's beauty box or what you have received in yours!

Merlin

First impressions

So I was getting tired of Once Upon a Time (now on its 4th season...) and was looking for another TV show to watch. I remembered some friends mentioning Merlin and how much they loved it, but for some reason, I thought it would be like The Lord of the Rings (which is not my favorite). So, I hesitated to watch it for a long time. In my boredom, I finally decided to see what it's about.

I was really surprised that the first few episodes got me interested. The show overall is suspenseful. Some parts of Merlin are scary, sad, and disgusting! I think the show really emphasizes on destiny and revenge. Merlin (the show) is nothing like what I thought it would be and I'm glad I found a new favorite TV show!

Watch Merlin!

I know I'm late on it, but watching Merlin after all 5 seasons are complete isn't so bad. I don't have to wait for episodes to air and can watch them at my own pace. I am currently on season 5 and watch Merlin on hulu.com. All 5 seasons (65 episodes) are free on hulu.com and if you haven't watched Merlin yet, you can still watch them here at http://www.hulu.com/merlin. Beware of the ads on hulu though. They ruin the fun of continuously watching Merlin!

The characters

Speaking of Merlin, this time the MAIN character of the show, I love his funny sarcastic remarks! He is also very brave, smart, and a good friend, especially to Arthur. For this reason, I hate how Arthur treats Merlin. Arthur does eventually admit they are friends, so I guess their "horseplay" is just how Arthur shows he cares and needs Merlin.

Arthur's father, Uther Pendragon, is probably one of the dumbest characters, despite him being king. Uther is also a big hypocrite, which I hate! From the "good" characters, I dislike Uther the most. Arthur is different I think, because people like Merlin make him believe in himself and that he is a worthy individual. The two Pendragons are quick to overlook facts and not believe those who are trustworthy.

Gwen, along with Merlin, is another one of my favorite characters. She is really  smart and looks for good in others, especially in Arthur! At first I didn't like how the only woman of color on the show (if I can remember correctly) plays a lower class character. But it did make sense in the end.

Morgana! I didn't have a problem with her in the first few episodes, but once she turned bad, I really hated her. I'm sorry fans of Morgana, and please excuse me saying this, but she is an evil b****!!! This is what I think every time she messes things up and tries to take revenge. I know there has to be an evil character, but if Merlin would just have killed her the many chances he got, everyone's life would be easier. I feel like almost every other episode includes her and the ones that don't, are fillers. I don't mind the show taking a break once in a while from focusing on Morgana and some of these episodes are actually good.

Final thoughts

I enjoyed watching Merlin and am a little sad that I am almost done with the series :( I really wish there was more! I highly recommend the show to everyone, especially to those who are interested in the story of King Arthur or fans of shows/movies with magic.

Black Friday 2014 Haul

I went a little crazy and did a huge haul this Black Friday. I did go in store to Bed, Bath, and Beyond as well as JCPenny, but didn't get anything exciting from the two. The exciting items (in my opinion) were purchased online. You might notice I got a few things I mentioned in my last wishlist/ shopping list ;) I used ebates and saved even more money then I would have without it. This is my first Black Friday (BF) using ebates. I wrote about ebates here and HIGHLY suggest the site for online shopping throughout the year! Feel free to join ebates using this. You will NOT regret it!

Anyways, below are the items I purchased online on Black Friday. Click on the images to enlarge them. I also got a new battery for my HP laptop, but I don't think that is interesting to share, so I didn't add a picture. Here are my goodies :) Remember, I did not pay full price for any of these. That is the great thing about shopping during sales like BF!

Disclaimer: I am not trying to show off or brag. I just want to share my exciting purchases that I might review on this blog in the future iA, especially if it is requested!

Macy's
This is my first time purchasing anything from Macy's. I was excited about everything I ordered and the great deals too! Ebates gave 10% cashback from Macy's and Macy's.com had there own BF deals for different items.

 

I fell in love with the colors, tassels, and print on this Say What? Juniors' Fringed Floral-Print Kimono. This is my first kimono and I have worn it once since I received it a few weeks ago. My only compliant is the size. I thought I ordered a large because when I wore it, the kimono felt and looked big on me. But, I got a medium, so the size seems to run up. Or maybe it is because I am extra petite for my age ;)

For more info. about this item, please click here.



 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, a new winter coat! I have been wanting a new winter coat and thought about getting one with a skirt at the bottom. I found the Celebrity Pink Hooded Ruffle-Hem Peacoat on Macy's site and decided to get it in black and large to see if I like it. Two pictures show how the coat looks tied. It is fitted and although it isn't as long as I wanted, I do still like it. The nice collar makes it look a little military style, which I like and it does keep me warm.

 

For more info. about this item, please click here.

 

 

Please excuse the upside down tag. I have no clue why it came this way, but no one can see it when it is it on anyway.

 

 

 



I found this GUESS Juliet Avery Satchel and fell in love with the print (as you will see). I have wanted a bag that has black and brown in it, and I am guessing (and hoping) that once the bag is worn, after a while the tan straps will darken a bit to a clean looking color. This is my first structured/ satchel bag and after wearing it since I got it, I don't mind the shorter straps. I did NOT get the detachable strap with 23" drop as written in the details of this product. The bag can fit more if the 2 side straps are loosened. A nice charm bracelet comes with the bag (which is too small to be worn even on my tiny wrists), so I leave it on the bag. There is also a back pocket which is good to keep quick to get items, like keys and a phone.  

 

For more info. about this item, please click here.

 



 

 

 

ebags.com 

This will be my 2nd purchase from ebags.com. Ebates gave 20% cashback and ebags also had 20% off on purchases, including the bag I chose!

 

 

This is probably the most exciting thing I got on BF; a new and bigger crossbody bag that looks like an expensive Chanel bag I will never buy! I loved this GUESS Juliet Crossbody Flap bag since I first saw it on Macy's.com and really wanted it. Ebags' deal on BF was too good to pass up so I decided to get it. Just like the Guess satchel bag above, this one also came with the bracelet and is the same print, which I love! It looks classy and would be nice to wear to fancy invites like parties or weddings. It can be worn crossbody or as seen in the picture above. I wish it had a back pocket, but I can deal with it not having one. The inside does fit a lot, as I have seen. I cannot wait to finally put this bag to use!

 

For more info. about this item, please click here.

 

Walgreens

I got 25% off on walgreens.com for BF!

 

I finally got my own epilator! Now I can save time and money (in the long run) when it comes to removing unwanted hair. I have used this a few times and it does hurt a little. It takes some time to completely remove all the hair, for example on each arm. The end result looks clean and feels smooth so to me, it is worth using an epilator. 

 

Personal MicroDerm

PMD isn't on ebates, but I did use a discount code sent by PMD to my email to get it for even less then the sale price!

 

For more info. about this item, please click here.

 

 

My PMD took way too long to come, but it finally did yesterday. I haven't tried this yet, but am looking forward to clear skin again. 

 

I plan to do in-depth reviews after I use some of these items a bit more. These are just my first impressions. If you got any good deals on BF, share the details with me in the comments below!

NOTW- Purple Mani (and Teal Pedi) of the Week

This is what I currently have on my nails. My nails look a little darker than the pictures below, but I still like it. Under different lighting, my nails look 2 different colors! Click the images to enlarge them and continue below for a list of products.

I did 2 coats of the base color for an opaque finish.

This is the order I actually put everything on.

Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Base and Top Coat (as a base)

WetnWild Fast Dry Nail Color in 31C Buffy the Violet Slayer

Sally Hansen HD Nail Color in 10 LCD

Out the Door Top Coat for Nails

 

Again, I am not going to show my toes online, so I swatched the color on my nail wheel.  

 

Sally Hansen Ultimate Shield Base and Top Coat (as a base)

WetnWild Fast Dry Nail Color in 228C Teal of Fortune

Out the Door Top Coat for Nails

My YouTube Subscriptions

 

A while ago, I made a goal for myself to unsubscribe from as many YouTube channels as possible. Weird, right? I'm sure that's the opposite of what many of us do. But, I had WAY TOO MANY subscriptions, at one point I remember having over 30! I know I waste too much time on YouTube and even after unsubbing from a bunch, I still go on YouTube almost every single day.

Now I'm not saying YouTube is bad. YouTube is my TV (literally)! You could learn a lot from just watching videos, but it can get out of control. I wanted to limit how many "fun" videos I "waste" my time on. I thought doing a post listing ALL my subscriptions (from my side account) would motivate me to really think about which channels are worth being subbed to and which aren't. For now, I am subscribed to...








15 channels!!!!

That might still be a lot to some people, but from what I started with, 15 is an improvement. I still watch videos on other channels (when I am really bored/ want to kill time), but the ones below are my 15 favorites! (Click their names if you want to check them out :)

1. Amenakin- go to for hijab tutorials
2. ciaoobelllaxo
3. Elle Fowler
4. emilynoel83
5. Fleur DeForce- fav. international youtuber
6. juicystar07- first beauty "guru" I watched almost 5 years ago!
7. Lilith Moon- love her hair tutorials
8. Makeup Geek
9. MakeupByTiffanyD- my fav. person for beauty videos
10. MissJenFABULOUS- love her nail art tutorials
11. NikkiPhillippi
12. Nye Armstrong- funny hijabi
13. PippityBop- fav. booktuber
14. PrankvsPrank- hilarious and sometimes crazy, pranks
15. Tati- my 2nd fav. for beauty videos

Walmart and Target Beauty Boxes

This week I have been getting some exciting boxes in the mail, 2 of them being beauty boxes from Walmart and Target!

*I wasn't sent these products for free. I paid for them myself.

Walmart beauty box

I found out about Walmart's box a few weeks ago from YouTube. It looked interesting and sounded like a good deal, so I signed up too! *Only pay for shipping & handling, which is always a flat $5 fee.

About the program:

1. Sign up for your first box- Sign up today for your first box. Each box is hand-selected with products that fit your life-stage and are seasonally relevant. We'll process it right away, and you should receive it within one to two weeks.

2. Get a new box every three months- We'll send you your next box every season (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter). You'll only ever be charged for shipping, which occurs when your box is sent to you.

3. Enjoy! (and tell us about it.)- We would love to hear your thoughts on the products you receive! You may receive a survey, and we encourage you to tell us all about your experiences with our products.

Unfortunately, the Fall box is sold out, but you can sign up now to receive the Winter box when it comes out. To sign up, go to https://beautybox.walmart.com/ Below is what I got in my Fall Beauty Box.

I love how this box (and the Target one) came wrapped in plastic so the box wasn't dirty.

 

 

I'm not sure if this Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid deodorant is a sample or full size, but either way, you can never have enough deo.!

Love that the Loreal Glossy Balm came wrapped!

I don't have any nail polish in this color so I can't wait to see how the Cover Girl Glowing Nights Glosstini in After Dark looks on my nails!

Got some samples of Dove Advanced Hair Series Oxygen Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner, and Dove Pure Care Dry Oil. They smell good!

 

A sample of Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday was included. It smells good, not too strong or sweet in my opinion, but familiar. I hate opening these difficult caps though...

 

I have a bunch of these Loreal Youth Code Pore Vanisher samples. I haven't used them yet, so I probably should start.

I love this idea of including a bit of different shades of foundations to try. Now if only I can find a matching shade of Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Makeup (foundation) using this.

Target beauty box

I heard about this box a long time ago, but was never able to get my hands on it. I went on https://www.facebook.com/TargetStyle after reading a comment on Youtube (can you tell I spend a shameless amount of time on YouTube :P) around the same time I found out about Walmart's box, and saw Target post about their beauty box being back!

I'm not sure if this box is sold out yet, but you can try getting a box @ http://www.target.com/p/target-beauty-box/-/A-16331809#prodSlot=_1_1 If it is sold out, check their FB page often for when they come out with more.

*I suggest using ebates (read about it @ http://theskyisthelimitsf.blogspot.com/2014/08/how-i-make-some-extra.html) when getting these boxes. I used ebates for Target (forgot about Walmart) so I paid basically less that the already cheap price. You can sign up for ebates @ http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=mhAJNz%2BwjsAEmUBOrqNuvg%3D%3D

I paid $7 for this box and got the goodies down below.

This Target box came in a white reusable cardboard box with a Target printed slip cover.

I like how for this Target box, you get a paper with some info. about the products included.

 

I don't really use hairspray, but will find a use for the Loreal Elnett Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. I am most excited to try the Fekkai Blowout Hair Refresher Dry Shampoo. Unfortunately, the inside where the lid snaps came broken :(

 

The Loreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lipstick in Ruby Opera (more like a gloss stain) is a nice dark pink. My only complaint is it didn't come wrapped (for peace of mind)...

I have tried the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk before, but wasn't a fan of it. I will try it again and see if I can make it work.

 

I've seen the Laneige BB Cushion (sample) being used before and it looks interesting. Hope the color matches!!

 

Final thoughts

 

Between these Walmart and Target boxes, I am more impressed and excited about the Walmart box. You get more products and it is $2 less than the Target box. You can find out what products are inside the Target box before you order it. The Walmart box had some variety based on the age entered when signing up, but you can still find out what is inside from YouTube videos! Can't wait to try these out :)