June 2013 Julep Maven Box

I could have titled this post "The Accidental Julep Maven Box" as I actually meant to skip the month but somehow managed to forget...  Julep Maven's June box was titled "Sail into Summer" and featured a 'Nantucket Nostalgia Collection of preppy, playful color to have you daydreaming of beaches and boardwalks.'

Most of the Julep Maven styles for the month included two nail polishes and a new product, a "DD Crème" (a "Dynamic Do-all makeup"), basically Julep's attempt at the popular BB Cream.  This product was one of the main reasons I intended to skip the month's box.  I've learned over many, many month's of Julep Maven boxes that, while I tend to enjoy Julep polishes, I really haven't been impressed with most of their attempts at makeup, haircare, etc.

My concerns regarding the "DD Crème" were, unfortunately, justified.  The color of the actual product is much more orange toned than the swatches provided by Julep.  Additional, I'm not sure why I ended up with the Medium shade of the crème, but from what I can tell of the complaints of other Mavens, even the lightest shade was much too dark and orange.  Even aside from color, the consistency and coverage of the product is sorely lacking.  This really just another failed American BB Cream attempt (essentially a glorified tinted moisturizer with hardly any coverage).  This product seems to have disappointed the vast majority of Mavens and I hope Julep will take note in the future to stick to what they're good at (polish).

The DD Crème comes in four shades and retails for $36.00.

Along with the DD Crème, I also received two polishes in my Classic With a Twist box: Kennedy, a khaki crème, and Martha, a polo pink crème.  Had I mindfully chosen to order this month's Maven box, I probably would have chosen a different style profile to have received different shades as these two didn't really stand out to me.  Kennedy (the khaki) doesn't seem like a shade that will flatter a lot of skin tones (I didn't find it particularly pretty in the swatches Julep provided), and Martha (the pale pink) isn't a shade I'm usually attracted to.  After a quick swatch on my nails, the formula of these polishes seems quite nice (both apply fairly evenly and are fully opaque in two coats); yet, I'm just not crazy about the colors.

The polishes each retail for $14.00.

Value of the June "Classic With a Twist" Julep Maven box: $64.00

Overall, I'm definitely disappointed in this month's box (which I expected).  I'll certainly be more attentive from now on and make sure I remember to choose the "skip" option when I'm less than thrilled about the contents of the monthly box.

May 2013 GLOSSYBOX USA

May marked the one year anniversary of GLOSSYBOX's USA launch, "This month we put together a special collection full of treats that embraces both our past and future, with a fun nod to New York City, our hometown.  Here's to many more years of sparkle!"  I had high expectations for the products that would be included in their anniversary box...

My May GLOSSYBOX included the following items:

Amorepacific - Color Control Cushion Compact ($60/30 g)
This Color Control Cushion Compact is a multitasking wonder.  It contains powerful broad-spectrum SPF protection to combat free radicals, deep hydration for replenished skin, and complete coverage for smooth skin all in one lightweight, portable compact.

Sample size: 4 g
Sample value: $8.00

I received the shade 208 Amber Gold which, from what I can tell, is the darkest shade this product comes in.  I have the fairest of fair skintones so there is absolutely no way this product is going to work for me (scroll down for a closeup of the product and a swatch).  Unfortunately since the product is so ridiculously dark, I can't really even try it out to see if I appreciate any of the benefits it claims to offer.  Huge disappointment.

Être Belle - Collagen & Aloe Vera Hydro Mask ($39.50/10 packs)
This restructuring and moisturizing Collagen & Aloe Vera mask provides skin with an extreme moisture boost that improves elasticity and promotes hydration.  Tip: Use it just before bedtime to reap optimum benefits.

Sample size: 1 pack
Sample value: $3.95

I haven't tried this mask yet, but I'm really looking forward to using it!  I'll probably save it for the evening before an upcoming party I'm hosting when I'll want my skin to look especially nice.  I imagine this will be a nice, refreshing product to use and will be enjoyable regardless of how well it ends up working.  I have oily, well hydrated skin so this isn't the type of mask I typically gravitate towards (I swear by clay mask to detoxify and help control oil), but I'm thrilled to have this sample to try nonetheless!

European Wax Center - Slow it Body Wash ($20.00/ 8 oz) and Slow it Body Lotion ($20.00/8 oz)
(Slow it Body Wash) Prevents ingrown hair, leaves skin clear, deters bumps and blemishes while hydrating the skin.  (Slow it Body Lotion) Nourishes and softens skin while decreasing hair density to allow for softer, thinner hair growth.

Sample sizes: 4 ml (each)
Sample value: $0.68

I don't have much to say about these samples.  I haven't tried them yet, but the sizes are so tiny that I don't think I'll have enough of either product for a full use.  The claims for both products are rather bold, so I'm curious to see if they'll impress me or not.

My Prime - Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer ($68.00/60 ml)
My Prime's lightweight moisturizer packs a double punch with intense hydration and superior anti-aging benefits while delivering a flawless, matte finish.  It also doubles as a primer that keeps your makeup on all day long.

Sample size: 10 ml
Sample value: $11.33

For an oily-skinned gal like myself, this Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer sounds like an ideal product.  I'm thrilled to have received this and excited to try it out; though I will say, even with oily skin, I'm usually a little hesitant to skip a "real" moisturizer before using a mattifying product that claims to moisturize.  I'll definitely test this out by itself and after moisturizing to see what I think about the product used both ways.  I'm really pleased to have received a pretty generous amount of the product as well; there should be plenty to really give it a try over a few weeks to see how my skin reacts to it over time.

Nicka K New York - Absolute! Perfume Stick ($14.99/0.29 oz)
Absolute! Solid Perfumes embody the spirit and passion of New York, the city that never sleeps.  Escape the everyday with evocative scents, both refined and seductive, and each with a different secret to discover.  Parceled in beautiful, boutique-inspired packaging, these addictive perfumes are perfectly sized to slip into your purse and transform your world.

Sample size: 0.29 oz
Sample value: $14.99

I received the scent Parc de 59, which is described as "clean, sunny, bright... gentle green tea echoes crisply, sweet and floral notes for an amazingly refreshing combination."  I wasn't initially drawn to the scent, but the more I smell it, the more I like it.  It's definitely a lot greener and earthier than what I normally reach for, but it's very clean and pleasant.  I really do love the packaging on the perfume!  This will probably be a handbag staple for me this summer as I think it would be a great pick-me-up scent after a long, hot day.

Sebastian Professional - Volupt Spray ($19.95/5.07 oz)
The Volupt Spray is a volume-building spray gel with the cushion particle technology that best combines full volume and sensual softness.  Shake well to activate its two-phase formula and spray on damp hair.  Blowdry for extra body or air-dry to enhance waves and curls.

Sample size: 1.7 oz
Sample value: $6.69

At first I was really nervous to see that this volume spray was a gel.  However, upon reading the description and seeing that it claims to produce "sensual softness" in addition to volume, I'm extremely curious to try this product.  I have fine hair that constantly lacks volume.  I sometimes enjoy using volumizing products but don't always love the untouchable texture they often leave in my hair.  I'm skeptical, but excited to give this product a try.

Total box value: $45.64

A close up of the Absolute! Solid Perfume in Parc de 59.  The packaging is lovely (and includes a removeable cap--not pictured--to seal and protect the perfume even further) as is the scent.

A closer look at the packaging and shade of the Amorepacific Color Control Cushion Compact in 208 Amber Gold.

As you can see, unfortunately the shade I received is MUCH too dark and warm toned for my pale skin.  The product does seem to provide nice coverage and the high SPF is a huge perk for summer.  Unfortunately the terrible shade match will make this product impossible for me to actually test out on my face.

Overall I'm fairly happy with the contents of the anniversary GLOSSYBOX.  I'm pretty annoyed with having received the darkest shade of the Cushion Compact, especially since GLOSSYBOX does provide a beauty profile in which I described myself as having fair skin.  The teeny tiny European Wax Center samples are a bit of a disappointment as well, but it seems like every month has it's small foil sample.  Overall the other products are ones I'm looking forward to using.

Kicking Off Summer with a Birthday Cookout

{I hope you'll forgive the straight out of my iPhone photos.}

Yesterday was my 26th birthday.  For those who follow me on Pinterest, you probably know how obsessed I've been lately with planning food and decor ideas for summer entertaining.  I decided I wanted to celebrate my birthday by cooking and having some family over to kick off what I hope will be a full summer of cookouts and outdoor parties.  As you'll probably see from the photos, the hubby and I have a pretty modest size back yard in our little suburban starter home.  There isn't a ton of room for fancy decor and since this isn't our forever home, we don't want to invest a lot in permanent fixtures for the space.  Until this summer, we hadn't really done much for our backyard other than purchase a grill.  The hubby and I both love to entertain and I decided that this was the summer we finally give the backyard a little love and attention and really do summer right!

We recently made another (our third this year) trip up to the West Chester, Ohio IKEA and picked up an outdoor table and several very affordable (and surprisingly comfortable) chairs as well as a darling serving cart.  My birthday cookout was our first time using our new purchases and they were perfect!  Since we have a small 12'x12' deck, I set up the table and chairs on our lawn for the larger group.  I kept the table free of excess decoration since it was our first time using it and I wasn't sure how much the table could comfortably hold along with food (since we wanted to go for a more casual pass-and-serve style lunch rather than a buffet).  The result was fun and casual but still put together.

I took the opportunity to try out a few new recipes on the family and also made a few old favorites as well...

I made a pretty basic but always delicious beer can chicken (which unfortunately caught on fire while I was getting ready and not being my usual attentive self).  Fortunately it was still absolutely moist and delicious, though the skin was a little dark for my preference in places.  Every dinner party needs it's blunder, am I right?  I also made Loaded Baked Potato Salad, which has been a favorite of mine for years.  Tastes like a baked potato with all the fixings and it's great for the pickier eaters in our family.

For a second entree, hubby spiral cut some hot dogs for Hot Brown Hot Dogs.  We got the idea after having Hot Brown Hot Dogs from a little food cart at the Mayfest Arts Fair this year.  Those were okay, but they weren't amazing and hubby and I thought we could test out and perfect the idea for our big 4th of July party (so we did a trial run for my birthday).  I made a mornay sauce to top the hot dogs and then we sprinkled them with chopped bacon and tomatoes.  They were great!

For a warm, indulgent side, I tried out this Cheesy Corn Casserole.  It was basically what you'd expect if mac and cheese and creamed corn had a baby.  Corn was mixed into a basic cheese sauce and baked in the oven.  It was a lot thinner than the usual corn casserole I make for winter holiday dinners.  Honestly, it was pretty good but hubby and I didn't love it.  I did use frozen corn, which I had mistakenly(?) thawed before hand.  I do feel like this would be much better with the more firm texture of fresh corn, so I may give it a try again the future.  I'd definitely suggest scaling this recipe down though unless you're serving a huge crowd as it makes a ton and is very rich.

I also tried a little twist on the basic fruit salad that I had thought sounded intriguing.  This Secret Ingredient Fruit Salad is your standard fruit salad (I changed it up a bit and added what fruit sounded good to me/looked best at the store--I used watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, grapes, and Granny Smith apples) with a couple tablespoons of vanilla pudding mix added in to create a subtle sweet "dressing."  I didn't notice the vanilla pudding mix adding a lot of flavor and it kind of made the fruit soften quicker, so I probably won't be adding it to any future fruit salads, but it certainly wasn't bad!  I just prefer my fruit salad to be crisp and bright and unadorned.

I also whipped up some vanilla lemonade with the new citrus juicer hubby got me for my birthday (I had been wanting one for ages because I love making lemonade for parties but it was always such a pain squeezing the lemons by hand).  My vanilla lemonade recipe is something I've been meaning to share here on the blog for a while.  It's just a simple lemonade with a bit of vanilla added in, but it's so lovely and I almost always get a ton of requests from company for the recipe.  I'll do a separate post sometime soon with that recipe.

The cookout came together perfectly and it was a blessing to get to spend a little time with family to celebrate my birthday.  Hopefully this is just the start of a full summer of outdoor entertaining.  I hope to have lots of party ideas and recipes to share with you as the summer goes on.  I also plan to share more photos of our yard and some of the budget-friendly updates we've been making to the space.

I'd love to know what some of your favorite ways to celebrate summer are!  Have a killer crowd-pleasing summer dish?  I'd love to hear from you in the comments.