iPhone Stand from Etsy

Remember I talked about mindless spending? Well, I did purchase this stand recently, but I wouldn't really consider it mindless. It's actually quite useful.

My iPhone has those privacy screen protector which means you can't see the screen from any angle unless you're staring at it straight on. Which means, whenever I'm at work I can't tell if someone text, message, or calls me. I have my phone on vibrate and so does my coworker which sits literally right near me, so we always look at our phones when we hear a buzz. It would make more sense to invest in a phone stand so I can just see the screen whenever I hear a buzz.

I was contemplating on where to purchase a phone stand because I want it to be sturdy and looking pretty at the same time. I turned to Etsy since that's where I also got my phone case. They have really great selections on Etsy and a lot of their items are handmade.

I landed upon Hannah's Ideas in Wood shop and instantly fell in love with the items. Majority of the items are made of wood and it looked so chic and sophisticated. There were other lovely things such as iPad stands, vases, pens, combs, and even key holders. But all I need was the iPhone stand so I quickly placed that order before I mindlessly start adding other things from Etsy into my shopping cart.

The package came within a week which wasn't bad at all. The packaging was really pretty though, it took me 3 days to open it because I just couldn't undo the bow (I know, pretty lame). The stand is pretty light and I love how you can just combine the pieces together. It's also cable friendly which means you can charge your phone while it sits on the stand, really nice feature. I figured since I can take them apart, I would just put them in my bag and carry it around, in which I would rather not keep it at work.

I have to say, this was one of the better purchases I've made in a while. I've got compliments already.

Love,
LN

I am not affiliated with or sponsored by Hannah's Ideas in Wood; the item was bought on my own and my opinions are honest.

Birchbox 122011 - INFINITE

First off, Happy late late 2012 everyone! I'm definitely feeling good about this year, gonna surely be a great year =D

Now, moving on to December's Birchbox. I know it's been like a month already but December we insanely hectic with the year coming to an end and all the crazy dinners and hangouts.

So, with no further a-do...

The last Birchbox of the year, I was hoping it would throw me off my seats.

Atelier Cologne - Ambre Nue

The scent was really strong. To me, it would suit an elderly person a lot more. I'm in my 20s and it makes me feel old with just smelling this. It's a rich and deep scent of amber which I'm not too fond of.

Benefit Cosmetics - The POREfessional

I have yet to try this out but I'm really looking forward to it. I never tried any primer before and I have ginormous pores so I'm hoping this will end up being a good product.

Jouer - Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink

I like cute and small this gloss is, I also like the name that was given for the color. Lastly, I really do like the color. Just one application of this gloss gives you a tinted pink rosy color on the lips, plus if you want it deeper you can always reapply it in layers.

Olie Biologique - 004 Huile Moderne

I wasn't so impress with this product because I really don't need any oils on my body... any where on my body at all. I have an oily face and my hair gets oily throughout the day, and I don't feel 100% comfortable applying oils to my body unless it's more spa/massage purposes. So, I felt this sample was a total waste for me.

ShowStoppers - Designer Fashion Tape

Definitely thought this was a odd product to include to the pack but I'm sure it would come in handy in the future.

EBOOST - Orange Natural Energy Booster

Personally, I don't believe in energy boosters. This little packet is still sitting on my table, quite hesitant to try. Maybe I'll give it to my boyfriend and see what he feels of it... haha

Overall, I was disappointed once again with Birchbox. I think I'll most likely cancel my subscription to Birchbox because they fail to deliver items that would be useful to/for me. I'll give it one last month and that will help me confirm my thoughts on Birchbox.

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Now, onto something totally off topic. I've been going a bit crazy for this Korean male group, they are definitely younger than me but hey... they have good music and there's this one guy in there that's just really good looking. Sorry boyfriend! - I still love you <3

The group, that just recently debuted in 2010 and got on the top list of the Korean charts - INFINITE.

A 7-member male group. They remind me a lot of Shinhwa, the group I once loved so much but they stop promoting songs and coming out with new albums because they're getting older. 

L-R: Hoya, SungGyu, WooHyun, L, SungYeol, SungJong, DongWoo

L-R: SungJong, SungGyu, SungYeol, L, Hoya, WooHyun, DongWoo

Alright, I just noticed in the last 2 photos you can't see DongWoo's face... -_- 

So, have you guys figured out which one is my biased?

Yup, it's the one with the weird one letter name - L.

Real name is Kim Myungsoo. He is just way too charming. Plus, I'm sure he knows that he's handsome and good-looking. His members always tell him so and the constant screaming and love from his fans gives him that total confidence. Plus, he's the visual of the group - meaning he's the "face" of the group. Definitely a wise choice.

Current favorite song from Infinite - Be Mine, Paradise, and A Third Part

MyGlam 122011

I recently subscribed to MyGlam. It's very similar to Birchbox but is put together by stylists on YouTube. I was curious and since I was so disappointed with Birchbox last month, I wanted to give MyGlam a shot.

Let me say, I'm so glad I pursued it because I love the items that MyGlam provided!

If I'm not mistaken, MyGlam gives a new makeup bag each month. Although, I might be wrong but if it's true then that's a great incentive for subscribing to the website.

This item was was definitely fun to play with. Each sheet, thin just like a blotting sheet, act as a blush. Extremely convenient when you need to touch up on the go.

A decent size NYX Matte Lip Cream, I am in love! I adore NYX's product because it's inexpensive, has a wide range of colors and their products actually works well. I was excited to see this since I never tried their matte lip cream before and I really like it. 

I only wear waterproof mascara so this was a no-no for me.

 Another UDPP *runs around clapping* I'm still currently using the UDPP that came with the NAKED palette so I'm extremely happy that I won't need to purchase a primer anytime soon.

 Urban Decay shadow in Sin. A really nice shimmery taupe-y peach color perfect for highlighting the brow-bone. 

Blotting sheets, my holy grail item. They smell so good also, just like lavender.

So far, I am extremely satisfied with the items in MyGlam. The package just cost $10 a month with no shipping and handling fee. I have a subscription to Birchbox also and this is by far much better than Birchbox. Can't wait for next months!

Birchbox 112011

I'm really disappointed in this month's Birchbox, if this continues I might just opt out.

Anyways, here's what Birchbox had to offer this month.

I find that Birchbox has been including edible samples also. Find it a bit weird. Makes me wonder if they're actually edible...

Anastasia Beverly Hills - HydraFull Gloss

A tiny tube of tip gloss. I really like the color, I like the consistency but I'm not "wowed" by the entire product. Plus, the applicator was a plastic paddle. Ultra weird. Definitely not an impressive product or packaging.

Harvey Prince - Eau Flirt

I like the scent, like a lot. Literally reminds me of the winter holidays. What bothers me about this is the packaging of the sample perfume. Why can't it be in a spritzer tube?

Supersmile - Professional Whitening Toothpaste

Toothpaste? I was surprise to see this in the box. I tried it once and I'm never touching it again. I usually expect toothpaste to foam when I brush, it definitely doesn't happen with Supersmile. And it has a mandarin mint taste, sorry but I like my toothpaste in plain mint. 

Zoya - Nail Polish in Holly

Cute tiny bottle but I wish they weren't cheap and just gave the regular size bottle (I know, I'm expecting a lot from $10). I like the color, definitely holiday appropriate.

Chuao Chocolatier - Firecracker Chocopod

Last but not least, chocolate. Tasted a bit funky. Chipotle, salt, and popping candy in dark chocolate... definitely didn't arouse my senses. 

Extremely disappointed. I'm going to give it another month or two and see what Birchbox has to offer but if it fails to amaze me then I'll be cancelling my subscription. I mean, I like the idea of being surprised but... this is getting my hopes really up and then shattered. Then again, I might have too high of an expectation. 

I'm actually excited to see what December holds since it's the holiday/Christmas-y month =]

Ann Taylor Perfect Pump

I recently made a purchase on Ann Taylor. I saw on Extra Petite's website that Ann Taylor was having a 40% off sale plus there was a stackable 30% code.

Extremely tempting so I gave in and gotten 2 pairs of pumps.

The Perfect Patent Pump and the Perfect Exotic Pump.

I ended up returning the Perfect Patent Pump because it just doesn't fit. I originally bought a size 7 but it was too loose. I exchanged both for a 6.5 but the Perfect Exotic Pump actually fits but the Perfect Patent Pump doesn't. So, now I only own the Exotic Pump in Pumice Stone size 6.5.

I love these pumps. Perfect height and perfect color. It's amazingly comfortable also which I find quite rare with pumps. The price for these were $178 but I got them for less than half the price. What a steal!

Birchbox 102011

This month's box gave me sort of a mix feeling. Kind of a love and hate kind of thing. There were products that I liked and also products I thought was a waste to be given to me.

Let's jump right into October's box!

Redken - shine flash 02

A hairspray that gives a shine. I really want to like this product but for some reason it makes my hair look greasy... odd. But I love the scent, makes me smell good.

Pangea Organics - Facial Scrub

I thought it was a mistake when I saw this. I had the same looking thing last month, but it was a facial cream, this is a scrub. So much better than the cream. The scent is pretty pleasant and it leaves my face so soft after usage. Win.

blinc - Mascara

An interesting mascara indeed but I'll pass on this since it's not waterproof. Also, the instructions for applying is insanely complicated. After the first coat, you have to wait 2 minutes for the lashes to dry and then you can apply more coats. I don't have time to wait! Plus, to remove the mascara it says to use warm water and add pressure to your eyes and tubes of the mascara will come off. Does this sound familiar? Like those Japanese mascaras?

Befine - Lip Exfoliator

Heavy oatmeal scent. I usually don't believe in lip exfoliators because it just doesn't work on me. No matter how often I use it and how hard I scrub, my lips cannot be baby soft. Unless there's a miracle product out there for me...

Tea Forte - Minteas

Freebie of the month. I love this! Taste so good, with a hint of cinnamon. Plus there was a lot of mints inside the little tin can. Win.

After getting this month's, I can't wait for next month's!

Birchbox 92011

After reading about Birchbox, I've finally gave in and started the subscription. I've always loved seeing and reading what's in the monthly Birchboxes from Mara but just as I start this month, she had decided to cancel her subscription. What a weird coincidence!

This month was quite disappointing since the items weren't that great, it didn't give it that "wow" factor but nonetheless I did enjoy a few things.

I really like the packaging of Birchbox, sometime that's all that matter to pull a sucker like me in.

Adventurous Incoco - Nail Polish Applique

I probably would've enjoyed this more if it was in a different color. Ever since I started working for a CPA firm, it's hard to wear bright colors. Especially when it's glittery bright like this one. I'm thinking of using it on my toes but that would be a waste since Autumn is here and I want my toes to be warm.

I'm intrigued by the application process more than anything. I like the idea of removing the tape and just sticking it on my fingernails and filing until it fits my nail. I'll most likely paint a top coat over it just in case it chips easily.

Balanced Pangea Organics - Facial Cream for Normal to Combo Skin

I thought the small bottle packaging was cute until I opened it and got a big whiff of the scent. It's a strong ginger scent which is definitely not one bit appealing. I try to apply this at night since the scent is so not sexy for outdoor sake. The consistency is a bit runny for a facial cream.

Polished Jouer - Lip Enhancer

The product is insanely tiny. The lip enhancer itself is pink, which is always a good thing. It says to hydrate, plump, and condition your lips. The first time I applied it, it gave me a bit of a tingly sensation on the lips but that was it. Like any lip products, you need to consistently apply it so your lips won't get dry. For this product, when it is on your lips it feels ultra hydrating and nourishing to the lips but when after a few hours when the product is faded, your lips are back to square one.

Eco-Minded LIV GRN - Earth Eau de Parfum

I was skeptical about this perfume because the first time I smelled it, it had reminded me of honey dew. Yea, a really strong honey dew fruity kind of smell. I gave it a shot the next day and pat some on my neck and wrist. The after-smell (a lot of perfumes are like this, they smell uber different after it is exposed to air), was a lot better. It wasn't a fruity smell anymore but a true earthy kind of scent that is light and pleasant to the nose. I've been using it to touch up at work every now and then since the tiny bottle is so convenient.

Birchbox Friendship Bracelet

Let's be practical here.
It was Birchbox's one year anniversary so they decided to include a bracelet in there as a thank you to all the subscribers. But, who will actually wear it? I've already decided to give it to my little cousin. I was hoping that Birchbox was going to give something that's more wearable for their subscribers since they know our age-range. I thought this was a poorly executed "treat."

I actually like how Birchbox works and am excited to see what next months holds for me. I guess it's the anticipation and excitement about what I might get that had me subscribed. Plus it's not a bad thing since I get to try products that I most likely will not be exposed to in real-life.

Have you tried Birchbox?