Wanderlust-ing for another Birchbox review?

As I explained in an earlier post, I am receiving two birchboxes each month for another three months (lucky me!) Here is my review of all the goodies I received in my second birchbox.

1. Lovely postcards featuring scenery from all four of Birchbox's locations - Manhattan, London, Barcelona, and Paris.

2. Klorane Dry Shampoo - At first I was hesitant to try dry shampoos, but I am quickly loving them. This small, travel size sample is perfect for your purse or gym bag. It has a light scent and is extra gentle on your hair. I've found that it added volume while simultaneously soaking up any extra oil in my hair. I probably won't be purchasing this, simply because of the price. I usually use Suave with Keratin formula (based on the recommendation of my good friend Haley Sheffield), and L O V E it - and for under $3, you simply can't beat it.

3. Color Club + Birchbox Wanderlust Collection in Reign in Spain - I adore this bright coral orange shade. Summer is the perfect time to try new things and be bold and bright just like this polish.

4. Suki Face Exfoliate Cleanser with Lemongrass - I received this in my first June box and was super excited to have a second sample of this - especially since I gave my first sample to my grandma because she loves the scent of lemon so much. 

5. Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in Perfect Kiss - This lip crayon/stick/pencil feels great on and gives my naturally rosy lips a bit of extra color and shimmer (the formula has some gold shine in the shade). As a bonus, it also smells like cake. Yum!

6. 100% Pure Body Lotion in Vanilla Bean and Coconut - I also received these samples in my first birchbox and really like them. I haven't found many body lotions that really soak into my skin while also leaving my skin feeling soft and hydrated. This lotion does both. The coconut scent is my favorite.

That's it for my June birchboxes, July is right around the corner and can't wait to see what it holds in store!

- Courtney

Movin' on Up To...Second Grade

Near the end of this school year, our principal told our first grade team of six that the district had only slated our school for FOUR first grade teachers for the upcoming school year, and that we would have to decide amongst ourselves who would be moving to second grade. One of our team members had already decided to take the upcoming year off to help out her husband with his business, but no one else wanted to move. At. All. Once you have a good team together that really works as a team, it's hard to split that up - much less voluntarily leave.

So, we told our principal that she would have to decide who went up. One day I barged into her office with some forms and saw my name on her board as going to second grade. At first, I was a bit disappointed. This had only been my first year with this team, but I felt like I had found my niche and really didn't want to leave. After a while of trying to get my brain used to the idea, I came around to thinking that this might be a good thing after all.

One of the hardest things will be moving my classroom. During post planning, I took the time to organize, label, and pack up all of my classroom things. I really wanted to clean out my first grade room so that whoever moved into it in the fall would have a nice, clean space to start with. This involved throwing out A LOT. Our custodian was so annoyed with me everyday of post planning, but overall my old classroom looks nice and neat and ready for my friend Ellen to move into.

Now that I have all of my classroom things packed up, I'm ready to move into my new room...only problem is that this new room is much smaller, dirtier, and so cluttered from the previous teacher. So, instead of telling you what I would like to do with my new classroom, I would like to post pictures of it now and ask for your suggestions. I'll also be posting pictures of classroom inspiration and ideas for turning this space into a great teaching area.

Here is my new classroom:

There are two large closets at the back of the room. I like the blue color, but will definitely need to either repaint or cover these with something.

Mr. Giraffe and also Mr. Lincoln (you can see him in the last picture) have got to go. They just simply don't fit my owl classroom theme. Any suggestions on which color to paint over them? I'd like to go with white, but I'm just not sure it would completely cover them.

Some shelving units and bulletin boards. I know one of them will be a word wall.

Not too thrilled with the white board, and I think Alex may agree. 

Yep, there's Mr. Lincoln...I mean, what the heck. I like that this classroom has a built-in ledge in front of the windows. I'd like to try some different paint combinations and add in small lamps to really make this classroom super cozy.

I want to find a new desk to house the two student computers. Not only does this just look messy and unorganized, but the computers and keyboards don't even fit...

Here's my classroom view from the door. Any suggestions (pictures or comments) or links to pins or websites of your favorite classroom looks would be greatly appreciated!!

- Courtney

Manicure Monday #4

What a long Monday! Camp from 10-4 in the hot Savannah heat, relaxing yoga, and now to wind down while watching The Bachelorette - Right now Chris is my fav :) 

Today's manicure is a lovely combination of both neon and pastel green. The outcome is a beautiful pistachio color that makes me smile whenever I look down at my fingers. It brightens up my boring camp uniform and is such a great summer color. The polish is London Calling by Color Club and Birchbox.  

I talked about receiving this polish in my June birchbox and it really is such a great find. I'm seriously thinking about buying the Wanderlust set with my birchbox points - and it's only $8.00! 

What's your favorite polish color for summer? Leave me a comment and let me know :)

- Courtney

June Birchbox: Wanderlust

It will officially be the start summer on Friday, but it sure feels like it is already summer here in Savannah. It is hot. And humid. And quite miserable if you are spending much time outside without shade or a pool. I am two weeks into summer camp and it is going better than I thought. One of the kiddos asked me where I was going on summer vacation. I just looked at her and replied, "Well, you're looking at it." 

As I look at all of my friends' photos on Instagram and facebook of their summer vacations and trips with friends and family, I am feeling quite envious, but luckily I have birchbox to the rescue! This month, their theme is Wanderlust. And for this month, they are celebrating the addition of two new Birchbox locations for a total of 4 worldwide - New York, London, Paris, and Barcelona. Also, this month, Birchbox is featuring their first ever global sample of one of four Color Club nail polishes named for each of their locations - Mod in Manhattan, Reign in Spain, Pardon My French, and London Calling (featured below).

I get so excited when the beginning of the month comes because I know that means new Birchbox sneak peeks, videos, articles, and of course a new box (or in my case, two). This is probably the best birchbox I've had to date and they just keep getting better. Here's what I got in my first box.

Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face by Coola - I received this sample in my May box and loved it. It smells amazing, protects your skin, and is the perfect size to bring along with I need a little extra sunscreen at the pool. 

Lil' Lip Duo by LAQA&Co - When I first saw this lipstick I was a little nervous. I mean, it is bright. I decided to test it out at our school's end of the year party and absolutely loved it. It is perfect for those care free and spontaneous summer nights. 

Wanderlust Collection Nailpolish in London Calling by Birchbox & Color Club - I love this neon pastel pistachio color. Two coats is all you need for a fun summer mani or pedi. 

Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser by Suki - This two-in-one cleanser and exfoliator lathers up like no exfoliator I have ever used before. Not only does it smell perfectly lemony (think lemon meringue) but it also leaves my skin perfectly clean, smooth, and moisturized. I've already used this sample three times and still have over half of the sample to go. 

Nourishing Body Cream in Vanilla Bean and Coconut by 100% Pure - These all-natural body lotions are made with skin-softening fruit oils and leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized, by not greasy or oily in the least. The vanilla bean scent was a little too bland for me, but the coconut lotion was perfectly scented to beach perfection. I used this sample up in one day - I just couldn't get enough of the coconut!

I also received these four adorable postcards in honor of Birchbox' four locations. Can't wait to send some of these out to all my globe traveling friends. 

My second June box is set to come in any day now and I can't wait. My mom and grandma have both joined Birchbox and so has one of my good friends from college. I know I talk about Birchbox a lot, but I seriously just can't get enough.

Happy Summer!
-Courtney

Birchbox Review - Beauty Diaries

You all know my love for all things birchbox - birchbox magazine, birchbloggers, and the actual boxes of course. However, I don't think that I've told you all yet that I am currently getting two boxes a month. Cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater, I know. Here's the deal. When you go to subscribe for birchbox, you are put on a waiting list (because birchboxes are sent out on a schedule, not just randomly). So I put my name on the list. Then, because of my slight obsession love of birchbox, I kept seeing all of the tweets, instagrams and posts about all of the great things in their April box and I just couldn't miss out! So, I bought myself a 6 month box subscription. About two weeks after that, I got my invite to join and I just went ahead and did it. So, for four more months, I will be getting two boxes a month. And the great thing is, they've been filed with different samples.

 Here's the scoop on May box #1.

Folle de Joie eau de parfum by Joie - I've usually fairly hesitant about fragrance samples, but I've found that the fragrance samples that come in birchboxes are wonderful, and this is no exception. With its mix of mandarin, sandalwood, and rose, this fragrance is perfect for summer.

Matchbox Itty Bitty Nail Files by Tweezerman - These teeny nail files with adorable polka dots are great to throw in your purse or desk drawer. Great for touch ups and not as flimsy as other miniature nail files I've tried.

Color Contrast Eyeliner by Sumita - To sum up how awesome this eyeliner is, I'd like to quote a voicemail left by my amazing friend and fellow birchbox lover, Sarah Wood. She had just gotten her May birchbox and calls to talk about it, and of course, I'm at work like always so she leaves this voicemail, "Friend, I was just calling to tell you that my eyeliner today, I put it on at 6 this morning and went to kettlebells class at 4:30 and was drippin nasty sweat, and it still looks good, ok. Like that is so impressive and I'm about to go order some of that and I just wanted to know if you had as good as results with it because I think its fabulous. Best eyeliner I've ever used. Love birchbox. Love your blog. Talk to you later." Seriously, this eyeliner is that good.

Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face by Coola - Why have I not heard of this brand before?? With pale porcelain skin like mine, I am always using sunscreen...always. One of my biggest complaints about always having to layer on the SPF is how it makes my skin feel and the smell. This product, which is a mineral sunblock infused with organic antiaging ingredients, fixes both of those things. My skin doesn't feel greasy or weighed down, and it smells good enough to eat. So glad Birchbox introduced me to this brand!

Protect & Detangle by Beauty Protector - I was so excited about trying this product because my long hair (which is now much shorter) was always getting tangled and breaking. When I first received this product in my birchbox, the pump didn't work. I was quick to email the customer service department at birchbox asking what to do. They emailed me back within a day or two with advice to try and get the pump to work, and also to say that another sample was on its way in case I couldn't get it to work. Birchbox has amazing customer service. This spray not only detangles, but also locks in color, adds shine, and nourishes hair all while smelling like cotton candy. So great.

And for May box #2

Classic Mint Toothpaste by Marvis - So you can't love everything you get from birchbox, and this is one of those not for me things. The toothpaste isn't terrible, but I was expecting a much stronger peppermint flavor like an altoids. That wouldn't been awesome, but for me, this product was just ok, and since I have extremely sensitive teeth I will be sticking with my sensodyne anyways.

Protect & Detangle by Beauty Protector - A repeat from the first May box, and I'm glad it is. This bottle I put in my gym bag and use it after working out to give my hair a little boost. 

Obliphica Nourishing Mask by amika - This conditioning mask, packed with omega acids and vitamin C boosts shine and helps repair split ends...and like most other birchbox products, smells amazing. 

Obliphica hair treatment by amika - This was a "beauty extra" in this month's birchbox, and it paired so well with the amika nourishing mask. If you're looking for shiny hair without a greasy effect, definitely try this oil treatment.

Eco beauty waterproof Makeup Remover by La Fresh - I'm fairly new to the makeup remover wipes, but to me these makeup remover wipes seemed just ok. They got the job done and left my face feeling nice and smooth, but it didn't have a very good smell - not a bad smell, just like a bland wipe type smell, if that makes any sense. 

Daily Correct SPF 35 CC Cream by Supergoop - I also tried this product in an April box and love that is protects against UVA, UVB, and infrared-A rays. The coverage from the CC cream is also fantastic and it spreads easily during application and looks flawless. The only con to this product is that it is too dark for my skin tone. So, my olive skinned friends with be receiving sample. 

I know this post was so long, but I hope you learned about some new products that you might like to try. I'll try to post my box reviews separately in the future as to avoid an overdose on birchbox, but I'm not making any promises ;) 

Love birchbox as much as me? Love something else more? Let me know in the comments below :)

- Courtney

Happenings Lately

Holy moly. It has been so long since I've posted! I have been so busy lately with just a ton of things going on, so I'm going to try and sum up those happenings rather quickly so that I can get back to posting things in a regular manner instead of all at once.

So I found a link to a blog on pinterest and I'm so glad I did because look how cute my iPhone screen is!

 I love this app because it has so much cute icons. The app is called cocoppa. It's a free app and has lots of different designs for icons and wallpapers. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't replace your original app, but creates a quick link to the app. So you need to keep the original apps and icons (I put mine in a folder on a separate page of my iPhone screen). There also isn't a way to replace all of the apps/icons that came loaded with your phone (like camera and phone). If you're interested in changing up your iPhone screen a bit, you can read more about the app and steps on the original blog that I found here.

Birchbox Freebie - You all know how much I adore Birchbox. One of the greatest things about Birchbox is that once you review your samples, you earn points that you can trade in for money to spend in the birchbox store. You earn 10 points per review, and for every 100 points, you earn $10. I used my first $20 worth of points to buy this amazing product.

I reviewed this product in my first birchbox review and fell absolutely in love with it! This delicious smelling shave cream from Whish is worth every penny (or no pennies since it was FREE!)

I also figured out how to do this awesome hair style dubbed the princess roll from birchbox magazine. Seriously, check out birchbox and subscribe. It's $10 a month for a small pink box of happiness.

School ended last Friday for the kiddos and I was so excited that I went out and got some celebratory macarons from my all time favorite shop, Maison de Macarons. If you're ever in Savannah, you have got to try some macarons from the ladies there. Amazing flavors. Beyond comparable flavors. You can check them out on facebook here. Their newest flavors? Blackberry Lavender and Pina Colada. If I'm not making your mouth water yet, just check out this picture, then go order some. They ship nationwide :) 

School is officially out for us teachers tomorrow and my room is completely packed up and ready to move on to second grade. I'm excited for the change but I am going to miss my first grade ladies more than they know. This has been a great school year and I'm so excited for the summer. Be on the lookout for more birchbox reviews, sunscreen/SPF tips, and more this summer. 

Happy Summer everyone!

- Courtney