Wantable Jewelry Box Review April 2013

Before we get into the nitty gritty, I have to once again RAVE at Wantable's customer service!!!!!  I was a teensy bit (OK, a lot) disappointed when I got the shipping notification and didn't see the longhorn necklace on it.  I completely and totally fell in love with the longhorn necklace in their previews (see it HERE) and was hoping beyond hope that I might get it in one of my 2 boxes.  I knew I would still LOVE my box and figured I would have to hunt down the longhorn necklace and purchase it on my own.  Imagine my complete shock when I received an email the day after my box shipped apologizing for the missing item in my box that had just shipped and that the missing item was on its way and would be arriving shortly.  The missing item??  Yup, you guessed it.  The Longhorn Necklace!!!!!  ***SWOON!!** I squealed and danced around the room to celebrate with my toddler before emailing a HUGE gushing thank you email back to them.  They officially have a customer for life!  

 

OK...on to the box! 

 

 

 

As always, seeing this box in the mail puts a HUGE smile on my face!!!!!  I already knew what was coming in the box (their shipping notifications include the list of items), but I could only guess what they might look like from the description. 

 

 

Presentation is, as always, wonderfully classy.

 

 

Tough Teal Ring ($15)

 

Not something I would normally buy, but I love it.  Something fun and different!

 

 

Ombre Chain Necklace ($24)

with surprise matching earrings!

 

At first, I wrinkled my nose and thought "I would never wear this" and then...I tried it on and actually really like it!  Again, I would never purchase this on my own but I am already imagining it with some awesome Maxi dresses I'll be making this summer (just waiting on the fabric and have an amazing nautical print that will match this perfectly!).  Thumbs up Wantable!!

 

 

Teal Beaded Necklace ($20)

with matching stud earrings

 

I don't know how Wantable does it, but once again...would not have purchased this on my own but LOVE it.  Another great summer necklace!

 

 

Stacked Bangle Bracelet ($22)

 

This is PERFECT for the ball!!  Elegant but fun...the perfect combination!

 

 

 

Yet again, another wonderful box from Wantable!  If you haven't subscribed yet, try them out!!!  You won't be disappointed and what a great way to add to your jewelry collection without breaking the bank!  Not sure the value of the longhorn necklace (I'm guessing in the 20s), but total value of this box is well over $100 with the extra blush!!  And I promise, I'll post pictures of the longhorn necklace when it arrives!  :P

 

 

 

Ipsy Review April 2013

 

 

Well, Heeeello Ipsy!

 

This is my first Ipsy bag and I was SO excited to see on their FB page that there were THREE full size items and one deluxe sample!!  I mean really, I did not expect to get full size items in a $10 box let alone 3!  I'm impressed!  :P

 

 

 

 

* MicaBeauty Mineral Eyeshadow in Earth (Value $14.95)

* Be A...Bombshell Blush in Beach Please (Value $16)

* Sation Nail Polish in Love at First Byte (Value $5)

* Sexy Hair Soy Renewal (Value $2?)

 

 

 

First thoughts...wow, that blush is a VERY bright pink IRL, but is also unlike anything I own (I'm a bronzer kind of girl) which gives me a great chance to try something new.  Have yet to play with it yet, but I'm excited to try it as I love my other be a bombshell items!  The Mica eye minerals is AWESOME.  Wore it the night I got the package and fell in love.  :D  Sation nail polish is gorgeous (going to wear it for the military ball!!) and I'm looking forward to using the soy renewal as I've heard very positive reviews on it. 

 

Overall, A+!  Can't wait for the next bag!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WOW- GIVEAWAYS and almost 2000 fans!!!

I can't believe that it has been TWO years since I started LoveEarth.LoveCloth!!!  For those that don't know it's creation, it was completely and totally started because of my wonderful husband.  :D 

While DH was at Ranger School, I moved home to my parents with a 5 week tiny little G (we were in between duty stations and DH I figured this would be a PERFECT time for our families are close to each other and we would soon be 14hours away).  While I LOVED being home and being a stay at home Mommy, something was missing.  I sewed off and on while I was growing up thanks to my wonderful Grandmothers and Mom, but was by no means an expert and hadn't touched a sewing machine in several years.

We were cloth diapering G and while I LOVED all the cute custom cloth, I was having a very difficult time finding a diaper to fit my LO's tushie well.  DH encouraged me to try making my own (at this time our only communication was through letters...and EVERY SINGLE letter included a note to try sewing my own design) and I jumped into it with both feet.  I made and modified my pattern over 4 months before I was happy with the fit and starting busting out diapers for G.  I originally planned on only making diapers for my kidlet and before I knew it, I had people asking if I was interested in selling.  And thus LE.LC was born and I am SO happy with my business endeavor.

It feels amazing to know that I've been designing and selling custom diapers for 2 years now...and that I still LOVE what I do.  Yes, it has been VERY challenging at times.  Since the start of LE.LC, we have moved 3 times, been through a deployment (I remodeled our rental house and finished my bachelor's degree while DH was deployed on top of moving back into the rental property during the remodel!), and am now getting ready to start classes for digital photography.  Quite honestly, without such amazing customers, I don't know how I would have done it.  DH has always been a huge supporter and has put in many hours helping cut soakers or snap diapers (yes, he's that awesome).

I am so VERY thankful for all my fans and decided to do a little something special.  :D 

This diaper is available Free For Shipping through my Hyenacart page:

 

http://hyenacart.com/LoveEarthLoveCloth/mt/3092/15645/GIVEAWAY-FFS-Ladybugs-OS-AI2

 

AND I'm offering TWO $20 gift certificates good toward store purchases OR custom orders!  Both giveaways end on 4/25- I will be stocking 4/25 at 4:15EST in my Hyenacart store and all diapers will be available with FREE shipping to celebrate LE.LC's Two Year Anniversary.  :D  Enter below for the $20 gift certificates- winners will be announced both on my blog and on LE.LC's facebook page.  Gift Certificates will then be emailed to the winners once claimed.  :) 

 

 



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Julep It Girl Intro Box Review April 2013

I'm officially a Maven.  :P  I've been hearing such wonderful things about Julep that I took the plunge and ordered the intro box (used a code and purchased the first box for only a penny!).   I skipped the beauty profile and just ordered the box I liked the most which happened to be the "It Girl"

 

 

 

I have to give it to Julep- their packaging is WONDERFUL and I loved the information cards included in the box!

 

 

A super cool thing about the Maven boxes??  You can order extras for WELL below the retail price when you are checking out your box!  I purchased the Quick Dry Polish Drops (they are AMAZING and it smells awesome!), Freedom Top Coat (love this too!), and an extra polish and my total including shipping for the maven box was less than $20 (the drops alone retail for $14!)! 

 

 

The "It Girl" intro colors from left to right: Eileen, Sasha, and Oscar.

 

 

 

All my wonderful new goodies from Julep!

 

 

I, of course, had to repaint my nails with my new pretties and was so excited to see how well the polish went on!  I used an OPI base coat, two coats of polish, and then topped the freedom top coat.  The quick dry drops worked INSTANTLY after I applied the freedom top coat and I was shocked to not have a single smear when my daughter rubbed all over my fingers to look at my nails (her precious little nails are currently painted with Sasha and have an Oscar smattering as she kept jumping around while I was panting the glitter on).  Super happy with how it turned out!

 

 

 

Day 4!



 

http://www.julep.com/

 

 

 

Lip Factory Inc April 2013 Box Review

My Lip Factory box arrived today (along with my first Julep box!)!!  I researched like crazy before signing up for the box, but I think my expectations were a bit high.  I have to say, I was a bit nervous seeing first looks:

Totally not my style...but I decided to withhold judgment until I actually saw the products (which is always a good idea LOL).

 

And I still wasn't that impressed...although I was REALLY excited to see the mascara from 29 cosmetics as I somehow don't have one in brown!!

 

 

I did appreciate the card with all the items listed...although I most certainly do not consider some of the colors "spring" that were included.

 

 

Not going into details on all the items (information is all on the picture above)...but I have to say that I'm not a huge fan of purple so I obviously didn't love this box.  Pinks, Corals, Oranges, even Reds are Spring to me...not purple.  *sigh*  And most especially the awful lip gloss pictured in the middle tube that goes on a brownish/purple and is sticky AND streaky when put on.  In case you are wondering, it is already in the trash.  The purple eyeshadow and purple nail polish are going to my MIL and the eyeliner will go to my SIL.  Which means I am keeping 2 items for myself; the brown 29 Cosmetics mascara (I pretty much love all 29 Cosmetics and this is the ONLY item that saved this box from being a complete disaster) and the Sweet Pea and Fay lip gloss that I have yet to open.

 

Overall, I am disappointed in Lip Factory and have already canceled my subscription.  I feel that the quality is not even on par with the products you get from Ipsy...and Ipsy is half the price.  If I had gotten better colors I *might* have kept my subscription, but I honestly prefer paying more for Wantable and knowing I'll be getting great products versus gambling on Lip Factory and giving away over half the items in the box.

 

http://www.lipfactoryinc.com/

PopSugar Must Have Box April 2013 Review

Helllooooo PopSugar box!!!  :D  Super happy to get it a day earlier and from sneaking peaks at spoilers...I knew I was going to love it!

 

Neatly packed on the inside...although I totally ripped into it with a bit of help from G soon as I snapped a picture.  :D

 

 

First peak!  Not as many items as previous PopSugar boxes, but I will literally use every single item so I am not complaining! 

 

 

I LOVE that they include these with their boxes!!  Super detailed descriptions of each item and even the website to order (or if you are like me, check prices to make sure I'm getting a deal!).

 

 

Alter Eco Dark Quinoa Chocolate...mmmmm...I think hubby totally swiped these for himself though!

 

(Retail $3.99 and includes a $1 off coupon)

 

 

Tatcha Petal Fresh Evening Aburatorigami Beauty Papers

 

SUPER excited about these!  I mean really...I live in the south!  These will come in SO handy here in a few short monthsweeks when it reaches 100+ degrees and you start sweating just thinking about walking outside. 

 

(Value $15)

 

 

The Green Garmento Four-In-One Reusable Dry-Cleaning Bag

 

Another item I was VERY excited about as I would not normally purchase it but it will be getting a TON of use here.  I know several reviewers were complaining about the PopSugar logo- I personally LOVE it as I know hubs won't be stealing it to store his Dress Blues in! It is already being put to use and is hanging on our bathroom door collecting dirty laundry (seriously...go buy one!  They are AWESOME!)

 

(Value $9.99)

 

 

Kai Perfume Oil

 

I was the most nervous about this item...I am not normally a florally type person but WOW!  Totally in love!  Had it on my wrists straight of the package and even put some on G (she proceeded to walk around with her wrist stuck to her nose the remainder of the evening!).  If it is at all possible, it smells better overtime and doesn't wear off.  And although the bottle is tiny, it will be lasting quite awhile!

 

(Value $48)

 

 

Shashi New Nugget Bracelet

 

The perfect summer bracelet!  I will be wearing this a LOT this summer and it will match with so many different things!  I was kind of hoping for the turquoise, but I have to say I really love the gray that I got!

 

(Value $28)

 

Total Value of Box: $104.98

 

 

And that wraps up the PopSugar April 2013 Must Have Box!  I love every item and am really looking forward to what surprises are in May's!! 

 

 

https://musthave.popsugar.com/

 

 

 

 

Wantable April 2013 Jewelry Box Review

 

You can't help but get excited when you see this purple box waiting for you in the mailbox!  This is my second Wantable Jewelry Box (my first was March 2013) and I knew from previews on their Facebook page that I was really going to love the collection this month...so much that I decided to skip the Makeup Box this month and double up on the jewelry box!  *blushing*  Shipping only took 3 days from the time I received the notice in my email and I ripped into it soon as I pulled it from the mailbox.

 

 

Presentation is wonderful as always.  :)  A nice Thank You card (which explained all April boxes get a free gift!! YIPPEE!) and a paper explaining all the items in the box. 

 

First item (and one of my favorites!!):

 

 

The Imperial Onyx Bracelet (valued at $20)...LOVE this!!!!!!  It will get a LOT of use here!

 

I'm tied for my second and third favorites:

 

 

 

Jazzy Cocktail Ring (Value $15)  It is adjustable and super fun!!

 

 

Slithering Snake Bracelet (Value $20)  Can you say awesome????!  Seriously...it's amazing IRL!

 

 

Grand Strand Necklace (Value $18)

 

I like this one...time will tell if I love it.  It is unlike anything that I own, which is the whole point of doing subscription boxes!  It is really perfect timing on arrival though since I have a Military Ball in just a few weeks and I plan on putting on to use that night!

 

 

Helen Horn Necklace (Value $18)

 

Hmmmmm...to be perfectly honest, I dislike this one.  I don't ever see myself using it and I was disappointed to see it as I thought I was being sent the Longhorn necklace.  I had commented on Wantable's April Jewelry Box preview saying that I LOVED the longhorn necklace and the python bracelet (previews can be viewed HERE) and immediately received an email from Wantable saying that that I had the snake bracelet and horn necklace in the box on its way to me.  I didn't realize there was a horn necklace AND a longhorn necklace in the collection this month, so I got all excited over nothing... *sigh* I do have to give a shout-out to their customer service as they went out of their way to send an email to me letting me know they were already getting my jewelry box together and what items they had put in it!  Beyond my expectation...I just wish I would have realized that the "horn" necklace wasn't the longhorn necklace I was so excited about it.  However- I do have my second jewelry box coming to me the middle of April and I can only hope that it has the longhorn necklace in it!! 

 

 

 

And the extra surprise?!?  A Mia BelleZZ blush (Value $16.50!!!)!!!  What a fantastic extra!! 

 

 

Total Value of the Box?  $107.50!!  Boxes are $36 for the subscription so value is almost 3x the cost!!  Super happy with the box (I *could* return the horn necklace as they do free returns but I will just gift it at Christmas) and very excited to see what my second box holds!  I have been recommending this company to everyone and anyone that listens...seriously, they are AWESOME!!!

 

https://www.wantable.co/



 

 



 

 

 

Easy Peasy (and Inexpensive!) Letter Decoration

OR

This is a quick and easy project that you can have finished within 30minutes and at very little cost (which means you have more money to spend on other things...like more hairbows!).  I made this today in under 30minutes while darling G played in the adjoining living room.  If you can use a staple gun and pinking shears, you can make this. 

Supplies:

Wooden Letter (can be found at any craft store)

Fabric Scraps (I use approx. 1/8of a yard of scraps)

Pinking Shears

Staple Gun with Staples (I forgot to include it in the picture...oops!)

 

*For hairbows: Rick Rack or Ribbon (I have plenty of rick rack on hand so that is what I used)*

 

 

I cut strips of fabric about 4-5" long with the pinking shears to prevent fraying.  I was NOT exact when cutting; they were all different widths and lengths...being exact is not needed for this project which is probably why I've made so many for G!  Start wrapping fabric around any part of the letter one strip at a time (I tend to start at the bottom and work my way up).  I staple one side to the back, stretch the fabric across the front of the letter, and then staple the other side to the back.  I overlap to cover any bare spots and am a bit staple crazy when I do it.  Your letter should look something like this on the back after a few strips:

 





 
Keep adding strips of fabric to the letter and it will start coming together on the front:

 

 

Back View:

 

 

 

 

Keep wrapping and stapling until the entire letter is covered.  

 

Ta da!!

 

 

 

Be sure to trim off all the extra fabric from the back (I tend to do this as I work as I ALWAYS cut my pieces too long!) so that it will lie flush against the wall.  If you want it as a wall decoration, you are finished!  :D I made 9 of these 2 years ago for G's nursery (GABRIELLE...I really need to get a picture taken of them to post!) and added all kinds of crazy fabric, ribbon, and even ruffles to them.  However, I needed a place to hang G's MANY hairbows and decided to add a bit of rick rack to the back to clip bows onto.  I didn't measure the exact length, but just cut 3 equal lengths and stapled them to the back of the letter like so:

 

 

 

 

Hang on the wall with a nail or screw and you have a custom hairbow holder for only a few dollars!

 

 

 

And there you have it...an easy peasy (and inexpensive!) letter decoration/bow holder!