My very first Birchbox!

I'm so excited to get my very first Birchbox in the mail! I had been talking about Birchbox for months and then I got a subscription for my birthday. This is my welcome box.  

The first thing I noticed was that the box was much smaller than I expected. It looks a lot larger in photos and on the website. I was a little disappointed that I wasn't able to get the December box. I'm a huge Laguna Beach fan so I would definitely have picked Lo's box. 

Below is my welcome box from Birchbox!

Birchbox Welcome Box...happy to be a subscriber!

2 of my products came in that blue rounded corner box. I thought I only got 3 samples at first and was a little sad. 

Close up of the contents of the box!

What's inside?

Camille Beckman Platinume Gold Imperial Repair Hand Therapy

This product retails for $20 but the sample is very tiny. I don't have dry hands so I'm a little disappointed to receive this lotion. My sample also looks to be half empty. It looks like someone used some or that it may have evaporated. I did not find this product to be very moisturizing and my hands aren't too dry to begin with. It felt sticky and left my hands feeling more greasy than moisturized. It was supposed to smell like lemongrass vert and sparkling grapefruit but the smell is similar to that of dish soap... moving on.

Catherine Malandrino Style de Paris perfume sample

This full size product would be $110. I'm not too impressed with this sample as it is something you could get for free from a cosmetic counter. I do really like the scent though. It has an elegant smell and I would wear it during the day or at night.

The Balm Cosmetics Stainiac

I was intrigued by the lip and cheek stain but was greatly underwhelmed by it. I couldn't see it on my lips or cheeks. I put on a dot on each check and it rubbed right in...no rosy blush to be seen. I'm really shocked it is one of Birchbox's most popular. Am I missing something here?

Coastal Scents Revealed Eye Shadow Palette

This full size product is $34. The Birchbox website shows the whole palette so I was expecting a bit more. I got the Latte palette sampler. It has 4 small shadows in various shades of brown and one gold. I would describe it as a neutral palette. I have brown eyes so I'm hopeful it will work well with my coloring. I like a shimmery eye so the one color I'm most excited about is the gold. I liked 2/4 of these colors. Two of the shadows did not stand out on me. I could not see them at all after applying. I would use the monotone gold or shimmery brown but the two other colors do nothing for me.

Caudalie Make-Up Remover Cleansing Water

Sigh. I hate to be a Debbie Downer with this last one but I use make up removing skin cleansing cloths daily to remove my makeup. That is one part of my makeup regime that I am not looking to change. I will say to the credit of this product that it smells pure and fresh and it doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy as the last liquid makeup remover I used did, it was by Clinique. 

Overall, I'm not sure which of these products was the full size one. None of them were very big. I was very excited to receive Birchbox and I'm not sure it lived up to my expectations after this box. I'm hoping that it gets better next month or I may have to look into other subscriptions! 

#Birchbox

Personalize your own emoji!

This awesome new app lets you make your own emojis! It's called Bitmoji. I'm obsessed! 

Holiday Cookies Take 2!

For my 2nd batch of holiday cookies, I went with M&M chocolate chip with sprinkles. What is your favorite kind of holiday cookie to make or eat?

First Batch of Holiday Cookies!

I'm no Cake Boss but here's my first batch of holiday cookies for the season!

Starbucks and a Statement Nail

I did OPI Muir Muir On The Wall with a diagonal Essie gold glitter statement nail. Nailed it! 

#nails

Fab Birthday Meal at Ruth's Chris!

My boyfriend took me to Ruth's Chris for my birthday. Service and food were spectacular. The view was pretty amazing too. We had a great view of our Nation's capitol. 

Ruth's Chris decorated the table with confetti!

steak and shrimp with mashed potatoes and asparagus

<3>

chocolate explosion

New handbag! #birthdaygift And it's the color of 2015!

My night with Andy Cohen and Wolf Blitzer!

I've met Kyle, Mauricio, Adrienne, Paul, Camille and Aviva in person. I have signed books from Kyle Richards and Jill Zarin but none of them can compete with the amazing pop culture icon that is Andy Cohen. I'm still in awe that I got to meet someone who I watch on TV every night and whose career I admire and respect. Andy Cohen is a boss! ‪#‎andycohendiaries‬

The book!

Wolf and Andy sitting down for an interview

Wolf and Andy with matching Situation Room shirts!

Toasting with Manischewitz! L'chaim!

We met Andy Cohen!

Signed, sealed and delivered! xo

#andycohen #andycohendiaries #booktour #bravo #politicsandprose #dc #sixthandi

Happy birthday to me!

I got this great gift from Sephora for being a beauty insider! It's so cute. If you shop at Sephora, you should definitely sign up! I love the lipstick color and the mascara brush is very unique. It is pointed almost like a Christmas tree! 

What's In My Shower?

Like many of you, I love to test out products. My shower has gotten quite cluttered with all of the different products I switch off between. I decided to share with you an overview of what's in my shower. I have very curly/wavy hair that I flat iron straight all the time. I have tried practically every Keratin shampoo out there! I use a L'oreal smoothing conditioner not listed below.

Skinnygirl Shower Body Lotion - This stuff is supposed to help you get toned. It smells good and is a good moisturizer. 

Nivea Sparkle Body Wash (diamond powder and white caella scent) - my go to body wash, love the smell.

Head and Shoulders - Every once and a while, I feel like giving my hair an extra cleanse to get rid of product build up.

Redken Color Extend - If I get my hair highlighted or toned, I will use this to make sure it lasts.

Organix Keratin Oil Shampoo - I don't love the smell or texture of this product so I don't use it often.

Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser - This is a new face wash I have been using. I'm a huge fan of Biore's pore strips so I was excited to try this. I don't feel like it works as well to cleanse pores as the pore strips do but it does make my skin feel really smooth afterwards. 

Tresemme Keratin Shampoo - My favorite drug store Keratin shampoo. Smells nice, lathers and cleans well. Very affordable and you get a huge bottle. 

Bath and Body Works Paris Body Wash - I love the smell of this product. I also use the same scent in an anti bacterial soap. I also just bought this body wash in the Cashmere Glow scent for winter time. Love.

Olay Satin Care - go to shave cream

Marc Jacobs Daisy Body Gel - I love this fragrance but it's a little much for every day (and expensive). I will use a little of this on my neck and wrists to give off a lasting fragrance.

Keratin Care Shampoo - Expensive Keratin shampoo. I was recommended to purchase this from my salon the first time I did Keratin. It's the real deal but now that like every other manufacturer makes a Keratin shampoo I stopped purchasing this one exclusively. 

EOS shave cream - this shave cream is more of a lotion. I definitely do not like using this shave. It is a completely different consistency than your average shave cream. I use once and a while to moisturize my legs. 

Aveda Black Malva Shampoo - I heard about this shampoo for brunettes from a hair stylist. It keeps your hair extra shiny and helped me fade out some brassy highlights. 

Loreal Smooth Intense Polishing Shampoo - This was an impulse buy at Ulta. This shampoo is average. It smells good and gets the job done but it is nothing special. 

What's your favorite shower products?

One Direction Limited Edition Makeup Tins

I just received 3 of the brand new One Direction Limited Edition makeup tins!

5 Limited Edition Tins are available (1 for each band member). 

I was really looking forward to receiving this product. I got the package yesterday and was at the mall today and saw it being sold at Macy's and Lord & Taylor for $29.99. Below is what is included in each tin and also my review of all the products.  If you read to the bottom you will see my finished look and also a GIVEAWAY!

Tins include:

Eye Shadows:

Nobody Compares- Metallic silver

Tell Me A Lie- Metallic nude pink

Same Mistakes- Metallic mint

I Would- Smokey brown shimmer

Summer Love- Smokey purple haze

Everything About You- Smokey black shimmer

These eyeshadows were very vibrant. I was pleasantly surprised. I applied "Nobody Compares" as my foundation and then did a little bit of "Same Mistakes" on half of each eyelid. I love metallic eye shadows and this one did not disappoint. The silver and green really complimented each other.

Eye Pencil:

I Want- True matte black

I thought this eyeliner crayon worked great. The color was a matte black and it went on more like a gel than a pencil. It didn't smudge or run at all. Solid.

Lip Gloss:

Loved You First- Bubble gum pink

One Thing- Frosted pink ice

Irresistible- Shimmered pearl

Heart Attack- Creamy rose shine

I mixed "Irresistible" and "Heart Attack" together and applied by hand, though they do provide a lip brush to apply. This was more of a lip balm than a gloss in my opinion. Not very noticeable.

Lip Gloss Top Coat:

Over Again- Silver glitter sparkle

I was very intrigued by this silver glitter lip gloss. From the bottle, it looked like pure glitter would be on my lips. Luckily, it came out much less gaudy. The glitter was much less noticeable and it has no taste, which is great for a lip gloss.

Nail Varnish:

Stole My Heart- Magenta pink shimmer

Alive- Multi-coloured glitter flakes

I tried out "Alive" on top of a pale pink I already had on my nails. I love glitter polish and was very pleased with how this one applied. The glitter is sheer so you can see your polish underneath. This nail polish is quite small but I love the various sizes of pink, blue and silver glitter in this varnish. I will definitely use again.

These new sets are available in stores November 15th at:

Sears USA

Kmart

Target

Walmart Canada

Macy's

Lord & Taylor

Here is a close up!

Here was the finish product...I also love the inside of the tin!

Win your own here:

 ONE DIRECTION Makeup Giveaway direct link: https://promosimple.com/ps/5ca4

Products provided by Brandbacker and Markwins Beauty. Opinions expressed are my own.
#makeupby1D #thelookscollection #markwins #makeup #onedirection

Fabulous Illustrator: @freckledcanvas

This incredibly talented artist @freckledcanvas made me a custom Chanel nail polish illustration and swapped the name of the polish for my name. (Nothing ever says Sari! 😐) She captured the sparkle and made it amazing. Do yourself a favor and check out her Instagram. Her illustrations are beyond incredible. Thanks so much @freckledcanvas!

Check out her website: http://www.freckledcanvas.com

One Lovely Blog Award!

Thanks to Suzanne from Laughing Scholar for nominating me for the One Lovely Blog Award. I'm happy to become more involved in the blogging community and learn about great new products from all of you!


The One Lovely Blog Award nominations are chosen by fellow bloggers for those newer and up-and-coming bloggers. The goal is to help give recognition and also to help the new blogger to reach more viewers. It also recognizes blogs that are considered to be “lovely” by the fellow bloggers who choose them. This award recognizes bloggers who share their story or thoughts in a beautiful manner to connect with viewers and followers. In order to “accept” the award the nominated blogger must complete five steps.


Steps to Accept the Award:
1. Thank the person who nominated you and include a link to their blog.
(My link: http://sarissweetlife.blogspot.com)
2. List the rules and display the award logo in your post.
3. Add 7 facts about yourself.
4. Nominate other bloggers you want to know better.
5. Follow the person who nominated you on bloglovin'.


7 facts about Sari:


1. I'm from Michigan and am a proud MSU alum! Go Spartans!


2. I recently graduated with my MBA. #YouCanCallMeMaster


3. I've been in a long distance relationship for 4 years.


4. I love makeup and spend tons of money purchasing new products. Ulta is basically my favorite store.


5. I've recently become involved with Influenster, Brand Backer, Allure and Birchbox Bloggers. I'm excited to discover new bloggers.


6. I never leave my house without my concealer and eyeliner on.


7. I have a great purse collection. I love Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Henri Bendel & Louis Vuitton. I currently live in walking distance from a mall. #trouble



Nominations:
Carley at This Must Be What Heaven Smells Like

Brittney at Quirky Britches 

Brooke at Mudpipes and Glitter

Lauren at Elle Kae

Jessie at The Cluttered Counter  

Ariel at Thrifting and Bitching

Stephanie at Stephanie Jade Wong 

Sunrise in Baltimore!

Snapped this sunrise pic at the airport on the way to Aruba. 

The iPhone 6 Arrives

I just got my new iPhone 6 today in the mail after waiting nearly a month! I am so excited to have the latest iPhone I can't even tell you.

Here it is: gold 64gb, ready to capture my every moment... Pictures, texts, snaps, instas. I'm super excited for the extra storage space and for the gold color! It was love at first sight. 

One of the first differences I noticed was the finger scanner. This was confusing but very cool! Hopefully it will be useful and decrease theft and data being compromised. Apple pay also seems great. I'm a huge fan of the Starbucks app so to be able to pay for other things by phone sounds convenient. 

Here is the case I chose. It's something new and different. I liked that it had a magnetic cover. Kind of like a mini iPad case! I'm all about protection but I like a light case usually a soft silicone one. This case is the best of both worlds. It has gel sides and a hard back, half see through and the magnetic cover is bonus protection. 

Do you have an iPhone 6 yet? What's you favorite thing about it?

Resource Natural Spring Water

I got a bottle of Resource Natural Spring water in my vox box and was excited to try it because of the electrolytes. I really like the crisp, clean taste of this water. I also admire that the bottle is made to be environmentally friendly (it's made with 50% recycled materials) but when I opened the bottle, water came pouring out at me. This would be a serious issue for me if I were to drink this in the car or on my way to anywhere important. 

I like the water but I think the packaging is off or the water is filled too high. 

*Product provided to me compliments of Influenster.

#refreshwithresource

Rimmel Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves Mascara, Moisture Renew Lipstick and Lipliner

This is the 3rd Rimmel mascara I have tried to date. I received this product in my newest Influenster Vox Box. The first one I tried was the Retro Glam one. I wasn't crazy about it. The second one I tried was another one from the Scandaleyes collection and I quite liked it. This one, however, is my very favorite. The Rockin' Curves mascara has a very unique shaped wand as pictures above. 

The wand makes it easy to apply to the top and bottom lashes especially without smearing under your eye. I love this feature. I use this mascara by itself or also to layer over other mascaras for a thicker lash look. I definitely recommend this product and will repurchase it!

Rimmel Moisture Renew 505 Red Alert

I also got a new red lipstick which feels very smooth on my lips. Moisture Renew is definitely how I would describe this lipstick. It is the opposite of dry. It goes on like a lipstick but it feels more like a gloss, which I prefer.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Transparent Lipliner

The Moisture Renew Transparent Lipliner is absolutely a must when wearing red lips or any other bright color. It helps keep the lipstick in place on your lips and reduces the dreaded smearing that can be very awkward with a red lipstick. So glad to have received it. 

Wearing Rimmel Red Alert & loving it! 

*products received via Influenster and Rimmel for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

#influenster #modavoxbox #Rimmel #RockIn #MoistureRenew

Influenster Moda Vox Box

So excited to have received another voxbox from Influenster! So let's discuss what's inside:

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Rockin' Curves Mascara

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lip Liner

Puffs Soft Pack Tissues

Hair Food Moisture Hair Mask

Swiss Miss Simply Cocoa

Jergens Ultra Healing Skin Moisturizer 

Resource Spring Water

I can't wait to try all these products out compliments of Influenster. 

Fall Foods

One of my fall traditions is going to the cider mill. The cider mill seems to have gotten really hip as of lately and they now sell a lot more than cider and doughnuts. They have an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, Mackinac fudge, cider slushies and even homemade bread. Such a fun fall day. 

Here are my favorite fall foods:

homemade cinnamon rolls, frosted to perfection

white wine (Moscato is my fave) with a good message! 

peanut butter and apples with some hot tea

*how cute are those individual peanut butter packs?*

My Go To Concealers

I've had dark circles under my eyes ever since I can remember and I'm always on the hunt for a new miracle product. Here are a few of my favorites:

NYX Hi Def Photo concealer. This one is the cheapest at $4.99. I've been experimenting with NYX products a lot lately and I feel that they are a great value. This concealer is very comparable to the one I use from Clinique. It gives great coverage and goes on smooth.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser is a drug store buy. I especially like the twist top puff applicator. Applying concealer is half of the battle. This puff is soft on the eyes.

Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer is a great department store concealer. It is especially great because it goes on smooth and doesn't bring attention to any fine lines, which is so important when using concealer. 

Benefit's Erase Paste is a great concealer that blends and camoflages. The one thing I don't like is that the product comes in a very small container and is pretty expensive at $26 for the pot. I also find that there is no good way to apply this one except for with your fingers and I really hate to do that.  

One product that is a game changer for applying concealer is the Beauty Blender. I use this product daily and I find that it works better than using your fingers or any other makeup brush. I have purchased 3 of these and don't know how I did my makeup without them! 

Project Repat T-Shirt Quilt

Special thanks to Project Repat who helped me turn a bunch of my old favorite t-shirts into a t-shirt quilt that I can snuggle up with and savor. My quilt has t-shirts from my camp days through college and grad school. This makes a great gift for yourself or a friend.

Be prepared to spend some money and do some pre quilt work. T-shirt quilts are pricey. Try slicing up a few double sided shirts and you will see what you are paying for. The finished product is very good quality and very well made. I highly recommend this service!

*I paid for this quilt. No services or discounts were given to me. All opinions expressed here are my own.