MS MR

MS MR has been my steady favorite for the past year. Since the first time I heard their album, I wanted to see them live. Melissa and I got tickets to see them back in April but due to drummer illness, they had to cancel.  Tonight is their rescheduled show and I’m so excited! Here is their album and I HIGHLY recommend them.

 

MS MR – Secondhand Rapture

 

 

May I suggest:

• “Hurricane”
• “Dark Doo Wop”
• “This Isn’t Control”

But in all fairness the whole album is great!

Plan for tonight, dinner in Lodo and then the show! Woo hoo for a girls night out with MS MR (take two)!

xoxo,

Katie

California Vacation – May 2014

Mike had a conference in Anaheim for a week so Charlie and I decided to tag along.  We were staying so close to Disneyland, it seemed almost silly for us not to go. Charlie has become quite the little traveler! Here are a few highlights from our trip:

Crystal Cove National Park (Laguna Beach, CA)

The lady sitting next to us on the plane told us that Crystal Cove was a must see during our trip.  We had a rental car so we were fortunate to be able to make the drive to the coast! Crystal Cove is a national park so there was a $15 parking fee (no fee to enter if you walk in).  There are a few different places to park.  By the parking spots, there are bathrooms, washing stations and picnic areas.  To get to the beach, you walk down a pretty steep paved path.  Once you’ve reached the beach you can walk around and see a lot of tide pools.  I don’t think this is a swimming beach. And I wouldn’t want to swim in that particular spot (lots of seaweed).  We  did put our feet in the ocean but Charlie didn’t really like that.  He did enjoy watching the waves roll in!  After our visit through the park, we drove through Laguna Beach.  I’ve always wanted to see it because yes, I was obsessed with the show on MTV and of course, The Hills!  I had to see where LC is from!  All in all, it was a fun day excursion.

 

Disneyland (Anaheim, CA)

Our last day in California was spent at Disneyland.  We did our research on Disneyland’s website to see which park would be more fun for Charlie, Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park.  Although both had quite a few attractions that Charlie could go on, Disneyland had more so we chose to go there.  The day we went, the park was open for 24 hours so it also made for some interesting people watching.  I didn’t know you were supposed to dress up as your favorite character!  There were some really great costumes and some really not so great ones…

Our day started by seeing Minnie Mouse on Main Street.  Her line for photos wasn’t very long so we jumped in right away.  It was only about a 10 minute wait before Charlie got to meet her! We weren’t sure how he’d react to seeing the characters but as soon as it was our turn, he walked right up to her all by himself!  He loved it!

The rides we hit up in the morning were:

• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• King Arthur Carousel
• Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups

Park Re-entry

Charlie was ready for his afternoon nap so we left the park and went back to the hotel.  Did you know you can leave the park and re-enter with a single day park ticket?  Make sure that when you leave the park to get your hand stamped.  You will need your original ticket and show your hand stamp to re-enter the park. The exits were marked “Hand Stamp” so look for those when you exit the park.

Afternoon rides were:

• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Stroller Pass

Charlie of course, did not ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  I did some research before the trip and discovered something called a Stroller Pass. This allows parents with small kids to still be able to go on the fun rides!

How Stroller Pass works:

I got in line for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad while Mike waited with Charlie.  When I got through the line and was about to get on the ride, I asked the employee working the ride for a stroller pass.  He gave me a “Rider Switch” ticket to give to Mike when I got off.  Mike then got to go straight through the “Fast Pass” line and only had to wait about 5 minutes (as opposed to my 50 minute wait).  What’s nice about this is only one parent needs to wait in line and the second parent can then get on the ride with a minimal wait time.  I highly recommend utilizing this feature!

If we could do it over again, Mike and I decided that one of us should have taken Charlie on the smaller rides while the other went on the “big kid” rides and then switch.  We had a lot of fun but both felt like we didn’t get to go on a lot of attractions.

It only took me 30 years to get to California and we had a really nice family vacation.  I hope you you found my Disneyland tips helpful!

xoxo,

Katie

Birchbox Points and Recent Purchase

Birchbox Points

Let me start this post by saying to all  of you Birchbox subscribers out there…Review the product samples you receive in your boxes!!!

Birchbox gives you 10 points for each review and the reviews take like 10 seconds. You can review the products without having tried them yet, too. You also get points for buying full-size products (1 point for every dollar spent) or buying subscriptions. So, get on that!

For every 100 points you earn, you get $10 to spend in the Birchbox shop.  You can buy full-size products that you’ve come to love or you can tack on more months to your subscription. The world is your oyster!

I recently bought two gift subscriptions and reviewed my April box (which had EIGHT products to review = 80 points)!  I had 239 points and it was time to spend!

 

Purchases

Whish -Three Whishes Body Butter in Pomegranate ($24)

I’ve mentioned in previous posts that I am obsessed with the Whish Body Butter. I’m so glad I have the full-size. I put it on my hands and arms every night before bed.  I don’t know where this product has been all of my life but it’s simply divine!

 

Color Club – Gala’s Gems Collection  ($13, set of four nail polishes)

I received the color “Breakfast At…” in my April box and I really liked it. I thought I could use more spring colors in my nail polish collection so this seemed ideal. I am currently sporting “Breakfast At…” on my toes and “Heirloom Pearls” on my fingers.

 

Mystery Sample Pack ($10 or Free with Birchbox full-size purchase of $35+)

• spa therapy – stimulating sea wrack body wash (full-size $15)
• Harvey Prince – Hello (full-size $55)

Here is a breakdown of what the samples cost:

• $2.53 – body wash
• $1.65 – perfume sample
• $4.18 – total of Mystery Sample Pack

As you can see, these particular mystery samples did not even total $10.  I know it’s a “mystery” which also means it’s a gamble but I feel bad for the people who actually paid the $10 for this!  I was not impressed with the value of the samples I received and I am so glad I got these for free…

I was able to get the Mystery Sample Pack for free from the Birchbox Bonus Shop because my cart value was $37.

 

What’s the Cost?

I had a $20 Birchbox credit (from my 200 Birchbox points). I also found a promo-code for 20% off your purchase so I tried it and it worked!

Full price for my items (including if I PAID for the Mystery Sample Pack) = $47

Cost after my credit and 20% off = $9.60 (and free shipping)!

What a steal!  I’m already back up to 209 points.  I lucked out again and my May box had SEVEN products to review.

To sum up, here are my tips and tricks:

1. Review your monthly samples
2. Buy your full-size products in the Birchbox shop
3. Check out the Birchbox Bonus Shop to see if you can add any freebies to your cart
4. Look for promo codes online to apply to your purchase for extra savings

Start taking advantage of what Birchbox has to offer so you can treat yourself to some goodies, too!

Want your own Birchbox?  Sign up here!

xoxo,

Katie

*This is not a sponsored post.  I used my own money and points to purchase these items.

Song of the Day: Cults – You Know What I Mean

We had a power outage this afternoon.  Luckily, it didn’t last long so I could get back to listening to this song!

Cults – You Know What I Mean

 

 

It’s short and sweet.

xoxo,

Katie

Birchbox – May 2014

What a lovely Mother’s Day weekend surprise!  My May 2014 Birchbox arrived yesterday and it was just the ray of sunshine I needed before the snow storm hit. That’s right folks…it’s May 11 and we are expected to get four-nine inches of snow. Thanks Mother Nature…how thoughtful of you!

 

Birchbox – May 2014: Freewheeling

 

Marcelle – BB Cream Golden Glow, Full-size $27

What: A multitasker from the Chicago-founded brand rich in antioxidants and hydrating aloe.

How:  Smooth a dime-sized amount over clean skin and blend thoroughly. Works for all skin types.

 

Nexxus® – Color Assure Pre-Wash Primer, Shampoo & Conditioner, Full-size $11.99-$17.99

What: This oil-infused trio helps keep color vibrant for up to twice as long-without sulfates.

How: Smooth primer throughout dry hair before showering. Follow with shampoo and conditioner.

 

Pixi – Shea Butter Lip Balm: Pixi Pink, Full-size $8

What: Dual-purpose balm that hydrates with shea butter while giving lips a pretty wash of color.

How: Swipe onto lips for instant moisture. Wear alone or layered under lipstick.

 

Supergoop!® – Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology, Full-size $19

What: This lightweight cream provides water-resistant, SPF 30+ protection anywhere you need it.

How: Apply a shot glass-sized amount to face and body 30 minutes before stepping outside.

 

Lifestyle Extra

SmartyPants – All-in-One Fiber Gummies for Weight Management, 30-day supply $47.95

 What: These nutritious, natural gummies come packed with fiber to fill you up, and no caffeine.

How: Chew six vitamins for a daily dose of goodness – including omega-3 and vitamin D.

 

What am I thinking….

Seven samples in this box!  I saw the May sneak peak video and was hoping I’d get the Pixi lip balm so I’m really happy about that!  I was a little bummed to get another Supergoop!® product.  Although they are different, they are both sunscreens…I guess I’m set for summer!  Overall, I’m still pretty pleased with what I’ve been getting!  Keep it up, Birchbox!

Want your own Birchbox? Sign up here!

xoxo,

Katie

*Product descriptions are courtesy of Birchbox.

** This is not a sponsored post. This subscription was gifted to me and I’m sharing my own opinions.

Stitch Fix – May 2014

 

My second Stitch Fix is here! This arrived just in time for me to pick something out for Mother’s Day!  Someone also used my referral link so I received a $25.00 credit towards this fix. THANK YOU (whoever you are)!  I very much appreciate it!

My box came to a total of $316.00.  If you subtract the $20 styling fee, the 25% discount (if I keep all 5 items), and my $5 credit, my total for the whole box would be $217.00  Here is my invoice, styling cards and a snapshot of what I got!

At first glance, I liked everything and thought I would be in trouble.  And by trouble, I mean I thought this might be a box where I would end up keeping everything.  Did I…?

Renee C – Tucker Mixed Print Split-Back Tank, $48

This was the least expensive item in my box.  I’m not going to lie…it wasn’t the first item I was drawn to out of my box.  When I tried it on…well, that was another story!  It was a perfect fit and very flattering. It has an eye-lit opening in the back on top and a slit on the bottom. This item is joining my wardrobe and will be perfect for summer!

Verdict: Kept

Kensie Jeans – Sohpia Tall Length Skinny Jean, $88

Since the jeans I got in my first fix were too long and they were not a “long” cut pant, you can see why I would be nervous that these too, would be too long.  They ended up being the perfect length.  They were a tad tight up top but they had some stretch to them.  I could probably make them work (plus I’m trying to lose a couple pounds).  After much consideration, I am letting these go…

Verdict: Sent back

PS I’m wearing these jeans in all photos in this post (except when I’m trying on the dress)

41Hawthorn – Moni Geo Print & Camisole Blouse, $58

I liked the look of this blouse when I took it out of the box.  I don’t have anything quite this bold in my closet and I did like the stud detailing.  What can I say about this top…  It was a little big and didn’t lay right on my chest area.  The sleeves bunched weird around my elbows too.  It was adorable as is and a big old mess on me…

Verdict: Sent back

41Hawthorn – Florence Colorblocked Dress, $68

Blue.  Not a color I typically go for so I was happy to try this dress on.  Although it was very comfortable, it just wasn’t the most flattering style on me.  It didn’t do much for my figure and it became a definite “no” when my husband said the top of the dress made me look like a little girl! Back to California this little number goes…

Verdict: Sent back

41Hawthorn – Alessandra Striped & Colorblocked Blouse, $54

I really liked this when I pulled it out.  It looked so chic!  Pink & Navy, Love.  Stripes, Love. Looking like a slob, Nope…  I wanted to love this but it was too baggy all over.  It photographed well but in person, it looked like it was two sizes too big.  Sadly, this shirt is also going “Bye, Bye, Bye”.

Verdict: Sent back

Loved the intentions of this box. I just wished the tops fit a little better.  I think when I provide Stitch Fix with feedback, I will tell them that if they send me 41Hawthorn items, to send me size XS.  Maybe I’ll have better luck then.  Overall, I really liked the patterns and how colorful everything was!  And, at least I was able to make one thing work!

As I stated in my Stitch Fix Alert post, I will now be receiving a fix every other month. My next fix should arrive early July!  Can’t wait to see what I get next time!

Want your own Stitch Fix?  Sign up here!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!

xoxo,

Katie

*This is not a sponsored post.  I purchased this fix with my own money and am sharing my own opinions.

 

May Empties

I saw a YouTube video of a girl that shares her “empties”.  At first I was like, um ok… Then I was like, that’s actually a good idea!  You use products/samples and people probably want to know if they are any good or not!

So, I finally used up some of my Birchbox samples, along with another product and it’s time to see what’s sticking around and what’s getting the old heave-ho!

Moroccanoil®, $43

How: Apply 1–2 pumps of Moroccanoil® Treatment to clean, towel-dried hair, from mid-length to ends. Blow-dry or let dry naturally. Apply on dry hair to tame flyaways or condition split ends.

Verdict: I purchase this product from my hairdresser. I’ve been using this for the past 3 1/2 years and I think it really helps keep my hair moisturized.  I buy a bottle every four months so it does last me a while.  Good thing I’m getting my hair cut next week…I only have a few pumps left…eek!

Number 4 High Performance Hair Care – Clarifying Shampoo, Full-size $32 (Birchbox – April 2014)

How: Apply daily to wet hair and rinse. Repeat for best results.

Verdict: I wasn’t crazy about the smell of this shampoo.  It almost smells like cologne but OMG…this shampoo made my hair feel AMAZING.  I’ve always had pretty silky hair but after living in Colorado, my hair has become dry.  I hate it! Moroccanoil® (above) has been helping me but I wanted to try this. The shampoo made my hair so soft and silky.  I’m seriously  considering buying  the 8.5 oz bottle for $32 (only if I have Birchbox points). I can get by with using this every two days or so and using regular shampoo in-between to get more bang for my buck! I am currently debating about switching to this or continuing to buy Moroccanoil®.

Bonus: We added in this reconstructing masque for your sleekest strands yet. Full-size $58

Verdict: I don’t know that this did anything that spectacular for my hair. I think I’ll pass on purchasing the full size of the reconstructing masque, especially for $58.  I feel like I got great results with the above mentioned shampoo and my regular conditioner.

nyakio – Kenyan Coffee Face Polish, Body Scrub & Hydrating Face Oil with Kloa Nut, Full-size $34-$55 (Birchbox – April 2014)

 

How: Cleanse with face polish, apply one to two drops of face oil, and exfoliate with body scrub.

Face Polish Verdict: Again, not too keen on the scent of this product.  I enjoyed trying it but I think I’ll stick to my St. Ives Apricot Scub.  Same concept and results and St. Ives is more affordable.

Body Scrub Verdict: I was kind of disappointed in how little product there was in this packet.  I got one use out of it.  The directions suggested using this on your elbows, knees and heels.  I barely had enough for all three areas, and I’m not a big person! There just wasn’t enough to really exfoliate my skin. Since I didn’t get a really good trial with this, I won’t be purchasing the full size product.

Hydrating Face Oil Verdict: I wasn’t sure how I was going to like putting oil on my face!  I don’t have oily skin but adding oil to your face seemed a little counter-productive to me.  Boy, was I wrong.  I very much liked using this product, especially after washing my face before bed.  My husband liked the scent of this too.  I may have to find a less expensive alternative because I ended up liking this!

Whish – Three Whishes Body Butter, Full-size,  $24 (Birchbox – Welcome Box)

How: Smooth onto arms, legs, and everywhere else post-shower.

Verdict: This has been one of my most favorite Birchbox samples.  I am obsessed with this lotion.  I love everything about it; especially the way it makes my hands feel and the scent. It comes in various “flavors” but I received pomegranate and I’m stickin’ to it!  I used up some of my Birchbox points and ordered the full-size of this lotion!  Whoop, whoop!

KIND Snacks – Healthy Grains Bar: Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt, 15-count $11.88 (Birchbox – April 2014)

Verdict: My sample KIND Bar seemed to taste really plain. I swear there was ONE speck of sea salt on this bad boy.  I did pick up a box of these at the grocery store to give them another try.  Well…since then I’ve continued to purchase these.  They make for a nice morning snack, especially for a busy mom like me, who often forgets to eat…  I am also thinking I should start buying these through the Birchbox store so I get Birchbox points!  Duh, Katie!

I hope you found my “empties” post helpful!  I’ll be adding more as I continue to use up my product samples or any other products I come across.

Want your own Birchbox? Sign up here!

xoxo,

Katie

*Product descriptions are courtesy of Birchbox/Moroccanoil®

** This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions about these products are my own!

ZZ Ward

I am OBSESSED with ZZ Ward’s album right now.  I’ve pretty much been listening to it non-stop for the past few weeks.   Her style is: Blues Rock, R&B, Pop Rock.

 

ZZ Ward – Til the Casket Drops

 

 

May I suggest:

• “Put the Gun Down”
• “Blue Eyes Blind”
• “Cryin’ Wolf” (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
• “Last Love Song”

I would love to see her live.  She’ll be at Summerfest, in Milwaukee, on June 27 but I won’t get back to Wisconsin until July 2.  Then she’ll be in Colorado on August 1 and I will be back in Wisconsin again!  Of course!

Maybe next time ZZ…

xoxo,

Katie

Black Bean & Corn Salsa Recipe

This is a crowd-pleaser.  It’s one of my go-to dishes whenever I attend a party/get-together and need to bring a dish to pass.  In fact, I’m bringing it to our friend’s “Tres de Mayo” party later today.  Once you make it, I’m sure this recipe will work itself into your rotation too!

Ingredients:  

• Two 15 oz. cans, Black Beans, rinsed & drained
• One 12 oz. package Frozen Corn, thawed
• 4 Vine Tomatoes, seeded & chopped
• 1-2 Avocados, peeled & chopped
• 1 small Onion, chopped
• Handful of fresh Cilantro, chopped
• Juice of one Lime
• 1 Tbsp. Red Wine Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Put all ingredients in a bowl.  Mix together.  Let chill in fridge for at least an hour.  Serve with chips.

*Recipe modified from Paula Deen’s The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook

Magnífico!

xoxo,

Katie

Pico De Gallo Recipe

Looking for a fresh salsa to accompany your dishes this spring/summer?  Try my Pico de gallo recipe!  And don’t forget, Cinco de Mayo is also coming up!

Ingredients:

• 3-4 Vine Tomatoes (depending on their size), seeded & diced
• 1/2 Onion, chopped
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded & chopped
• Juice of 1 Lime
• Handful of fresh Cilantro, chopped
• Salt & Pepper to taste

 

Dice the tomatoes and put into a bowl.  Add the onion, garlic and jalapeno.  Squeeze lime juice into mixture and add the cilantro.  Mix with a spoon to combine.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with chips or put on top of your favorite dishes.

Serves: 2-4

Enjoy!

xoxo,

Katie