Birchbox – December 2014

Happy Holidays! Christmas is almost upon us and I just received my December Birchbox!

Birchbox – December 2014: Decked Out

 

 

 

Beauty Protector – Protect & Oil, Full-size $25.95

What: This customer-fave hair oil defends agains UV rays, heat, and breakage.

How: Work 1-3 drops onto damp hair, or to the ends of dry hair. Perfect for all hair types.

 Embryolisse – Lait-Crème Concentrè, Full-size $16-28

What: A makeup artist fave, this French moisturizer heals dryness and preps skin for foundation.

How: Smooth onto face and neck. Or try unexpected ways to use it at birchbox.com/creme-how-to.

Laura Mercier – Loose Setting Powder & Mini Fan Brush, Full-size $37

What: Give skin a soft-focus finish with this smoothing powder and brush duo.

How: Apply makeup, then dip fan brush in powder and dust onto forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.

*BONUS! We added in this iconic tinted moisturizer for a dewy, flawless finish (Full-size $43)

 

Vasanti Cosmetics – Kajal Extreme Intense Eye Pencil (Rose Gold), Full-size $18

What: Creamy, metallic liner that doesn’t budge for up to eight hours.

How: Glide on a thin line for a gilded look, or smudge a bolder line for extra shimmer.

Whish – Shave Cream (Acai Grapefruit), Full-size $20

What: A shea butter-packed shaving cream in a fresh scent. Exclusive to Birchbox!

How: Apply to legs, armpits, or bikini line before you shave.

 

 

 

What am I thinking…

Merry Christmas to me from Birchbox! I’m pretty excited to try every sample in this box! Love trying hair oils and this one in particular, smells really good! I’ve been hoping for some sort of a facial mositurizer (that isn’t Supergoop!) and I finally got one! The loose setting powder will be fun to try as I’ve never used it before. The eye pencil color looks gorgeous. The Whish saving cream smells delicious and I’ll most likely be trying tomorrow in the shower! I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New  Year!

Want your own Birchbox? Sign up here!

xoxo,

Katie

*Product descriptions are courtesy of Birchbox.

** This is not a sponsored post. I purchased this subscription and all opinions are my own.

Birchbox – November 2014

I better get a move on and write about my November Birchbox as my December box arrived today.  Eeep!

Birchbox – November 2014: Giving

 

 

amika – Nourishing Mask, Full-size $28

What: Paraben-free treatment that conditions and repairs with superfruit sea buckthorn berry.

How: Once a week, smooth onto lengths and ends of damp hair. Leave 5-10 minutes before rinsing.

dr. brandt® – pores no more® vacuum cleaner™, Full-size $45

What: Award-winning gel that degunks pores for fewer blackheads and smoother skin.

How: Two or three times weekly, apply a thin layer to areas of concern. Rinse after 5-10 minutes.

MAKE – Silk Cream Lipstick & Lip Primer, Full-size $36

What: Keep these velvety, vibrant lipsticks firmly in place with the botanical-based lip primer.

How: Using a lip brush, dab primer onto lips, and follow with your choice of lipstick shade.

 

No  Soap, Radio – Joy Inducing Body Wash, Full-size $16

What: This lemon-scented cleanser will brighten your outlook while you lather. Paraben-free!

How: Massage onto damp skin then rise away, or add a dollop to your bath.

RUFFIAN – Nail Lacquer in RUFFIAN Naked, Full-size $10

What: This 5-free polish in a chic nude shade dries to a glossy, streak-free finish.

How: Apply a base coat and follow with two coats of this long-lasting lacquer.

 

Bonus

We added in these Firecracker ChocoPods for a sweetly sizzling treat. (Full-size $1)

 

What am I thinking…

Another pretty great box! I’ve tried all of my samples except for the MAKE lipstick/primer. The amika nourishing mask worked pretty well. I’ve tried it once in the shower and I think I can get one more use out of it. My hair was soft and silky but not and silky as when I use the Beauty Protector leave in conditioner I received in my last box. The pores no more vacuum cleaner has been a lifesaver lately. Recently, my chin has been breaking out and I don’t typically get pimples/zits (must be the stress of the holidays…). I’ve been using vacuum cleaner and it substantially decreased the size of my bumps. We just got back from Wisconsin last week and were gone for 11 days. I brought the Not Soap Radio body wash along and it is very lemony. It works really well and didn’t leave my skin feeling sticky, as some soaps do. LOVE the RUFFIAN nail polish and am obsessed with the color.  This is my most favorite sample from my box. I hope you enjoyed your November box and now, onto December!

Want your own Birchbox? Sign up here!

xoxo,

Katie

*Product descriptions are courtesy of Birchbox.

** This is not a sponsored post. I purchased this subscription and all opinions are my own.

Birchbox – October 2014

This post is so overdue but oh well!  For October, I chose the Laggies Box.  That means I knew every sample I was getting this month but that’s ok.  I chose not to be surprised for a reason.  I wanted three of the five samples in this box.  Two of which are ones I’ve already received in previous boxes and the other one is one that I’ve been wanting to try.

 

 

 ModelCo – POWERLASH High Impact Black Mascara, Full-size $20

What: With a unique brush, this Australian brand’s mascara adds length and volume to every lash.

How: Coat lashes from base to tip, slightly wiggling wand as you go. Layer for extra drama.

Vasanti Cosmetics – BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator, Full-size $34

What: This customer fave mimics the effects of microdermabrasion for glowing, smooth skin.

How: 3-5 times a week, massage pea-sized amount into damp skin and rinse. For all skin types.

Beauty Protector – Protect & Detangle, Full-size $21.95

What: Best-selling elixir that locks in color, protects from heat damage, and adds silkiness.

How: Spritz generously onto damp strands before styling. Warning: The heady scent is addictive.

 

Sage + Fasten – Eau de Parfum in Onward, Full-size $50

What: Grapefruit, green apple, and lemon mingle in this energizing, exclusive-to-Birchbox scent.

How: Dab onto pulse points for a refreshing zing.

Tocca – Crema da Mano, Full-size $10

What: Loaded with natural oils, this green tea and lemon lotion absorbs in a flash.

How: Rub generously into hands – and anywhere you need a moisture boost.

 

What am I thinking…

I was able to try the mascara for a night out on the town. I liked it but I don’t think it was any better than my drug store mascara. I absolutely loved the Vasanti BrightenUp! sample that I received a few boxes back so I decided to jump on the chance to get another sample. Mind you, I’m still not done with the first sample so this will last me a while. I’ve been hoping to try the Beauty Protector – Protect & Detangle. This product alone made me so happy that I chose this box. I love this product so much, I’ve already purchased the full-size (by using my Birchbox points). The parfum was the item I was least excited about but smelled pretty good. The only problem with it was that mine had leaked in my box and the leak made the parfum appear as though it had been a used sample. I reached out to Birchbox and they sent me another one. Unfortunately, that one leaked even more than the first one. It leaked so much that it was entirely empty upon arrival.  I left well-enough alone and decided that it wasn’t meant to be for me to wear this parfum! As you may recall, I received this same Tocca lotion in my September box. We will be traveling next week for 11 days so these will be great to pack in my bag. To sum up, really happy with my decision on getting a box where the samples were already selected.  I’ll use four out of the the five for sure!

Want your own Birchbox? Sign up here!

xoxo,

Katie

*Product descriptions are courtesy of Birchbox.

** This is not a sponsored post. I purchased this subscription and all opinions are my own.

Birchbox – Setptember 2014

So this box arrived earlier this month and it’s taken me a long time to finally share it.  Let me start by saying this month’s box was AMAZING!

Birchbox – September 2014: Fresh Paint

 

 

Avène – Cleanance Soap-Free Gel Cleanser, Full-size $20

What: Infused with French thermal spring water, this purifying cleanser gently removes grime.

How: Lather a quarter-size amount onto face, then pat dry. Great for oily or blemish-prone skin.

 Harvey Prince – Hello, Full-size $55

What: Best-selling spritz that mingles cheerful citrus with floral notes. Well, hello there!

How: Apply to pulse points and let this upbeat scent do the talking.

 Macadamia Promessional™ – Healing Oil Spray, Full-size $14.50-$29.50 (sample I chose to receive)

What: Lightweight, quick-absorbing formula that combats frizz, boosts shine, and blocks UV rays.

How: Hold eight inches from clean, damp or dry hair and spritz evenly. Style as usual.

 

 TEMPTU – S/B Highlighter in Champagne Shimmer, Full-size $27.50

What: Liquid shimmer that illuminates and contours your complexion or gives an all-over glow.

How: Dab and blend on apples of cheeks, brow bones, Cupid’s bow, or anywhere you’d like.

 Tocca – Crema da Mano, Full-size $10

What: Loaded with natural oils, this green tea and lemon lotion absorbs in a flash.

How: Rub generously into hands – and anywhere you need a moisture boost.

 

Birchbox Find Alert!

ChapStick® – Dual-Ended Hydration Lock Moisturize & Renew, Full-size $2.99

What: For instantly smoother, younger-looking lips, use the “moisturize” side of the stick, which has antioxidants CoQ10 and vitamin E. Flip to the “renew” side for an infusion of replenishing plant butters (think: shea and mango).

How: Wear this balm alone, or as a primer for your favorite lip color.

 

What am I thinking…

I absolutely LOVED this box! Not only was the actual box fun and fabulous but this was the first box that I enjoyed every single sample. The gel cleanser came in a generous sample size. It suds up really well and leaves my face feeling clean. I’ve already received the Hello fragrance in a mystery sample pack and although I said I didn’t want fragrances, I don’t mind this one. I chose the Macadamia oil to be in my box and boy, am I glad I did! I love that it’s a spritz bottle and it smells pretty, too! The highlighter is ok. I like the color and have tried it a couple of times. I like trying it but don’t think this will be a full-size purchase down the road. I loved the Tocca lotion. It smells pretty and left my skin feeling soft. I also like that the scent wasn’t overpowering either. What a fantastic box for me!

Want your own Birchbox? Sign up here!

xoxo,

Katie

*Product descriptions are courtesy of Birchbox.

** This is not a sponsored post. I purchased this subscription and all opinions are my own.

Birchbox – August 2014

June took a vacation…I’ve been working, took a trip back to Wisconsin, had family out here and then had oral surgery. I am back and have a Birchbox to share! This month we were able to choose a sample in our August box. Let’s see what I chose and what else I received for August!

Birchbox – August 2014: Lighten Up

 

 

amika – Perk Up Dry Shampoo, Full-size $21

What: Weightless spray in the brand’s signature Obliphica scent that refreshes hair sans residue.

How: Shake can and hold 8-10 inches from head. Spritz roots, then massage through strands.

 

Dr. Jart+ – Dis-a-Pore Beauty Balm, Full-size $36

What: The Korean skincare brand’s SPF 30 face protector conceals enlarged pores and controls oil.

How: Using your fingers, blend into skin on face and neck.

 

ModelCo – Shimmer Bronzer, Full-size $22 (sample I chose to receive)

What: This lightweight pressed powder gives skin a natural-looking glow with a hint of shimmer.

How: Using a blush brush, lightly dust onto hollows of cheeks, across forehead, and over chest.

 

 

Supergoop!® – Forever Young Hand Cream with Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40, Full-size $11-$29.50

What: This berrylicious hydrator plumps skin and shields against UVA and UVB rays.

How: Smooth onto hands daily to protect against the signs of premature aging.

 

Beauty Extra

nügg Beauty – Soothing Mask, Pack of 5, $14.99

What: This 94% natural treatment relieves dryness, redness, and irritation in 10 minutes flat.

How: Apply to clean, dry face, avoiding eyes and mouth. Leave 5-10 minutes before rinsing.

 

What am I thinking…

Although I don’t think my hair is suited for second day hair, I’m still happy to try out another dry shampoo! I’m excited to see if this particular dry shampoo adds volume since I have pretty flat hair. I don’t have large pores nor do I have oily skin but we’ll see what Dr. Jart can do. I doubt it will do much because this sample is teeny-tiny!  I picked the bronzer powder and I’m still happy I did.  The powder looks dark but I rubbed some on my wrist to see a swatch and it seems to be pretty transparent, so that’s good! Another Supergoop!..and this is also the tiniest sample.  I do like the smell but holy smokes, this is so small… I am pretty excited to try the face mask so some night I’ll pamper myself with that!  Overall, I’m happy with receiving another dry shampoo, the bronzer and the mask. I think this was a decent box.

Want your own Birchbox? Sign up here!

xoxo,

Katie

*Product descriptions are courtesy of Birchbox.

** This is not a sponsored post. I purchased this subscription and all opinions are my own.

Birchbox – July 2014

My final box from my gift subscription…

Birchbox – July 2014: Power Up

 

 

Klorane – Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, Full-size $18

What: Award-winning fan fave that absorbs grease and puts bounce back into second-day hair.

How: Shake can and spritz 10 inches from roots. After two minutes, brush out and distribute powder.

Shut the front door!  I can’t believe I finally get to try a dry shampoo!  Beyond excited for this and trying tomorrow, FYI.

NAOBAY – Body Radiance Loation, Full-size $24

What: This Spanish favorite uses olive oil and avocado to naturally hydrate and soften skin.

How: Massage generously into skin, focusing on dry patches like elbows and knees.

Sumita – Color Contrast Eyeliner (Raina), Full-size $11

What: This soft wax pencil delivers rich, long-lasting color that won’t irritate eyes.

How: Trace lash line starting from the inside corner of each eye. Blend to create a softer look.

Blue… Oh, I’m sorry. I must have opened the door to the 80’s…

 

Vasanti Cosmetics – Detox Nutrient-Rich Purifying Facial Cleanser, Full-size $24

What: This foamy, sulfate-free wash gently removes pore-clogging impurities without over-drying.

How: Morning and night, massage into damp skin and rinse away. For all skin types.

 

Beauty Extra

100% Pure – Gingerade Shower Gel, Full-size $15

What: All-natural, richly foaming cleanser with aloe to hydrate and green tea to nourish skin.

How: Apply sparingly to wash cloth or sponge, massage into damp skin, and rinse away.

 

 

This month Birchbox teamed up with Women’sHealth Magazine for their Power Up themed box. Inside this month’s box included a coupon to get a one-year subscription to Women’sHealth Magazine for $9.99. Thanks but no thanks. I’ll pass. There was also a booklet with 12 bite-sized challenges to Power Up. Examples are: keep a workout log, eat veggies for breakfast, sit smarter… Interesting.

What am I thinking…

OMG..Dry shampoo! Yay!  I’m also looking forward to trying the Vasanti facial cleanser. I got another one of their products in my June box that I’ve been enjoying so I’m hoping that the cleanser is good too. Although I received yet another lotion, I appreciate that this one is from Spain! I’ve never received shower gel in a box so this is exciting. My only qualm is that they are in foil packets which are no fun trying to use in the shower… The eyeliner tip was broken off my sample so I won’t be able to try that. I wasn’t much to interested in wearing BLUE eyeliner anyway. Overall, I think this box was a little better than last month.

So as I said above, this is my last gift subscription box BUT I did renew on my own! Birchbox will still be showing up in my mailbox once a month!

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 all opinions are my own.

Birchbox – June 2014

You know it’s a good day when your Birchbox arrives!

Birchbox – June 2014: Away We Go

 

Catherine Malandrino – Catherine Malandrino Fragrance, Full-size $110

What: The designer’s first-ever scent mingles summery fruits and florals for an elegant vibe.

How: Wear this with your favorite sundress, and spritz again before meeting friends for cocktails.

 

Coastal Scents® – Revealed 2 Eye Shadow Palette Set, Full-size $34

What: Versatile range of rose-tinted shadows that will round out your beauty arsenal.

How: Sweep preferred hue over lids for day. Layer shadows for a more dramatic night look.

 

Davines – Love Smoothing Shampoo, Conditioner, and Ol All in One Milk, Full-size $24-28

What: This strand-smoothing trio softens, detangles, and tames frizz for remarkably sleek locks.

How: Apply shampoo and rinse. Follow with conditioner.  Use leave-in treatment before styling.

 

Gilchrist & Soames – London Collection Body Lotion, Full-size $16

What: Antioxidant-rich moisturizer that smooths and softens with botanicals like grape seed.

How: Massage generously into dry skin.

Vasanti Cosmetics – BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator, Full-size $34

 What: This customer fave mimics effects of microdermabrasion for a glowing, smooth complexion.

How: 3-5 times a week, massage a pea-sized amount into damp skin and rinse. For all skin types.

 

What am I thinking….

This box was a little whah, whah, whah….  I specified in my beauty profile that I do not want to receive fragrances.  I don’t hate the scent I got but I would have preferred a different product to sample. I must say that I was happy with the sample sizes in this box.  The shampoo and body lotion are very generous sample sizes and the eye shadow palette has four colors in it.  However, the conditioner and hair milk are foil packet samples and I hate those, especially if they are products you need to use in the shower.  The lotion and the shampoo smell ok but there’s nothing outstanding about them.  The true test will come into play when I actually try them out.  I am most excited about the eye shadow and the Vasanti Face Rejuvenator.  I still love Birchbox and enjoy trying new samples.  I just feel like this box was a little sub-par in comparison to my April and May boxes (which were AMAZING)! There’s always July’s box!

Want your own Birchbox? Sign up here!

xoxo,

Katie

*Product descriptions are courtesy of Birchbox.

** I was not paid to write this post. This subscription was gifted to me and I’m sharing my own experiences.

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.

Birchbox – April 2014

Look what finally arrived…my April Birchbox!  I feel like it took forever and a day for it to get here and now the time has come!  This better be good!

Birchbox – April 2014: Rainy Days

Color Club – Gala’s Gems Collection (Color: Breakfast at…), Set of 4 $13

What: We teamed up with style blogger Gala Gonzalez to create this exclusive shimmery shade.

How: This formula has a luxe pearl finish.  Apply two coats, followed by a top coat.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty – Black Eyeliner, Full-size $16

What: A luxe, creamy liner from the NYC-based designer for smudge-proof, all-day wear.

How: Glide along lash line for a defined look or blend within 30 seconds for a smoky eye.

 

Number 4 High Performance Hair Care – Clarifying Shampoo, Full-size $32

What: Vitamin-rich botanicals gently purify hair while restoring lost moisture and shine.

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

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

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

What: Based on traditional African recipes, these formulas smooth, hydrate, and revitalize skin.

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

Lifestyle Extra

KIND Snacks – Healthy Grains Bar: Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt, 15-count $11.88

 What: The perfect combo of salty and sweet, these delicious treats pack a whole-grain punch.

How: Toss ’em in your purse or gym bag for a healthy pick-me-up whenever, wherever.

What am I thinking….

I was pretty happy with this box!  I think I received quite a few samples and they are things I am willing to try!  Since I did this post as more of an unboxing, I haven’t tried any of the products yet. I think I’m most excited about the nail polish and eye liner.  Happy April!

Want your own Birchbox? Sign up here!

xoxo,

Katie

*Product descriptions/content are courtesy of Birchbox.

** I was not paid to write this post. This subscription was gifted to me and I’m sharing my own experiences.

Birchbox – March 2014

So I’m doing this a little half-backwards… I received my March 2014 Birchbox about three weeks ago but still wanted to share with you all the goodies!  Let’s dig in, shall we?

Air Repair – Rescue Balm, Full-size $12

What: Balms away! This all-natural salve repairs dry, cracked skin anywhere on the body.

How: Dab onto chapped lips, cuticles, hands, elbows, and knees.

Verdict: This really seemed to work.  I had two cuts on my fingers from dry skin.  Lotion wasn’t working and this seemed to do the trick!  Swell!

Harvey Prince – Cherie Blossom, Full-size $55

What: Inspiring scent that mingles sparking cherry blossom with romantic vanilla and musk.

How: Apply to pulse points for a breezy, come-hither vibe.

Verdict:  Liked this scent even less than the Joan Vass – L’eau de Cristal sample in my first box…ugh!

stila – Lip Glaze, Full-size $8

What: Loaded with vitamins, this much-loved lip gloss has an easy-peasy pen-style applicator.

How: Twist the bottom dial to release the formula, then paint onto lips.

Verdict: Bonus!  I received a full-size sample of this lip gloss in the color “Huckleberry”.  Thanks Birchbox!

Supergoop! – City Sunscreen Serum, Full-size $20-$42

What: This anti-aging serum, which creates a weightless UV shield, can be worn year-round.

How: Apply a thin layer in the morning.  Wear along or as a primer under makeup.

Verdict:  Have not yet tried but I appreciate some anti-aging serum, you know, being 30 and all….

Birchbox Find Alert!

Inside this month’s box is a Birchbox Find, a mass-market discovery we’ve come across that we think is awesome.  Don’t worry-these products are in addition to you usual samples, never in place of them.

*this was in place of my Lifestyle Extra

Jergens – BB Body Perfecting Skin Cream

What: This fast-drying moisturizer goes on sheer before adjusting to your natural skin tone. With shea butter, the cream provides moisture while light-reflecting pigments immediately brighten skin and minimize the appearance of imperfections. Not only that, but the proprietary formula works to improve your complexion over time, firming skin while also calming redness and visibly reducing discoloration.

How: Use this cream daily for best results. Once a day, smooth generously over skin and let dry completely before getting dressed.

Verdict: Honestly, I haven’t given this a whirl yet…but it’s a decent size sample.  A $2.00 off coupon was also included with the sample.

What am I thinking….

Hands down, the stila Lip Glaze was the winner in this box.  It’s become a “must bring” item in my  purse/diaper bag.  How generous that I got a full-size sample!  That made my day!  I let them know in my beauty profile (that you complete after you sign up for Birchbox) that I did not want to receive any more fragrances.  Fingers crossed!

Want your own Birchbox? Sign up here!

My April 2014 box is in transit as we speak so don’t go too far!

xoxo,

Katie

*Product descriptions/content are courtesy of Birchbox.

** I was not paid to write this post.  This subscription was gifted to me and I’m sharing my own experiences.