Personal Update and Coach Handbags Changes

Hi everyone. There have been a lot of changes in out lives again, but I am pleased to announce that I will be starting a new job later this month as a legal administrator at a local law firm. It is about 10 miles from Spencer's work which will allow us to move right in between our two jobs. Talk about a great commute!

Spencer and I are also considering buying a house! We have met with a real estate agent and are excited to start looking at houses in the next few months, but more to come on that later.

-------

So Coach might be doing away with their monogram "C" logo. I don't know how I feel about this. You can read the article for yourself HERE.

I love the classic Coach "C". It is part of the brand. I own several bags like this.

I hate the new "C" font. They look like crappy knockoffs did in the late 90s. I refuse to buy one.

I do love some of their leather, non-monogram bags... but they really aren't identifiable.

Let's face it, the point of buying brands like Coach, Juicy, Louboutins, Prada, etc. is that other people know you are wearing those brands. As tacky as that sounds (and as the article points out) it is true. Sure, sure, you buy the brand because it is of a "superior quality", but on a basic level most people buy just about everything because of the perception it gives. If logos and trademarks weren't so important to marketing, branding, and sales, a multi-billion dollar industry in trademark protection wouldn't exist. Consumers buy brands and their identities.

They need to do something to make their leather bags obvious Coach merchandise, otherwise you might as well get a no name brand from Kohl's or Target than pay $300. Coach will be making a huge mistake if they "debrand".

What do you think?

March / Teen Vogue Birchbox Review

This has been my favorite Birchbox yet. I am so glad that I opted in to receive the Teen Vogue box.

What was inside:

Essie - Luxeffects
What they say: "Layer this glittery top coat onto any polish for an eye-catching look. Full-size, $8."
What I say: I am SO excited about this product. First, it is full size, which is worth $8, so I would say my box was worth the money this month. Second, I almost bought this Wednesday night. I am so glad I didn't since it came in my box. Third, Essie has great polish colors and they last. I just painted my nails Friday though, so I haven't been able to try this yet.

Kate Spade New York - Twil
What they say: "You'll adore this flirty scent, which is a modern update on a timeless fruity floral. Full-size, $65 - $80"
What I say: This perfume is pleasant, sweet, and light. I can't see many people passionately "disliking" this scent. I did like it, but not enough to buy it. I will wear the sample though.

Kerastase - Elixir Ultime
What they say: "Add this nourishing oil to your hair regimen to hydrate, smooth, and sleekify your strands. Full -size, $54"
What I say: This is apparently a L'Oreal Paris product, and besides the complicated name it seems like a good product. I was rather annoyed that this product didn't have any instructions. Does it go in wet hair, dry hair, before washing, etc? I had to Google to find the answers. According to their website this product can be used before cleansing, as a deep conditioner, before blow drying, or as finishing oil. It seems expensive especially when compared to Redkin's Heat Glide. 

Tarte - LipSurgence Lip Tint 
What they say: "This long-lasting stain adds rich pigment and is designed to boost moisture levels in your lips. Full-size, $24"
What I say: This was my least favorite product in the box. I am not a fan of matte lip color. My lips looked and felt dry after I put it on. Whatever moisture they are talking about I didn't get it. It did seem to stay on well, but the color was also too pale for me. It is a shame because it was also full size. I gave it to my sister who seemed to like the color and feel, so to each their own.

Twistband - Hair Tie
What they say: "Give your ponytail a makeover with these colorful, snag-free elastics. 12 pack, $18"
What I say: Another favorite in the box! I have it in right now. They hold your hair really well and give your hair the "scrunchie" look (no bumps) without putting in a large 90's band. I got orange, which is fine for around the house, but I would prefer black to wear out.

Interested in ordering your own Birchbox? Click HERE for more info.

Update and Vichy Birchbox Review

I want to apologize for my lack of posting and participation in the last month and a half. I really wanted to get this blog going, and it was not my intent. With all of Jade's health issues I just didn't feel very social. Jade was home for about a month with some spotty bleeding here or there before we had another scare. She started losing more blood, and we were terrified we were going to have to put her down. We still don't have a concrete diagnosis, but are treating for Colonic Casular Ectasia. We have had a lot of ups and downs in the last few weeks, but her blood levels came up this week. We hope we have really found the cause.

:::Now for the good stuff::: 

I signed up for Birchbox in January and my first shipment came in February, and unfortunately I was not impressed. Birchbox is a $10 monthly subscription of deluxe samples. This first started as an entrepreneurship project for two Harvard students and has just boomed! It comes just like a magazine subscription. I was so excited, but as I said I was disappointed by my first box, so I didn't blog about it. It also came in the middle of Valentine's craziness, so I didn't exactly have the time. 

Since then I have gotten two more boxes. One was sponsored by Vichy, a skin care company. This came as an additional free box (I was emailed with the option to opt in). My second box came yesterday and was sponsored by Teen Vogue. This box replaced my monthly box that I was given the option to opt into. I can honestly say I was far more impressed by these boxes than the first. I am hoping it was just a fluke "intro" box and that the amazing samples continue. Here is what I got in the Vichy box:

Aqualia Therman Day Cream

What they say: "24hr Hydrating Care" Infused with a high concentration of mineral-rich antioxidant water, this moisturizer keeps skin hydrated around the clock. Use it every morning on a clean face, alone or under make-up. Full size (1.7 fl oz) $29.95

What I say: This moisturizer is great. It isn't too thick and make up goes on smooth underneath it. I swear after using it my skin looks instantly brighter. 

Lifactiv Rhamnose Night Cream

What they say: "Anti-wrinkle + Firming Care. This lush night cream works its magic with Rhamnose, a plant-derived ingredient (concentrated at 5%) that helps skin renew itself. Apply a thin layer after washing your face, and do not forget your neck and decolletage. Dull size (1.7 fl oz) $49.00"

What I say: This s one thick cream! This product seems to get used more quickly than any of the others. I haven't decided if it is worth the full size price or not... 

Purete Thermal 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser 

What they say: "A real triple threat, this unique formula works as a cleansing milk, toning lotion, and a makeup remover all at once. Dab it on with a cotton pad, or smooth it directly onto your skin and rinse with water. Full size (6.7 fl oz) $19.50"

What I say: This is definitely a unique cleaner. I have never used anything that wasn't soapy/foamy so I was a little apprehensive. So far it has worked great. I prefer to use a cotton pad to help get the make up off, though. This product is non-greasy and seems as if it would be good for sensitive and dry skin. Also, while it does remove foundation well, it does not remove eye make up. I would say this product is worth the price. 

Purete Thermal Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes

What they say: "Laced with cornflower water and vitamin B, this uber-gentle formula thoroughly cleanses your delicate eye area. Pour a small amount onto a cotton pad and pat into skin. Full size (5.1 fl oz)  $16.50. 

What I say: This product is worth the price! It smells light and sweet and really gets off eye make up with out leaving a greasy feel. Even if I don't get anything else from the line, I will be getting this product. 

Cellusestock

What they say: "Instensive Treatment for the Appearance of Cellulite. Vichy's own Liocidine Complex teams up with caffeine to tine the skin of your thighs, hips, and derriere. Massage into your skin to zap cellulite. Sull Size (6.7 fl oz) $39.50"

What I say: I actually haven't used this yet. I wanted to wait until it is warm enough to wear a dress or bikini so I can really see if there are any results. It seemed like a waste to put it on under jeans. My only comment is that I can't believe this product would cost less than the night cream! 

Overall: I have been using this product night and day since February 22nd, and I still have a lot left. I have liked the products a lot so far. I did have three pimples in the last few weeks (very uncommon for me -- but they weren't bad), but that is supposedly expected when changing skin care systems. I was also very stressed, so that could play a role. It seems like a quicker process than my traditional cleaner. Also, if my hair is already styled or dry my hairline doesn't get all wet like it used to. I am debating if I am going to buy this line. I still have a lot of my old skin care system left, but that is the only thing holding me back. 

I will post later this week about my Teen Vogue Box, but in the meantime if you are interested in signing up for Birchbox you can do it HERE.