Birchbox: Thoughts After a Subscription

For my past birthday, I was the lucky recipient of a 6 month subscription to the popular sample service, Birchbox.  I have long lusted after Birchbox and admired them as a company and service, and have debated on signing up for myself, but just never got around to doing it.  I was also torn between other popular services, such as Ipsy.  However, I couldn’t help but be over the moon at receiving the email informing me of my gift, and immediately went on the Birchbox website and filled out my profile, indicating my personal tastes.

Now that I have received all 6 boxes I thought I would share my experience with the company and its’ service with all of you.

First off, I just want to begin by saying that Birchbox has an incredible concept behind it.  For those of you that are not familiar with the company, Birchbox allows you to set up an online profile where you fill out ‘preferences,’ or ‘needs.’  These things can vary in skin type, hair type, to what type of products you are most interested in receiving and learning about (nails, hair, skin, body, health, etc.).  Then, each month, you receive a box in the mail filled with 4-6 sample-sized products of various items based on those preferences.  Then, once you’ve sampled the products, you may purchase the items of your choice through the company’s website.

Overall, the idea of getting samples of interesting products is fantastic.  It enables you to discover more ‘high-end’ products that you would not necessarily think to try otherwise.  (That’s another thing- almost all of the products you will receive are high-end items)  However, often times, the sample sizes are tiny when compared to sizes given in other sample services, and are not large enough to decide whether a product is truly right for you.  In addition, it’s been said that perhaps you should be able to go online and decide which samples you receive on your own.  While this may cost slightly more, would this be more worthwhile for the consumer?

Product-wise, I definitely got some duds over the six months I had the service.  But that’s to be expected.  I did get some products I loved, though.  I also haven’t tried all of the products yet.  I’ve accumulated so many samples now, that it’s quite difficult to try all of them, with my skin type, changing products and things – even slightly- doesn’t always work well, so I have to be careful.  Definitely something to think about when choosing preferences in your profile!

When broken down by price, a Birchbox subscription is $10 a month.  Ipsy, the most popular competitor, is also $10 a month.  I’ve linked both services’ websites below.

https://www.birchbox.com/

http://www.ipsy.com/

For more information on my own personal experience with Birchbox, or to see specifically what I’ve received in my boxes, check out my main channel on YouTube.  I’ve done unboxing videos for all of my boxes.  My most recent one can be found at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm36lq53jOg

Do you have a subscription to a sample service?  Let me know which one and what your experiences have been in the comments below!  I’d love to hear what you guys think!

Tech Specs

Hey Everyone!  I hope you all are having a fantastic day!  For today’s post, I thought I’d answer some questions that I’ve gotten about what sort of camera, programs, etc. that I use to create the content that I post online.  Before I hop in, I just want to say that I am in no way an expert on any of this- I feel lucky to have the tools that I do have, but I also know that there is room for improvement in my ‘toolbox,’ and I do have some ideas on steps that I want to take as far as upcoming improvements.  That being said, please feel free to leave comments and suggestions on products that you recommend to me, and let me know what your experience have been (positive and negative) with any of the products that I mention!  I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts, and they may even influence decisions I make in the future!

Computer

I currently am using a Macbook Pro that runs the latest version of OS X.  I switched to the MacBook Pro from a PC about a year ago, and have not regretted the decision to do so once.  I find the Mac so much higher in quality (I absolutely hated Windows 8, which I had for a brief time), and it is really not hard to make the adjustment to the different computing system.

Cameras

I have two cameras that I frequently use to film content for my videos.  The first one, is the most frequently used camera in general on my part, and it is my DSLR.  It is a Nikon D3100.  I love this camera.  However, I am still learning the ins and outs of it, and would really love to just take a photography class somewhere to get the in depth help that I probably really need.  In addition to this particular camera, you may also be questioning which lens I use.  I do not own any additional lenses for this camera- I simply use the starter lens that it came with, and for my ‘beginner’ status, it works well.   However I do have my next lens already picked out.

The second camera that I use is a simple point-and-shoot camera that I’ve had since high school.  This camera was actually passed on to me by my Dad, but he took great care of it and it still works incredibly well.  I’m not entirely sure of the official name of the camera, but it is a Sony Cyber-Shot with 10.1 mega pixels.  This camera mainly gets used for smaller vlogs as it’s perfect to have in my purse when I’m on the go, or I’ll bring it along for nights out with friends when bringing a DSLR isn’t the most practical choice.

Editing Software

To edit all of my YouTube videos, I simply run them through the most updated version of iMovie, which for those of you that don’t know, is a program that comes with the Mac computer systems.  I find that the program is fairly easy to use, and it gets the ‘basic’ editing done, however doing much more than basic editing can be more challenging and/or time consuming.  This is another area that I hope to make improvements in, and hope to update to Final Cut Pro, which most people on YouTube utilize.

The Sigma Resort Palette

Hey Everyone!

I hope you all are having a fantastic day!  For today’s post, it’s a long overdue one.  This is a brief review/thought session on a Christmas present that I received this past Christmas from one of my AWESOME Aunts (SHOUTOUT TO YOU!!!!).  I’ve been meaning to write this for the longest time, but just haven’t, and today, well, it’s finally happening.  So let’s hop right in!

First off, let me just say that when I saw the Sigma packaging I was ready to cry.  I had no idea what I was getting, and I just got so excited and emotional, and just yea…. I was so excited and grateful.  When I opened it up, I was pretty much terrified to even touch it, because I didn’t want to ruin it’s ‘perfection,’ and I started jumping up and down screaming (like a 3 year old) hugging my Aunt.  It was great.

For those of you that don’t know, the Resort Palette by Sigma is a Limited Edition palette.  It comes with 8 eyeshadows, 1 blush, 1 liquid highlight, and 1 double-ended eyeliner pencil.  It is all beautifully packaged (about the size of a Naked palette) and there is a large mirror inside).  The eye colors range from smokey to neutral to bright, and there are so many looks you can create.  The blush is a gorgeous soft to medium pink shade, and the eyeliners come in a bright blue shade, and a staple brown.

The eyeshadow colors (from left to right): Muse, Fawn, Luna, Topaz, Papaya, Moonbeam, Neela, and Midori.

Eye colors (left to right): Muse, Fawn, Luna, Topaz, Papaya.

Eye colors (left to right): Topaz, Papaya, Moonbeam, Neela, Midori.

Overall, I think this is definitely something that I will get more use out of during the summer months due to the amount of bright shades, and the temperature of the liners when swatched.  However, so far, my favorites of the shadows have been Fawn and Luna.  I just love the neutral look of Fawn as an all over the lid color, and Luna in the inner corners of the eye.  It’s a great basic look.  I can’t wait to mix and match some of the brighter colors with other bright outfits for some fun summer looks!

So you have this palette?  What do you think of it?  What are you favorite looks to create with it?

Introducing… The 1975

It’s definitely been quite a long time since I’ve done one of these posts.  Part of that is because I’ve been stuck in quite a rut when it comes to discovering new people and groups in any capacity, and another reason is I just haven’t thought to introduce you guys to the great and awesome new people that I have come across.  Nevertheless, today I want to talk to you all about the incredible band that I discovered thanks to MissGlamorazzi and Against the Current (on Youtube), The 1975.

Famous for the hit single, “Chocolate,” The 1975, comes from Manchester, United Kingdom.  The 4 members met in school in 2002, and consist of Matthew Healy (vocals, guitar), Adam Hann (guitar), George Daniel (drums), and Ross MacDonald (bass).

Total, the group has released four EPs.  Their self-titled debut album was released on September 2, 2013 and debuted at #1 in the UK on September 8, 2013, ahead of the Nine Inch Nails comeback album.

Overall, The 1975 is unlike anything I’ve ever listened to and stuck with.  I’ve “dabbled” in this typed of music before, but have never planned to see the group in concert as I’ve done with this group.  I have had the same songs on a constant loop since September, and that really says something.  The 1975 has taken a front row in my “music agenda” and has pushed all other music to the back burner.  Be warned through- some songs are marked as “Explicit” on Spotify.  And just a word to the wise, this music isn’t truly appropriate for all ages, even the songs that aren’t marked.

Here are some links to some videos that I think you may enjoy as well as the band’s official website!

Until next time, Happy Reading (and listening!),

Allison

The 1975 official website:

http://the1975.com/

“Chocolate” – Music Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfBKqaVk2Co

“Sex” – Music Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeDGfk0UJw8

“Chocolate” – Against the Current COVER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pIyg35wiB4

“Chocolate” – Landon Austin COVER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfcwHB5qRgA

50 Random Facts About Me!

1.     My middle name is Marie.

2.     In May of 2009, I graduated from High School.

3.     In May of 2013, I graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and minor in Creative Writing.

4.     I always wear a ring on my right index finger that I purchased in Camden Market in London while studying abroad there.

5.     When I was 9 (almost 10), my family moved from Connecticut to Maryland.  I was devastated by this move and was pretty much determined to make it not happen, even if that meant living on the streets.  Needless to say, that didn’t happen.

6.     My best friend from JMU is Brittany.

7.     My best friend from high school is Chrystal.

8.     I discovered the YouTube community that I now love through Ministry of Magic music video “Don’t Leave” sent to me by a friend while I was studying abroad.

9.     I started this blog as a New Year’s resolution in 2012.

10. In addition to my two dogs, Charlie and Rosie, I also have a Beta Fish, named Sheldon, after the character on The Big Bang Theory television show.

11. My favorite color is Tiffany Blue, but this has no connection to the jewelry store.

12. My favorite Disney movies are Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, and Mulan.

13. I have 1 younger brother, Stephen.

14. I would rather purchase a book to add to my library than check it out of the public library.

15. The place I want to travel to most in the world is Rome (or Italy in general).

16. I love Greek mythology.

17. In 10^th grade, I broke my arm and had to have surgery and metal plates put in.

18. In 12^th grade, I had double knee surgery.

19. I really want to be a Mom someday.

20. I have seen Alex Goot in concert twice.

21. The #1 most played song on my iTunes is Alex Goot’s version of “One More Night.”

22. I was on the yearbook staff in high school and senior year was Editor-in-Chief.

23. I was also a writer for my college yearbook for the first two years I attended.

24. While studying abroad in London, I attended the red carpet premiere of the final Harry Potter film.  YES, I was one of the crazy fans in Trafalgar Square and heard those iconic speeches first hand!

25. London will always hold a special place in my heart, and I would definitely consider moving there permanently.

26. I love the Mario Party Games, particularly 5, 6, and 7.

27. I love playing The Sims.  I used to play for the entire day without stopping when I was younger!

28. I met Macklemore & Ryan Lewis when they performed at JMU!

29. During my time at JMU, I was a part of the University Program Board (UPB).  During my time with this organization, I helped organize events, including set up and break down entire stages for concerts!

30. Favorite Starbucks drink is a White Chocolate Mocha.

31. Favorite ice cream flavor is Mint Chocolate Chip.

32. I prefer Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups to Reese’s Cups, but I LOVE both. (I can thank Nikki Phillippi for this obsession)

33. The first CD I ever owned was Britney Spear’s “Baby One More Time.”

34. I love History, and almost majored in the subject at my university.

35. I am very bad at journaling.  I like writing, and I think journaling can be very beneficial, but I just do not have the discipline to do it.

36. I am extremely slow when it comes to handwriting things.  Small things like a note to myself are ok, but something like a journal entry are impossible for me.

37. I hate the look and feel of raw meat.  

38. I prefer raw veggies to cooked ones.

39. I am typically reading 3-4 books at a time.

40. I am a major planner- I will often have my day planned out to the minute.

41. My favorite version of Mickey Mouse is the one from the Sorcerer’s Apprentice in the original Fantasia movie.

42. My favorite animals are Pandas and Orcas.

43. My next dog will either be another Maltese like Charlie, or a Yorkie.

44. My all time favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen.

45. A book that I think more people should read is My Hands Came Away Red, by Lisa McKay.

46. My favorite phone app is Instagram (follow me at “allisoncomments”).

47. My favorite Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavor is Half Baked. YUM!

48. I own three sets of Harry Potter books - one hard cover, one paperback, and one British set that I purchased while studying abroad.

49. From Grade 1 to Grade 12, I was a dancer.  Over the years, I did ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, and partnering.

50. I love TV shows, but I am horrible at keeping up with them on a week by week basis.

I hope you all learned a little something about me from this post and that it was interesting for you all to read!  Let me know what kinds of posts you would like to see in the future on here in the comments below!  I’d greatly appreciate you’re feedback!

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Allison