April and May Empties 2015

The empties posts continue. Although April showers are supposed to being May flowers; here in the DC area, April's fall-like weather (I had to pull back out my boots and tights) led to May showers ... well really downpours - there's one going on right now.

Here's what I finished in April and May:

• Palmer's Cocoa Buter Formula Facial Skin Therapy Oil - Really good quality stuff you can get at the drugstore. As I've mentioned in prior posts, I mix this in with my normal cream moisturizer for extra moisture and because my skin is dry, it has no impact on makeup breakdown. Also nice by itself at night or to gently massage over dry patches (such as mostly healed breakouts and the like). I would definitely purchase another bottle once I get through my Tarte Marajuca oil (which is nice, but this is much more wallet friendly!)
• Queen Helene's Royal Moisture Rich Condition - As with all Queen Helene brand stuff, this is very affordable and my hair drank this stuff up. I don't believe it has silicones, but the ingredient's list is super long, so I wouldn't say for certain. I would recommend for us dry haired, curly girls for sure.
• Caudalie Cleansing Water - This cleansing water was far from my favorite. Aside from the lovely scent and nice small dispenser, I felt it was a chore to use up. The reason is it does not remove anything long wearing and forget about using it on waterproof mascara. It's not worth the hassle. With face makeup it's unremarkable and for the price I expect more. 
• Bath & Body Works Vanilla Pistachio Foaming Handsoap - My very last bottle of this and I'm so sad about it cause it's so nice. Granted, now I have more vanilla pistachio scented things around, but a hand soap is nice and easy and can calm you down before going to bed... ahh it just smells so good!
• Essie Smooth Trick Cuticle Oil - The easy dispenser is awesome in theory but not quite so great in practice. I suffer from dry cracked cuticles and skin and thought that this would be great to whip out while on the metro or while traveling without having to bring a glass bottle of a "proper" cuticle oil. The issue with this is the amount that gathers at the tip is dependent by how much you squeeze, and in this case, the items in my purse were squeezing it, leaving me a mess and wasted product. It got to the point where I had to keep it in its own plastic bag and then eventually, I had to just keep it at home. I know there are pen-like products that are housed in hard cases where this would happen less, but this has 1/2 ounce of oil, was/is reasonably priced and effective. I think it's discontinued at this point, but if anyone has any recommendations for something similar that doesn't cause a mess and doesn't wind up costing a ridiculous amount per ounce, I am definitely interested in hearing about them!
• Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment - This is the deluxe sample size and I seriously scraped every last bit of this out before deeming it done because I didn't want to waste any. I hardly ever buy these; this one came in a set from Sephora for free - can't beat that! I am not terribly particular when it comes to balms, though I have my favorites. This is one that I wouldn't buy, but I know it works, so any opportunity for freebies is always good!
• Supersmile Ultimate Lip Treatment Vanilla Almond - I remember this came in a Birchbox and I really had to force myself to use it. It was a bit more emollient than I typically like and picture vanilla, almond AND mint. Not my favorite flavor combination. Mostly effective, but not something I would consider purchasing.
• Clinique Take the Day Off For lids, Lashes and Lips - This is definitely a dependable oldie but goodie; though I never wind up buying it since I can always manage to find minis as a 100 point perk at Sephora or gift with purchase.

• Hada Labo Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial Mask- Already mentioned that this is great, especially those with dry skin. Also, significantly more cost effective than those from some of the major brands and ULTA puts these on sale fairly often and can be combined with coupons.
• Epielle Cucumber Cleansing Tissues - A fairly consistent presence in my empties posts. These are only $1 at Big Lots and just as good as the ones from the drugstore (in most instances). I use these on my face as a pre-cleanse step most of the time.
• La Fresh Instant Body Soother - I was doing my usual 5 mile mini self tours of NYC and didn't have time to shower and this proved to be absolutely perfect. Didn't have to deal with doing a full shower routine, but felt fresh enough to interact with people! Not sure I'd purchase on my own as the La Fresh wipes are quite expensive, but they are effective!
• ELF Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths - I haven't used these on my face since the first time I used them, they seriously stung my eyes, but I was going through my makeup and getting rid of expired and/or dried out products and these took the swatches off like a champ, and I think last time I checked they were still $1. Not good for my face, but my hand can handle these!

So there you have it, my empties for April and May. I was going to try out the "hair dye" from my previous post but it is storming outside and I have a thing about taking a shower when it's raining, so maybe that particular post will have to wait.

What have you finished recently?

Outfit and Makeup of the Night - v. 6th Wedding Anniversary

My husband and I celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary last night (technically the date is today, but a Saturday night dinner seemed more special somehow). We went to an amazing restaurant in downtown Bethesda (if you're local) called 4935 Bar and Kitchen. Highly recommend. I presume the guy that helped us out was the general manager - I wish I remembered his name, he was awesome. Anyway, because we were going to a nice place and it was a special event, I dressed up. I usually don't share fashion on this blog, but ever since I've lost weight, it's definitely been more of interest and if you can find this dress in your local Banana Republic, it is amazing - one of the best parts of it is it's one you don't have to pull over your head, so you can do your makeup before without fear of squirting foundation on it. I doubt I would pay full price (BR stuff is generally overpriced to begin with), because that's just not my thing, but it is just sexy enough without being inappropriate - I'd say it's sexy/classy - not something to wear to work though unless you're short. I really should have taken pictures before we left the house because by the time we came home, I had consumed 2 glasses of wine (and that is generally enough to get me there - I'm a bit of a lighweight) and the first thing I did was kick of my high heels and take off my tights (and yes, it's still cold enough in MD to wear tights). Long intro aside, I thought I'd show my makeup, my outfit and the food (though the blue ambient lighting made all the food blue tinted - I swear, it wasn't like that in reality)!

(thank you Facebook for doing the photo montage for me - apologies for the dirty mirror)

Business in the front - party in the back. =)

So by the time I got home, everything was perfect makeup wise aside from my lipstick wearing off. Here's what I wore:

After sifting through a number of shots with lazy - I had something to drink - eyes - here are the two pictures I found that best represented the eye makeup. It was super easy for the record.

I applied Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer all over. Chanel Ombre Unique Showlights in Coquin was applied in the crease, just above and a little on the lid and Jemma Kidd i-Design in Vanity Fair was applied to darken the crease, in the outer-v and on the lower lashline all applied with the ipsy brush which is one of my favorite crease brushes. I curled my lashes with my newish Tweezerman eyelash curler and then applied a coat of the Cover Girl Clump Crusher by Lash Blash Very Black on the upper lashes; following by a coat of Maybelline Lash Discovery in Very Black (Waterproof) to seal the top and also applied this on the bottom. I really should just admit defeat and say this is empty and get a mascara topcoat so I can use my non waterproof mascara. Any recommendations?

For the face, I used my trusty Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream in #13 (a newer tube since finishing one last year). Underneath I used the Tarte Colored Clay CC Primer in fair and to set, the Urban Decay All Nighter. For blush I used Tarte's Amazonion clay 12-hour blush in Fearless and a Red Earth blush brush. This sample has lasted forever since it is so so so pigmented. It gives a lovely pink flush but I wish I could buy a mini since I would never in a million years get through a full size. I think I've used this sample 10 times and I still have more! My lips before consuming dinner were the Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss in #120 red-medium (I love these!), and my perfume of the evening was Bath and Body Works Forever Red.

I'll cut this off here and add photos of food behind the cut.

December Empties (2013)

Happy New Year everyone! I have to admit that I've been a bit of a slacker with the blog in 2013, but I hope to turn things around in 2014 though no promises, of course! This month came to end to several products...

Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Shower Gel - This is one of the small travel sizes (I like to change it up). Isn't it interesting how tastes change? A year ago, I wasn't really a fan of shower gels and now I can't get enough!
Philosophy Purity Made Simple - I use Purity to clean my makeup brushes. I know what you're thinking. That's a pricey product, but this enormous 12oz bottle came free with a Sephora order 2 years ago and I recently repurchased another one with my Birchbox points. Plus, I depend on this to keep my Beauty Blender spotless. It pretty much looks brand new and I owe it all to this!

Missha The Style Nail Polish Remover - I bought a ton of these when they were on clearance and I recently discovered a few leftovers in my stash. This is a nice nail polish remover and I'm trying to use up random brands so I can focus on Zoya Remove+ which is my favorite of them.

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil - I featured this in my nighttime skincare routine and loved it until I ran out. This is a great oil and left my skin looking great. I'm not sure I'd repurchase right away as it's quite pricey. I'd recommend trying it if you haven't (I prefer this over the Josie Maran for face).
Caudalie Lip Conditioner - I've really come to love this lip balm. I even converted one of my friends at work. Even though it's pricey, I've found this balm very effective. I tend to purchase when Caudalie comes out with holiday sets as I can grab the balm and the hand moisturizer for a reduced price. Love.
Physician's Formula Healthy Wear Healthy Wear™ SPF 50 Powder Foundation - I still really like this, though I've since switched to another brand for the moment for a little change. Great, inexpensive powder, although - if you're dry, make sure you moisturize well prior to using!

So there you have my December empties. What did you use up in December?

April Empties (2013)

Happy May, everyone! I managed to use up quite a few products in April which makes me extremely happy, though I still have a pesky powder foundation that I use at least 5 days a week and hit pan on in December and it still isn't finished (maybe this will wind up in my May empties?). Nonetheless, here are my empties for April.

Philip B Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo - In case you couldn't already tell, I love this shampoo. It's great for my flaky dry scalp. It's somewhat ridiculously priced, but that's ok since I love it. I recently stocked up at the recent spacenk sale so I won't be running out again anytime soon!
Phyto scalp stimulant Elixir Universel - This was a sample in one of the recent Sephora sample bags. It smells horrendous but it really calmed my scalp down as I was having a bit of a psoriasis outbreak due to the weather change. I actually bought the full size as it is significantly safer than using my prescription ointment.
*NuNaat Intensive Hair Mask - I really love this stuff and I was sad to see it go, weird scent and all. It does a great job of moisturizing my hair and I can definitely tell a different when I use it. I've linked a twit-pic of how nice my hair looked after usage, with no extra leave in products. I believe I mentioned in my review that I've seen some of the range in stores, but not this particular product line. I haven't really seen it online either, otherwise I'd repurchase.

Bath & Body Works Twilight Wood Shea Enriched Shower Gel - Lovely scent. Not the most moisturizing shower gel I've ever used but then again, that's what lotion is for! This is the small 3oz size which I love since I tend to get bored easily.
LaRocca Cellular Gold Hydrating Body Balm - This came in a Beauty Army box, I think. It is super rich and emollient and smells like Sunkist Fruit Gems, yum! This takes forever to sink in, so I preferred it at night with a nice comfy pair of flannel pajamas. I'm not sure I'd buy the big size because not only is it pricey but it's a very particular type of product (definitely can't be used in the summer as you'd stick to everything!).
The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Lip Care Stick - An oldie but a goodie! As I've said before, I love the majority of the lip balms from The Body Shop and this is no exception. Reasonably priced, not too waxy nor oily, just perfect. 
MAC Microfine Refinisher - A discontinued but lovely product. I have only another tube before it's gone for good which is unfortunate as it's so nice.

Olay Wet Cleansing Towelettes - These are ok and I got them for an excellent price at the drugstore. My only complaint was they made my eyes water which is weird since they have no alcohol. I think I have another pack but I'm not sure I'd repurchase.

So there you have it. What did you finish in April? If you have a post about your empties, please link it below!


* Disclosure: Item(s) starred were sent for review.

February Favorites

I don't normally do favorites posts, but since my empties post would be quite pitiful, I'm combining February and March and doing a post on my favorite things instead! Perhaps, I'll do both in the future (maybe it'll encourage me to blog more).

I freaking love the Elemental Herbology Purify & Soothe Facial Cleansing Balm. As you can see, I've made quite the dent in my tube. I think I can safely say that this has made a major impact on the condition of my skin. Not only is it thoroughly cleansed but it's been a lot easier to manage since I started using this: less breakouts, fewer dry patches, etc. I apply and massage it in, then I take the damp muslin cloth with warm-hot water and place it over my face for a few seconds and then massage all the grime away. Seriously amazing stuff though I wish it was a bit less pricey.

The Shea Terra Menthe Cardamom Whipped Shea Butter* came in the June Glossybox. I wasn't thrilled with it at the time and maybe even less so when I officially reviewed it. Then I decided to use it as a cuticle balm and I've loved it! It's too thick really to use as a body butter, but once it's on the skin for a minute, it begins to melt and it's perfect for the cuticles and on my husband's super flaky bits on his hands. I've used it pretty much every day since I discovered this new use for it and I've even hit jar.

You know those holy grail items that you tend to forget when "newer" "better" brands and items get on your radar? Well, The Body Shop's Cocoa Butter Lip Care Stick (and the majority of their balms for that matter) is awesome. It heals sore, dry winter lips. It's soft but not too soft. Sticks around through nighttime but isn't too waxy. These are around $8 but often on sale. Love.

While the Jemma Kidd brand is no longer, I've been loving this eyeshadow in Vanity Fair, a satin grey brown. It's the perfect color to smoke out the crease a bit without being overwhelming or too dramatic. I've been using this slightly random myglam brush to apply. I love the combo!

So I know I'm a bit behind on the times, but I've been loving the Twilight Woods Shea Enriched Shower Gel from Bath & Body Works. Technically, this came in a Beauty Army box a few months ago. I hadn't really been into this scent cause I kept on thinking it was supposed to smell differently according to reviews and the like, but then it hit me. It smells almost exactly like Jean Paul Gaultier II which is a long discontinued unisex fragrance which I absolutely loved. So I've been getting a lot of use out of this mini shower gel and may spring for the EDT if it smells similarly.

I've had this baby for ages. It's the Barielle Natural Nail Camouflage and I should probably chuck this but instead, I've just constantly thinned it when it gets a bit gloopy. It's been my nail of choice. Two coats of this leaves a milky pinkish coat on the nails and is very office appropriate. Since I've been so lazy with my nails, something so pale requires minimal upkeep and doesn't reflect chips as much as some of my other favorites. I'll admit, the full price is not appealing but I still continue to see these every so often at places like TJmaxx.

What were your February favorites? I for one am thrilled that March is upon us as I'm about to vacation to my in-laws in just a few days. Very excited to get away from the city craziness that is DC!

January Empties

Weleda Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion - This 10ml sample came in a Beauty Army box. This smells like actual almonds (not marzipan) and was very gentle. It was great for washing my face in the morning though I wouldn't consider it for evening use as it doesn't remove makeup. I'd consider repurchasing this once I get through some other cleansers as the price is reasonable and I'm a fan of the Weleda brand.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir - I know I know. I tried finding alternate products for this but during a particular time of the month when I'm prone to breakouts, this product is great. It is pricey, the scent is not my favorite and it contains alcohol but I do really like it still.

Caudalie Vinexpert Broad Spectrum SPF15 Radiance Day Fluid - Even though this was only a 3ml sample, it lasted for quite awhile. This was very light on the skin. I didn't find it hydrating enough for me so I wouldn't repurchase.
amika Nourishing Hair Mask - This packet came in a Birchbox. It was a pretty decent hair mask, though it does contain silicone. I only got one use out of the packet so I'm not sure I'd repurchase or not.

Bath & Body Works Vanilla Pistachio Gentle Foaming Hand Soap - Oh my goodness, the Vanilla Pistachio scent from Bath & Body Works is divine! Seriously annoyed that they discontinued this but I picked this up at one of their semi-annual sales. I currently have a back up and I'm kicking myself for not getting more. So delicious.

Have you finished anything recently? Link your empties posts below if you have them!

May & June Empties

Well I was less successful than I had anticipated finishing things in June. I haven't been wearing much makeup due to the heat and I've been switching up my skincare due to boredom. Well, enough excuses, onward.

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream - As you can see, I had to cut the tube in half to get all of the product out. Due to the thick consistency, there's tons more in the tube after you think you've completed it. Can't repurchase due to the fact it's not available in the states, but I may be asking for a favor next time winter rolls around.
Caudalie Beauty Elixir - This was the lone item I finished in May and sometimes I enjoyed after feeling lukewarm about. Even though the Boscia is pretty comparable, I think I will be repurchasing this soon, there's something about it that's great for super hot days which we've been having non stop.

Lavanilla Healthy Body Butter sample - I got this little sample at Sephora. Really unimpressed to be honest and won't be purchasing. It was thick but didn't seem to be really moisturising.
Bath & Body Works Shea Cashmere Hand Cream - I really enjoyed this when I first got it but lately, I haven't been. The scent for me has become a bit cloying and if I have a migraine, it makes me nauseated. Not good. Really glad this tube is done and I won't be repurchasing.

Fekkai Technician Color Care 3-Minute Mask - I really enjoyed this but I'm not sure it's worth the price. The normal size is 7oz and retails for $39 which I think is ridiculous. It did make my hair soft and I'd happily receive another sample (this was a 1.7oz tub)  but I don't think I'd repurchase.
Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner - This little 1oz tube lasted for all of 2 seconds. I didn't find it really did much more than any other moisturizing conditioner and definitely not at the price point. This came in a Birchbox and it was a nice sized sample but I wouldn't purchase the full size. Plus, there was something about the scent, maybe the Ginseng (?), that I wasn't a fan of.

Yup, that was pitiful. What did you finish in June?

Make It Work

Even though I wasn't the biggest fan of the Philosophy Purity cleanser (it is drying on me), it's a decent cleanser and absolutely fine if I moisturize after and also I have a 12oz bottle from the Sephora F&F 100 point perk sitting around to be used. I was determined to use this cleanser but the packaging was really bothering me as the flip top on a bottle of that size isn't really the best.

The other day, I happened into a Bath & Body Works and on the 75% off table, I saw a pump. Granted, I could always purchase one off of the Philosophy website but there I would need to pay shipping and I also couldn't confirm whether any of the normal sized bottle pumps would actually fit the slightly awkward 12oz bottle. Pump bought for all of 25 cents, I went home fairly pleased with my cleverness.

I got home and stuck my pump in the bottle only to find that the pump itself wouldn't unlock. Read a couple of reviews online of people having similar issues but kept trying. About 20 minutes later and having attempted to utilize various tools, I gave up, cleaned the pump and set it aside. The next day, I went into a Bath & Body Works, gave them the pump, and the sales associate said that she had heard of quite a few people having issues with the pumps and demonstrated how to unlock it. I gasped. I then thanked her profusely, went home and secured the pump on my Purity bottle. It's not an exact fit, but it fits fairly snugly and works quite well!

For reference, to unlock these Bath & Body Works pumps, one needs to hold the bottom portion firmly and then spin the top and it will pop up.

If you have the same sized bottle and were as frustrated as I was, go to your Bath & Body Works store and grab yourself a pump for 25 cents and before you leave, you might want to ask your local sales associate to unlock the pump for you.

Bath & Body Works Fragrance Event

Who else popped by their local Bath & Body Works for the Paris Amour Fragrance Event? I definitely couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a free full sized lotion and try out their new fragrance, Paris Amour.

Paris Amour's notes breakdown:
* Top: Sparkling Mandarin, Petite Strawberry, Cassis, Pink Champagne, Apple Blossom, Dewy Freesia
* Middle: Luscious Peach, Jasmine Petals, French Tulip, Water Lily, Frangipani
* Dry: French Vanilla, Coconut Milk, Amber Wood, Sandalwood, Creamy Musk

I love these light fruity fragrances. It actually reminds me of a slightly softer version of Into The Wild which I am also a fan of. I'm not the biggest fan of floral notes in fragrances but the ones in Paris Amour are quite light and fresh.

The deal for the free Charmed Life lotion is still available online and in store for those of you on the west coast. It's already past 9pm here in Maryland. The minis are on sale for 3/$10 and they were honoring that as the Signature purchase. The girls at my Bath & Body Works were greeting everyone entering the store with a very enthused "Bonjour!" and I think they might have convinced me to enter some contest. Either way, it was a nice treat.

Anyone else pick up something at the event and the nice freebie? Did you try Paris Amour?

May LUV BBW Club Haul

I was slightly sad to pick up my last ever LUV BBW Club gift! Free stuff is awesome and it is so nice "hauling" every month without spending much of your own cash.

This month's deal was awesome, they definitely ended the program with a bang!

The gift this month was:
1 mini candle (I chose Fresh Picked Cherries)
1 pocket bac
and I of the new Signature Coconut lotions (I bought the other 2 with my own cash since they were only $1 and smell delicious)

Blueberry Pancake Pocket Bac for 4th of the July, very awesome!

Flash Reviews

I want to first apologize for my recent absence. I started a new job about a month ago but only recently started having a decent amount of work to do there and being busy during the day. By the time I get home I want to sleep, not blog. Either way, I've been trying some new things (and not so new) out lately and I wanted to share my thoughts without a long lengthy review that requires multiple pictures and swatches.

SIRCUIT®SKIN Cosmeceuticals Fixzit™ / Blemish Drying Serum ($30)
I bought this in a Bloom Circle order since my skin has been freaking out lately. I went from the odd pimple/bump to my chin covered in them and even a few popped up on my usually very dry forehead. The issue is that I can't use something super strong and many are very pricey. This seemed to be a reasonable price and so far has been working very well. I tweeted that the majority of the spots are gone after about a week of nightly use. I did take a before shot and in a week or so I'll do a proper review of this product.

Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipstick (~$7.49)
I picked one of these up recently in the CVS sale. I don't remember the color but it was a light slightly coral tinged pink. I'm not a fan of these so far. The one I got was super pigmented, yes - but not moisturizing and made my thought to be well moisturized/exfoliated lips peel. It's definitely one of those lipsticks that you can't really apply from the tube, at least not for me!

Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Mineral Foundation ($25)
Since the recent skin freak out, I'm back to layering Bare Minerals Foundation in Fair over tinted moisturizer. Gives a good finish and coverage and doesn't make my skin freak out. I'm nearly done with my pot of this stuff and it has lasted forever.

Epielle Wipes
Oh my gosh guys, I am not sure how I lived without these wipes. The lovely Nouveau Cheap recommended them after my lukewarm review of the Yes To Cucumbers ones. These rock and they are super cheap. My Big Lots had them for $1 a pack and I hear you can sometimes find them other places too. I bought a couple of the different scents and I'm using the cucumber ones now and it smells like straight cucumbers, not floral-cumbers. I'm in love and the next time I'm at Big Lots I'll stock up if they still have them.

True Blue Spa Shea Cashmere Hand Cream ($6-$10)
I am absolutely loving this slightly pricey hand cream. It sinks in quickly, it smells like subtle cake (?) to me and it leaves your hands silky soft, not greasy at all. I've been keeping it on my nightstand and applying it close to bedtime. I find the scent pretty soothing.

I'm sure there's more but more reviews coming soon!

Disclosure: Post includes a referral link to Bloom Circle

Bath & Body Works Into The Wild

I had a soon to be expiring Groupon that needed to be used so I made a Bath & Body Works order. On the site, I noticed that they were showing a new fragrance called Into The Wild and as a promotion, it was only $1 so I added it to my order.

Bath & Body Works describes it as:
Our exclusive Into the Wild is a seductive blend of exotic mandarin, lush petals, and white woods inspired by a sensuous escape into the jungle

For me, my first reaction was, Escada! And then when it melted in a bit it smelled exactly like Jennifer Lopez's Live fragrance. A quite sweet, citrus blend with hints of pineapple, quite tropical without being beachy. There is no sun-tan lotion note. If you like Escada scents and JLo's Live, you will love this. It is one of those not quite memorable but not very offensive (unless you bathe in it) scents. I personally like it. It's definitely worth picking up in the sample size if you want to give it a try. I personally hope the EDT and body mist in the same name are the same scent, unlike the Country Chic fragrance where the mist and EDT were too strong for me but the lotion was perfect.

Disclosure: This post includes a Groupon referral link.

Bath & Body Works April Gift

I finally got to Bath & Body Works early in the month (or in this case, the very first Thursday) just in time for April's gift for the LUV BBW Club. This month's gift is your choice of mini True Blue Spa product (they are all $6 but of various sizes - hand creams are 1oz body lotions are 2oz, etc). I chose the 1oz Shea Cashmere Hand Cream as everyone has been raving about it and it's the perfect purse size. To be quite honest, the idea of paying $6 for this tiny little thing, no matter how cute, is a little ridiculous but I happily picked it up as it's free.

And they tie it up all nice and cute too! Nice touch BBW!

Bath & Body Works Country Chic

I was in a nearby Bath & Body Works picking up my free monthly gift for the Love BBW Club and happened upon the newest scent from Bath & Body Works. It is called Country Chic and I couldn't agree with the naming more as it reminds me of "old school" scents from Bath & Body Works, back when they had a country cozy image. The minute I sniffed it, it took me back to the time when it was all farm-apple-stand-hay-country-cooking. Country Chic reminds me of two of some of my favorite old school Bath & Body Works scents mixed together: Sun Ripened Raspberry and Country Apple. I will say that I wasn't a big fan of the body spray that comes with the line, it is completely different from the lotion in my opinion, much more floral.

I bought the preview size for $1 which comes with a pretty decent coupon on the back if you want to spring for a full size.

Has anyone tried Country Chic yet? Did you like it?

Do You Love Bath & Body Works?

Well, they love you too!

Bath & Body Works has brought out the Love BBW Club. This club is free to sign up and apparently gives you a gift 1 Thursday of the month from January 1, 2011 – May 31, 2011 in stores only. And no purchase is necessary (though I'm sure they'd like one)!

You will receive your monthly gift by visiting U.S. Bath & Body Works stores on any Thursday during each calendar month and presenting your Membership Card. Membership Card must be presented, and will be punched, each time a gift is received.

And after I submitted my info, I got this message:

Thanks for submitting your request for a LUV BBW Club Membership Card. You will receive your Membership Card by January 3, 2011.


We look forward to seeing you soon to get your FREE monthly gifts!

Who doesn't love getting free stuff?