Gracie & Cooper review their first PetBox

Gracie and Cooper were so thrilled when the kind folks at PetBox sent them over a box to sample. They each have a little something to say about their experience, so I thought I'd give them the floor this morning. Take it away, kids.

Gracie (the brown one): 

"First of all, we'd like to apologize for our Mommy. She never blogs anymore, and she also doesn't walk us nearly as much as she should. Just look at how fat Cooper is, if you need any proof.

Second of all, and most importantly, I knew this "PetBox" was something special before Mommy even opened it. It smelled quite good. I, however, was most interested in the Platypus toy. And least interested in the shampoo and conditioner. In fact, Mommy tried to wash us with it after these photos were taken, and I escaped. Cooper, however, just sat there and took it. He is a pansy."

Cooper (the black & white one): 

"I am sorry there are no good photos of me. If I am doing something cute and mommy tries to take a picture of it, I immediately stop doing the cute thing and run away. I learned this behavior from my daddy.

As for the PetBox, it was awesome! There was food and treats and medicine for if we get hurt. There was a toy, but Gracie never lets me have any toys. There was also shampoo and conditioner. I don't like being washed, but I do love all the hugs and kisses mommy gives me when we're done, and that she can't stop smelling my fur. I love mommy."

So there you have it, folks. We really enjoyed our PetBox. If Gracie and Cooper didn't do a good enough job of convincing you to try it, here's some fun facts:

-          PetBox is currently the only customizable box of premium pet goodies, for both cats and dogs

-          All products are made in the US

-          For every PetBox purchased, a rescue animal is fed

-          It’s the only customizable subscription box where you pick what’s in it

-          Toys and treats are customized by dog or cat size

-          Every Friday, PetBox sends out a huge shipment of dog & cat food to a rescue shelter – picked by PetBox fans

Happy Tuesday! :)

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My Unblemish Story (and a Rodan + Fields full regimen giveaway!)

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today I'm reviewing Unblemish by Rodan + Fields, the same folks who made Proactive. If you have problem skin, you'll want to listen up to this!

It can be easy to fall prey to the assumption that everyone on the Internet is perfect. Perfect home, perfect family, perfect wardrobe, perfect skin, perfect life. But it's important to remember that PHOTOSHOP. And professional photography, and great light, and that you are seeing a filtered version of reality, not the real reality. I try to keep it real on this blog, and that's why I'm writing about my skin today. It's not the best. It's never been the best, but about two years ago it decided to FREAK OUT on me, and ever since then I've been waging this war against adult acne that can be very  frustrating and embarrassing at times. Bonnie, a Rodan + Fields consultant, contacted me to sponsor several months back, and that's when I first became aware of the Unblemish line. After his first stint advertising with me, I bartered some ad space for the Unblemish regimen, on the promise that I would review it IF I had a good experience. And you guys, I did! I really did. 

I debated even posting this before and after picture because I look like death warmed over in the first photo especially (just got out of a hot shower, so my skin was still angry and I had no makeup on except for the eyeliner I did a terrible job of washing off). But I think it's important to see what a difference 6 weeks of Unblemish made for my face, specifically my forehead, which I have the most trouble with. If it takes the shittiest imaginable photo of me to do so, so be it.

I know, I know. Nevvverrr looked better! But this gets the point across, right? That ish WORKS! It worked for me anyway. I feel I should also mention I spent a little time in the sun between the before and after, which I'm sure helped clear me up a little, too. But I haven't been in the sun for about a month now at this point, and my skin is still clearer than it has been in two years.  I am so grateful for Unblemish, and plan to continue using it as long as it continues working for me.

Now excuse me while I go hide my face in shame for posting those god-awful pictures of myself on the Internet. I did it because I love you, people. I did it because I love you.

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GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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You probably need this tablet.

Being a blogger has its perks. One of them is reviewing awesome products from time to time, like this Samsung Galaxy Note 8 tablet that the kind folks at Staples sent me to fiddle around with. And fiddle around with it I did. After I received it in the mail a few weeks ago, I then proceeded to plant myself on the couch and play on it for three straight hours when I definitely should have been doing other things. But it has so many uses! Web browsing! Email writing! Book downloading! MOVIE downloading! (We have Netflix, so I've been watching my favorite shows and movies before bed at night, or reading e-books!) 

There's also a pen tool, which certain *ahem* Apple products do not yet have, and which I found very useful. There's a really fun Note application that has about a zillion uses - you can doodle all over photos or electronic notepad paper, send people memos or birthday cards... there are even templates for recipes or diary entries! I seriously got lost in all of the awesomeness for a while there, and I've found having the tablet handy is helpful for my photography business, as well. For example, during boudoir sessions I play Pandora radio from it and keep an inspiration gallery of images up for us to flip through for posing ideas if I run out. I also take the tablet to client meetings, to go over my contracts, portfolio, or to browse Pinterest ideas during brainstorming sessions. Pretty snazzy. 

Overall, I was super impressed with this tablet, and couldn't be more pleased with it. Coming from a Mac junkie, that's saying something. If you're in the market for a tablet, don't pass this one up! :)

*This product was provided to me by Staples for review, but all opinions are 100% honest and completely my own.* 

Tablet case from Nordstrom, also provided by Staples.


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Misikko Valentine's Day Special

You may recall I've written a couple reviews for Misikko.com in the past  (the first for a hair dryer, the second for a flat iron), and today I have the pleasure of once again filling you all in on the good stuff going on over there at Misikko! These fine folks sent me over a curling iron to try out this time, and also so that I could show you how darn awesome their Valentine's Day swag box is.  If there are any guys out there reading... hello?! PERFECT Valentine's Day gift for the lady in your life. You can shop Valentine's boxes here (Misikko's top rated items).

This is what my particular box arrived looking like:

top layer: faux roses, teddy bear, bath petals, cute heart thingees.

bottom layer: your styling product of choice, makeup brush, lipgloss, eyelash curler, and case for your styling tool.

I am basically a failure as a woman, because I have never, not even once, owned a curling iron or even attempted to curl my hair with one. I sometimes use my flat iron to make curls, but this curling iron thing.... all new to me. And it's funny, because learning a new tool makes one (me, anyway) feel like the biggest loser in the world. I must have watched 14 curling iron tutorials on YouTube, burned my fingers, hands, and ears about that many times, and generally felt like I had two left hands (I am right-handed). BUT, I finally started to get the hang of it, especially after poor Shalyn came over and helped me (thanks Shayboo!). Here's a few photos from my lesson... I'll have to do another post with a full head of waves!

I certainly don't blame Misikko for my ineptitude in the hair-curling department. This curling iron was fantastic, and the package it came in was really over-the-top awesome. Misikko makes their customers feel special and goes above and beyond to provide you with the best buying experience. The swag box is always awesome (see my first and second reviews for proof!), only this time it's Valentine's Day themed (packages here). So certainly consider this fine website for all your hair styling needs... or email this post to your men who might need a little hint on a gift for you. :) Happy Weekend!

*note: the curling iron I have above is not on the website yet, but there are lots of other great ones here.

Best Birchbox beauty products (according to me)

Hello my friends! Today I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite Birchbox products I've used over the last year of my subscription.  I've heard varying reviews of Birchbox, from people like myself who are super happy with it, and from others who were continuously disappointed by their samples. Personally, I think the trick is to have realistic expectations. You won't LOVE every single sample you get. For example, over the last 12 months and probably around 10 perfume samples, I LOVED two of them (this one and this one). But taste in perfume and most other beauty products is very subjective, and I have just been so thankful to have such a fun way to try out products I would have never discovered if it weren't for my Birchboxes arriving in the mail each month!  For me, the $10/month fee is well worth it, and I love that I can go on the website and review each product to earn points towards free stuff, too. Score!

Also, let it be known that I am something of a beauty product hoarder. In all honesty, I haven't even used many of my samples of the last year, but I keep them, ALL OF THEM, because I love the look of product packaging and design... just makes me happy. Especially the fancy French stuff. I know, I'm weird.

But I'll stop rambling now and tell you about my favorite favorite Birchbox products of the last year. These have all made it into my regular beauty routine, and some I have bought the full sized product of already. Hope maybe this helps any of you who may be in the market for some new stuff!

1. Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm

I have very weird skin. It can't decide if it wants to be disgustingly oily or dry and peeling. This weirdness is exacerbated in the winter and by acne treatments, to where my skin just becomes one giant clusterf***, which makes me sad. I feel like I can't use anti-aging treatments on my face because they're too oily, and products I use for acne dry me out like crazy. When I try to put on foundation, sometimes I feel like it makes my skin look worse, as it draws attention to the dry spots. What to do, what to DO? This Dr Jart "beauty balm" came as a sample in one of my Birchboxes, and I fell in love with it immediately. It's a four-in-one primer, moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment serum, which I use as foundation. It goes on smooth like buttah, and moisturizes instead of drawing attention to my dry spots. It also has excellent coverage for such a lightweight "primer." Between this and the concealer I mention in #6, I don't feel the need for any other base makeup (except a little power, because the Dr Jart will make you look shiny.)

2. Oribe Royal Blowout heat styling spray

This is what I use each and every time I blow-dry and straighten my hair. I love the smell and feel like I'm helping to protect my hair from all the heat. It also seems to make my hair extra silky and shiny, which is muy buen. It claims to repair split ends, which I think must be true! I just checked, and I have almost no split ends - miraculous, since I haven't had a hair cut in a year. Not sure what else to say about this one... except that I wish it was cheaper?

3. Miss Jessie's Quick Curls

As a human with extremely unruly, frizzy, and wavy-wannabe-curly-hair, I am always searching for the perfect product to tame the mane, so to speak. I'd say Miss Jessie's products are the closest thing I've found to something that actually works for me. It smells fun, and really does seem to help actually shape my waves into something almost curl-like and less frazzled. I also like the Pillow Soft Curls product probably just as much, and the smell a little more. Not sure exactly what the difference is, though I think the Quick Curls makes for tighter waves or curls.

4.  Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo

This stuff does just what a dry shampoo is supposed to do: soaks up your grease and helps you go longer between washes - or at least look less dirty between washes. Smells great, works great, no residue. Need I say more?

5. Lulu Organics Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder

Ok, hair "powder" is a little trickier than the aerosol type like the Oscar Blandi above, BUT I'd say this particular one is worth the potential mess.  IT SMELLS DIVINE. Like, I want to dump it all over my carpets and vacuum that ish up for a little room refresher, WHILE i'm rubbing it into my hair to soak up oil. No but really, it smells incredible. And it truly does work, though you will see more residue (especially in dark brunettes such as myself) until the powder fully absorbs the oil. Just follow the directions, though, and you'll be fine. This stuff is fabulous!

6. Miracle Skin Transformer Concealer 

I am in love with this concealer. I have super dark circles under my eyes (it's genetic - no amount of sleep will cure them), and for years I searched for the perfect under-eye concealer... one that truly conceales. This concealer makes great claims to treat as well as cover up (diminishes fine lines, hydrates, reduces puffiness, etc), and while I don't have too many lines around my eyes yet, nor do I suffer with puffiness, I am super happy with the level of concealment and assume this is also helping me to fight aging around my eyes. And one last thing: IT LASTS FOREVER. You need such a tiny bit for each eye as it is very concentrated, and I have been using it for probably six months now and feel like it's only about half gone. Well worth the price.

*Note: this is not a sponsored post, though I do get points to be used towards products if you sign up for Birchbox through this link! Hooray!

Taking on 2013

Happy 2013, folks! A brand new year stretches out before us, and like so many others, I find myself contemplating exactly what I'll do with this year.  We're all given the same number of minutes and hours in a day, and yet some of us do so much more with them. Some use that time to feed their body well, exercise, build a business, stay focused, nurture friendships, grow, change, learn. And others sort of float along like a feather in the wind, struggling, just making it by. I suppose I'm somewhere in the middle of those two extremes, but I'm afraid I've leaned too far in the negative direction lately, not utilizing my time nearly as wisely as I could.  This year I want to turn the tables on that. Duh, New Year's Resolutions typically don't make it too far past January. But this year... this year I need that to be different. As a reminder, I put bright neon stickers on the first of every month in my planner, with the word GOALS written on them. I think that goals are something that need to be constantly reevaluated and tweaked if they are to be reached. New Year's resolutions simply aren't enough. But monthly resolutions? Maybe that could work.

So what do I want to change this year? For one thing, I'm making a commitment to quality on this blog.   I plan to promote better quality sponsors and produce better quality posts. I have some ideas for that, which you may or may not notice in the coming months. Hopefully it will just be an organic addition to what you already see here. I also need to get healthy.  Sometimes people ask me what I do to stay in shape, and then I laugh in their face. I am a pretty unhealthy skinny person, to be honest with you. I sit on my ass on the computer all day, maybe exercising once a week, and somehow that has worked for me so far. But girlfriend is creeping up on her late twenties (terrifying), and I am fairly certain my body is going to turn on me any day now. 

Regardless, I need to get healthy. 

Matthew and I, both together and separately, are taking on some little business ventures as well. Obviously, there's my photography, which I totally plan to take to the next level in 2013. The joint business venture with Matthew is something you'll (hopefully) see here real soon. 

Annnnyway, I could go on and on, but my goals aren't your problem. Bottom line is, let's make 2013 a freaking fantastic year, OK? Writing down our resolutions and feeling super happy and inspired about them isn't enough. You have to do more. Figure out what that is, and then go do it.

Also, scroll down for a fab little Stella and Dot giveaway!

{ hat: H&M, sweater and jeans: J.Crew, bag: Target (past season), leg warmers: Grace & Lace, boots (similar): Franco Sarto, bracelet: c/o Stella & Dot, necklace: Petitor }

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And now for a sweet giveaway to kick the new year off right. The prize comes courtesy of Amanda, who also happens to be a Stella & Dot consultant/extraordinaire. :) She's giving away this beautiful "love bracelet" today, which is just like mine in the above photos (except different colors). Stella & Dot products are absolutely gorgeous and fantastic quality, every time. So... enter in the Rafflecopter below, and GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Knit and Dot

Happy Monday to all! Everyone have a nice weekend? Mine was splendid, thanks. It consisted of cuddling, cooking, eating, getting caught up on this season of the Walking Dead (who watched last night?? WTH!), and... that's about it. The eventfulness of my weekends took something of a nose dive since Matthew decided to go to (sigh) law school. For both his sake and mine, I'll be happy when this little adventure is behind us.

And now, here's an outfit!

{Shirt: Banana Republic (I got both navy and white! SO cute!), Pants and belt: J.Crew (last season), Scarf: c/o Bambeanies by Gina, Bracelets: Madewell and Lee La La }

PS - How fab is that scarf? Gina makes them here, in tons of different colors. Mine was a special request mustardy color! I want cranberry next.  All adult scarfs and cowls are 20% off through Friday, 11/9! 

Outfit Additions ($50 giveaway!)

Matthew laughed at me when I bought these rain boots a while back, but he wasn't laughing this weekend when I was stamping through muddy puddles and he had to take the long route around them. Just sayin'.

boots: Hunter, jeans and shirt: J.Crew, bag: Theit, necklace: Outfit Additions

Anyway, my necklace in the above photos came courtesy of a new online shop called Outfit Additions, which I'd like to say a few words about, if I may. This shop is stocked full of a fab assortment of jewelry and accessories--really, there is something in it for everyone and every taste.  The necklace was even nicer than I expected it to be and great quality, too (that doesn't happen very often anymore!), so I'll definitely be checking out Outfit Additions for my future classic or statement jewelry needs. :) Here are just a few of my other favorites in the shop!

Lucky for you, the fine people from Outfit Additions are giving one Story of My Life reader a $50 store credit and 15% off your purchase for all the rest of us! (coupon code SOML) Keep in mind that the coupon code expires on September 25th, one week from today, so get on that! :)

And enter below for your chance to win the $50 credit...

To Enter:

(only mandatory entry--open to US residents only)

+ Visit Outfit Additions and comment here with an item you'd choose if you won (and leave your email address if it isn't on your profile, please!)

For extra entries:

(all represented by separate comments)

+ Sign up for the Outfit Additions newsletter (bottom left on the left hand column)

+ Like Outfit Additions on Facebook

+ Like Story of My Life on Facebook

+ Pin an item from the website onto one of your Pinterest boards

+ Include a link to this giveaway on a blog post of your own - THREE extra entries! (please remember to leave a separate comment for each)

Good luck! :)

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And the winner of last week's Alana In Love giveaway is...

Congrats to you Alison! I'll be in touch! :)

Let’s talk hair again.

  oh yes, I just put that on the internet.

 
And what, pray tell, caused such a transformation? My Hana Elite flat iron, of course (pictured below). Yep, this is a review, but I’ll make it quick. This flat iron rocks my face off. As you can maybe tell from the “before” picture, I have some hair. And by “some hair,” I mean masses of coarse, wavy/curly, and extremely puffy hair. The first picture is how my hair looks immediately after blow drying… so yeah, flat irons have always been my friends. I used to profess my undying love for my Chi, but now I profess my undying love for my Hana Elite. You know, in life, sometimes relationships just grow apart. Chi, it was nice knowing you…

No but seriously, while both are excellent irons, the Hana is less bulky and has temperature settings, whereas Chi does not.  Also, it comes with 5 million other little awesome things in the massive swag box you get, just for ordering. (it came with a hair brush, a blush brush, lip gloss, an eyelash curler, hand sanitizer, nail files, a sleep mask, a case for the flat iron, and a rubber pad for the flat iron…. holla???!)

Thanks so much to Misikko and Hana Salon for allowing me to try out their fabulous products. And if you’re in the market for a new blow dryer, check out this review I wrote a while back. Happy Thursday!

The Perfect Dress

Or perhaps I should include the disclaimer that it’s the perfect dress for those a little less endowed in the chest region.  Gives the illusion of… fullness.

*Crickets*

{ Dress: Target (here and here), Shoes: Nordstrom Rack, Bag: c/o Smith and Holiday, Necklace: Stella & Dot, Bracelet: c/o Crafts and Love }

No but really, you know how sometimes you find the perfect dress or shirt or what have you, and it’s the perfect price too, so you buy up every color offered? That was the case with this cute and cool little summer dress from Tar-jay. It’s thin and airy and flattering to the high part of your waistline and ruffly on top for us blessed-in-other-ways girls. And 20 bucks, which is obviously the best part. I’m having difficulty wearing anything else in my closet right now.

Also, that cute “Goody Bag” above is by a local environmentally and socially conscious company called Smith and Holiday, and how perfect is it for packing a picnic or a friend’s birthday gift or taking to Yoga or the farmer’s market or the beach? I love that a percentage of your purchase proceeds go towards Austin charities, too. Cool. Buy one here, (for yourself or for a great gift!) or they’re sold at The Oasis gift shop and Atown boutique on Burnet, too.

Happy Day After The 4th, everyone!