October 2014 PINCHme

 A few days ago I received my October samples from PINCHme.  I think I’ve talked about them before, but PINCHme is an online sample site that anyone can sign up for.  Once a month they have a sample day and you can request samples of newer products that companies are testing and want feedback on.

The items that I got in October were actually pretty pitiful. 

The first thing I got was a sample of the American Crew Power Cleanser Style Remover.  This is a shampoo to remove hair product buildup.  I don’t really use a lot of product in my hair but I figured it wouldn't hurt to try it.  Then I opened it.  The only conclusion I could come to was that this product is intended for users of the male persuasion.  It smelled like strong cologne.  Needless to say, I didn't try it.   After looking at the website, I have determined that it is definitely for men.  Unfortunately I didn't know that before I opened it and since it came in a foil packet, I can’t even give it to someone else.  Ooops.

The next thing is a sample of the Bullet Pocket Acne Aid.  This is a spot treatment/daily preventative face gel.  I haven’t actually used this yet, because I wanted to save it for a time of great need.  From what I can figure out, it’s not a face wash.  You just put in on any trouble areas.  There’s no need to wash your face before either.  This concept actually seems really strange to me.  I think when I use it I’ll wash my face like normal and apply before bed.  I don’t know if I’ll really get the full effect from this since it is such a small sample, but it’s worth a shot! (Get it?  Bullet…Shot…?  OK, OK, moving on.)

The last item that I got is a full size Sheamoisture African Black Soap Face and Body Bar.  As the name suggests the soap itself is black.  Now if you’re anything like me, the thought of using black soap on your face will give you a little bit of anxiety.  However, if you press on like me and try it anyways, you will realize that it’s actually really nice!  I don’t like to try new face washes because they normally break me out, but this is really gentle and very cleansing.  My only complaint is the smell.  I can’t really describe it, but it would definitely not be my first choice in face soap scents.  It’s not that its bad…it’s just not good.  Anyway, despite the smell, I really like this face wash and will definitely use it!

Unfortunately I didn't get any PINCHme samples in November so it may be a couple months before I have another post like this. 

Thanks for Reading!!

~Sarah

Fall Nail Polish Finds

If you've read my blog before, you know I’m a sucker for OPI nail polish.  I know it’s good quality and there are so many colors to choose from!  I recently found some at TJ Maxx and Ross that was just too good a deal to pass up!

I found the four colors below at TJ Maxx for $3.99 a piece!  Just for reference the normal price for a bottle of OPI is anywhere from $8-$10.

Roadhouse Blues – When I first picked this up I thought it was a purple, but after closer examination (and reading the name), I realized it was a deep navy blue!  I don’t usually wear super dark colors like this, but I decided it would be a good staple to add to my collection!  It’s also a great color for fall!

The two on the left are part of the OPI Mustang Collection. 

Girls Love Ponies – It’s pink and so I decided it must be mine.  No further explanation necessary.

Angel With A Lead Foot – One of my favorite YouTuber’s was talking about this white in her fall nail polish picks video that I had just watched before I found it. (You should check out her channel here https://www.youtube.com/user/amylynnbeauty)  She recommended that you get it if you find it, so I did as I was told!

In True Stefani Fashion – Who doesn't love a great glitter polish?  Although it’s such a pain to get off your nails, I can’t resist the sparkle!  This is silver with various sizes of glitter that will be great on its own or on top of another color.  I used it on top of a mint green color and got several compliments on it!

Finally, I found these two colors in a set together at Ross for $5.99.  That’s $3 a piece people!!!

Miss Piggy's Big Number – This is a great sparkly sapphire blue.  Like I mentioned before, I didn't have a lot of blue polishes before, so I’m working on expanding my collection!

Muppets World Tour - Another glitter, but this also has larger flecks of silver and blue in it.  I wore this over a light pink a few weeks ago and loved it!  I’m guessing since they were sold together it’s intended to wear over Miss Piggy’s Big Number so I’ll definitely try that out soon!

If you like OPI polish but feel guilty spending $10 on a bottle of nail polish, definitely check out Ross, Marshall's, and TJMaxx!  While they may not have the widest selection, you can’t beat that price and you never know what you may find!

Thanks for Reading!!

~Sarah

Beauty and the Boots

So it’s officially fall, and you know what that means!  Time to break out the sweaters, scarves, and boots!  Only problem is it may be difficult to afford all that great fall fashion on a limited budget!  I can usually find good deals on sweaters and scarves just about anywhere throughout the year, but finding a good deal on shoes is not always an easy task.  You can look at Ross, or TJ Maxx for discounted name brands but those can still be pricey and they usually don’t have a very wide selection.  So what if the brand doesn’t matter to you as much as the price and style?

If you’re not living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard of JustFab or Shoedazzle.  These are online retailers best known for their footwear. 

I signed up for JustFab.com last year and got an introductory offer of $19.99 and free shipping on my first purchase.  I bought this pair of flat brown boots and I absolutely love them.  It was my first time buying shoes online which made me nervous, but I am so glad that I took the risk.  These are the perfect everyday boot!  They’re no Tory Burch, but I get compliments on them all the time and I’m proud to say I spent less than $20 on them!

Last week I decided to sign up for Shoedazzle.com just to see what they had to offer.  Little did I know that they were having a special of $9.99 plus free shipping on your first purchase!  I had been looking for a pair of black flat boots for over a year and $10 was just too good a deal to pass up!  I ended up picking Sylvee.  They’re very comparable to the pair I got last year in quality and they were just what I was looking for!  The material around your calf is slouchy which is what I was expecting and I really like.  The only bad thing is the fabric folds in different places on each boot.  This is obviously my OCD side coming out because there's no way they could have been made exactly the same.  I'm probably the only one who notices or even cares!

My sister also got two pair from JustFab a couple weeks ago!  The first pair was Zella in black and she got these for $9.99!  The second pair is Jewelle in brown which she paid the regular VIP price of $39.95.  

Here's what she had to say about her new boots!

I was worried to buy boots online because I didn't think they'd fit or they'd look cheap, but JustFab allows you to return any shoes that don't fit to get the right size.  I took the risk and was so happy that I did.  The two pairs of boots that I bought have become essential parts of my wardrobe.  When I buy shoes that I like, I tend to wear them non stop and that's what's been happening with these boots.  They fit so well, are extremely comfortable, and are very fashionable.  The main part of the boot that I was afraid would be too big was the top of the boot that goes around my calf.  Most that I try on are too big and flap around, but these ones are tight enough that I can wear them with a skirt and they still look good.  My only problem is with the buckle at the top.  There is a little tab that will get folded the wrong way when you cross your legs if you're not careful, then it sticks out instead of laying flat. But that is such a small thing.  I'm very excited about my purchase and don't regret it at all.

The only downside to signing up for either of these websites is that it is a membership.  There’s no monthly fee per se, but you have to sign on to their website before the 5^th of each month to “skip the month” if you don’t want to buy anything.  If you don’t do this by the 5^th, your card gets charged for $39.95 (the normal price of most of the shoes) and it is added as a credit to your account.  You can however call and cancel at any time.

What I suggest, is that if you do find something you like, you join the website and make a purchase with the introductory discount (Sometimes $9.99, $19.99, or 2 for $40).  Who can pass up a pair of boots for $10?  Like I said, don’t expect the quality of a designer shoe, but they are definitely worth every bit of $10 or $20 a pair!  Just remember to go in and skip at the beginning of each month, or call and cancel after you get your shoes.  They have pretty much every style of shoe imaginable so if you’re more interested in flats or heels you should still check it out! 

Thanks for reading!!

~Sarah