Spring at the beach

and the impromptu photo shoot

Last weekend, my boyfriend and I took a little trip to Seaside, Oregon. We stayed at the historic Gilbert Inn, which I would highly recommend if you have a healthy appreciation for history and nostalgia as I do. The house was built in 1892 and is in incredible shape. The interior is gorgeous, with antique furnishings and charming decor that make you feel as if you are stepping back in time.

We walked up and down the streets checking out the shops, eating delicious food and spent nearly all of Saturday in an arcade. On the walk back to the Inn, I asked him to take a few pictures of me. This was the result.

T-Shirt: Lucky Brand via Macys, Pants: American Eagle

Sandals: "Reno" by Me Too via Nordstrom (clearance!)

Sunglasses: Ellen Tracy via Ross, Necklace: Gift via Macys 

Things started getting a little less scripted

Approaching the camera

Trying to grab the camera back

My ear.

"Are you serious?!"

So this is what happened: I was posing nicely for pictures then decided to have fun and jump around and be silly. Then, when I was done and going to retrieve my camera from my boyfriend he decided to have some fun of his own. He continued taking picture after picture of me trying to get my camera back from him (he is a full foot taller than I am). The result was playful protests and lots of laughter from me, as you can see above. :)

Thanks for the fun and the photos, T.

Birchbox March 2014

Beauty in a box!

I finally did it! I signed up for Birchbox and eagerly awaited its arrival this month. For those who don't know, Birthbox is a subscription service with more than 400,000 members who pay $10 per month to receive a box of beauty product samples each month. Why join? If you're like me, you buy a lot of products because you were wandering around aimlessly looking for something but having no clue which "something" you would actually like and use.

This results in bottle after bottle of hair gel thrice used collecting dust on a shelf, lipstick that you immediately hate and regret buying and other products that have no hope of being used. This is a waste of your money and results in clutter and garbage.

What I like about Birchbox is that they ask you questions when they sign up to help them pick which samples would be best for you. They send a variety of health and beauty items including snacks, cosmetics, hair products and perfumes. Every now and then they throw in something fun -- like a dark chocolate from Ghirardelli that I ate before I even took a picture of the other items. It was called "Cherry Tango Square" and was delicious! The almonds inside gave it a great crunch.

Beauty Protector "Protect and Detangle," Tea Forte minteas, COOLA tinted matte SPF 30 for face, Harvey Prince "Cherie Blossom" and Gilchrist & Soames "London Collection Body Lotion"

Here is a short description of each item in the box and what I think of them so far:

• Beauty Protector "Protect and Detangle" spray for hair locks in color, protects from heat damage and adds silkiness. It works great for detangling and smells amazing! A little like cotton candy; but not so sickly sweet.
• Tea Forte minteas are sugar-free all-natural mints made of green tea and herbs. They taste good but I wouldn't buy them because I'm just not a mint person.
• COOLA Tinted Matte SPT 30 for Face is an organic tinted moisturizer I have only used once so far. I plan to use it when the sun is actually out. I'm neutral on it, for now.
• Harvey Prince "Cherie Blossom" perfume is so yummy. I love it! I'm not much of a perfume person and have only bought a couple bottles in my entire life. I tend to get bored of scents quickly, though, so it isn't likely I will buy this in full size.
• Gillchrist & Soames "London Collection Body Lotion" is a fast-absorbing hydrating lotion for your body with a light, earthy scent. I will be honest: I thought it looked like cheap hotel lotion and was very skeptical about using it. The packaging could use some help but the lotion itself is top-notch! Very silky smooth, happy skin. :)

Out of all the products included in the March 2014 Birchbox, the one I am in love with and most likely to buy in full size is....

Beauty Protector "Protect and Detangle"

Beauty Protector "Protect and Detangle" wins! Even the next day my hair feels soft and luscious. After going from brown to blond as I recently did, my strands could really use the help!

Have you heard of Birchbox? I can't wait to see what comes next month. Hopefully something fun like a bright-colored lipstick sample!