Birchbox

AT LAST! My first birchbox has arrived. Wooooooo!!!!

My friend Sara got me signed up for this website called birchbox.com last month. For weirdos like Sara and me, what could be better than a sampling of deluxe beauty product samples delivered to your mailbox monthly???? Ingenious. Why didn't I think of this? Fun beauty products all adorably packaged AND delivered to your mail? It's like Christmas, every month.

Ok, so what's the catch? $10 a month. BUT, I must say I am loving this already and it's only my first birchbox to arrive.

The samples come all wrapped in pink and burgundy tissue, with a monthly mini newletter on what brands are included in your box for the month. Honestly, it's amazing. I love trying out new brands of products and hate spending money for full size versions if I'm going to end up hating them after the first two days. So that's why this is genius....

Included in my March box: a generous size of Befine Night Cream, a travel sample of Italian toothpaste brand Marvis, a full size Pangea Organics Lavender lip balm, and a sample of Pomega5 Daily Revitalizing Concentrate (several pomegranate oil ampules). I can't wait to try everything!

Plus their website Birchbox.com has tons of other information that girly girls could get addicted to and wind up spend the whole day wasting their time online. Sign up and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Thanks Miss Sara. You made my day when you told me about Birchbox. Xo.

Lundi Gras

As I approach my 5 year "out of college" anniversary, sad ----- I am reminded of all the fabulous collegiate experiences I had during the debauchery of Mardi Gras season in New Orleans.....

Oh the memories. Beads galore, king cake, not having class for a full week, overly potent beverages, crawfish, waiting up all night on Monday in order to make the Zulu parade on Tuesday at an ungodly morning hour --- just for a chance to catch a coveted Zulu coconut. Then washing down your hangover with beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde. It all seems like eons ago.

As I scroll through my facebook photos, I'm reminded of all the amazing friends I made at Tulane and how we got to experience for four years, one of the most unique cultures and holidays in the United States. As I go through these pictures, I see our necks waited down by a metallic rainbow of beads, some of us holding spears, stuffed animals or lacy souvenir panties that were got from the Krewes in the floats.

I remember the necessity of visiting the Daiquiri shop in order to get our "Mardi Gras Madness" extra large daiquiris with that extra shot of Everclear or Jim Beam in order to boost it's potential.

These are the experiences that make New Orleans amazing....and make the nostalgia for the "Gras" heavy in my heart during this time of year.

Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Part of the old crew.

Oscar la la land

I might be one of the few people still left in our country that plants my bum firmly on my couch at 6 pm EST to watch Live on the Red Carpet before the Oscars begins. My husband wants to hurl, but I just love love LOVE to see all the magically fabulously stunning gowns. So this clearly makes up for the lack of intellectual stimulation I get from the ho hum interviewers asking bland boring questions. I drool over the dresses. Well....most of the time. There are a few darlings whose frocks I could care less about. But why mull over the lamos when I can praise my favorites of the evenings!

Nearly 5 days later and I'm still wishing I could see the Oscars all over again. Yes, I am one of those weirdos who is clearly obsessed with pretty princess gowns and three endless hours of an award show.

My favorite maidens of the evening.

Miss Ballerina Natalie in Rodarte

Black swan Mila gets girly in a patisserie-esque Elie Saab lace confection. 

Nothing beats a sparkly nude tone frothy looking creation by Marchesa

Adore Cate's pastel Givenchy. Obsessed with the haircut too.

My most favorite girl ever, in a liquid silver Calvin Klein, with a "take no prisoners" slit