I stopped doing Birchbox reviews after I cut back my blogging schedule to just three days a week. But surprisingly people searching for Birchbox reviews is still my number one driver of traffic. Probably because I’ve been a subscriber basically since they started. This month we had the option to order the limited edition “Candidly Nicole” box (curated by none other than Nicole Richie) but unfortunately when I logged in to request it, it was not an option anywhere so I ended up with the regular end of Summer box. I was annoyed at first but actually ended up liking my box so I thought I would share with you. Here’s what I got:

IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer: Great foundation requires, well, a great foundation. This creamy SPF 15 primer creates a smooth, radiant canvas for makeup, refining pores and enhancing skin tone. And thanks to the blend of nourishing fruit extracts and shimmer pearl powder, your skin will glow whether you’re wearing this under foundation or under nothing at all. My thoughts: At first I thought this would be WAY too shimmery, but when rubbed in completely it leaves you with a light glow. Perfect for these last few weeks of Summer.

R+Co DEATH VALLEY Dry Shampoo: This dry shampoo will do more than clean up your hair. It will have your ’do taking after the famous landscape from which it draws its name: big, beautiful, and a little wild. A few spritzes of this spray zap excess oil, give hair serious volume and body, and add some too-great-to-be-tamed texture. My thoughts: I’ve tried so many dry shampoos and most either have a scent I can’t stand or don’t absorb enough oil. I brought this with us camping this week and it SAVED me! Beachy waves and no greasy roots = a happy camper!

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate: We’ve heard “The best defense is a good offense” in many a sport reference, but we think it’s just as appropriate for skincare. Shiseido has taken charge with this concentrate, which enhances skin’s defensive power against signs of aging from both external and internal factors (think: dryness, air pollution, UV rays, and stress). It works hard to help strengthen so skin can fight age-accelerating damage—for a supple, more glowing complexion. My thoughts: I haven’t tried this yet but I am always grateful when I receive an anti-aging product and not another perfume!

LAQA & Co. Charm School Lip Crayon: With their substantial charms (read: easy application and gorgeous color), these multitasking crayons from LAQA & Co. have certainly won us over. Each creamy formula works as both cheek and lip color, and the sleek gold crayon makes it ultraeasy to dab on. This set includes crayons in three flattering hues: Cray-Cray (coral peach), Mixtape (ruby rouge), and Humble Brag (blush pink). My thoughts: This is light enough to look/feel like a gloss without the stickiness. And that is the only kind of gloss I can tolerate. No hair stuck in lipgloss for this girl!

Oribe Shampoo, Conditioner & Masque: Oribe, hair stylist to the fabulous, knows that you have to give color-treated hair special attention. He’s designed a ultragentle products that effectively cleanse/moisturize without stripping away any of that gorgeous color — while also delivering repairing ingredients that help tresses stay healthy. Fruit-based bioflavanoids help to keep color bright and true, while moisture-storing baobab tree extract helps to rehydrate tresses. A potent combination of edelweiss flower, kaempferia galanga root, and watermelon extracts protects hair from discoloration, fading, and drying. My thoughts: I was introduced to Oribe products years ago by a roommate I had when I lived in NYC. I remember her telling me I had to try it but I never did. So I am so excited that I was sent the correct formula for my hair type. I will update this post after I give it a try.

Birchbox is a monthly beauty product subscription box that allows you to try new products (mostly travel size samples but occasionally you get full-size products) for only $10/month. To learn more and/or subscribe, click here.

I rarely get out to take my pics during the golden hour anymore. By the time 6pm rolls around, I am usually in no shape to take pics…lol. Especially during the Summer months when we’ve been playing outside all day!!!

Outfit Details:
Drapey Tee c/o Justfab
Zara Striped High Waist Shorts (sold out)
Sandals c/o Justfab
Jcrew Panama Hat
Bucket Bag c/o Justfab
Z Gallerie Bracelet
Nameplate Necklace c/o Teressa Lane Jewelry

P.S. It’s “Linkup Wednesday”! Be sure and link up your fashion related post below! I can’t wait to see what you’re wearing!

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*linking up with The Pleated Poppy.

These are a few more pics from my photo shoot last week…or was it two weeks ago? Time flies when you’re having fun! All I know is it seems like it was forever ago. We’ve been so busy cramming in as much fun stuff as possible before Eep goes back to school! I’m sure going to miss having my little buddy home with me all day every day. A lot of our friends kids have already gone back to school but thankfully we’ve still got a couple of weeks left! Is it just me or has this Summer just flown by?!?!

Outfit Details:
Faithfull the Brand Romper via Swirl Boutique
Necklace c/o Pamela Hannon Designs
Steve Madden Fringe Heels
Madewell Bracelet

*Photos by RMG Photography

I don’t know about you guys, but I am not a natural at remixing my wardrobe. So whenever I am shopping online and come across a look I like, I snap a pic with my phone and see if I can re-create the look with items I already have in my closet before making a new purchase. More often than not, I usually already have something similar in my closet and just never would have thought to wear it in such a way. Like this cardigan for example. I thought it was adorable but it was more than I wanted to spend on a cardigan. And then I remembered I had the cardigan above! Almost identical….am I right?

Outfit Details:
Banana Republic Tank (SO OLD)
AG Jeans Denim Cut-offs
Fringe Cardigan c/o Swirl Boutique (last seen here)
FP Gladiator Sandals
Tassel Bag c/o Justfab
Nameplate Necklaces c/o Teressa Lane Jewelry

Have any of you guys watched Orange is the New Black? We JUST started the first season and episodes 1-3 sucked us right in. But we’ve heard from a few people now that season two is a let down?! Did you watch? Thoughts?!? We hadn’t used our Apple TV in forever and I finally did the software upgrade (which took SEVEN friggen hours!) so we’re finally catching up on our Netflix series. Before we started OITNB, we gave Parenthood a try but quit after two shows. I’ve heard it’s supposed to be good but it just seemd a little too Seventh Heaven-y or something. I never even watched Seventh Heaven but I imagine it was a lot like Parenthood. LOL.

Outfit Details:
Black Tank via Swirl Boutique (only $18!)
Ladakh Floral Skirt (sold out)
Sandals c/o Justfab
Deux Lux Fringe Clutch
Madewell Bracelet
Nameplate Necklace c/o Teressa Lane Jewelry

P.S. It’s Linkup Wednesday! Be sure and link up your fashion related post below! All I ask is that you please link back to The Stylish Housewife. I can’t wait to see what you’re wearing!

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*linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Mix & Match Fashion and Happiness at Midlife.