Get Your Feet Beach Ready with Emjoi Micro-Pedi

After months of keeping my hoofs inside uncomfortable high heels, they look rugged.  My fancy shoe calluses are not fit for summer sandals.  So, I need a little help sanding them off.  The Emjoi Micro-Pedi features a unique micro mineral roller (naturally processed from stone) that spins at an amazing 30 times a second to painlessly break up, buff and effortlessly remove dry, rough, hardened, callused skin from the soles of the feet in no more than a few minutes, leaving them soft, supple and beautiful for summer and year-round comfort.  I am really scared of those metal scrapers.  The Micro-Pedi is safer than those scary foot knives and won't break your arm like those cheese graters. 

The Micro-Pedi is light and runs on just 2 AA batteries.  The handle is ergonomic to maneuver around my monstrous feets.  It's available online and at major retailers like CVS, Bed, Bath and Beyond and is only $29.95.

What's your routine to get your feet ready for the beach?

Disclosure: I was provided this product free for review purposes, but all opinions are 100% mine.

April Ipsy Review

Redken Windblown 05 Dry Finishing Spray (1.9 oz ~ $6): This stuff is supposed to give you a windblown look without the crunchy look.  I am not in love with the formula.  I really don't feel like it does anything.  It's not a hair spray and I am not quite sure what it's supposed to be.

JulieG Nail Polish (full size, $4): This was pretty much the worst.  The color was nice, but it went on clumpy.

Mullein and Sparrow Lip and Cheek Tint (full size, $10): This stuff is really moisturizing, but doesn't have much of a tint.  I think it's a better balm than a cheek tint.

Mica Beauty Eye Primer (4g ~$22):  Ok, I said that nail polish was the worst....this stuff was actually the worst.  It's so dry that it hurts to try and swipe it across your eye lids.

Nude Dude Eye Shadow (single ~$3):  The Balm makes some good (an inexpensive) eye products.  This shadow goes on nice and smooth and has a great pigment.  And the Nude Dude palette has more shades than most palettes and is only $36!

Not a bad haul at $45.  Sadly, I wasn't super in love with any of the products.  Hopefully, I'll get some stuff I want from some eDivv trades!

Ipsy Deets

• $10 per month
• 5 beauty products, some full sized (2-3) in each bag
• 1 cosmetic bag

**Full Disclosure: Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription services.  I am in no way affiliated with Ipsy and have not received any compensation for this post.  However, I do receive points to redeem for product if I refer new subscribers with my referral link here.  All opinions are 100% mine.

Look What I Got: Old Factory Candles Giveaway

 

Over the holidays I received a set of Old Factory Candles.  These tiny little candles pack quite a punch.  They are teeny, but they burn for 20 hours and let off a really nice scent.  

 

They come in themed packs of three complimentary scents, like New Born Baby, Fall Harvest, and 50 Shades (Leather, Jasmine Bubbles, Vanilla Sex).  I think the Romance set, which include Rose Petals, Champagne, and Dark Chocolate, would be a perfect Valentine's gift.  Seriously!  Look at all the different scents!

 

And today, Old Factory Candles is giving my readers a chance to win a set!

Disclaimer:  I was provided a set of candles free for review purposes courtesy of BrandBacker.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Link up your post on what you got (for cheap)!
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We love having you link up and we will be reading all your posts! So, if you don't follow the rules and link back you'll be put in time out (i.e. we'll delete your link).

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Wedding Planning with my Intel Tablet

 

I am acting as my own wedding planner, but I am getting a little help from my new Intel Tablet, an Acer Iconia One 7 (and some spreadsheets from A Practical Wedding and Pinterest).

 

With my tablet and spreadsheets, I can keep track of my guest list, my vendors, and other odds and ends.  I've modified A Practical Wedding's spreadsheet to add a photography list, flower list and registry list.  Combining my tablet with the Dropbox app, I can update my spreadsheets wherever I go!

 

With my tablet, I can easily show my photographer and florist ideas I've seen on Pinterest and then they can help bring my vision to life!  And with the spreadsheets I can see when I am starting to get out of control and parse things down.  I eliminated some unnecessary flowers and registry items this way.  It's nice to see your insanity laid out in writing.

#spon: I'm required to disclose a relationship between our site and Intel. This could include the Intel Corporation providing us w/content, product, access or other forms of payment.

  Linking up with Whims Wednesday, Because Shanna Said So, Friday's Fab Favorites

Questioning my Skincare with California Naturel

 

As I have discussed on the blog already, I am prepping my face for my wedding day (and basically just for a life without acne).  I have been using products that work for me, so I am really reluctant to try out new face stuff.  When I was contacted by California Naturel, I was really really reluctant to provide a review.  However, once I read more about their products, I was convinced that a little trial wouldn't set back my skin care regimen.  The ingredients are all natural and contain a crap ton of floral extracts.  I just have to make sure there was no grapefruit in there.  I am allergic to grapefruit...and that crap is in all skincare nowadays.

 

I am a sucker for great packaging.  The boxes and bottles feel really high quality and luxurious...but they are completely recyclable.  Yay!  (Little known fact, many product boxes are not recyclable with your normal cardboard because they are coated in wax or another substance to make them colorful and shiny.  Check your local recycling rules for details).

The Gentle Cleansing Gel does what it says.  It's gentle on your skin, but it fully removed all my my eye makeup, even without a prior application of eye makeup remover.  My skin felt refreshed, but not dried out.  My only complaint was the scent.  It's supposed to be floral, but smelled a little medicine-y to me.

The Nourishing Cream is my favorite product of the lot.  This stuff left my face feeling the smoothest it's ever felt.  I'd say like a baby's butt, but that is a really gross comparison.

 

The SPF 30 Sunscreen is now a tool in my fair skin protection arsenal.  I loved this stuff.  It's so light, it just feels like a moisturizer.  And it lasted all day and didn't sweat off into my eyes.

And the SPF 8 Lip Balm was another important tool.  Yeah, your lips can burn.  This is a problem I feel like only the fair skinned understand.

I highly recommend all of their products.  They are more expensive than your average drugstore brand, but a little of these products goes a long way.  Just a dab of the cleansing gel and just a dab of the nourishing cream are enough to suffice each use.  

Will you be trying out California Naturel?

Full Disclosure: I was provided these products at no cost for my review.  However, 100% of the opinions are my own. I did not receive any other compensation for this post.

Linking up with Tuesday Pretties, Manic Monday, The Style Record, Little Miss Monday, Mix it Monday, Funday Monday, Monday Morning Gossip, Monday Mingle, Style Sessions.

Review: Caseable Custom iPhone Case

 

Obviously, I like to be well dressed everyday.  I also always like to make sure my phone is well dressed.  And I like to make sure my phone has a choice of a few outfits.  However, it's often hard to find cases that fit the aesthetic I am seeking.  Enter Caseable, a website that allows you to upload your own photos and art to make custom cases for your electronics and phone!  

Did you have any doubt that my perfect design would include one of the pets?  It was a really tough decision on whether to include the cat or the dog on the cover.  And although Gaia is a beauty all on her own, I felt like the rose graphics added a little something.  

It was super duper easy to create my custom case.  I simply added the rose graphics to a photo of my furry beauty queen and then uploaded it to Caseable's website.  You can resize and move the image around to get the look you want. 

The iPhone case I received it thin and lightweight, yet feels rigid and sturdy.  The case fits snugly on the phone and makes it feel thinner than any other case I have for my iPhone.

And the case shipped super fast after I had designed it.  I had it in my hands within a week!

Caseable makes more than just iPhone cases, including Android phones, laptops, iPads and Kindles.  And, if you're not creative and crafty (or just lazy) or can browse designs for cases from a variety of artists.

So, go grab yourself a custom case for all your devices.  (and it doesn't even have to have a dog face on it if you don't want it to).

Disclosure: This case was provided to me free of charge, but all opinions are 100% mine!

Review: Marimekko for Banana Republic

I was super duper excited when I learned that Banana Republic was collaborating with Marimekko.  I love their geometric prints and bright colors...and the quality of Banana Republic's collaborations has been fantastic.  I was most excited about the polka dot midi skirt on the far right.

 

However, by the time I got to the nearest Banana Republic after work, almost everything was picked over.  And my coveted skirt was sold out.  I was hesitant to purchase online during the pre-sale (to which I had access by virtue of being a Banana Republic cardholder) because I was unsure of the sizing.  And now I am regretting the decisiont o wait until the collection came out in stores.  Seriously, did people take off of work for this?!

 

First, I tried on the Kivet Pleated Dress.  The quality is exactly what you expect from BR.  The fabric is soft and the fit is feminine and flattering.  Perhaps the only reason I did not walk out with this dress is because I was morning the loss of the midi skirt.  The dress fit true to size and for reference I am wearing an 8.  The hips are free, so no issues for curvy ladies.

 

Next up, the (some ridiculous long word I refuse to type) Hampton Shorts.  The colors on these shorts are amazing.  Perfect for summer.  The fabric is so soft and comfy.  AND, my favorite part, the shorts are an appropriate length.  No exposed BBC (bottom butt cheek).  Again, pretty true to size and no issues for curvy ladies.  I am wearing a 10 for reference.  I would actually size down if you have narrow hips or skinny legs.  

And last, the shorter version of the skirt I missed out on (sold out online already).  The fabric is super soft and flowy and the skirt is a great length for weekend wear.  I recommend sizing down in this one.  I am wearing a 6 for reference.  I love love love the dots, but, again, I came here with a purpose.  However, I might go back for this skirt.

Have you tried the collection out?  Were you able to pick any thing up?  Did you get me the midi skirt in an 8?!?

Meaningful Beauty Creme de Serum (Review)

I've never been a believer in anti-aging products.  I just don't think there is a miracle cure for aging.  But when I received Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty Crème de Serum, I thought..."If it's good enough for Cindy, I might as well give it a try."  After using this product for about 2 weeks; I don't think I look "younger," but I do feel like my skin feels softer and has a nice glow when I wear the serum.  I've been wearing it without makeup and it highlights really nicely.  I guess that's all you can really ask for from a "miracle skin serum."  So, I don't look like Cindy Crawford after using this serum, but I think my complexion looks pretty darn dewy. 

And don't forget to enter my giveaway to win a Rain Caper!

Disclosure: I was provided this product free of charge by Influenster in exchange for my review.  All opinions are 100% mine.
Linking up with Noor's Place and Glossy Blonde

Review: Aveeno Daily Moisturizer and Calming Body Wash

I've taken enough product surveys to know that brands always want to know if you"trust" them.  I always thought it was a silly question.  But, I started to understand it once I received two new Aveeno products for review.  I went in assuming that I would love the products.  (And I did).  So, "trusting" a brand makes you more apt to try their new products, I guess!
Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Wash This body wash wouldn't be memorable or exceptional if it wasn't for the scent.  As far as moisturizing and consistency and all of that...it's just a body wash.  However, the lavendar scent is amazing.  I am fairly partial to lavendar.  I firm believer in its relaxing capabilities.  I used this body wash in a shower before bed and it definitely made me a little sleepy and relaxed my muscles.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion This lotion promises 24 hour moisturizing.  Now, I wasn't counting, but it at least kept my hands moisturized all day.  As the weather gets colder and the heat gets kicked up in the office, I find myself applying hand lotion several times a day.  However, with this stuff I didn't have reapply all day!
Full Disclosure: This product was provided to me free of charge by Beauty Box 5, which is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 4-5 cosmetic samples to your door every month.  Linking up with Noor's Place and Glossy Blonde

Review: Every Beauty Makeup Remover Pads

When I received these makeup remover pads in the mail I was immediately intrigued.  When I was asked to review some makeup remover pads, I was expecting some wet wipes.  However, these little guys from Every Beauty are dry, 100% cotton pads infused with aloe.  You just need a few drops of water to "activate" the pads and remove your eye makeup.  

I found that the less water the better.  Slightly dampening the clothes produced a better result.  The pads are really gentle and fantastic if you have sensitive skin.  They don't dry out your ski at all because they don't contain any alcohol.  On the downside, they don't work quite as well as my Neutrogena or Mary Kay eye makeup remover.  I had to work a little harder with the Every Beauty pads.  And these pads just didn't get my weekend fancy liquid eyeliner off.  I woke up with next morning with raccoon eyes.  So, I think these pads are probably good enough for everyday makeup, but you'll need something a little stronger to remove a bolder nighttime eye look. 

So, if you want to try these out, you won't break the bank for an experiment.  They're only $6.99 for a 50 count package and you can get them here.

Oh wait, I lied.  You can get them even cheaper by using promo code "BB% to get 30% off the entire Every Beauty site through October 15th. 

Full Disclosure: This product was provided to me free of charge by Beauty Box 5, which is a subscription-based, beauty sampling program that delivers a box filled with 4-5 cosmetic samples to your door every month. 

Diamond Candle Giveaway!

I have a confession.  I am a candle addict.  I have no less than 3 candles in every room of my apartment....and a box full of back ups.  So, how could my obsession with candles grow stronger?  Put jewelry inside of them.  And that's just what Diamond Candles has done.  They've put rings inside each of their soy-based candles ranging in value from $10 to $5,000.  The candles fill your house with a lovely smell and after a few hours you're left with a sparkly little ring.  Don't worry the ring is packaged in foil so it doesn't have wax all over it.  

And now for the ring reveal!  (even though I was pretty sure I wouldn't get a super expensive ring or even one that fit my taste, the thrill of the unknown was enough for me).  After a few hours of burning my "Apple Slice" candle (which smelled like a bowl of freshly sliced apples), I found that little foil packet.  

I wasn't thrilled with the heart shaped stone (a little too cheesy for me).  But I have to admit....for a $10 ring, it's damn good quality.

Now you have a chance to get your own Diamond Candle!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Diamond Candles provided me with this candle free for review, but all opinions are 100% mine.  I was not compensated in any other way for this post.

Banana Republic Issa London Review + Giveaway!

The day the Issa London Collection came out at Banana Republic I rushed out after work to try on as much as I could carry into the dressing room.

Before I get into my individual reviews....my overall impressions of the line.  I was a little disappointed in some of the fabrics.  Many of the dresses and shirts were jersey knit-like and I was expecting a more substantial fabric.  However, all of the clothes really mold to a woman's shape and have this ruching around the waist that hides a belly and makes a waist look thinner.   

Short Sleeve Pleated Dress ($130)

In the Caboodle: Beauty Box 5 Review

I love beauty subscription boxes, but I have to say, I am pretty loyal to the two I've found.  However, I just could not resist the chance to try out a new beauty subscription box when given the chance.  

Beauty Box 5 is a subscription box that offers 4-5 cosmetic samples for $12 per month.  So, right off the bat, I like the price...just a little cheaper than some of the major names out there.

And now on to the contents...  

Jean Pierre Cosmetics Oil-Absorbing Facial Tissues (Full Size - $1.99)

Nothing spectacular to report on this product.  They're oil absorbing sheets and they do just that.  However, I the packaging is a little better than other oil absorbing sheets.  I keep Clean & Clear oil absorbing sheets in my purse, but the cardboard packaging is now ripped and hanging on for dear life after a few months of purse warfare.  The Jean Pierre sheets come in a tough plastic packaging.  Not very eco-friendly, but maybe it's reusable??  

Bodyography Foundation Primer (Full Size - $15-30)

In all honesty, I just have way too much foundation primer at the moment.  So, I am no help in this department.  I just can't bring myself to open up another one...haha.

Brazen Eyeshadow (unknown price)
I hate loose eye shadow and this one was no exception.  It was messy and lasted about 2 hours before creasing...even with primer.  I stick by my hatred of loose eye shadow.

Blinc Mascara (Full Size - $20)
This mascara has gotten a lot of hype....with all it's space-age tubes it forms on your lashes.  I had not yet tried this mascara (mostly out of loyalty to Maybelline and my general contrarian attitude).  Welp, all the hype is correct.  This mascara is the shiz.  And I get a kick out of seeing the little black tubules in the sink when I wash my face.

ModelCo Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner Call me a weirdo, but I think lip liner is lame and for old ladies.  I guess I am a lame old lady now because I like this stuff.  It's nude colored so, I'm going to call it a primer.  It prevents the hated feathering of lip stick and keeps me coloring in the lines.  
My Thoughts I think the price is right for Beauty Box 5.  You get 4 to 5 products and at least some of them will be full size.  In addition, unlike some of the other beauty boxes out there, it'll contain brands you haven't heard of.  Yeah, it's great to get some stuff from luxury brands.  But, what's the point if I've already tried it?  (or own it?)
So, will you be signing up for Beauty Box 5?? **Full Disclosure: This package from Beauty Box 5 was given to me free of charge.  However, all opinions are 100% mine.  I was not compensated in any other way for this post.
Linking up with Anything and Everything Blog Hop, The Collective Blog Hop, Friend Connect Blog Hop

Review: Banana Republic Mad Men Collection 2013

In the Caboodle is suspended this week to bring you my review of Banana Republic's Mad Men Collection.  It's no secret I am a HUGE fan of this collaboration (evidence here, here, here, and here).  When I viewed the collection online, I was a bit underwhelmed.  I was disappointed that there were no dresses that screamed Betty or Joan.  This collection was all about Megan and Peggy.  However, I will (occasionally) admit that I am wrong.  So, mark your calendars.  I was wrong.  This year's collection is lovely.  Full of bright colors and patterns that are so well fitted for a real woman's body.  Almost everything was slimming and lengthening.  I swear, there is voodoo magic in those threads.  AND I got 30%!!  Ok, I restrained myself and only bought one thing.

Sleeveless Shell and Mini Gingham Crop

UPDATE: This top is actually the Sateen Peplum Top and IS NOT from the Mad Men Collection.  However, this doesn't change my review and I still think it's a lovely top and is on my wishlist.

These crops are so comfy.  The fabric is soft and they are a medium rise.  I don't normally like pants with the slanted pockets because they never lay flat on my hips.  These did though.  I'd recommend sizing up if you have hips to avoid the weird crotch wrinkles and bat wing pockets.  And you read that correctly, MINI gingham...the cutest of the ginghams.  They also come in large gingham and polka dot.  

I also loved the top.  The waist hit at the perfect position and was like an instant tummy tuck.  It fits true to size.  I wouldn't call it peplum, but it flares out at just the right place.  Seriously, it took 5lbs off me.  I feel like I have several peplum-ish things in my closet, however, if this little top goes on clearance I might snatch it up.

Peggy Knit Shift

I HATED this dress online and even on the hanger.  But again, I will admit when I am wrong.  I thought the pattern would get pulled and twisted over the hip and boob area and that it would accentuate the tummy.  I was wrong on all fronts.  Whoever designed the pattern on this dress is a genius.  It's like an optical illusion of perfect curves.  It says it's a shift dress, but it cinches in at the waist to create a nice silhouette.  The key hole is sexy, but small enough to be work appropriate. it fits true to size.  This is the dress I walked out with that day.

Tipped Shift Dress

This is the dress I was most excited about.  I love the bright green color and the white border.  However, this was the only thing that disappointed me.  It's more appropriate for a lady with more slender hips.  It's very straight and doesn't cinch in on the waist, so I thought it did nothing for my shape.  But I LOOOOOVE the color...whine.

Vertical Striped Dress

This dress is freakin' amazing.  Those vertical lines just make everything great.  The dress is soooo stretchy and comfy.  It's like fancy pajamas.  I almost needed to be physically restrained from getting this dress.  However, I had to size up to accommodate the hips.

So, are you going to be getting anything from this year's Mad Men Collection?

Linking up to the Instagram Blog Hop and Totally Linked In Tuesdays.
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