Beauty Box Monthly Subscriptions
If you're a make-up product junkie like me, you may want to listen up if you are not familiar with beauty box subscriptions. Monthly beauty boxes are becoming more popular, they're mentioned all in the beauty magazines, all over YouTube and other social medias like Twitter, Instagram, and FaceBook. There are many types that have popped up within the past year, subscriptions to healthy foods, make-up, and many more. Companies like Birchbox, Ipsy, GlossyBox, BeautyBox5, Wantable and BoxyCharm just to name a few. I will discuss a few pro's and con's in case you have been debating if they're really worth the money.
Beauty Box Benefits
- Beauty box benefits the subscriber because they offer you a chance to try new and upcoming brands. Many companies are fighting to get the customer in the door, and hope the customer becomes a repeat consumer of their products.
- There are many beauty box subscriptions, all offering a range of low-end items that you can find at your local Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS. The subscriber can also receive high-end items that can only be ordered online, or purchased at a Sephora, Macy's, Ulta, Nordstrom, etc.
- Many can offer you different types of products, for instance, you can receive make-up, make-up brushes/applicators, nail polishes, clothing, hair products...the list goes on.
- Different subscriptions are affordable, you can subscribe to a anything from $10- $40 a month..depending on what type you get. I found the subscriptions that offer clothing and shoes can get around the $30- $40 range.
- Because it's a "subscription" item, you get the package delivered to your doorstep. It is very convenient because you don't have to look through items in a store, battling traffic, crazy weather, or finding items that have been tampered with. You can be assured that your items will come to you packaged and new, if not, just call the customer service representative.
Beauty Box Cons
- Beauty box subscriptions boast that they send you "custom" items, usually derived from results of a personal quiz that you have to answer during the registration process. No matter which you subscribe to, you will often find that some consumers are not happy with the items they receive because they are not in need of the product, or it's the wrong shade, etc. So be aware you may not necessarily receive all the items that you would actually use.
- Beauty box subscriptions require a credit card when you register. This may pose an issue with consumers who are younger than 18 yrs old and may not have a credit card. I've seen complaints that people had gotten charged but never received their items. Luckily, most subscription companies have a customer service number or e-mail that you can contact to get the issue straightened out.
- Some complaints I've seen is that some subscribers tend to get tired of one subscription. For example, many subscribed to Ipsy, but you can look all over YouTube and see that some subscribers are getting disappointed every month. They either had to keep retaking the quiz to get their "custom" items to suit their type of skin, skin tone, etc.
- You become a product junkie...beauty hoarder..whatever you may call it. You may like to try different types of products, but you many not necessarily use all the products you receive. You start piling it in the bathroom..on your dresser..in a box..in your purse..wherever you have the room to store your items. Luckily, there are sites such as www.edivv.com where you can swap unwanted makeup products, and various types of fashion items. It's a great way to recycle your unwanted, gently used items. Otherwise, you either hoard your beauty items, or you start giving it away to your friends and family..which may not be so bad..but do you really want to lose money on the items you purchased?
I hope this helped shine a light for those of you reading who were debating whether you wanted to subscribe or not. Perhaps you haven't heard of any of the companies I've mentioned. No matter what you decide...one thing for sure is that the popularity of beauty box subscriptions are growing. They have subscriptions for all age groups. The great thing is, you can always cancel your subscription. Or subscribe to different ones at the same time. It's up to you. We as a society have moved away from magazine and newspaper subscriptions..the "cool new thing" right now are beauty boxes and it's helping many people save money while companies are enjoying the generated revenue. Basic business rule..supply and demand.
Bitty Fit Tips- 5 Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle
Hello Bitty Beauties! I am changing it up this week to give some helpful tips on jump starting a healthier life style. If you're like me, you may have had issues with your weight over the years..or just have some type of health issue. Speaking for myself, I've always had issues, I'm 4"11" and trying to stay within my "recommended" weight is a little hard. I am a mother myself, have two kids. I work full time, spending about 2-3 hours sitting in traffic. By the time I get home from work, I am exhausted. I always found it a challenge. Even when I was in the military, I was in great shape..but after the stresses of life and life events..it became harder and harder..progressed as I got older and older (but hey..i'm not that old lol). Like most people, my weight has went up and down over the years.
So with that said, I had this great idea to post some great tips to help anyone.
1. My first tip is to keep track of your activities.
Before you start anything, make sure you keep some type of tracker. Whether it is by a journal, a fitness app on your smart phone, or an activity tracker like FitBit or jawbone. I myself have a FitBit flex. I download the app, and can sync my daily activities using the app to see where my progress is. You want to keep track of your progress.
2. Meal Planning- meal preparation is key
Plan out your daily meals. This is probably one of the hardest barriers I always face. There is really no easy way to get around it..especially if you are the only one in the household who is so called "dieting". I personally try to incorporate the healthier lifestyle with my family. It's easier if everyone in the family is on the same page. If not, you just have to dedicate your self and really try to plan your meals. I know it's hard, especially if you're a full time worker, or if you are always taking care of little ones.
My tip is to purchase lean meats. Chicken breasts, lean beef, lean lamb, fresh fish for your main protein. Go to the grocery store, or local farmer's market and purchase a variety of fruits, and veggies that you like. You can season your meats, make your own marinade. I stick to baking, broiling, or boiling. If I have to fry/sautee' anything, I always use olive oil. As far as seasonings and marinades, I try to purchase flavorful seasonings or even fresh seasonings. Fresh rosemary goes well with chicken or lamb. You can cook the meat ahead of time, making several baked chicken and put them in containers. Cut up your fruits, make a fruit salad, and make sure to include your vegetables. Raw or cooked. Take the time out to cook on the weekends. And if you work Monday through Friday, purchase 5 tupperware containers, and make your lunch for the work week. It will definitely save you some money. You can research so many healthy recipes online. Here is a great site I came across that provide clean eating recipes: http://www.heandsheeatclean.com.
If you aren't the cooking type, you can still plan your meals. If you like to eat outside of the home, you can take a little time and research some of the fast foods, or restaurant foods near your area. Find a Subway, make health conscious decisions. Whenever I go out to eat with my family, I always look at the plate and tell myself that I will take half of the food home in a doggy bag. Make substitutions. Instead of fries, order a salad on the side. Drink water instead of soda or sweet tea. Eat turkey bacon instead of real bacon. If you're working, plan your work week if you can. So many restaurants have their menus online. You can usually check out places and their menu ahead of time, some even provide the caloric information.
3. Start Slow- let your body adjust
You start off slow, but as you get over the first two weeks, it gets a lot easier. For example, if you prefer a DVD workout like P90X..you may not be able to make it through the entire workout at first. Instead, focus on your form, learn how to do the exercises correctly so you don't injure yourself. If it's a 30 minute workout, try to start slow and see if you can do at least 15 mins, then slowly progress to 30 mins..and so on. If you like running/jogging and you're starting slow, you can start by doing small increments of activity. Stretch first, then walk at your pace for about 30 mins. The next time you go out, start walking for about 5-10 mins to get warmed up. Then jog for about 3-5 mins..remember, small increments. Work your way up and before you know it, your stamina will be soaring!
4. Take time to rest- but not too much!
Before you take any fitness routine, you should consult your doctor if you have any medical issues. That way, you are cleared to do whatever exercise activity you decide to partake in. I understand, the first few days..or weeks can be a shock to your body. Make sure to work in some rest days in your fitness routine. Listen to your body but remember, no pain no gain! Some of those muscles are sore because you have not worked them out in a long long time. Trust me, I've been in situations where I was doing squats and could not walk or sit down the next few days without everything hurting. The pain was temporary and I was ok by the 3rd day. It's just your body's way to telling you that you are working out muscles. If you're tired and you're in the middle of working out, take the time and just slowly walk around. Hydrate, towel off. Sit down if needed. Once you catch your breath, resume your workout and finish. Just keep telling yourself..it will get easier the more you progress. Don't give up!
5. Do NOT weigh yourself every day- we are all different
Everyone's body is different and everyone's body responds to activity different. Do NOT weight yourself everyday. Weigh your self the first day, and then once a week after. Make sure to track your progress. I would even say use tape to measure your waistline, thighs, biceps, etc. Just because you don't lose weight the first week does not mean you didn't lose fat. You could have gained muscle, and truth is..you will gain muscle as you continue to work out. My husband can lose weight so fast, the first two weeks, he would be toned and ripped. Myself on the other hand..it takes me months sometimes. Remember, you are trying to change your lifestyle and keep up the lifestyle. Don't focus on that scale so much. Trust me, as long as you continue your healthy lifestyle activities, the weight on the scale won't matter as much because you will be able to tell yourself. You will notice when you put on those jeans that you couldn't fit anymore..or take pictures of yourself with a group of people (no not selfies). When you're with a group of people and you really see yourself. You'll be able to tell the difference when you are running or jogging..and you are doing it for 30 mins..1 mile..2 miles..3 miles...you will be able to see the change. It's not going to happen over night. If you stick to your routine, make health conscious decisions, and LOVE YOURSELF....you will see the pounds shed off. Your body will be thanking you. You'll have more time with your family and friends and really have the ability to enjoy life.
YouTube??
Hello Bitty Beauties! Ok..so I've been thinking this for awhile now.. I am debating if I should start a YouTube channel. I must admit, I do a lot of product reviews (hence the reason I am a product junkie) and I was thinking of starting a YouTube channel. Not sure as to how to start it, but I think I have the basic concept down. I will need a video camera..a memory card..both of which I know my husband has somewhere in the house. And a YouTube account..which I already have. Does anyone out there know any more information? If so, please feel free to comment or e-mail me at mwreaves83@gmail.com I think with my health background, and my love for make-up.. I would hope it would be beneficial to share my Beauty Tips with the Internet world...plus I need a hobby to keep me occupied and sane.
Anywho..let me know what you think. It may be a little bit until I start it..I'm kinda scared of Internet trolls..and not sure as to how to do the entire process, like editing videos, etc so I will still research it a bit before I jump in and actually record.
Just an idea....to Tube or not to Tube..that is the question!
P.S. I'll be posting a review on some new items I've been trying. Mally, NARS, and some BB/CC creams. Stay tuned....
(^_^)
New trading/exchange website: eDivv
Hello my loves! I have been sooo busy the past few weeks..err..month..and I know I really need to get a better handle on my time management skills and blogging. None the less, here I am ready to tell you about this fantastic new website I came across. It is called eDivv. It is a fantastic website where you can go, register, and trade beauty products as well as accessories..and many more. You trade products with others, you can browse for various types of products..name brand, high-end products like Urban Decay, or low end, and drug store products. You can view the item details..the condition of the product, "New", "Like New", "Used"..etc. Once you discover an item you want to "divvy", you can choose to trade specific items, or send a "I'm interested" where the other person can choose products from you.
It is definitely a great website. I've uploaded products of my own that I just have too much of, or tried and not necessarily liked. For example, I bought a foundation, and it's not quite my color..but it's still "like new". I upload it on my eDivv store..and put it out there for others that I can trade with. You can send a counter-offer to the other divvyer if you don't initially like what you see. And if both of you accept the offer, each of you will mail the other the products. I try to add a tracking number for them for good business practices. That way, they can track their package. It is definitely a great site, very easy to use, and I've already traded or "divvied" 4 times. You can also put your review for the user, so others can see the credability of the other divvyer. You should definitely check it out.
This works great if you subscribe to beauty subscriptions like Birchbox, Ipsy, Wantable, JusFab, etc. You can divvy almost anything..I've seen phone cases, shoes, clothing, purses..etc. You can set up your eDivv account here: http://www.edivv.com . You can also view my shop MsIttyBitty83's shop. I have a few items up for trade.
I will do better and post up some more Bitty Beauty Tips. I have some reviews to post up so stay tuned. Thanks so much for your patience! :)
