*NWR* Christmas & Traditions

*NWR*=Not Wedding Related

 

 

 

This was Josh and my last Christmas as "singles". We have been together for 7 Christmas. Since we have been living together we have already started some of our own traditions, but I can no wait to add more as we start our own married lives!

One of the time honored traditions I have been apart of since I was born, and my parents went to for years before I was even thought of. Josh has now been apart of it for 6-7 years.

Every Christmas eve we go to my parent's and my dad's past co-workers house. There is piles and piles of food, and sweets and drinks and FUN! And ever since I can remember there has been a "fruitcake name drawing" tradition. This fruitcake has to be between 20-25 years old. Apparently someone had brought the fruitcake to the party, and Glenda joked "What am I suppose to do with this??"

So what did she do, she kept for a year in the freezer, then decided to put everyone's name into a bag and have the kids pick 1 and whoever it was had to take the fruitcake for the year and keep it and bring it back the following Christmas eve. Once, for 4 years in a row, I picked the same name!! After that I wasn't allowed to draw anymore. Now this year, because Josh and I are old enough to be getting married our names got thrown into the mix. And who won the fruitcake this year?? Yes, that is correct, say hello to Mr & Mrs Fruitcake for the year. It is now sitting in the back of my freezer. I can not wait to go back next year and pass this fruitcake one. (fingers crossed we don't get picked again).

This has been an amazing Christmas filled with so much love, and joy and excitement for next year.

 

Merry Christmas from the future Mr. & Mrs. Hertel!



3 Months to Go

3 months to go. Seems like just yesterday we were celebrating our engagement, and now we will soon be celebrating our marriage!

We booked the officiant; Lowell
We have selected our reading(s). Working on the right flow for the vows
We have made a mock up of the invitations, getting a proof of that soon (those will be going out soon)
We have ordered and printed the shower invites: they will be going out by next week. We ordered them from an Etsy Shop, they have been AMAZING!
The boys are going to get measure for the suits on Friday. We have their shoes and socks.
I have my first dress "pre-fitting" this week, and have all my accessories: veil, under the dress essentials, shoes for ceremony, shoes for reception, socks, earrings, necklace, rings (of course).
I have compiled the DJ list of songs
Getting my hair cut/trim so it is healthy for the wedding day
I need to finalize wedding day transportation
I have gotten Josh's wedding day of gift, and he is seriously going to LOVE it!!


Things I still need to DIY:

• Garter
• Guest book
• Card box
• Table numbers

We are getting together this week to compile the list and get started on some things


Things are going great, and honestly I haven't had any MAJOR freak outs. I have really been enjoying the process and making our day as special and individual as we are.

Bride Box and Updates

First of all I know I am waaaay behind my Bride Box and Birchbox "reviews". This is the November Bride Box I received, and I believe this is my last one from my 6 month subscription.
I really like the idea of Bride Box and loved their first 3... after that I felt like the quality of the boxes had gone down hill. They are more about advertising (which I understand you need to do) than filling the boxes with fun stuff for the bride or the big day. As I am partially sad I will not be receiving it anymore, I am kind on glad I wont be faced with any more disappointing boxes. I still get my Ipsy bag every month and those have been great!!

Here is the November Bride Box:

My last box

First quick look of contents

 

This is one of the nice surprised from this month. I am not "sweating for the wedding" but I plan on wearing this while vegging on the couch with some potato chips. It also has an adorable pink bow in the back.

I have no idea what this is, what it's suppose to be, what I am suppose to do with it.
Bride box no longer gives out the info cards they once did and I can not find this on the website (I will have to stalk one of my favorite blogs and see if she has an explanation for this)

By the way: It's basically an ornament filled with beads and tinsel and little "diamond" thingy. A 5 year old could have made this.

Blood orange scented candle. I love the candle and the smell, they are passing it off as a favor for guest. Not sure how I feel about that. It's nice but not overwhelmingly great.

(Gray bag): The gift bags you give your guest as they check into the hotel, cute bag, but that's all it is, there is NOTHING inside. Like at least pack it like you would a guest bag. (FYI: We have decided not to do welcome bags, sorry to disappoint any one)

The second item is a sample of skin care product stuff. Eh.

 

 

The only thing that was "WOW great!" was the tank top. Also as we move closer to the wedding, I am realizing I have A LOT of my components already taken care of, so I find a lot of the bride box items unless. Like I said, I loved my first 3 boxes, they were great, and there were little things in each of the others I loved.

All opinions are my own.

 

Updates:

 

 

We have officially booked our officiant. Josh and I sat down with him this morning. He is great, very warm and welcoming. Its also very soothing to have someone to take all the stress and pressure off of me, but still preform the ceremony the way we want it, individualized.

 

Josh has also pulled off the most rocking rehearsal dinner ever!!!! I'm so excited. Referring again to the previous post, I apologize to out of town family, but we just can not have that big of a rehearsal, so it is being kept to the bridal party, parents, and grandparents.
Thank you for your understanding.

 

We are sitting down with Josh's dad in a few weeks to make a final decision on wedding invitation and get those printed.

 

Things are moving along very quickly, but I cannot wait until wedding day to finally be Josh's Mrs.

4 Months to Go

These monthly post updates just keep rolling.
I feel like I am so far behind, but then I do these post and realize I am very far ahead. As soon as November is over we are really going to start working on getting some of the DYI things I have done. :)

So with 4 months to go let see what there is:

1. Order cake: been done, since we signed up for the reception! (Possibly looking at a groom's cake however)

2. Plan rehearsal: Josh is working on this, and if I comes out as I hope, it will be amazing!! If not, it will still be great!
However: I do know that some rehearsals included out of town guest, this is not entirely feasible, considering most of our family will be the out of town guest, and that will basically make for another reception. So the rehearsal will be just immediate family (i.e.: parents, grandparents) and the wedding party (and their dates)

3. Choose men's attire: has been done. We have picked it out, come to s firm decision on colors and the boys men will be going to get sized and payment early December.


We have ordered and received the wedding favors. They look amazing and I am super excited!
I am finding socks for both the men and girls, they are going to make for some great memorable pictures.

As a nod to the start of this whole website: This Sunday, Josh and I will have been together 6 years! Nov 10 is our "dating" anniversary, and I CANNOT wait to have our wedding anniversary to celebrate also!

*NWR* Halloween

*NWR*= Not Wedding Related

 

 

Josh and I are big fans of Halloween! We have dressed up every year, and there has actually only been 1 year he did not go out with me. We also dress up Whiskey (our dog) of course!!

We've gotten more creative as the years go on!

 

Starting at the top left (2008) Scotsman,, and "St Paulie's Girl", top right (2009) Spartan, and school girl, bottom left (2010) Link and Zelda [We had a whole group of us go out at the Super Mario Smash Bros-one of the best years yet], bottom right (2011) Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit.

 

(2012) Flynn Ryder and Rapunzel

 

 

This year was no different, I was so excited for this Halloween, I had my costume picked and planned a few days after Halloween 2012. Josh took a little long to decide on his, but it was EPIC!!!!

Obviously we are 90's kids, that's what we grew up in, so these costumes were a testament to that. Anyone older than the 90's didn't get it and anyone younger thought it was cool, but didn't understand.

May I present:

 

Carmen San Diego & Quialman!!!! 2013

 (This is the top contender for best Halloween yet!)

My co-maids of honor cam out with us, Stephanie (on the end) was a witch, and Aubrey was Robin Hood



 



*NWR* Hockey Home Season Opener

*NWR*= Not Wedding Related

 

 

We had the FL Panther season opener on Oct 11 against the penguins. It has also been 20 years of hockey for the Panthers. I could not have been more excited for this hockey opener.

 

For the first time in 6 years I got to go to the hockey season opener with the guy I met 6 years ago while working the season opener.

 

 

That's right, for the last 5 hockey seasons (that I did not work) I went to all the season openers and most of the games with friends. I always had to sit and look for Josh working, and settle for a quick walk by kiss as he was on his way to fix something.

This year Josh was an actual guest to the hockey game. We met up with some friends and "picnicked" in the parking lot.

This momentous occasion called for something special, and Josh pulled through and got me a corsage! <3 He said this was like our own little version of prom.

 

Here are the pictures from the day, and you can tell on both our faces, we could not have been happier!

See the pretty corsage?!

 

Our seats

And to top the night off, the Panther won!

 





5 Months to Go

We are down to just 1 hand in counting, 1 hand, can you believe it!?!?!

I feel like everything is going to snowball from this point on. I am literally going to trip and it's going to be wedding day!
The snow ball effect all starts with Josh's step-sister getting married this last Saturday, and it was wonderful.
This Friday is the start of hockey season (I know, not really wedding related, but it is where we met, and it was the opener game we met at too).

There isn't my usual check list for this month:

• The ceremony venue has completed its renovation/remodel and we are planning a walk through to decide final decorations.
• I did a trail for my hair, it did not come out exactly what I wanted, so I am moving to plan B and we will try again.
• Have a final settlement on the centerpieces and a firm plan on how to attack DYI them
• We have decided what the Mothers will be given to wear on the wedding day to replace a corsage.

To continue with the snowball effect: Halloween, we are seeing Michael Buble, then one of my best friends (who is 1 of my maids of honor) and I her bridesmaid bachelorette party, then Thanksgiving, then her wedding, off to TSO after that, then my wedding crafting and DIY party, the Christmas, my bridal shower, Valentine's day, my bachelorette party, Josh's bachelor party, rehearsal and WEDDING!!!!
See I trip and its wedding day! :)
I could not be more excited though and I keep having dreams and visions of me walking down the aisle to my hunny.

Also: I am behind on my Bride Box and Josh's Birchbox. For me, I wasn't overwhelmed with my Bride Box and kind of just let it pass, hopefully this month will be better, my last box it Nov from the 6 month subscription. I may/or may not depending on time, get Josh's up this month. It was more or less the same as the other boxes, same stuff, different brands, and the "big" item wasn't anything to write about.

On another side note: When all is said and down with the wedding (and possibly honeymoon) I can turn this blog into a book as a forever keepsake!!
I believe I have mentioned this before, that this blog will not just stop after the wedding, I plan on keeping up with it through our time as newlyweds, and any adventures along the way.

Hotel Booking

A personalized Web site for Farrell/Hertel Wedding occurring March 8, 2014  has been created for guest.

Guests can access the site to learn more about the event and to book,
modify, or cancel a reservation from September 30, 2013 to February 8, 2014.
Please see the "Ceremony/Reception" page for the link to begin booking your room(s) for the wedding!

**Please remember you need a password for that page and to contact myself or Josh, via facebook, email, or comments below my email: ktef(at)yahoo(dot)com**

Map

I have now included a map and the ceremony venue address to the "Ceremony/Reception" page. :)
Please remember if you would like access to that page you need to contact myself or Josh for the password.  (Please reference the post below on how to obtain the password)
Thanks!

Password

Hello all, This blog is public, meaning anyone can view it. I don't care about most of the information random people looking at. The 1 thing I am worried about is the "Ceremony/Reception" page. That has all the information about the locations, times, directions. So to keep people from just coming across that information and showing up. I have password protected that page. If you want access to that page, please email me at ktef(at)yahoo(dot)com. [replace (at)=@ ; (dot)= . ] Thanks for your understanding!

Hello All

Hello,

If you are on the blog for the first time now, it's probably because you received your Save the Date info card. 

Welcome!

If you have been to the blog before, welcome back, and thanks for staying connected with us on my ongoing post.

Let me give you a little tour:

Check out the bar above this post title: There you will find all the information you need that pertains directly to the wedding ceremony and reception.

• Home: will take you back to the "home" page, which is all my post in date descending order
• About us: pretty self explanatory
• Ceremony/Reception: this will have all the information of the places where they are being held along with a map (coming soon)
• Meet the Wedding Party: pretty self explanatory also
• Photos: These are some little of this and little of that pictures. For a full view of pictures taken at Engagement Party, Engagement photos, and coming later photos please see the shutterfly picture sharing site
• Registry and other misc info: This will have the information you need for our registry, and anything else that may be important, but does not fit in any other categories.

On the right side bar:

• You have at the top, an option to sign up with your email and you will received an email anytime I post something new to the blog.
• Just below that is my archives. This allows you to look back at past post and see what was going on. It is sorted by month.
• Below that are some links and other options on how to stay connected with the blog for the blog savvy people, if you are, check out the options I have to add my blog to your regular news feed.
• Under that are Labels. I label every blog post with labels and it adds them up over there. For instance, say you just wanted to check out the month countdown post. Click on the word "countdown" and ALL the blog post with that label will pop up. The more post that have a particular label, the bigger the word.
• Then we have the Shutterfly logo, click that and you will be taken to our picture sharing site (also listed on the info card in the Save the Date)
• Lastly, we have my blog background provider.

Keep your eyes on anything in the blog or post that the font is colored yellow. That means that there is a link if you click the word, and will take you directly to a page I may be talking about.

You can scroll down while reading the older post in order and hit the "older post" link on the bottom to keep reading and catching up on everything that's been going on here on the blog. Also there is a cute little countdown to the wedding picture at the bottom.

You can also save this URL under you favorites, and always check back. Josh and I are planning on using this blog after we get married, to keep everyone updated on what's going on with our lives and the adventures of newly weds.

Also keep in mind, you can leave comments below on any blog post. I would love to hear from all of you!!

Another side note: **To all out of town guest with children: We have made the decision to have an adult only ceremony and reception. We love all the kids, but unfortunately we have too many to accommodate. For your convenience we will be hiring a few adult (school teacher) babysitters at Kathy Farrell's house with pizza, movies and games for the night. For any additional information you can email myself: ktef(at)yahoo(dot)com or my mom: kfarrell920(at)yahoo(dot)com
[REPLACE THE (at) with @ and (dot) with . I have written it that way to avoid spam mail]
Thank you for your understanding!

Luxe Lollies

Remember a while back I wrote about the Luxe Lollies I received in my Bride Box? And raved about them in one of my countdown post when we ordered them for my friend's bridal shower?
I shared the information of these lollies and their customer service with my event planners and they wrote a little something about them on their blog. :-)
Check out their post here: http://lizandlexevents.blogspot.com/2013/09/luxe-lollies.html

6 Months to Go

Are we seriously 1 month away from counting down on 1 hand?? I honestly can't wait for the day I get to marry my best friend.

6 months to go!!

1. Send out Save the Dates- going out tomorrow!!!!! :) I can't wait for you all to see them!

2. Order bridesmaid dresses- been done!

3. Book Honeymoon- DONE! See this post for where we are going!

We are still slightly ahead of the curve on what should be done. Josh and I both bought our wedding bands, and we both love them so much, we can not wait to wear them forever!
There had bee a little snafu in the guys shoes when I first started planning, but apparently I kept bother the right person and she pulled through for me! I am so excited. (You will have to wait and see at the wedding- in 6 months!)
We have FINALLY booked a ceremony venue. All that information will be on the "ceremony/reception" tab above soon, with a map.

Please remember you can leave comments! We love to hear from you!!!

September BirchBox Man

Josh's Birchbox came in. I love how we get it the first week of the month. I also love their information cards and they always have a theme.

 

Info card side 1

This month's theme was travel ready and essentials.

Info card side 2

 

 

VitaMan $19 (full size $28)

Face and Body Cleanser

Hanz de Fuko $17.50 full size

Medium hold oil absorbing styler for second day hair

Luxe City Guide- LA $9.99

Pocket city guide, info on where to stay, eat, and play

I wish they had a bigger selection of maps. For the US they have, LA, MIA, NY, & Chicago. No granted I want to go back to Chicago, I wish they had one with our honeymoon locations: Seattle, Vancouver, or Alaska. I like their small size though, and packed full of info.

Men in Cities $40

Leather passport case

When I saw thing box was about traveling, I was really hoping there was a phone case in here, but this passport case is pretty cool, and since we will be needing them for our honeymoon, he can present it with style.

Ernest Supplies $25- full size

 Cooling Shave cream

The packaging cracks me up, because it reminds me of the little applesauce food packets for kids.

 

Also included was a $10 year subscription card to Men's Health. We will probably get this as well, since he is trying to keep in better shape, and this may give him more ideas and better motivation.

 

Josh perspective: I haven't had the time to try out these little things but out of them all, I like the second day quicksand and the leather passport case. I do with we could have a selection of the maps and preferably a wider selection. I'll keep you updated on the other stuff once I try them out.

 

 

August Bride Box

I received my August Bride Box a week ago. I am a little behind on my blog post.
Also Saturday was my 27th birthday! It was an amazing birthday weekend and couldn't have asked  for anything better! Friday night Josh took me Bonefish Grill for dinner. Saturday mom made me empanadas and I have my friends come over for dinner also. After dinner we went out to a hookah bar. Sunday morning we went back to Bonefish for brunch, with endless mimosas! YUM! Then the big finale of the weekend was a Backstreet Boys reunion concert. I felt like I was 12 all over again! I squealed and sang along with almost every song and I had a goofy, blissful smile on the entire time! :)

So back to the Bride Box. I got my shipping confirmation in my email almost 2 weeks ago, but it took a while for the box to actually get on the move, but it final arrived!

The info card. The theme this month was "Beautify You"

 

Sample size tinted moisturizer

Apothederm Anti-aging skin care

I guess I can start an anti-aging regiment at any time, why not before my big day

Tucker Hill- Bubble bath

These look so nice and relaxing. I can't wait to get into the bath tub with some wine or champagne

Zosimos Botanicals- natural beauty

The left is a small (sample size) lip gloss, its a great small size to store almost anywhere. I'm not sure about the color in the tube, it looks a little dark, but I haven't tried it on yet. The left is an eye shadow color is purple, but I especially love the lose power eye shadows that's always what I find myself using the most.

Willow Tree Minerals- finishing veil powder

I am excited to use this. Its a finishing powder to put on top of your makeup when you are finished to help minimize pores & shine.

Noell Desiree earrings

I love these. Although I don't often wear dangles, these seem like a lot of fun and they are a pale yellow. Now I already have my earrings picked out for my wedding. I may be wearing these for the bridal shower and rehearsal

 

 

Also included in the box was a $15 gift certificate for Hearts. I browsed their site quickly, but I'm sure I can find something to spend my certificate on.

 

Was this my favorite box? No, but I still love the concept of The Bride Box and I'm excited what the next 3 months hold!! :)

 

In other news: Josh and I are looking at houses. We aren't forcing anything and don't have a specific time line to do this one, so we can relax during this process. If we find the perfect house during this time then so be it.

I do have wedding news and updates but those will come in the monthly update in a few days :)

7 Months to Go

7 Months until we are married!!!!

• We have picked out and ordered our Save the Date cards!
• We looked at wedding bands for the pair of us, and will probably be buying them in the next week
• I have ordered a special surprise for the parents (to be mailed with save the dates)
• We got my girls ceremony shoes
• We got a tie for Josh (possibly) to be used
• I have looked into hair and makeup for myself and girls
• We ordered the groomsmen gifts
• I got the bridesmaids gifts a while ago (but I don't think I blogged)
• We ordered some décor for the ceremony/reception place
• We have our food tasting tomorrow

In other news, we had my other friend, Stephanie's, Bridal Shower. It was beautiful!!! For part of he favors we got these Luxe Lollies, in 4 flavors: Sangria, Salted Margarita, Champagne Bubbles, and Chocolate Wine.
I will just say this, their product is AMAZING and their customer service was FANTASIC. We had to rush order these, because the time got away from us, and 1 of the girls emailed me back that same night (late), answered all my questions and they arrived in an ever so promptly manner. They were packaged perfectly in individual boxes, and they sent me 2 sample flavors.
If you ever need a fun, different party favor or sweet treat, check them out! They have a BUNCH of mouth watering flavors.

(I am in no way being paid for this. It is my honest and truthful opinion)

August BirchBox for Man

Josh's August Birchbox came in, which for starters was super quick!!!
This month's theme was "Serve it Up" How to cook in stlye and be more confident with it.

Info card side 1

Info card side 2

Mt. Sapola: Full Size $8 

A preservative-free soap powered by a natural antiseptic lemongrass

 

 

English Laundry- Arrogant: Full Size $52-64

A strong masculine aroma with notes of sandalwood, cedar, and sheer musk

 

This smells fantastic!! Aside from the (high) price on the full size we may still consider buying it. It is a sheer manly smell, but not a gross manly smell. It is manly and subtle, and not floral at all!

Plant: Full Size $40

Essential oils that nourish and brighten skin

Josh tried this and said it smells very spicy, like Indian spices. He said it felt good too

 Raw Material: Full Size $5-9

Mini face stick. Mess-proof UVA/UVB protection that soothes skin with aloe and coconut oil

Rub against skin before exposure to sun, wind, cold...etc

 

Roosevelt Supply

Canvas Apron- $28

 

This is totally awesome and totally manly to cook in. It doesn't have those cutesy sayings or phrases on it which makes its great and a man would actually WANT to wear it. This is also from the same company that made the leather wallet from the previous box. Josh has been trying to help out with some of the cooking lately, and this will be great for him to wear while making dinner. Not to mention it's kind of sexy ;-) It reminds me of the old aprons that blacksmiths would wear while working. This was worth the $20 box subscription charge.

 

 

Josh's Perspective:

I didn't know Katie had got another box fort me. Luckily, since I've been wanting to help around with the cooking more, this box helps with little tips and a kick ass apron. The one thing that did surprise me was how good the English Laundry cologne smelled. It smelled like, well, me. The other stuff I hadn't gotten around to really try yet because I've never had to use a face stick or the face oil just because I think my face is oily enough.

Also, from the previous box, I did try some of the energizing face scrub. That will perk up your mornings for you. I've also tried the shampoo that's supposed to thicken your thinning hair. I'm guessing I need a full size to see the effects of it, haha.

Save the Date Picture

We are getting ready to finalize our Save the Dates. I am super excited about the design of them, they are looking awesome! Josh even got in on some of the action.

Now we need some help. Because Josh's step mom, Eve, did so well on taking our engagement pictures its hard to just choose 1.

Check out the 4 that we have narrowed it down to and vote on your favorite in the comments below!! :)

 

 

THANKS!

Bon Voyage

I have officially booked our honeymoon!!! We are both so excited, this is actually a trip that we would talk about when we first started dating.

We are taking an Alaskan cruise!!!

This course we chose also allows us to check out 2 different places from where we board and dock. We are going to be checking out Vancouver and Seattle. Yes the wedding is still in March, but for the best Alaskan cruising time we are waiting until May.

Subscription Boxes

Ok so there is this whole new world out there of subscription boxes. They have one for EVERYTHING!

Here is a review of the 3 I received for July:

BirchBox Man: is a $20 a month subscriptions for men. They usually have samples of men skin care products and some fun things in there for them as well. Since I was receiving the Bride Box, I figured I'd get one for Josh to enjoy. I received this box on Saturday July 13

The box. It was a very nice, no frills box. July's box was inspired by the show on USA Suits

 

 

The information card. I like how it tells you what each product is and how to use it

 

The flip side of the information card give you info on the show Suits and what you can expect from the products inside and what best situations to use them in.

 

Contents:

Billy Jealousy (Adrenaline junkie energizing facial scrub) & Toweldry (Thickening shampoo) both sample sizes. Josh has yet to try either one, but the facial scrub smells amazing! Facial full size $24 & Shampoo full size $16

 

Balla Power (sample size) full size $15

A premium talcum powder to sprinkle everywhere and anywhere on the body to curb perspiration and order

Wukin Stiffs $20

2.5 inch power stays. I am very excited about these, they are wedding worthy. I typically hate the rental shirts they give you when renting the suit or tux, so I am getting him a new bright white, slim fitted button down shirt and these will be perfect for keeping the points picture perfect.

 

Roosevelt supply card case $25

Slim leather hold forbuisness cards, credit cards, and cash. I think this is great and very suave. I change my giant purse into a smaller wristlet when we go out, why shouldn't guys? This would be great for a date night or night out, without having the bigger bulk of the full wallet. All they need is an ID, card, and cash.

 

 

Would I continue this box? I like that the collar stiffs and the wallet are double the cost of the box, so it paid for itself. Yes, probably. I think its nice to get the dude in on the action and from what I've seen in previous boxes, they get really super spoiled!

 

Josh's perspective: Lately I've been watching this one with her bride boxes and I thought to myself, Hey, how come I don't have one? Well, a couple of days later, she hands me a small box, and I realize, she DID get me a box. I was both surprised and pleased. I really liked the magnetic collar stiffs just because it's gadgety cool and the card case because its slim and the smell of leather is always good. the other stuff is all hygienic and hair thickening shampoo which I'm going to try soon.

 

 

Ipsy: is a $10 a month subscription for women beauty prodects. I chose them over birchbox for woman because you get a little more variety and typically full size/travel size items. I have been stalking this bag's tracking for weeks and it finally arrived. I have also been trying to avoid spoilers via facebook or instagram.

 

Ipsy comes in a bag that stores everything. However this may not be my favorite color or bag (I've seen past ones that are ADORABLE) It will be a great bag to put all my beauty contents into from my purse

Second view out of the bag

Coola

This is a sample size of mineral sunscreen and tinted moustirizer (and its organic). I don't typically use things like this, but if its given to me I will give it a try. I cant find the exact one, but full size is about $42

Pop

Pouty Pop Crayon in Coral Crush. Looks like you can get a 6 pack kit at Ulta for $25. I would not have picked this color off the shelf, but with the orange/coral lip color working it way around Hollywood its not obnoxious on.

BHcosmetics California Collection

I browsed their site very quickly and they are not overly priced. Again not colors I would pick off the shelf, but I do need to get out of my black rut, and the purple looks like a nice alternative.

 

Benefit tinted lip & cheek stain

I am a SUCKER for lip stains, I have tried a bunch of brands and types. This really excited me. I have the benefit brand foundation power and LOVE it. They are pricey full size for the lip & cheek tint is $30.  

Big Sexy Hair: Weather Proof

I don't usually use a lot on my hair, but this may come in handy with FL weather's and all. This appears to be travel size. Full size $18.95 at Ulta





 

 

I really like this ipsy bag, and will continue with my subscription.

 

 

Bride Box: this is my second bride box, I signed up for the 6-month subscription so I should be receiving it up until September. I was in LOVE with my first box from them and was super excited to get this month. They ship from West Palm area, so I literally get mine the next day. I get it before they even send out the email with the tracking info. :) I got to get a sneak peek at this box as soon as it was delivered, but didn't get to dig through it until I got home. I was SO EXCITED to start digging in it! First look was awesome, and didn't disappoint!

 

The box. I love the sticker and the plain white box!

 

Inside first look with the info card. The theme was "Last fling before the ring". A bachelorette inspired box! YAY!

 

The information card

 

The second look. See that green bubble wrap? Its the best for last!!!

Custom Printed Eyewear

These are kind of cool. They would make a great photo booth prop (which my friend is doing for her wedding) and to wear and take pictures for the bachelorette party. $14

Dare to Do It Cards

I flipped through a few of these when I opened the package and they seem like fun! They go from extreme to mildy inappropriate. They are available at the Bride Box shop, but are not up there yet.

The Crafty Vixen

Again this is something fun for photo booths or to wear at the bachelorette party. However I wish it said something other than "team bride", maybe something more like "bride to be" or "future Mrs." They have a lot of options on the site and customizable ones. $16

Plastic shot glass

I cant really write much more that that. It is coupled with the deck of card to be available on the Bride Box shop.

Sticker Ship wine glass

This is AWESOME! One can never have too many wine glasses. The site does so much more than wine glasses, I am going to have to browse it more in depth. $12-16

 

 

I am even more excited for my August Bride Box! They keep getting better and better! They are definably worth the $30 (because I had a coupon) a month

 

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