missing oz

I can't believe a year ago today, I was boarding a plane to start the most amazing adventure of my life. well, a year ago today, I was boarding a plane to land in LA and get stuck there for 3 days, but you know what I mean.

I miss Australia HEAPS. I often think of my time there, and all the people I met and came to love. by the end, I didn't even mind the heat so much. if only I could visit again! one day, maybe, but until then, I have some pretty wonderful memories to hold on to. Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oy oy oy!

wallflower

so, last night we saw The Perks of Being a Wallflower. this book was really important to me throughout my adolescence; I've probably read it half a dozen times. maybe more. so I was super excited when I heard it was being made into a film, and even more excited when I heard that Stephen Chbosky (the author) was directing it. much of the movie was true to the book, and I adored it. there were some notable differences, but as far as books-made-into-movies go, it was extremely similar. I teared up about three hundred times, but that is to be expected when you're very emotionally invested in a story for so very, very long. thank you, Stephen Chbosky, for bringing Charlie, Sam, and Patrick to life, and for making them so funny, genuine, and infinite.

october birchbox

this month, as many of you well know, birchbox is offering a goop-themed birchbox to some of its customers. I opted in, and while I'm glad I did, I was still expecting a little more! at any rate, here's what was in ze box:

essie | "goop pick" polish in power clutch

Between the cheeky names and the on-trend hues, essie can do no wrong. You can wear this classic shade all season.

Joanna Vargas | Daily Serum

Celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas packs her signature brightening serum with vitamins A, E, and C, plus hyaluronic acid. You'll glow, we promise.

Kiehl's | Aromatic Blends Liquid Body Cleanser in Orange Flower & Lychee

This brand's new foaming gel has mood-boosting fruity-floral scent that lingers on skin post-shower.

Naked Princess | Naked Shine Luscious Lip Gloss in Barely Coco

Show off your (nearly) bare lips with this sheer gloss, which doubles as a subtle plumper.

and my lifestyle extra was:

 LUNA fiber | Chocolate raspberry

These fiber-packed bars are a goop fave. Keep them on hand at all times.

the full-size essie polish was a total score, and the color is amazing. I've never heard of Kiehl's, but it smells really good, so I'm excited to try that out too.

I'm not to certain about the rest. the Joanna Vargas Daily Serum really worries me. when I think "serum," I think oily. and it's supposed to go on my face? to me, that has breakout written all over it. I hope it's hypoallergenic and/or noncomedogenic, because I listed both sensitive skin and breakouts on my birchbox profile. I'm very reluctant to use it.

the only thing that worries me about the Naked Princess gloss is stickiness. if it's not sticky, I'll love it. I already love the name and the shade. it just drives me crazy when the wind kicks up and my hair sticks to my lips. then, I have goopy (pun not intended) gloss stuck in my hair all day and I have to re-apply the gloss that I, seconds ago, discovered I don't like. don't disappoint me!

lastly, the Luna bar. food in Birchboxes is ok. I really enjoyed my Larabar I got in my August box. if it tastes good, I'm all for it. I just tend to get more excited about trying beauty samples is all.

so that's it! my last box of the giveaway I won at the lovely Laura's blog. I have to admit, I think 3 months' worth of Birchbox goddness has sold me on continuing my subscription. I just love getting these little surprises in the mail every month! it's the teeny, tiny, finer things in life.

anyway, I just renewed my subscription, and hopefully Laura got the points, because I tried clicking through her referral link ;) if you want monthly deliveries of high-end beauty and lifestyle samples from top brands, then join Birchbox for only $10/month! you also get expert advice, and you can earn points with every purchase. what's not to love?