January 2012 Birchbox

So I cheated a little this month and saw what was in my box before it actually arrived at my house, but I can't say how excited I was for this month's box! After the December Birchbox was such a disappointment (so much so that I didn't do a blog post on it), I was happy to see a good one this time around.  Here's what I got:
Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Perfum
Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Peacock
VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything: Face-Hand-Body Lotion
Larabar Mini Bar (extra)
Birchbox magnet

I was most excited for the Stila Smudge stick since I was actually considering buying a full-sized one in Peacock.  This is a really nice sample size and I think it'll last me quite a while.  I actually got a full-sized Origins Checks and Balances cleanser last year on earth day, but never tried it.  I think I'll use up the sample first and see how I like it.  Definitely not a fan of the Juicy Couture perfume, although I know a lot of people are, so I will probably give this one away in a swap.  The lotion also sounds promising and I'll definitely try that out too.  I'm just happy to see a box where I can get use out of all the products.  Both the cleanser and lotion are a really nice size for samples.  I hope next months box won't disappoint either.  I've also subscribed to MyGlam as well, so I will post a review on that when I receive it (should be soon!)
What did everyone get this month?

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow: Skinny Jeans Review

I'm not usually a fan of cream eye shadows because they always crease so badly, especially on my oily lids.  I first heard about this product on MakeupByTiffanyD from Youtube.  I thought the color looked gorgeous so I went out and bought it at the Benefit counter in Macys (at the time I got a 20% employee discount!)  This retails for $19 for 0.16oz. 

I've had this for over a year now, and I must say this is one of the best cream eye shadows I've used.  It's a nice taupe-silver color and is a perfect neutral to wear all over the lid.  I use this as a base all the time when I do a dark smoky eye, or if I want to keep it neutral I just top it with a light color (Urban Decay Ruthless) or a similar taupe color (MAC Satin Taupe or MAC Smoke and Diamonds).  This is really long lasting for me.  It's not completely crease-proof, but it lasts about 7 hours without creasing if I use a primer underneath.  I haven't used this as an eyeliner, only as an eye shadow so I can't say how well it wears.  Overall I highly recommend this product!  I'd love to try their other colors too.  Anyone have any recommendations for other good cream shadows?

It's Official! and a lesson learned

Applying for our civil unions license

So it's official!  We applied for our civil unions license at midnight on January 1st and had a small ceremony on the 2nd to officially complete the process.  We are supposed to get a temporary certificate online, but because of some computer glitches we have not yet had a chance to print it out yet, but it is official!
After changing our status on facebook, I got an upsetting phone call from my mom later that night telling me to hist my relationship status so no one could see it (or at least any family members I had on fb).  She said a relative had called my dad asking if I was married.  *Just a little background here: I never told my dad anything about my relationship with Alana, but I always just assumed he knew (after almost 7 years I would be surprised if he didn't).  Anyway after that incident, I was scared and didn't know what to do.  I was almost positive that he would be really angry and upset so I thought the best thing to do would be to wait it out.  Usually my instinct in a situation like this would be to run away from my problems and make rash decisions, but I'm glad I didn't.  I went to pick up a package I got at home and had a quick 2 second conversation with my dad about what had happened.  He wasn't upset or didn't react badly like I had predicted.  I was so overwhelmed and shocked by how well it went, I almost broke down crying in the car.  I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  I'm not sure how many people reading this will understand where I'm coming from, but I'm so thankful to have supportive people in my life. 
I promise more blogs will be coming soon, and I'll be sure to keep you guys updated as we plan the official ceremony later.  Hope everyone had a good new year!