Being all fancy and new...

It's Sunday Funday, once again...and I haven't posted in sooooo long.  I do apologize, my faithful readers. But, I have been a busy Fancy Ginger, lately.  

Here is what I have been up to lately:

1.  I started to take a dance class!  Eeek...makes me so happy, as dance was really the first thing I was passionate about when I was a little.  It has been awhile (at least 8 years) since I have taken a class, and oh boy, was I sore!?!?!  I didn't start walking normally again until Friday...and the dance class was Wednesday.  But, it was so much fun, and I cannot wait to go back.

2.  I sang on stage, for the first time in 12 years. Even though I was so nervous I thought I was going to hurl, it was probably the most fun I have had in a long time.  I am so glad I said "yes."  

3.  Preparing for my 30th Birthday trip.  My birthday, as you all know, is coming up in a couple of weeks...and I am so excited.  One would think I am turning 5, with how excited I am.  It's a wee-bit ridiculous.  I am also excited for the trip I am taking with my wonderful friends at the end of July. Ahh....seriously--I just screamed in my apartment...because I am just that excited. Gee...how many times can I say excited in one paragraph?  Apparently, 5 times. 

4.  Being fancy...but that's a given. 

And now for something completely different (points for anyone who gets that reference).....my Ipsy and Walgreens finds:

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March Ipsy Bag

(Left to right--LeeAnni Eco 3 in 1 Revolution LIGHT toner serum and moisturizer in one, NYX Butter Lipstick in Little Susie, PIXI by Petra Mesmerizing  Mineral Duo in Apricot Glow, Crown Brush AC012 Shadow/Crease Duet)

Just a little review for y'all:  Ipsy is a beauty subscription service similar to Birchbox.  It costs $10/month, and delivers you 5 beauty products each month in a beautiful makeup bag (such as the one pictured).  I love this service.  It is so much fun to get this in the mail.  If you are interested in signing up for this service, click here .  

I loved what I received this month, the LeeAnni Eco 3 in 1 is amazing.  It is so light and refreshing.  It makes my skin glow.  Before receiving this month's bag, I had never heard of this brand....but I am going to be checking them out. 

NYX is a popular drugstore brand....and I love them.  The Butter Lipstick shade I received this month is perfect for spring.  It's a pinky/rose color.  It layers beautifully with other lipsticks. 

PIXI by Petra is a brand I always associate with Target--since that was the only place I had ever seen it located.  This eyeshadow duo is so pretty, and provided me with just the right amount of shimmer that made my eyes "pop." 

Crown Brush=amazing.  I love that Ipsy sends makeup brushes.  Although I am obsessed with makeup...I always seem to forget to buy the brushes to apply it.  Go figure, huh?

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Walgreens Haul

(Left to Right:  Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Moss #30, Simple Sensitive Skin Experts Cleansing Facial Wipes, Rimmel London BB Cream Radiance in Light)

Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Moss #30-  I spent $5 on this lipstick...and it is my favorite lipstick in the whole wide world....seriously.  The color is a plum/burgundy color....and the color payoff is ridiculous.  Also, this stuff doesn't dry your lips.  It's my new makeup bestie.  

Simple Sensitive Skin Experts Cleansing Facial Wipes- I feel like I need a lifetime supply of these babies.  I have found the holy grail of makeup removers.  

Rimmel London BB Cream Radiance in Light-  You guys I spent $3 on this product.....$3!!!!!!!! How cray is that? I love this BB cream.  It feels so light on my skin, yet it provides great coverage.  I don't even need to put foundation on when I wear this.   And yes, my skin looks radiant when I wear it....in case you were wondering.  

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There you have it...my new post.  I feel like I had a lot of random stuff to talk about in this post.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I will try to post again this week. :)  

Cheers and stay fancy! 

You've got fancy mail....

It's Sunday Funday/Ides of March-day?!?!?! I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend, and this lovely weather (unless you are in a part of the world that is not in the mid to upper 70's at the moment.....then I am sorry. :( ).  Once again, I find myself typing this blog whilst listening to BBMak radio on Pandora.  I can't help it...I just love late 90's/early 2000's boy bands.  Oh wait--Jesse McCartney just came on---skip (he's no Paul).  Pandora's not perfect.

St. Patty's day is right around the corner. Does everyone have their green ready?  I think this year I will be prepared (I am a ginger after all).  Check out my new headband/hat (courtesy de mi madre):

(I am such a fancy lil' leprechaun! Top O' the Morning to ya'!)

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If you follow me on Instagram (@thefancyginger) or on Facebook, you know that I received A LOT of goodies in the mail.  My Anthropologie order came in, and my monthly Birchbox arrived, as well. So without further delay, I present to you The Fancy Ginger Mail Haul:

March 2015 Birchbox

Theme:  Creativity

(From left to right-  Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo, amika Bombshell Blowout Spray, Whish Shave Savour Hair Inhibiting Gel, Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Gloss, Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 40)

All products can be found here.

amika Bombshell Blowout Spray- Full size, $24-  Since I am a member of Birchbox Aces, I am able to pick one of the items I will receive in my subscription box (typically everything that you get, is a surprise to you....a.k.a...no choice), and this was what I chose to get.  I love amika (yes, it's supposed to be a lower case "a") hair products.  A few months ago I purchased their dry shampoo, and it was amazing--and smelled lovely.  So, I was excited to be able to chose their blowout spray.  

I am really lazy when it comes to blow-drying my hair.  I love going to salon and getting my hair blown-out--but who has the time to do that on their own? Cue...this amazing product---all you have to do is spray this stuff from root to tip on different sections of your hair, and then blow dry like normal.  I swear (gosh I wish I had a picture of this) I looked like I had just gone to the salon...but really, I did the same ole' lazy blow dry that I always do.  I am definitely going to be purchasing this spray when I run out of the sample. 

Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo- Full-size, $32-$72-  I like Number 4 products.....I really do.  Am I  going to spend $32-$72 dollars on shampoo or conditioner?  Nope.  Honestly, this stuff was great, but  I get the same results from Tresemme, for a fraction of the cost. 

Smashbox Cosmetics Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Disco Rose-  Full-size, $20-  This is the first time I have ever tried any Smashbox brand cosmetics.  I really liked the color of this lip gloss. It went on smooth, and stayed on.  I think if I purchase this lip gloss in the future I will get it in a plum or deep red color.  

Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 40- Fair/Light- Full-size, $32-- Ok, so remember a couple of month's ago when I was like "OMG, Dr. Jart Black Label BB Cream is the way to go"--I still stand by that brand for fall/winter SPF coverage?!?!  However, Supergoop! is the way to go for spring/summer SPF coverage.  I LOVE THIS STUFF.  It can be worn as a primer or a foundation.  Yesterday, I wore it as a foundation, and it was awesome.  It had great coverage, not to mention, sun protection.  When I run out of my Dr. Jart (which may take awhile), I will be purchasing this product. 

Whish Shave Savour Hair Inhibiting Gel- Full-size, $26- I like Whish.  Their products have fun scents and come in fun-packaging.  Will I spend $26 on shave gel?  Not right now.  But, what I love about Birchbox, is they give you the opportunity to really try out these products. The sample sizes are not just one-time uses.  They last almost the whole month, until you receive your next box.  That way, you get to make an informed decision before purchasing anything. 

**Side note-- I upgraded my Birchbox! Instead of receiving 5 travel/deluxe-sized samples for $10/month, I will now be receiving 2 full-size make-up or nail products, plus the 5 travel/deluxe-sized samples, for $30/month....YAY...I am such a happy Fancy Ginger!  Not sure if this is a program offered to all Birchbox subscribers...but if so, I suggest you all check-it out!**

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Anthropologie Haul

Here is what I bought:

This dress is so cute.  It comes up a bit in the front, and flares out.  I think it will be really cute with my grey ankle books...or with a nude pair of heels (which you won't catch me in, because I fall flat on my face in those things).  I just saw that it is no longer available on the Anthropologie website...a.k.a....it sold out. :( But, perhaps it is still in stores?  It is a bit pricey, as most things in Anthropologie are, but the material is a good quality.  I can't wait to have an occasion to wear.  Perhaps my 30th birthday in 1 month..or on my trip to California.  I am so excited to wear it. 

(Left to Right- Lip Treatment Lip Sheer in Strawberry, and Blackberry & Wild Mint Soy Candle--both products can be found here.)

I will be completely honest, did I need another lip product/lip stick...nope.  But, the packaging was too adorbs.---I just had to purchase it.  I did however, need a springy-scented candle.  I have been pleasantly surprised with this scent.  It is so fresh, and leaves my apartment smelling absolutely splendid.  

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There you have it,  my "You've got fancy mail...haul."  I am still waiting on my march Ipsy bag, which should be arriving tomorrow or Tuesday.  I am so excited for it, because I cheated and looked at the preview of what I would be receiving this month.  I will be sure to post about that bag when I receive it. :)

Oh, does anyone have any suggestions of what to do/see if one were to go to Chicago to celebrate her B-day?  It has been several years since I have visited Chicago, and I am looking for some new/fresh places to go--and things to see.  Also, any shopping tips for Chicago would be quite helpful.  

Okie dokie--I have to go....tootles and stay fancy!

I bought a fancy purse, because it looks like a bento box...

So there I was, having dinner with my lovely friends last Saturday---when I was coerced into buying a new purse.  Did I need a new purse?  No.  Did I want a new purse?  Depends on what it looks like.  Well, the purse in question was a Kate Spade design--and it had sushi (not real of course) all over it.

I went over my questions again.  Did I need a new purse?  No.  Did I want a new purse?  If it looks like a bento box, then yes.  Why? Because I love sushi and I love Kate Spade.  Is the purse on sale for 85%? Yes!  Sold to the Fancy Ginger, in the booth eating a chimichanga (yes, I bought the purse while at the restaurant....why wait)!?!?!!?

You guys, this purse/clutch is probably the most impractical thing I have ever bought.  It's obnoxious....yet beautiful.  Not unlike myself.  However, the Fancy Ginger has come to this conclusion---sometimes you need to buy things that are ridiculous.  If for no reason, other than to make you happy.

This purse can only fit my money, a tube of lip gloss and two sushi rolls--but it is perfect.  Now, did the fact that it was an impractical buy weigh on me?   Of course it did--and I know people will think this was a waste of money.  But, this purse represents me taking a step towards not caring what other people think.  I need to start doing things I want to do....and that includes buying pointless items.  Because in the end....they all have a point.

I turn 30 in a month....and I am beyond excited for this event.  I know a lot of people dread turning 30--but I see this as a new beginning.  I am so excited that I am going to be able to celebrate the way that I have always wanted to--going on a trip with my bestie, my best girlfriends here in town, and my sister!!!!!!

*****This post turned out a lot deeper than I thought it was going to....honestly I was just going to post about the amazingness that is my new purse/clutch......deep thoughts from a Fancy Ginger....who knew?*******

 Kate Spade "Hello Tokyo" Bento Box Purse/Clutch

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Also, I went on a lovely walk this morning and took a couple of pictures.  I am so excited that spring is finally deciding to make an appearance...aren't you?   

 Looking into town!  

Being a Fancy Ginger...

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In other news-- I decided to buy a dress from Anthropologie that I have been eyeing for quite some time.  It FINALLY went on sale.  I will show it to you when I get it in.  I also bought a new spring-scented candle and a lip sheer from Anthropologie.  I think they are all being sent separately (I hate when that happens), so when they come in, I will do a little spring Anthropologie haul.   

 I am excited for my Birchbox and Ipsy deliveries that will be coming in the next week or so.  I LOVE GETTING MAIL!!!  Remember, if you would like to subscribe to Birchbox or Ipsy...they are only $10/month each--and they deliver fancy beauty products to your door every month.  

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I must be going--time to watch some quality television a la' "500 MPH Storm" on the SyFy channel. 

Cheers and stay fancy!!!

Playing catch-up in a fancy way...

Happy Sunday everyone!  I really, truly meant to post on Wednesday...like I had promised...but yet again, I got sick.  This time a not-so-fancy cold/sinus thingy.  Yuck--but I am thankfully on the mend. :)

As the title indicates, today's post is all about catching up.  I am catching up in a multitude of ways.  I am catching up on my rest,  episodes of The Walking Dead  that I have missed, things I have meant to post about--but have neglected to do so for several weeks, and if I feel up to it later...I may catch up on my grocery shopping. It's a sad state of affairs in my refrigerator and kitchen cupboards at this time. I am living the dream, folks---living the dream. 

Despite the wretched illness that has plagued me for the past several days (sometimes I love being really dramatic...it adds fanciness to my ginger-ness)...I did manage to be somewhat productive this weekend.  I did a lot of grownup Fancy Ginger things--like my taxes (holla!....not sure if that's appropriate lingo/slang when talking about one's taxes..but I don't really care) and worked on some things for my job.

Enough of the boring chit-chat..now let's get to the fun stuff....

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What the Fancy Ginger got in the mail...

You all know how much I love Birchbox.  I am rather obsessed with this company.  You only need to read one of my posts to figure that out, because I am pretty sure I have talked about them in almost every single one of my posts (I have a one track mind). Early in February I received my monthly Birchbox, and it was amazing.  I loved everything in the box so much, that I decided to purchase some of the full-size versions of the sample products I received.  Here is what I purchased:

 (From left to right:  theBalm Cosmetics Read My Lips lip gloss in Boom, twistband specialty pack in Cozy, Not Soap, Radio Body Wash in The stuff that cupid dips his arrows in.  You can find all products shown here.

theBalm Cosmetics Read My Lips lip gloss (color-BOOM!-$15)- I am not normally a huge lip-gloss kinda girl, because they are usually sticky and goopy...to me...with way too much shine, for my liking.  I prefer lipsticks or lip stain.  But, I thought I would try something new--and I received a little sample size (in a different color) in my February Birchbox, and I didn't hate it. I really love red or plummy/wine colors--so I decided to get this lip gloss in BOOM!(a deep raisin/burgundy color).  I am in love with this lip gloss.  It has a huge color payout, it is NOT sticky or goopy (did I make that word up?), and it smells AMAZING.  I highly recommend this brand, if you are like me--a former lip gloss hater. :)

(Check out that beautiful color...it's actually a little darker than this in real life, but my phone camera had the flash on ....oops).

twistband Specialty Pack in cozy ($13)- Since I am growing out my hair, I like to put it up in a nice ponytail or messy bun, at times.  These hair-ties come in such fancy colors and don't pull on my hair like some other hair-ties do.  I also like wearing them on my wrist, because it likes pretty and fancy. 

Not Soap, Radio Body Wash in The stuff that cupid dips his arrows in. ($16)- I also received this in the travel-six version in my February Birchbox.  I like it because it is a multi-tasking product.  I can use it has a body wash or as a bath soak/bubble bath.  It smells like blackberry and vanilla....so yummy! :)

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Side note--- The Walking Dead is really making me feel all the feels,  at this time.  This post has taken me almost two hours, because these new episodes are just digging into my heart strings.  I am having moment...... or three.  

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Ok--I have to go.  Yet again, I have neglected to post on my Ipsy bag.  But, I promise I will at some point.  I hope you all have a lovely Sunday and a fancy week (IT'S MARCH!!!!).  

Cheers and stay fancy!