Being 30 and being fancy...

Happy Sunday Funday everyone!  This has been such a refreshing weekend for me.  It was the first time in quite awhile that I really didn't have any commitments to attend.  It was nice to just mess around in my own home, drink coffee, take nap(s)(yes....there may have been multiple naps taken), catch up on some stuff for work, and watch really awful movies (this is one of my favorite things to do...watching poorly made movies....seriously. :)).   

I have now been 30 for 11 days, and I am just going to say that I think it suits me...not that I have any choice in the matter.  Other than adding another year to my life, I don't feel any different.  I thought that maybe on my birthday I would wake up with an epiphany...and just know stuff----you know what I mean?  Alas, such an enlightenment or epiphany has yet to occur.  But, I LOVE being 30.  I knew I would.  I just knew it!  Which is why I am celebrating my 30th for a whole year.  I am so glad that I have such wonderful friends and family who are going to help me celebrate, by doing one of the things I love the most--travel. :)

I CANNOT wait to share stories of my travels with all of you in the coming months.  

 By the way, this is what 30 looks like for a Fancy Ginger...senior picture poses and all.

Good news--I am still fancy at 30.  Was there ever any doubt that I wouldn't be? ;)

Side note--I am listening to my Beatle's Pandora station and I just love John Lennon's voice...seriously...chills.  

Now on to some fun Fancy Ginger things....

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Fun Fancy Ginger Things that I got in the mail, recently.....

(From L to R Ipsy April bag, Birchbox Limited Edition Lovely Day box, Birchbox April Box)

As you can tell, I received a lot of fun things in the mail, recently.  My Ipsy bag and April Birchbox came in the same week, and on Wednesday I received the Lovely Day box.  Every month is like Christmas when you join these subscriptions.  A reminder that Ipsy and Birchbox are $10/month (I have upgraded to the $30/month Birchbox, though). 

Ipsy April Bag (Bohemian theme)

(I realize that I didn't picture all of the items I received.  I also received some hot pink nail polish and an Eyeshadow/crease brush in this bag)

I love Ipsy.  Their makeup bags are so cute, and you get a new one each month.  

Some of the things that I received in this month's bag include Klorane's dry shampoo, MICA Beauty Cosmetics eye primer, Hikari's blush in tango, and theBalm cosmetics Nude Dude eyeshadow in Flirty.  I received the dry shampoo in a previous Bircbox, and I love it.  It's always good to have a travel-sized dry shampoo on hand.  I also received the eye primer in a previous Boxycharm box.  This  eye primer is something I use every day.  It is wonderful.  It keeps my eye makeup on ALL DAY.  I highly recommend it, however I believe that if you buy it alone it costs $44, which is a lot of money to spend on a little eye primer.  That's why these subscriptions really pay off. :)  

My favorite thing in the April bag was the eyeshadow.  It's a very pretty plum/grey color, and it has some lovely shimmer.  I am considering buying the whole set of these nude shadows, because they all look amazing.  theBalm is one of my favorite makeup brands, ever.  Their packaging is so cute.  The color payoff on their products is awesome!  One of my favorite products of theirs is the How About Them Apples cheek/lip color.  Check it out here  

If you would like to subscribe to Ipsy you can click here.

How pretty is this month's box?  Birchbox teamed up with Rifle Paper Co. to create this beautiful box.  Rifle Paper Co. makes the prettiest stationary ever. Their prints are so unique---I love them.  

Disclaimer--this was the first month that I upgraded to the $30/month box which gave me 2 full-sized items in addition to my regular samples.  Here is what I got:

Beaver Professional Hydro Nutritive Mosturizing Shampoo and Repairing Conditioner, Full-size- $15/$16-  I love shampoo/conditioner samples.  They are perfect for traveling...and that is exactly what I am using these items for.  They smell so good, which is a plus.  Other than that, I don't know a whole lot about this brand.  I am eager to use them. :)

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain, Full-size- $25-  First of all, this smelled amazing....is that weird to say about a lip/cheek stain?  Secondly, this is a deceiving little package.  When I opened up the little sample, I thought 'oh no, I got a weird clear/peach color...and it says its supposed to be in Forever Pink.'  But, when I applied this to my lips and cheeks it created a lovely pink glow.  This stuff works with your natural tones to create the perfect flush for you.  AWESOME!!!

Jouer Tint, Full-size- $22-  The color I received was Petal, which is a dusty peach/pink color.  I love Jouer--their products are so well made, and that goes for their tint.  It gave my cheeks and lips a pop of color without going overboard.

Paula's Choice RESIST 25% Vitamin C Spot Treatment, Full-size- $55- I have yet to try this product.  But, it looks fancy.  I probably won't ever buy the full-size....unless it turns out to be REALLY REALLY amazing....it's just a wee-bit spendy.  We'll see. 

Full-size products:

Lord & Berry Back in Black High Performance Mascara, Full-size- $23- Ummm yes....this mascara is the best.  The wand looks a little funky, but do not be deceived.  This stuff is legit.  It makes my lashes look sooooooo long. 

Smith & Cult, Full-size- $18- I have not used this polish yet, but I received the color Pillow Pie--which is a pale pink color.  It comes in really fancy packaging, so I am super excited to give it a whirl.  

The Lovely Day Limited Edition Box.  I purchased this using the gift card I received from my lovely sister for my Birthday. :)

Birchbox comes out with different limited edition boxes almost every month.  When I saw what was in this box, I new I had to get it.  I won't go over everything that is in it.  If you are curious about what comes in the box click here.  Some of my favorite things in the box include the candle, tea, lipstick (duh), and nail polish.  I really loved the whole thing.  I believe everything is worth up to $180, but the box is around $60.  

If you would like to subscribe to Birchbox or just check out their website click here .  They have things for Men and Women, home decor, cooking, apparel, etc.  It's probably my favorite website in the whole wide world.  In case you couldn't figure that out. ;)

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Well, I wish I had some deep wisdom to impart upon you all, now that I am 30.  But, I really don't.  I have spent 30 years trying to figure myself and this world out.  I imagine that I will spend at least the next 30 years, and beyond- doing the same.  

What I do know is that you have to do things that make you happy.  When I was younger I thought in terms of "doing things by the time I am 30."  I wanted to be married, have kids, have a few degrees and be gainfully/happily employed by the time I am 30.  Well, I have successfully done the last 2 items on that list, but in case you weren't aware--I am not married, nor do I have my own children at this time.  And that is o.k.  I am happy, and that's what is important.  I hope to accomplish those other items at some point in my life--but I am not in a rush.  

I guess what I am trying to say is--30 is just the beginning for this Fancy Ginger.  

Cheers and stay fancy!

30 things I have learned in 30 fancy years...

Hello everyone!  In just 2 1/2-ish short days, this Fancy Ginger will no longer be in her 20's. Yes indeed, I am turning 30.  If you have read my previous posts, you know that I am truly SUPER EXCITED for this event.  In honor of my 30th birthday, I am doing something a little different in this blog post.  I am going to share the 30 things I have learned over the 3 decades I have been on this planet. 

Don't worry,  I have plenty of beauty, fashion, and interior design (yes, I am getting super fancy) items to write about in my next post. My April Birchbox is coming this week (happy birthday to me), and the previews look amazing.  My Ipsy subscription bag should also be coming, and my first CAbi clothing order will also be here.  I am so excited to share all of that with you soon.  But now, onto my 30 things.....

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30 things I have learned in 30 fancy years...

(A reflection on the life of a Fancy Ginger, thus far....in no particular order)

1.  Own your awkwardness- I am an awkward person, and that is O.K.  I have noticed that no matter how many years go by, that aspect of my personality never seems to fade.  When I was younger, I was so desperate to erase that part of my personality (which, of course, made me more awkward).  Now I am proud of it.  

2.  My sister will become one of my best friends- We may not always agree....but she's the best sistah I could ask for.  We are a pair of fierce ginger sisters.  She tells me when I am looking like a hott mess...and I appreciate that. 

3. Listen to your parents- Even though they are old (haha j/k), they always have good advice..even if I don't always want to hear it. 

4.  You will eventually have to learn how to drive, no matter how hard you fight it--- and believe me, I fought it.  But, when you live in an area of the country where towns average 60 miles apart from each other, and there is little to no public transportation available...it's either put on my walking shoes, or learn the difference between the accelerator and the brake peddle.

5.  Parallel parking is a necessary skill, despite what you were told in Driver's Ed- I am fairly certain my instructor told me this, just to save his own life.  I was not a good driver...and when it came to the parking portion...we didn't spend as long on the parallel parking part as I probably needed.  I totally understand.  Don't get me wrong, I can parallel park, but I am not the best at it (that may be putting it lightly).  

6.  Having a phobia of butterflies is only cute when you are 2- Actually, I am not even sure it was cute then...but alas, I am still afraid of butterflies  Don't ask.

7.  School will be fun for you, eventually- I remember thinking in elementary school, that I cannot wait to get out of school and never come back.  Little did I know, I would end up being in school through age 26.   I love learning, and just couldn't get enough. 

8.  Being pale rocks!

9. Wear sunscreen- see #8

10.  Being on stage is the most fun you have...ever...in life-- Whether it was for acting, singing or dancing, all of my best memories are held on the stage.  I love it.  And although, it makes me feel like I need to puke before I go on, once I am up on stage---it's the best.  

11.  You will live---even if you don't get all A's in your classes-  Seems ridiculous to even write about this now, but when I was younger that was hard for me to accept.   

12.  Perfectionism is highly overrated- I used to think that I NEEDED to get A's in every class/course in high school/college......I had to get over that right away. Case in point--my freshman year in college.  I won't go into detail, but I did not get an A in all of my classes...that much is for sure. You do not need to be perfect.  Just be you (getting really deep here). 

13.  Lipstick is not the enemy- Believe it or not, I used to be against wearing lipstick.  I thought it made me look like a clown.  My goodness, how times have changed.   I am obsessed with the stuff.  

14.  No matter how bad your day is, The Beatles will always make it better- For real!

15.  I love to travel- However, I do prefer plane or train travel, over an old-fashioned road trip via car.  

16.  Don't hold grudges- Life is too short, and it's just not worth it to stay upset at someone or something.  I struggle with this, but I am getting better. :)

17.  Don't be lazy, use conditioner in your hair after you shampoo-  Seriously...life changer.  I just started using conditioner in my hair a few years ago (I know, I am so ashamed).

18.  Don't wash your hair everyday- I am working on this....but it is so hard.  I have such a habit of washing my hair everyday, but I know it is not good for it. 

19.  Read often-  When I was younger, I never read any books.  I thought they were boring.  But, I realized I just didn't find the books that I like to read.  Now, I LOVE reading...and I wish I had more time to read.  Thank goodness summer is coming soon. :)

20.  You don't have to belong to a gym to exercise.

21.  A clean house makes me happy-  I love to clean!

22.  Justin Timberlake won't always have a curly, bleach-blond fro- that you find highly un-attractive- THANK GOODNESS 1999-2000 has passed!!

23.  *NSYNC will (probably) never get together- Makes me sad just typing that. But, I am turning 30, so it's time for me to be a little realistic.  But, there is always hope...right guys?

24. Busting out a random move makes the day better.

25.  It's good to stick to a budget- This is a must for a Fancy Ginger...and for anyone, really.  Don't live beyond your means...no matter how much you want to.  

26.  Student Loans take a long time to "go-away"- Bummer...but sooooooo true!

27.  Some of the best friendships you have will be formed at the end or after college- Amen!

28.  I should probably learn how to check my tire pressure- Seems like a practical and necessary thing to learn.  While I am at it, I should probably know how to properly check my oil.  #andreaturns30

29.  "Love is All You Need"- The Beatles-- No explanation needed. 

30.  Be kind to yourself.  

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There you have it....my list. Thank you for reading.  I can't wait to update you all on how life is like after I turn 30.  And of course, I will give you a Birchbox/Ipsy update soon. :)  Cheers and Stay Fancy!

A Fancy Ginger and her Fancy Ginger sister in 1992....wearing makeup.