June 2015 Ipsy Vs. Birchbox....

Good morning everyone!  I am feeling very sophisticated this morning.  Maybe it's because I am listening the classical station on Pandora?  Perhaps it's because I didn't have Lucky Charms for breakfast....rather, I had banana and a breakfast shake?  Or perhaps, it's because I am burning my favorite Greenleaf soy candle in Bella Freesia?  I know what you are thinking...'wow, not only is she a fancy ginger, but she's a sophisticated fancy ginger.'  Also note that as I write this I am speaking with a British accent...so you should probably read it using that same accent.

In fact, I am so.....phisticated (name that commercial), that I no longer feel the need to put the word "fancy" in my blog post titles.  I think we all know by now that I am fancy, or like to think I am fancy.  It doesn't always need to be written, it's just understood.

Moving on...here is my review of the my June IpsyGlamBag vs. my June Birchbox.  (Spoiler alert:  Bircbox won!)

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Birchbox vs. Ipsy 

First up---IpsyGlam

(Let's first discuss the GlamBag situation.  It reminds me of a wetsuit.  It has that same type of feel.  Regardless, I do like this month's bag.  It's simple but has a pop of color with that neon-orange zipper.  Products from left to right are:  Pure Brazillian Miracle Leave-In Conditioner, Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner: blackhead extractor mask, Trestique Mini Shadow Crayon in aspen pine, Absolute New York Nail Lacquer in tourquoise, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer)

***Just a reminder that Ipsy is $10/month.  When products are sent, they do not give the prices of full-size products.  But if you are interested in checking out any of these products, or the Ipsy GlamBag monthly subscription service, click here.

Pure Brazilian Miracle Leave-In Conditioner: My first impression of this sample, is that it came in a great travel-size.  This will last me quite awhile.  It also smelled wonderful and tropical. I have used this a hand full of times, and I can say it really works.  It left my hair looking and feeling soft.  

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner: blackhead extractor mask:  I love this little sample.  I have received Dr. Brandt products in my Birchbox, and really respect this brand.  Although, I do not have issues with blackheads, I used this sample a spot treatment.  I woke up with a pimple on the tip of my nose (the worst place ever), yesterday.  I put some of this mask on, and 10-15 minutes later, the pimple was no longer red and it and shrunk in size significantly.  

Trestique Mini Shadow Crayon in Aspen Pine-  I really wish I would have received this sample in a different color.  The color is called aspen pine....but it looks really army green.  It's just not a color that suits me. :( On the upside, there is a lot of product in this sample.  I will just have to give this away.  Anyone out there really like green shadows on their eyes?

Absolute New York Nail Lacquer in Tourquoise-  Love the color, not a fan of the staying power. It started chipping the day after application. :(

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer-  I love this stuff.  It helped to make my face look flawless, and kept my makeup looking fresh ALL DAY.  I have researched a lot of primers, and Smashbox always comes out as one of the top primers to own.  I think I may need to purchase a full size when I am done with this size.  Even though this comes in a small package, a little bit goes a LONG way.  

Bag for June 2015

(The box is sooooooo pretty.  When I received this the other day, it came in a much bigger box than usual.  At first I panicked, thinking 'oh no, did I do some sleep-shopping?'  But, inside I found out I won a MAJOR AWARD (10 points to whomever can guess that holiday movie).  I received the Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner in Beyond Brown.  Benefit just came out with this series of liners and mascaras in vibrant colors.) 

 If you want to see what I look like with the Beyond Brown liner on, check out my Instagram @thefancyginger. )  I also received a few full-size products in this months box--thanks to my upgrade. :)  Here are the products I received from left to right:  Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge in Sydney, Pura Vida Lace Headband, Supergoop Everyday SPF 50 with Cellular Response Technology, Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Lagoon, Temple Spa Good Hair Day Shampoo and Conditioner, Mally Beauty Liquid Defender Blush in Mimosa, TOCCA Eau de Parfum in Bianca, Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner--check out Instagram to see what I thought of it.

Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge in Sydney; Full-size- $29-  This was one of the products I received in full-size.  It is a lovely red/pink color.  But watch out---this stuff can easily turn you into a  "lipstick monster."  The first time I put this on, I od'd a bit.  I ended up with lipstick all over my face.  What I found worked for me when using this product is dabbing on a little of it on my lips, and spreading the product around using my fingertips.  It created a vibrant yet more natural look.  It also stays on my lips ALL DAY LONG, no matter what I drink or eat. I highly recommend this product, just be careful. 

Pura Vida Lace Headband; Pack of 8- $18- I love this headband.  Often times when I wear headbands, they never stay on, because I have such an odd-shaped head.  This one didn't budge all day.  

Supergoop Everyday SPF 50 with Cellular Response Technology; Full-size- $19-$48- This was my sample choice this month.  I love Supergoop.  First of all, the name is wonderful.  Secondly, it really does protect my ginger skin from the suns harmful rays.  I just wish this sample size was a tad bit bigger.  Another favorite sunscreen of mine is COOLA.  

Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Blue Lagoon; Full-size- $11-  I love me some colorful liners.  I have already worn this a few times.  I know that the "phisticated" part of me would just put this on my waterline, but I put this all over my eyes.  Boom...beautemous.

Temple Spa Good Hair Day Shampoo and Conditioner; Full-size- $14 each-  I have yet to try out these products.  I do enjoy getting a shampoo and conditioner sample.  These are the perfect travel-size samples too.

Mally Beauty Liquid Face Defender Blush in Mimosa; Full-size- $30- I also received this in the full-size version.  The color is a nice coral, perfect for summer.  It applied really easily, but kind of made my face a little greasy.  However, I have not broken out....which is good.  

TOCCA Eau de Parfum in Bianca; Full-size- $68- This is lovely floral/citrusy smelling scent (I am horrible at describing perfumes).  The only thing I am going to complain about is the packaging of this sample. I really like it when Birchbox sends the perfume samples that you can spray/spritz on yourself.  This one came in a skinny tube that you have to dab on yourself.  The only reason I don't like this kind, is because I have spilled these types of samples SO MANY times, and wasted all of the wonderful perfumes. :(

Birchbox definitely won this month. I think my favorite things in my Birchbox were the Mirenesse Mattfinity Lip Rouge and the Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner.  In my Ipsy GlamBag my favorite things were the Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer and the Dr. Brandt face mask (it's a really long name that I am not going to type out again).  

If you are interested in subscribing to Birchbox click here.  A regular monthly women's subscription is $10/month.  If you want to up your game like The Fancy Ginger you can get the $30/month subscription which means you get 2 full-size makeup or nail products a month.  As you can see, my full-size products totaled $59....so it's definitely worth it.  I will say, when you subscribe, be sure to fill out your beauty profile, and keep updating it.  It can help to ensure that you do not receive products you have no desire to receive (e.g., hair products, perfumes, etc.).

If you are looking to give the gift of fanciness to a man in your life, a regular monthly men's subscription is $20/month.  Or, you can gift a 3-month subscription to try it out, for $60.  I just gifted my dad another 3-month subscription.  He loves it.  

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That's all I have. Good gracious, this took me over an hour to write.  My next post might be up later today...if I am feeling ambitious.  I will be posting on my local boutique finds....sort of a mini-haul.  

Until then, stay fancy and cheers!

30 facts about the Fancy Ginger.....

I tried...I really did.  I want to be a good vlogger, not just a blogger.  But, it's just not happening right now. :(  I guess that's okay, because I secretly really like writing.  Monday night I gave the whole vlog thing the "good ole' college try"...but was too impatient to wait for it to upload. *sigh*  Whilst burying myself in some self-pity time, I watched a bunch of vlogs on YouTube.  Which inspired today's blog post topic.

Before I get to my post, if any of you are ever interested in watching vlogs on YouTube (my current obsession) here are some of my fave YouTube channels (all you need to do is type in the name :)):

1.  Sacconejoly-  This is a family of Irish vloggers.   They put up a new vlog every day at 12 pm (ct)/ 1 pm (et).  I have been watching their vlog for a year, and I cannot get enough.  They are such lovely people. They are my favorite vloggers.

2.  Zoella and morezoella-  This young woman (real name Zoe Sugg) has two YouTube channels.  One is simply for daily vlogging (morezoella), and the other is for putting up videos on different topics (beauty, lifetstyle, hauls, and fun random topics). She is also British....one of the reasons I am obsessed with her channel.

3. Pointlessblogtv-  This happens to be Zoella's boyfriend. His vlogs are very entertaining.  Not really sure how to describe it...just check it out!

4.  Rachhloves- She is a beauty and lifestyle vlogger from Canada.  She is way cool.

5.  AmyLynnThompson-  I have been following her on twitter for several years.  Her videos range from beauty, random topics, and lifestyle advice.  She is obsessed with Disneyland--which also puts her on my top 5 list, because I LOVE DISNEY!!!!!!!

Anywho....watching all of these channels inspired my blog post today, because a lot of these YouTubers have all done videos where they share a certain number of random facts about themselves.  I always find that sort of thing entertaining.  Hopefully you find this entertaining...and if you don't.....I am sorry....sort of.  Some of you may already know these facts.  But as a Fancy Ginger, you know I am full of surprises. At least that's the hope.

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30 Facts About The Fancy Ginger

1.  I am left-handed.

2.  I am afraid of butterflies, spiders, snakes, etc.  Yes...you read right....butterflies. I won't even buy anything that has butterflies on it (clothing, bags, etc.).

3.  I come from a long line of gingers.  My mom and dad both had (yes, past-tensed) red hair.  My sister has red hair.  I have several cousins and aunts/uncles with red hair.  My paternal Grandpa had red hair (people called him Red).  

4.  I am 4 years older than my sister...but people confuse us ALL THE TIME.  It must be the ginger-ness.

5.  I was born pre-maturely (like a month and 1/2--ish).

6.  I am the shortest person in my family at a lovely 5'4" and 1/2....the doctor said I could put the half on...I so wanted to be 5'5".

7.  "Ghostbusters" is MY FAVORITE MOVIE EVER!!! It came out the year before I was born.  My parent's had it on VHS, and when I was a baby they would put me in my high-chair for breakfast and turn on some "Ghostbusters", every morning.  I LOVED IT.

8.  Although, I am a huge Ghostbusters fan....when "Ghostbusters 2" came out my parents thought it would be a great idea to take me to see it in the theaters, seeing as I LOVED the first one.  Apparently, as soon as the slime made it's appearance, I freaked out.  We had to leave the theater.  Embarrassing.

9.  I was on Captain 11 (South Dakota peeps will know the significance of this).

10.  I appeared in a HyVee Commerical with the Yankton Children's Choir.  This video aired from the time I was in 7th grade, up until I graduated high school.  That is a LONG time to view a blurry version of yourself, with a bad haircut.

11.  When I started college, it was to pursue a degree in Theater.  Fancy.....I know.

12.  I have a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree.

13.  I know the ENTIRE dance from *NSYNC's "It's Gonna Be Me."

14.  I can do the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" theme song, like it's nobody's business.

15.  When I was younger, I could recite the whole film "Forrest Gump"...word for word.  I was interesting child.

16.  In my mind, *NSYNC will always trump BSB.

17.  The Beatle's have been my favorite band since I was in elementary school.

18.  I had braces on my teeth for two years, and I always picked the color kelly green for my rubber band color.

19.  I DO NOT like getting massages.  It's not relaxing for me, at all.

20.  I am what you would call, a worry-wart.  Always have been.

21.  I do not like eating tomatoes raw....just can't do it.

22.  When I was younger I played the piano, the violin, and the recorder.  Yes, I took lessons for the recorder....I even played a piece by Bach.  It was legit.

23.  I started dance lessons when I was 3, and I still take lessons to this day.

24.  I love scary movies.

25.  I do not like singing in front of people, even though I have done it a hand-full of times.

26.  I love traveling, but despise road-trips.

27.  My favorite place I have traveled to is Edinburgh, Scotland.

28.  Sushi is my favorite food.

29.  I never take down my Christmas tree....like ever.

30.  I haven't had coffee, pop, juice or any other sugary drink in 2 months.  Surprisingly, I don't miss it....ok....I miss coffee a bit.

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There you have it....30 facts about the Fancy Ginger that you may or may not have already known.  My Birchbox is arriving this week.  I am so excited about this month's box, it looks amazing in the previews.  I will be putting up a Birchbox/Ipsy post once everything arrives.

Until then--cheers and stay fancy!

The Fancy Ginger Presses Shuffle....

The Fancy Ginger is back!  I really truly meant to put up another post while I was still in California, but time slipped away, as it usually does.  I did come up with a couple of ideas for new posts while I was gone-- one of which I will share with you tonight.  

I had a wonderful time in California.....or what I like to call "the state with lovely weather and no humidity."  I feel like I could live there, and be really fancy.  But let's face it, I could be fancy anywhere (deflate that ego a little, Miss Fancy Ginger).  

While I was in the middle of the long train trip home (44 hours people!!!), I had a lot of time to think....and stare out the window.....and sleep.  Whilst I was thinking, I came up with the idea for this post.  My iTunes music collection has built up quite significantly, over time.  Some of the songs that are on my playlist have not been listened to in FOREVER (we're talking YEARS, people!!).  So, I thought it would be fun to press shuffle on my full playlist---talk about the first 10 songs that popped up on my shuffle, and why I downloaded them.  

I was a little scared to do this, because I know that deep down in the crevices of the iTunes playlist I have some really sketchy songs....that make me go "why did I think this was a good idea?"  Putting my fears aside here is the list:

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The Fancy Ginger's First 10 Songs on iTunes Shuffle

(My really artsy "I listen to music" picture.....lame...I know.)

In the order of how they came up on my phone...here are the songs:

1.  "Unconditionally" by Katy Perry-  I was going through a "Katy Perry" phase last summer, and downloaded like every song she ever made.  She's not even my favorite artist, so I am not sure why I went that cray cray. I do like this song because it is a sappy love song.  I am a sucker for love songs.  Case in point--I am still in love with "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion.  Jack and Rose forever!  FYI--this song is no "My Heart Will Go On," but I it will do.  

2.  "December 1963 (Oh What A Night)" by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons- I went to the movie the Jersey Boys last summer, and once again became an obsessed little ginger and downloaded the soundtrack.  This is one of my favorite songs from the soundtrack.  I love that it is so upbeat.  I can easily bust a move.  

3.  "One Thing" by One Direction-  Not ashamed to say that I have this song, along with several other  songs by 1D.  From NKOTB to *NSYNC to 1D--need I say more?  

4.  "From This Moment On" by Shania Twain-  I told you I had a thing for sappy love songs....don't be hatin'.  But seriously, this is a beautiful song.  I will ignore the fact that she is a country artist (I really don't like country music....obviously I make exceptions).  I like this song because it is your typical wedding song, she's Canadian, and she wore a pale green velvet dress in the music video...she looked like a goddess.  I know that goddess and green velvet don't always go together, but just check out the video on Youtube.  Seriously, life goals!!!

5.  "All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor-  This song follows me EVERYWHERE!!!! It's on the radio, it's on a diaper commercial, it's in my brain!!!! I will be honest, I am little over this song.  Maybe not just a little...A LOT over it.  I do like her other songs, though.

6.  "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr.- When this song came on, I did a little fist pump into the hair (e.g., the ending frame from "Breakfast Club").  "Ghostbusters" is my favorite movie in the whole wide world.  I am thinking that this may be Ray Parker Jr.'s only hit, but don't quote me on that?!?!  I like to play this song when I am visiting my sister in NYC, and walking down the streets of New York.   When I entered the New York Public Libraryvfor the first time, you can bet I blasted this song in my ear buds. If you don't know why I did that, then you need to go rent "Ghostbusters" and study it.  That's your assignment from the Fancy Ginger.

7.  "My Love" by Justin Timberlake-  I love me some J. Timberlake.  He's my fave.  He can sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and I will be like "THAT'S THE BEST SONG EVER!!!!"  This song is just so cool.  I don't know how else to explain it.  

8.  "Rush" by Aly & AJ-  I am not entirely sure why this song is in my collection.  It's not bad, but not really something I would buy.  I must have been in a mood. 

9.  "Two of Us" by Aimee Mann & Michael Penn-  This is  a cover of the great Beatle's song.  It's from the "I Am Sam" soundtrack.  I love that movie.  I love this version (although, not as much as the original).  Check out the movie if you haven't done so already. 

10.  "Paradise" by Coldplay-  My bestie Jacqueline will be so happy that Coldplay made my shuffle list--because she is a HUGE Coldplay fan.  In fact,  I am pretty sure I purchased it because of her.  I am easily influenced, but this is a good song.  

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So there you have it, the 10 songs that came up when I pressed shuffle.  I like doing fun little blog posts like this.  It's something different, than just talking about fashion and beauty.  If you like these types of posts, let me know.  I have some more ideas for future posts. :)

But, if you like to see what I get in my Ipsy and Birchbox subscriptions, don't worry.  I will still be posting those every month.  :)

Until next time, stay fancy!  Cheers!

California fanciness and shopping haul....

Fancy people of the world, I greet you warmly from the lovely state of California.  I am currently on vacay with some of mi familia, and we have been in Cali for approximately 3 days.   I could get really get used to this constant warm weather and low humidity (although, they are in desperate need of rain).

Aside from a minor first world technology issue (my phone decided not to work for a bit :( ---I may have been on the verge of a panic attack...how sad is that?), and a fear of falling out of my train bed (yes, we took the train, and I had the top bunk...how fancy), this has been a world class vacation. Our real reason for making the trek to California, was not just to be fancy and laid back, but my cousin is graduating from high school...which makes me feel really old.  Congrats cousin!

I plan on doing a few blog posts while I am out here in California, just to keep you all in the loop of this fancy ginger-ness.  Today's California blog is all about the shopping I have done here, so far.  In the city that my family lives in, there is a terrific outlet mall.  So naturally, my parents and I just spent two days shopping there (it's one of our many talents).  I love outlet malls......like truly love....bordering on obsession....I may have a problem. 

In case you have never been to an outlet mall, one of the great things about these types of malls is that you can go to higher end stores, but not spend the higher end prices.  Although, be cautious for what I like to call "outlet mall tricky-ness." If you are not careful,  and not reading closely enough, you could still be spending an arm and a leg on some items.  As with all shopping trips, always be sure to read the fine print. :)  

Now for the fun stuff......

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The Fancy Ginger's California Shopping Haul

Fossil tote bag-  Not sure if the picture really does this bag justice.  I think I am going to call it my Mary Poppins' bag, because I can literally fit everything in it.  This morning I packed all of my typical purse items, plus my laptop, a pair of jeans and a bottle of sunscreen (sun safety is important for pale people like me).  

 Kate Spade purse-- I think I will call this one Katherine the 5th.  I am obsessed with Kate Spade.  This purse will be perfect to bring when I have my continuous 30th birthday in Chi-town.  I am also going to bring my Kate Spade sushi clutch...because why not?  It's fancy.  

Levi Demi-Curve Jeans--  These jeans are so comfortable.  In order for me to buy a pair of jeans, they have to be durable to all of the random dance moves I might pull out of my arsenal.  Don't worry, I did some turns and kicks in the dressing room, just to be sure they could handle it.  However, these jeans offer a good lesson for why you should always read the fine print at an outlet mall.  I thought they were on sale for $19.99--they were not.  But, since they flowed with my dance moves, I got them anyways...they were still a good deal for Levi's.  

Banana Republic Outlet T-shirt Dress (I think I made that name up), and fancy Banana Republic Belt- This is such a simple dress.  Perfect for summer.  I added the belt, because that's what the mannequin had on it....and I have no original ideas when it comes to fashion.  

White House/Black Market Outlet shorts-  I apologize for the sideways picture.  It's right side up on my phone, but not here.  I got these shorts because they were $17....and because I liked the color.  They also allow for some sweet dance moves.  

J. Crew Factory Outlet coral top and navy "city" shorts-  I am in love with the color combo of navy and coral.  I think this outfit would be perfect for a nice, casual, and fancy evening out to dinner with friends.  

BareMinerals Outlet-  It wouldn't be a Fancy Ginger shopping trip without a trip to the nearest cosmetics stores. Who knew this store existed as an outlet? Not me!  I have never tried this kind of makeup--but they had awesome deals.  My mom and I both purchased makeup from here.  I got an eye shadow trio (complete with eye shadow primer and makeup brush), two sheer lipsticks (in berry and coral colors), and two eye liners (one black, and one navy--just for funsies).  I will try to post a review on my thoughts about this brand when I get home. :)

Side note------Many of these stores give discounts for military, educators, students,  and seniors.  All you need to bring is your military id, school id, or driver's license (depending on the type of discount you qualify for).  I would recommend asking in each store you go to, if they have one of these discounts--because they may not always have it advertised.  :)

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There you have it, my first post in California.  I hope you found it informative, entertaining, and fancy. ;)  Like I said before, I will try to post a couple of more blog entries while I am here.  

I am off to go pretend like I am a Californian now.  Cheers and stay fancy!