Hen Party and Apple Store - Day 2/3.

August 15th - Brother and Sister Time

Nick took me to Sydney to show me the city and to get some chores done.  My main landmark from this trip was the Apple Store, for we visited it three times. (We needed to make an appointment, drop off phone to replace battery, and then pick up the "new" phone). 

A positive from this trip is our first photo using my upgraded Sony camera (thanks, Nick 😊).

I found a little kid practicing his handstands on Martin's Place.

August 16 - Jing's Hens Party

Karen, me, Jing, and Meena showing off our fascinators.

I had the honor to celebrate Jing's hen party with her.  Meena, Karen and I prepped the bride to be for her day of surprises.  

The Bride to Be outside the Chiswick Restaurant.

Our creations at Wyld and Whimsy.  This was an amazing "crafternoon" with Jing's ladies.

Thanks Sarah for picking out my fascinator!!!

New adventures

This quote expresses my next chapter in my life.  I came home in May from California, after assisting my grandma, aunt, and father with my grandpa who was terminally ill.  That experience allowed me reflect on how my own life is hectic, chaotic and very structured - work two jobs, care for house and family members, and, of course, Leo Club.  I love and am compassionate for every aspect of my life, but need some time for me.  With an upcoming wedding, a lust for travel, a need for getting away and the support of family and work, I have decided to travel for the next three months around the South Pacific.  More specifically - Sydney, Cairns, Bali, and Beijing. The adventure will bring me to many new places, experiences and people.  I cannot wait...I was just waiting for the best time to share this with you all.

This blog started off as a means to share subscription box purchases.  The intention was to also share my travels and others interests with family and friends.  As I travel, please add comments and thoughts.  Internet may be intermittent depending on where I go.

Sydney, here I come! Day one - 14 August

 This year, instead of enriching the minds of our youth, I have decided to explore amazing lands and people to fulfill my own thirst for knowledge.  In a matter of three months, I was able to wrap up my responsibilities at home and work.  The travel plans developed by talking to others and joining up with family and friends.  For a span of three months, I am set to visit Australia, Indonesia, and China.  

The first step to this adventure: Packing

I have traveled enough to know what to bring and not to bring on this trip.  The fine details of which suitcase and the finer details of making sure my outfits matched came via my friends Georgina, Sarah and Jing.  They made sure that my travel gear was versatile for the different areas.  The one rule I heard over and over again, "No rolling suitcases!," resonated during the packing process.  Therefore, The large backpack came out.  I packed my carry on first and then the essentials in the backpack.  Since Hawaiian had two free bags I decided not to waste my precious time making sure I can fit it all in one bag and divided the stash between two bags.  It all weighed 43 pounds!  My lightest travel bags for y longest trip.

The second step: Storm Watching

With 2015 being an "El Nino" year, Hawaii is expecting to experience many hurricanes.  In the first week of August we had two.  From Monday, I was watching Hurricane Hilda come straight towards Hilo.

By Tuesday evening, she decided to move an entirely different direction.

Step three: Leaving Hilo 

With Hilda near by, Hilo was experiencing flash floods.  It was difficult to get out of a warm bed when all I wanted to do was listen to the rain and snuggle with the fur balls.  Breakfast with the hubby and one last walk through of the house was done before Heather picked me up.  At the airport, I saw many DOE coworkers headed to meetings and 2015 graduates headed off to college.   I was able to spend my time waiting at the Hilo and Honolulu airport with Ellen.  TT, Heather's dad, gave me a beautiful orchid lei.

Expecting a bumpy ride all the way to Honolulu, I was pleasantly surprised when we met flying altitude.  Mauna Kea was peaking out from Hurricane Hilda's wrath.

Honolulu was beautiful and blue skies.  

With just a quick layover, my ten hour flight over the equator and Pacific Ocean ended with seeing the Sydney Opera House lit up, along with the rest of this beautiful city.  Jing taught me how to use the train system that night and Nick made a beautiful dinner.  

April Splendies Reviews

Coming home today, the flag on the mailbox has been lifted, indicating that " the mail is here!"  Last month, Splendies sent out an email saying that they were going to provide tracking for their packages this month, however they must still be working out the kinks.  The package came right on time, nonetheless.  

Shamelessly, I am admitting to the outside world how excited I was to see what this green tissue paper will reveal. 

A nice twist of colors...so far, very intrigued to untwist these panties.

Risqué - These are a nice change to the g-strings.

Vision Intimates - Made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex these look very comfortable.

No brand given.  Seem very cheeky.

Unpacking Impressions: For 12 dollars, this is a deal.  This is a great monthly surprise.

April Julep Maven Review

Would you like a change?  Every couple of weeks or so, nail polish needs to be removed and changed.  For me, this is a bi-weekly, or worse monthly, event that I do grudgidly.  Not really sure why I avoid taking off my chipped nail polish, because I am a little embarrassed by it.  Once the nails are bare, I get to pick out the fun art work I want to walk around with for another two weeks.  Now that I have a collection of about forty colors, it is fun to mix and match what I want to put on my nails  and toes.

Around the 20th of the each month, Julep sends out the next month boxes.  The monthly box, of $19.99 including shipping, choices are shown.  When you sign up for your first box, for free just pay for shipping, a style survey is taken.  Each month, boxes are set up by the five style choices.  You can keep your default style or chose another.  I prefer to look at all of the boxes and choose the style that I perfer based on color and/or items that I need in nail care or makeup.  This box comes quickly, usually a week after updating your monthly pick.

April's theme, the Vivid Collection, had a variety of colorful polishes and two blushes to choose from.  The add-ons included brushes.  The Boho Glam style option of two polishes and a blush interested me.  

 GLOW Pore-Minimizing Blush in Peach Bellini- This blush promises "to diffuse the appearance of ones pores and imperfections while diamond power gives checks a luminous glow." This color does well with my pale completion, allowing me to not look overly caked in make up but rather natural with a little color.  

Phoebe and Sunny Nail Polish- The way these two colors contrast each other made me want them for my collection.  Sunny, the metallic yellow, has a nice and bright sheen.  Phoebe, the metallic turquoise, has a beautiful water effect. 

Unpacking Impressions:  The ability to pick out my monthly box sells me each month.  This months box has allowed me to be creative with my manicure.  I have been painting four nails one color and my ring finger an accent color.  That was my plant this month, but as I was painting my nails, I started to paint them all with Sunny.  By the second coat, I knew there needed to be something else.  My artistic husband suggested a Phoebe color streak, which turned into a blotting.  It is springy and reminds me of and Easter egg.  The first Julep Maven box is free with the code FREEBOX.

March Wantables Intimate Review

I was under the impression I added this box already, I recieved it last week.  I guess I overlooked it when I was mass posting my other boxes.  As they say, save the best for last.

I have always looked forward to this box for the past three months.  I have learned how to work the interest survey in my favor.  This box has some nice pieces to loung in and feel a little sexy in.  Since it is late, the details may not be included - paper has been misplaced.  I'll be better next time.

Two pairs of panties.

A lacy blue nightie from St.Eve.  This was wantables' company of the month.  Love the color and the feel.

This was a surprise shirt for me.  I picked loungewear this month.  At first I was not impressed - the shirt was a large and very bland.  After reading the description, it made since, it was to be used for a work out or bed shirt.  It is so soft and meant to be a little snug...the large is loose enough for me where I feel I can wear it out with a pair of jeans and jacket.

Unpacking Impressions: I was impressed with how I was able to get items that I needed and wanted this month in my box.  I will use all of these items from this box.  I love the quality of these items.

March Style Box by Socialbliss Review

This is a new subscription company that began sending out boxes in January.  The reason I got involved in all these boxes was to explore my fashion and style sense.  Looking at the reviews for February convinced me that this box will become a bridge to meet my goals.  I was impressed that this box came to me within a week and I was able to be completely surprised with what was inside.

Here is the box, it was nice and large.  When I flipped the box over to take off the tape, I found the warning: Contents can cause style transformation.  Excitement overtook me and I dove into the box quickly - taking pictures as I went to share with you.

I refused to look at the booklet until I was able to see everything in the box first and oogle over each item.  When I had questions, I opened up the book.  Paris in the spring is always a great idea (visited March 2012).  The beauty/fashion world is a little overwhelming and out of my comfort zone.  I am very appreciative of the hints they give for each item.

I am going to start with the goodies first before exploring the big ticket item. Avon's La Baumes Pour Les Leveres (lip gloss) to ensure that the winter damage is moisturized and healed for some French kissing.  South of France's French Milled Lemon Verbena is a very nice smelling soap.  They suggest to take it on a trip or use it in the morning to create a refreshing experience.

Flourishing in Florals Headband- As soon as I found this in my box, I put it on.  I recently chopped off 16 inches of my hair to donate for Locks for Love.  Styling my short locks has been a little bit more difficult for me and I have been enjoying headbands to keep my hair from covering my face.

Eco-Chic Beauty Brush Set - This is beautifully crafted and nice to use.  I love that the package is easily washable.

Now, the big ticket item...I was excited to rip off the bag it was in and look at it right away.  This amazing Mattie Bag by Melie Bianco screams luxury, Paris, class, and romance.  I have to attend two weddings next month, this will be paired with my dresses.  I looked for a strap, my friend looked and found nothing.  At first, I thought it was a forgotten item and checked other blogs to see if this is the case.  The designer intentionally did not include it for the box, for it was to be a true handbag.  Socialbliss is currently selling the strap for $4.  I do perfer the strap for safety reasons, however I think I am going to keep true to the designers wishes.  One of the features I love is the brown and white polka-dot liner creating numerous compartments in the bag.  (Sorry that the bottom picytre is sideways, it was the only way I was able to place the picture of the front of the bag)

Unpacking Impressions: I love it!  All of it.  I never thought a box could really capture an entire theme and impact my couriousity to ensure that I uphold the warning to transform my sense of beauty. I have subscribed for next month.