Hearts Are Floating For...Birchbox August 2012 - Beauty School

When I think of "Back to School", I usually associate it with the month of September. But maybe that is just a New England thing because I've come to learn that most other areas of the country start school in August. So I guess Birchbox's August theme of "Beauty School" is not out of line. Along with some amazing products, this month I also received a little booklet filled with all kinds of Beauty 101 like "How to Read a Label" and "Makeup Quick Fixes". Now I'll be sure to be earning high grades with my daily beauty routines.

* Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur

* Noir Black Mania Kohl Eyeliner

* Osmotics Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair

* Talika Oil-Free Lash Conditioning Cleanser

* Schick Hydro Silk Razor

Hearts Are Floating For...The Kansas City Zoo

I believe that you are never too old for a trip to the zoo. There is something about walking around outside, the smell of popcorn and cotton candy in the air, and gazing at the tigers and bears that brings me so much happiness. I finally got a chance to visit the Kansas City Zoo and was overwhelmed by the experience. My expectation was that it would be a good visit but nothing out of the ordinary. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was so much interaction with the animals. The best being the kangaroos. There are no barriers so they hop all around you. Talk about letting my inner 4-year-old out to squeal!

Cheetah

Hungry, Hungry Hippos

Look! It's Kanga and Roo! (Do you see the baby joey?!)

I could watch meerkats for hours. They're fascinating (and cute!) little animals.

Sleepy polar bear

Camel up!

King of the Jungle

The lady friends

My BFF...little black sheep.

Wart hog mugging for the camera. 

Hearts Are Floating For...Tomato Bruschetta

It's no secret that I'm not exactly an expert in the kitchen but I actually do like cooking and find that I am getting better and better. However, it's just not something I can do every day so I find myself getting take-out sushi about four nights a week (really that's no exaggeration). This week Bill's co-worker sent him home with a bag full of veggies from her garden so it was a must that I put them to good use. Since I had just brought home a whole-grain baguette and I now had a ton of fresh tomatoes, I decided on Tomato Bruschetta.

Whole-grain baguette I had picked up at the bakery.

Homegrown tomatoes and jalapeno peppers.

The final result.

Hearts Are Floating For...Summer Berries

I know it's strange but I really don't like fruit. I can tolerate certain kinds in small doses but I despise melon. (If you want to win my heart don't ever try putting cantaloupe, honeydew or watermelon in front of me - blech!) That being said, I have to work hard to find ways to trick myself into eating it. Smoothies are my favorite recipe. Also, putting fruit into pretty bowls seems to work. Now every time I open the fridge, I'm inspired to grab a handful of berries.

My Calvia Serving Bowl in Green Motif

Summer Berries

Hearts Are Floating For...Birchbox July 2012 - The Five Senses

I absolutely adore July's Birchbox theme - the five senses. So cute! They teamed up with Glamour Magazine this month - who's July issue also celebrates the five senses - and included products for each experience. I always expect beauty products so I was thrilled to find a different surprise this time around - a set of brightly colored earbuds that I'll surely be using poolside.

* Alterna BAMBOO UV + Color Protection Fade-Proof Fluide

* blinc Mascara (My Favorite!!!)

* Harvey Prince Hello

* Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint

* Tea Forte miniteas

* Birchbox Exclusive Earbuds