What I'm Crushing On

Valentine's Day got me thinking... 

What am I crushing on right now?

1. Eucerin Aquaphor. I originally bought this to help heal my tattoo, but then thought, hmmm, I wonder if this will help my super dry winter legs. And it does! I have been using it daily to keep my gams soft.

2. Tarte Lip Surgence in Charmed. LOVE. It simply tints your lips and keeps them fresh.

3. Minnetonka Moccasin. I got these for Christmas and can't stop wearing them. They are incredibly comfy and have good tread for those slippery snow days. If you plan on trying them out for yourself, be sure to purchase the size down from what you normally wear. They stretch! I normally wear 8.5 and got the 8. I might have even been able to get away with a 7.5.

4. Betty Crocker gluten free chocolate chip cookie mix. Seriously yummy.  Now that I've gone 99% gluten free I rarely have baked treats. And the baked gluten free treats I have had I do not like. BLAH. And then I discovered my dear Betty's mix. You can't even tell it's gluten free and that 100% for me!

What are you crushing on?

December 2011 Birchbox

December Birchbox had one of my top 5 products this year! Presenting the December 2011 Birchbox...

Included is Harvey Prince Yogini fragrance. It's okay.

L'Oreal Professionnel Mythic Oil. Looked at it, but didn't try it. That's because L'Oreal isn't animal friendly.


Befine Gentle Cleanser.  It claims to be a moisturizing face cleanser that helps to hydrate and restore winter-dry skin.  It's consistency is like water. I didn't really notice it's moisturizing claim. However, I do like the Befine line.


Prep ShowStoppers Designer Fashion Tape. I love fashion tape. They really prevent wardrobe malfunctions.


ReCharge EBoost.  It's a natural energy booster. Haven't tried it yet.  I'll let you know when I do.

And my favorite... Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Birchbox Pink. LOVE LOVE LOVE. It looks like hot pink, but it goes on so subtly. Or I can layer it to make it bright.  This color is only available via Birchbox and they have sold-out so I'm on a waiting list. I NEED it in full size. Need.


Looking forward to January's Birchbox!

Nerdin' Out

This spring my laptop died. Forever.

So I started using the Mister's. That no longer is working for me (or maybe more for him because I like to hog it).

I was determined to get an Apple. Can you hear the angels singing? Well, my pocketbook can't.

I tried to order one from an unamed big box store with the initials BB on Cyber Monday. Long story short, my backordered order got canceled. Tears.

So yesterday I turned on the NERD and feverishly researched AMD vs Intel, pentium vs. i3/i5, 5400 rpm vs 7200 rpm, having OS Recovery media vs NOT. Blah blah blah. So many choices.

I ended up customizing my very own laptop to make it perfect for ME. It's almost like Christmas all over again.  And I'm sure when it arrives in mid-January it will be like Christmas Round 3!

YAY for being a NERD! It pays off every once in a while.

{Image via}

Too Legit to Quit

That's what I feel like singing at the moment! ha ha

Go check it out...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheRubyBelle

Introducing... Mustache Mugs

Introducing the latest creation from Ruby Belle...

 The George

  Mustache Mugs

The Doug

Each mug is hand-painted by me with a special porcelain paint that is dishwasher safe. There are three different designs in either creme or olive.

The Ben

These mugs make their debut on the Ruby Belle Etsy site Tuesday!  

Once uploaded to Etsy I will post the link :)   

Birchbox November 2011

Birchbox is an awesome company I discovered a few months back.  For $10 a month they send you a box of beauty samples.  I LOVE samples.  Sometimes one of those samples are trial sizes.  For example, there was a trial size of a Too Faced product which normally runs for $20 for that trial size. So you can see, a lot of times your samples far outweigh the measly monthly cost. Plus, I get so excited to see that little hot pink box in my mailbox.  I have loved some of the samples and not-so-much others.  I really like to try before I buy.  If you want to sign up for Birchbox too send me an email and I'll send you the link!  It's no obligation and you can stop or pause your $10 monthly subscription at any time.  

Rambling... Let's get to the good stuff! 

Introducing November 2011 Birchbox!

The cologne smells sooooo good. I have a feeling that will be gone by next week.  I might have to ask Santa for that one.  I'm going to try the face mud tonight. I'll let you know how that goes.  The shimmer creme looks interesting. I bet it will be awesome.  And the nail polish... LOVE. It's hot pink~ how can I not? The coasters are pretty cool too.  I really dig letterpress and they have a cute design. I also got a free gift because I always review the samples on Birchbox's website.  That cute little wood pop black bracelet is from BaubleBar. Totally cute!

Two thumbs up for November's Birchbox!

Giddy Aftermath

I came. I saw. I conquered. I bought fur (fake, people, fake fur). 

And legwarmers.

Giddy. Like Christmas. Only Not.

Guess what is opening tomorrow?

Guess what Pony and I are going to try and get in to tonight? Yep. 483 of our closest friends are going to rush the doors for the preview party. I told her to wear slip-on shoes, easy-off pants and a t-shirt.  We will NOT be waiting for dressing rooms.

This is serious business. 

I am prepared to knock people out of the way. See my muscles... I fight dirty. For real.

Guess what else is opening tomorrow?

WAY too excited. It's almost like Christmas...

*Pics courtesy of SL Tribune.

Tarte Lipstains - Product Review

I received this yummy Tarte Lipsurgence Lip Stain in Moody as a free gift from Ulta over the weekend.  It looked a little dark but when I put it on... I LOVED IT! 

Lipstain is so different from lipstick and lipgloss.  It's stays on longer than lipgloss and gives a yummy subtle color, unlike lipstick.  Plus this line of Lipsurgence is all sorts of good for your lips. Check out here... Tarte Lipsurgence.  You can color your entire lips to give you a bold boost of color or you can put a little on your finger and rub over your lips to give you a little boost of color. 

I give it a million stars and tell you to run out to your local Sephora or Ulta and pick one up!

Plus...

Back to M*A*C

M*A*C has an awesome recycle program!!

I just learned of this today and couldn't wait to spread the news.  By returning six [6] M·A·C primary packaging containers to a M·A·C counter or M·A·C Cosmetics Online, you receive a free M·A·C Lipstick of your choice as their thanks to you!!  I think I have three pretty much empty containers sitting in my bathroom drawer right now. Half way there!

You will need to download THIS form if you would like to participate!

Even better, M*A*C is animal-cruelty free.  Many of you know of my deep commitment to only support animal cruelty-free companies, but that is another topic for another day. 

Today we are celebrating our {BEAUTIFUL} selves! 

So go ahead, buy that lipstick and feel good about it!

For more program details click here.

How To Pack

I love to travel!  But packing can be a challenge if you are not familiar with the climate or if you just like to pack A LOT like me...  My new fabulous friends over at A Pair and a Spare came up with this fabulous chart:

Go visit them to get some more details! Plus, they have some awesome posts about Wardrobe Rehab *.

I'm going to be needing this in a few months for two very exciting trips coming up... Stayed Tuned to see where I'm whisking away to!

*warning: reading A Pair and a Spare will cause feelings of obsession and the need to read it every day.

Happy Early Birthday Self

Helllooo lovers...

My new obsession are wedges. I put these on and they actually said hello. 

Super cute, super comfy. And they came home with me. 

Hellloooo gorgeous...

Second new obsession is tinted lip balm.  I am in love with Rose from Burt's Bees.  Don't get me wrong, I love my pink and red lipstick, but some days I'm looking for a little more subtleness.  This is the perfect mix of yummy lip balm plus a sexy little hint of color.  And yes, Burt's Bees is animal-friendly :) 
FYI... Currently you can purchase BBs tinted lip balm at Nordstrom Rack for $7.

DenimTuxFever

DenimTuxFever by SandyPants featuring peep toe wedges

Fat Face denim top, 35 GBP
Embroidered short, $88
Christian Louboutin peep toe wedge, $595
J Crew hobo shoulder bag, $298
Cara Accessories peacock jewelry, $48
NARS Lipstick, $24

Okay, so I admit... When I think of Denim shirts I instantly am reminded of the Britney/Justin Denim Tuxedo Disaster...

And then this season on The Bachelor Emily wore the dang cutest denim shirt with shorts. Sorry for the fuzzy pic...

And then I knew I had to own my very own denim shirt.  So I'm gonna get crazy and try my own version of denim on denim.  Pair it was some great bangles, red lips and fun wedges and TADA! Probably gonna be pretty dang cute.. Well, at least I hope so.


What do you think of the whole denim tuxedo (ie, denim on denim) comeback?