June Birchbox Opening... or UnBOXing !

I take my summers seriously. It is a time for me to catch up on my photography projects, lounge and get in the car and go to some wonderful places. One of the things I do not do is multi-task...the summer slows me down enough to perform singular, detailed activity, and everything is done with pleasure. I savor every step I take, because I know that September will arrived sooner than we want, which brings back work and inevitably, multi-tasking! Aaaahhh!!! Let's not go there just yet!!! Breathe in, breathe out!!!

Birchbox has chosen to multitask this month, however, and that's okay. Products for this time of year should do more than one thing so we can maximize our time doing the things we love!

Opening my box this month was a joy; the diamond print on the box with its soft lavender underside makes this yet another box I will have difficulty saying goodbye to, and each sample is something I am excited to try. There will definitely be a purchase out of at least two of these samples!

There is just one thing I am not pleased with this month...

What is this all about?! 

This means, that I will not be able accumulate points for the Juliette Has a Gun Perfume I have been wanting. It is 145.00, and saving points for that would have allowed me to save money. I believe they are on to us smartypants who like to build our points this way. But somehow, it does not seem fair: Many of us purchase more than just the 10.00 monthly subscription box--I know I purchase add-ons almost every month--and deserve the points we save and deserve to use them to trade in for products we want.  To me, spending points in any increment has no financial benefit...it only makes an impact when you have A LOT OF POINTS to spend. That's when the Happy Factor really kicks in. 

But, we cannot have everything our way...companies need to maintain their profits, and when their customers become wiser than they are, well...you get the picture. 

Enough ranting! Birchbox truly has outdone themselves for June ( maybe they knew they'd have to deliver because of the changes to their Birchbox Points...), with products for face, hair, lips, body and more. Each sample is designed to be used in more than one way.  I think I am going to like the LOC One and Done Shadow Stick the most; the color is just right for the summer sunshine, and it can be used as a shadow and a liner! 

I am also fond of the Davine's Authentic Cleansing Nectar for Hair/Body. In the shower on a warm, summer morning, I know I want to be in and out, so this versatile wash will definitely come in handy. 

For more on what's inside, watch my video below, and visit my channel to see the try-out of two of the samples. Go to my channel and subscribe and like!

Tea Tag Challenge

 


  

If there is ever an opportunity to tell about how much I love tea, you know I am going to take it; I found this tag on YouTube, and in it, you answer 10 questions about your enthusiasm for tea. I could not resist trying it out. How much do you like tea? Listed here are the 10 tea questions that were found, so take the time to have fun and answer them yourself. Consider yourself tagged, and create your own video to share! Enjoy your tea!

Tea Tag Questions

1. Do you like your tea hot or cold?

2. Do like your tea strong or weak?

3. Loose-leaf or tea bag?

4. Buy out or steep at home?

5. What is your favorite cold tea?

6. What is your favorite hot tea?

7. When do you like to drink your tea?

8.What do you like in your tea?

9. Have you always liked tea?

10. What is the tea that you recommend? 

Cherry Picking

     This week, in my area, it is time for cherry picking. It is a rather short window of time for gathering, and I always seem to miss it, but not this time: After a rather stressful day, I hopped into my car for a getaway to the rolling hills and countryside of Leona Valley, CA. With my top open and jazz playing, the drive would have been enough of a treat, but when I arrived at Copelands Cherry Ranch , I stepped into a quiet, friendly orchard that turned out to be a pleasant afternoon visit where I could take in the scenery and gather my thoughts.

     The owners of Copelands are friendly and informative. They kindly instructed me on the proper way to pick cherries, and educated me on the many varieties that grow at the ranch. I came just in time, because the back area of the orchard had already been harvested by visitors from the previous weekend. The upcoming weekend brings the Cherry Parade and visitors from all over California.

                        

     Fortunately, the front lot was still adorned with heaps of red jewels hanging from the trees in different shades of red. I picked three varieties: Bing, Rainier, and as owner Shari introduced to     me, Utah Bigs. 

                 

     Last year, Copelands was not able to open, because the drought kept cherries from growing, but this year, the trees are filled with vibrant, sweet cherries, each variety showing off its own special hue and flavor.

There are a few things to remember when you visit:

1. The folks at Copeland prefer that you pick the cherry rather than the stem. Sometimes when you pick the stem, the spur is ripped away from the branch, which affects future bud and blossom growth. If you must pick the stem, there are mini scissors available. 

2. Tasting to sample is encouraged, but do not overdo it. Be sustainably minded and fair by paying for what you pick. 

3. The ducks on the property are certified organic, so avoid feeding them. They do love for you to say, "Hello", though...they are as diverse as the cherries with their colorful feathers.

4. Oh, and cherries are 5.00 a pound. Buckets are available, but I brought my own basket. You can, too!

For more information, click here, and plan on making a visit. Copelands also sells honey, and will have special Cherry Cupcakes available for this weekend only. It is a great outdoor experience to share with family or to enjoy as a tranquil solo outing.

And the cherries are delicious!