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PopSugar Must Have Box November 2014!!! BONUS POST!

November 20, 2014 & 2 Comments

Hi there! Happy THURSDAY! Or Happy Friday Eve ; ) Because that sounds much nicer to me!

I usually post on a Monday and Wednesday schedule but when both my PopSugar Must Have Box AND My Ipsy Glam Bag showed up I knew I had to squeeze one of them in right away for you guys!!

If you don’t know, the box contains full size items in all different categories: food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too! *Usually* the PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box.

November 2014 PopSugar Must Have Box:

The Secret Recipes by Dominique Ansel from Simon & Schuster:

This is such a beautiful baking book! This is written by the creator of the Cronut (YUM!) and has recipes for everyone, no matter your skill level so it says. It looks complicated honestly, but I still want to try some recipes out! I really enjoy baking, and I do have some baking books but none as fancy smancy as this! I think it would look gorgeous sitting in your kitchen or on a table, but with little kids mine is up with all of my other cookbooks.

$35

Saffiano Wallet On a Chain by Sorial:

I love this! I think it’s a fantastic idea and although I usually am carrying a big bag or diaper bag because I have little kids, this could be great for a girls night out or date night!! One concern is that I do *not* think this will fit larger phones like the iPhone 6. Quality wise this seems nice, but someone told me that the zipper on theirs came broken : / I am sure PopSugar will get it replaced quickly, but it does make me question the quality a bit. Still, very cute and functional! *Note: Lipstick shown in picture is for size reference!

$49

Ambergis Shea Butter Cream by K. Hall Simpatico:

I say this every time PopSugar sends luxury lotions…I LOVE IT! I don’t splurge on lotions but I definitely love them! The packaging of this is very luxe, but I don’t like the metal style tube because sometimes when you squeeze it they can crack…basically it is stylish but just doesn’t seem as functional this way to me…is that just me?! I opened this right away, but I had to do so with a pen because it doesn’t have that little part some caps have to poke it open. I love the light scent of this and have already been enjoying it!!

$22

Thoughtful Heart Stationery by Tiny Prints:

I just mentioned in a recent post how much I love sending snail mail to loves ones! And I *adore* pretty stationary, so this will definitely get used.

$15

Custom 3-Pack for POPSUGAR Must Have by Wine Glass Writer:

Oh my goodness! These are fantastic!! I am super pregnant, so I’m not currently consuming any wine, but I love wine and all the little accessories to go along with it! These are so much fun!!

$9.95

Chicago Mix Popped Corn by G.H Cretors

THIS. IS. UNREAL!!!! Are you paying attention?! UNREAL! Seriously!! I saw it an was kind of “meh” about it at first. I knew I would eat it, I do like carmel corn and popcorn, but it isn’t something I gravitate to if I’m in a chocolate shop or anything. But this?! Stop, seriously, stop! It is THE BEST SNACK I HAVE TRIED ALL YEAR! Hands DOWN! I know I sound sort of like a crazy preggo, but both my mother in-law and my friend who are also PopSugar subscribers have confirmed my feelings, this is the bomb.com! My husband doesn’t like carmel corn, and isn’t much of a snacker (it’s truely unfair actually!), but even he thought this was pretty amazing. I am buying a case of 12 bags on amazon for $35! That should last me a good two weeks ; )

$3.69

TOTAL BOX VALUE:

$134.64

After feeling lukewarm about the October PopSugar Must Have Box I am so happy with the November box! I love everything and everything will get used! I am super excited for the December box and hope that it ships plenty early so we can enjoy the goods before Christmas!

Do you subscribe to PopSugar? If you would like to you can sign up here for $39/month! I love subscription boxes and will be reviewing my November Ipsy Bag next week!! If there are any other subscriptions that you think I need to try, let me know in the comments or find me on social media! It’s always LeahTackles : ) Have WONDERFUL weekend my loves!!

THANK YOU AND ANNOUNCEMENTS!

November 12, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Some days I really want to just pop on here and chat with you guys…and today is one of those days : ) I was talking with a friend and felt so insprired and motivated after our conversation that I felt compelled to write her a quick snail mail note to tell her how fantastic I think she is! And with that being said: I want each and every person reading this to know that I apprecaite it! Thank you to my subscribers who have been so sweet and so supportive!!

I have been working behind the scenes on two exciting new things for Leah Tackles. The first, my own Etsy store! This will be launching soon after lots of tinkering!! LOTS of tinkering! And second, a bit further down the road in early 2015, a YouTube channel!! As most of you know, I am 31 almost 32 weeks pregnant with our 3rd baby, and some of this timing will be to work around the arrival of our newest little man right after the holidays. I cannot wait to start these new ventures, and hope that you will be just as excited as I am!!

Thank you, again, as always for reading my blog and *please* subscribe if you haven’t! It’s super easy to do, just enter your email into the subscription box on the right side of this page and then you will get a confirmation email. That’s it! If a friend or loved one inspires you, motivates you, supports you, or just loves the heck out of you RIGHT NOW is the perfect time to send them a little snail mail love! Plus, it’s a great excuse to whip out your cutest stationary you’ve been saving! Don’t let it sit in drawer forever, use it to make someone’s day!

P.S! Stay tuned next week for holiday makeup set reviews!! I will also have a new Leah’s Friday Five up on the Pearls and Pastries Shop blog this Friday.

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX OCTOBER 2014! AND BUTTER LONDON GIVEAWAY!!!

November 3, 2014 & 34 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Okay, I know it’s November now, but I JUST got my October box last Thursday. If you are subscribed to the PopSugar Must Have Box then you know that they had MAJOR issues this month after revamping their website. People had issues with shipping and also with billing. I am disappointed, but I also understand that things happen. My experiences with customer service have always been good, and that says a lot as well.

October 2014 Must Have Box:

Animal Socks by Happy Socks:

$12

I love fun socks like this for the winter months! I am really happy with these : ) Super cute, and very nice quality.

WINK Eye Pencil by Butter LONDON:

$18

I love this!! I love makeup, and eyeliners are one thing that I don’t have that many of, and I don’t have anything like this. Earl Grey is a beautiful silver gray color and I think it will be wonderful for the holidays (I know, I know I can’t help it…everything can be twisted to be holiday related in my book!)

Would you like to win one of these? My mother in-law is a PopSugar subscriber and she doesn’t wear eyeliner, so she was kind enough to let me have it for a little giveaway for my subscribers! Details will be at the bottom of this post!

Acrylic Frame by Issac Jacobs International:

$36

I like that this is magnetic and easy to swtich pictures frequently! I think this would be great for a place in the home where you’d like to change out the picture frequently, maybe with the seasons.

Chalkboard Candle by Mine Design:

$24

I LOVE candles and I think this is fun because I can write little messages for the seasons, for my husband, for the kids…how cute! I think one of the best things will be depotting this and using it for makeup brushes or pens on my desk.

Pumpkin Spice Malt Balls by Dean & DeLuca:

$5.75

I love trying out fancy candy, and I think these will be nice to have in the evenings when my sweet tooth comes out. *Update: I tried these…meh, they’re okay. It tastes like pumpkin pie filling, but a different texture, and has a lot more pumpkin than chocolate. Still, I ate a couple just for you guys ; ) and I didn’t spit them out or anything.

Halloween Decals by Nailed Kit:

These are cute little nail decals that you can wear over any nail polish you like! I think my daughter will enjoy these as well : ) I would have REALLY liked these had I got them when the boxes usually arrive, and it isn’t a huge deal because I can save them for next year, but I’m not going to put these on for one day! Because to me, Halloween is OVER when it is over, and then it’s full on holiday mode. Checking out the website they have some ADORABLE choices!!

Special Extra:

Shoreline Shea Butter/ Olive Oil Bar Soap by K. Hall Designs:

I’m feeling pretty *meh* about this. I’m not a big fan of bar soap usually, I know PopSugar has sent out a few in the past and I liked one of them, but this is very nice looking. Depending on the scent, Stephan may like this and if not I’m sure we will use it at some point.

Blue Jean Box by The Blue Jean Bar:

Enjoy $40 off of a box. I LOVE subscription boxes, but I haven’t really been tempted by clothing subscriptions. I probably won’t use this, but it is a nice discount.

GIVEAWAY:

1) Comment on this blog post and tell me your favorite makeup item of the moment!! Commenting is *easy* promise! Just click the link by the title of this post and you enter your first name, email, and comment : )

2) You *MUST* be subscribed to my blog! To subscribe enter your email into the subscription box on the right side of the page! You will then get an email that asks you to confirm that you subscribed and that’s it! You’ll just get emails when I post something new.

EXTRA ENTRY OPPORTUNITIES:

If you’d like to gain extra enteries you can 1) Share this post on your Facebook, 2) Share this post on your Twitter, 3) Follow me on a social media platform you are not yet following me on and you will get an entry for each new like or follow (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Luvocracy, Pinterest)

The support means a lot to us and it’ll get you extra entries : )

RULES:

1) This giveaway is limited to those in the United States and Canada, but eventually giveaways will be opening up to subscribers everywhere!

2) If you are under 18 years old just ask permission from your parents to enter the giveaway!

3) A random selection website will determine the winner to keep things fair.

4) Once the winner is contacted by email they will have 48 hours to respond and after that I will select another winner.

5) This giveaway will end in two weeks!!

If you have any questions please reach out to me and I would be happy to help!! I hope that you are having a wonderful week so far : )

HALLOWEEN GLOW STICK DIY FAVOR WITH FREE PDF FOR TAG!!

October 27, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Welcome and thank you as always for reading! If you like today’s post, please “pin” it to your pinterest account (hover over any picture until the “pin” button appears) or share it!! I want to share a fun last minute halloween DIY that make perfect favors for kids to pass out at school, pass out to trick-of-treaters, or have at parties. These take almost no time, and are very inexpensive! I found my glow sticks at Dollar Tree, so I was able to make these for her whole class for less than $20. I love that these are something kids will love, but also add an element of safety when out when it’s getting dark.

HALLOWEEN GLOW STICK DIY FAVOR:

What You’ll Need:

Glow sticks (*Note: I kept my in the package because I thought my daughters 3 year old class would crack them right away if opened)

White card stock

Free halloween glow stick favor tag PDF

Paper cutter or scissors

Scotch tape

Step 1:

Print the free halloween glow stick favor tag PDF

Step 2:

Cut out the tags

Step 3:

Tape the tags onto the glow stick packages and you’re all done : )

That’s it! Quick and easy! I hope that you enjoy this and if you try it out please let me know or share a picture on facebook or instagram! Have a great start to your week!

Easy DIY Halloween Treats! Part 1 of 2

October 6, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

With only a few weeks left until Halloween I wanted to share some easy, festive, and tasty treats with you today! I really like all of these because you don’t have to do any baking…you’re just piecing together the ingredients to make a fun fall treat. These recipes are great for little ones, and my 3 year old LOVED helping me make these!! If you make any of these, please share pictures with me! All of my social media links are below : ) And I would love if you “pinned” them on your Pinterest as well!

#1 Spider Crackers

What You’ll Need:

Ritz crackers or similar circle cracker

Small pretzel sticks

Rasins (chocolate chips are fine for those who don’t like rasins)

Peanut butter (or cream cheese or frosting if you have nut allergies or dislike peanut butter like my 3 year old…crazy I know!!)

Directions:

Spread a small amount of the peanut butter onto a cracker and place 4 pretzels on each side to create your spiders legs. Then put a little bit more peanut butter ontop of the “legs” and cover with another cracker. Use the peanut butter to attach the spiders eyes. My 3 year old insisted that one of our spiders also needed a mouth : ) These are a yummy and fairly healthy treat.

#2 Frankenstein Pudding Cups

What You’ll Need:

Vanilla pudding

Green food coloring

Oreo cookies

Black permanent Marker

Clear small plastic cups

Directions:

Dye your pudding until it’s a green of your liking. Crush your oreos (I just place mine in a plastic baggie and smash! But a food processor also works well). Draw your best frankenstein faces onto the cups with your marker…be sure to have fun with it! Scoop the green pudding into your cup and then top with the crushed oreos. Stick these in the fridge if you don’t plan to eat them right away : )

#3 Jack-O-Lantern Orange Cups

What You’ll Need:

Orange fruit cups (peaches or mixed fruit cocktail will also work, but oranges are the most pumpkin-y)

Black permanent marker

Directions:

Draw a jack-o-lantern face onto the tops of the fruit cups and pack into school lunches or have as a fun surprise for lunches at home!!

That’s it! Pretty easy and a lot of fun : ) Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss next weeks post where I share more fun fall treats!! Happy Fall Ya’ll!

September Favorites!

September 29, 2014 & 5 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a great weekend! One of my good friends visited, and we had a wonderful time with beautiful weather! And my alma mater won big at our homecoming game : ) I am combining my beauty favorites and lifestyle favorites into one post this month. Let’s get right into it…

September Favorites:

1) M.A.C Paint Pot in Bare Study

This isn’t new to my collection, but I have been using it a lot lately and have fallen back in love. I love this as an eye shadow base or on days when I want a super natural look, alone.

2) Wet n’ Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana

This is definitely NOT a bronzer, but it is part of the Coloricon Bronzer collection from Wet n’ Wild, and what it is is a *OMG* gorgeous highlighter. The price cannot be beat, and it comes with a huuuge amount of product. Love it!

3) Maybelline “The Nudes” Palette

I had been holding off buying this because I have so many neutral palettes…but when I saw it was buy one get one 50% off at Walgreens, I went for it because I needed some other Maybelline products. If you do not have this yet and you love neutral eye makeup, or if you have been holding off getting the Naked palettes by Urban Decay or other neutral palettes from high-end brands, YOU NEED THIS! It has had some mixed reviews, but I absolutely love it! I have worn it more than any of my other eye shadows this past month, and think it is definitely worth the $10-12. On the back it shows how you can break it up into quads, trios, and duos which is super helpful for people who maybe don’t know where to start with an eye look, and I find the quads especially to be fantastic! The pigmentation overall is good, although I will say that they wear and swatch much better with an eye shadow primer used first. The packaging is simple, not bulky, and very sleek for drugstore, but my one complaint is that there is no mirror. I could gush on and on about this, and if you’d like more information please let me know because this palette really could have its own post!

4) The Balm Shadow/Blush in Down Boy

This is a perfect baby pink blush! I love this because it looks great with so many eye shadow and lip combos! You can’t go wrong with it, but it is HIGHLY pigmented, so you only need a tiny bit!

5) Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder in Porecelain Ivory

This is my go-to everyday pressed setting powder ever since the Dream Wonder line replaced the Dream Matte line. I like that it gives an ever so slight coverage in addition to any foundation or BB cream you might have on.

6) EOS Lip Balm in Pomegranate Raspberry

I love the EOS lipbalms! And so does my 3 year old ; ) I like to apply these while I’m doing my makeup so that my lipsticks have a nice base…and this lipbalm is even thin enough that my matte lipsticks still appear matte but have a little moisture underneath.

7) Dual Ended Brow Brush with Spooli

Brand really doesn’t matter too much here, there are great low cost options as well as more high-end brushes, but I have been using powder for my brows lately and loving a dual ended brow brush with spooli.

8) NCLA Los Angeles Nail Polish in Rodeo Drive Royalty

I adore this nail polish! I mentioned it in my “Leah’s Friday Five” on the Pearls and Pastries Shop Blog, and it has been on my nails almost all month! I keep re-applying it because I can’t get enough of this gorgeous color!

9) Bauble Bar Arc Pendant Necklaces in Rose Gold

I have been loving my plain rose gold arc necklace layered with my pavé rose gold arc necklace! So simple and beautiful! This necklace from Bauble Bar is similar.

10) Gorjana Viceroy Necklace in Yellow Gold

This is such a beautiful simple piece! It goes well with everything!

11) Minnie Mouse Coffee Cozy

I found this adorable crochet Minnie Mouse coffee cozy from LNRCrochetDesigns on Etsy! The seller is super helpful and shipping was very fast. How cuuuute is this?! Seriously! Cute!

12) Name Bubbles Small Contact Clothing Labels

This is mostly for all the moms out there! Or maybe if someone is stealing your jacket off your chair at the office or your food out of the fridge at work, you too ; ) These labels are WASHER AND DRYER SAFE! And just STICK ON! Amazing. And they come in really cute designs, too. I was able to use a coupon code “B2SNB” for 10% off as well.

13) “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids” by Laura Markham on Audible.com

This book is amazing! Stephan and I are only halfway through listening to this book, and it has changed our relationship with our kids (and eachother!!) for the better. I don’t think you need to be struggling or think there is a problem at all to gain a great deal from this book! I really think this book would be benefital to anyone, with grown kids, or without kids at all! We plan to pick up a paper copy as well to highlight our favorite parts. Seriously, READ THIS IF YOU HAVE KIDS!

Phew! That was pretty long! If you read all that, thank you so much! What things have you been reaching for and loving this past month? I would love to know! I hope that you have a great start to your week, and don’t forget to subscribe!! : )

Popsugar Must Have Box September 2014!

September 22, 2014 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

It’s POPSUGAR TIME!!!! Today I am reviewing the September 2014 PopSugar Must Have Box.The box contains full size items in all different categories: food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too! The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box. I am LOVING this months box, so let’s get into it!

September 2014 Must Have Box:

Stereo Earbuds by Nicole Miller

$20

I needed a new pair of earbuds, and I can’t wait to use these! I love the dark blue color that I received, though I’m not sure if everyone got the same color. If you are subscribed to PopSugar Must Have Box, what color earbuds did you get? Let me know in the comments!

Superfine Purse Size Hairspray by Orbie

$21.50

I like the sleek packaging of this hairspray, and I will definitely use this for travel! It smells pretty nice, too.

Almond Brownie by Urban Remedy

$6.99

I thought this might be kind of strange…it’s a 100% raw and organic…but it was REALLY good!! It wasn’t the same as biting into a chocolate fudge brownie or anything, but it was a nice dense bar with a nice dark cacao chocolate-y taste. That said, would I pay $6 for one of these? Probably not.

Gold Foil Arrow Pencils by Letter C Design

$7.50

I *looove* the sleek black pencils with the gold details! I haven’t used these yet, but they look gorgeous on my desk! I love that they threw in a small pencil sharpener too, because I haven’t used a pencil that wasn’t mechanical in ages.

Modal Gradation Scarf in Raisin by Tilo Scarves

$125

This is far and away my favorite item in the box this month!!! I looooove this scarf! When I first glanced at it, I only saw charoal, but once opened it is a beautiful mix of grays and a raisin brown…GORGEOUS! Seriously, stunning! This makes the most basic tee look beautiful.

Garance Doré Assorted Girls Set by Rifle Paper Co.

$18

I love having blank notecards to send to friends and loved ones! I also will use these for giveaway winners : ) Super cute!

Special Extras:

Milk Chocolate Sea Salt and Almond Minis by Ghiradelli

This was an awesome “extra”! I am ashamed to say how quickly these disappeared, but hey at least I can blame it on the pregnancy…right??! SOO yummy!

$20 Nike Giftcard

I don’t reeeeally count this, because you have to make a purchase to use this, but I will definitely hang onto it and it’s nice to have on hand.

This is one of my favorite PopSugar Must Have Boxes in awhile! And with a total of $198.99 it is clearly WELL worth the $39 price point since I have already been using most of the products! As usual : ) Have you subscribed to any subscription boxes or bags yet? I would love to hear about them in the comments! I finally caved and got my first Ipsy Glambag and I will put a review up on Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe to see that if you haven’t subscribed already : )

BABY #3 GENDER REVEAL!!!!!!!!

September 15, 2014 & 12 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Today is the day…are you ready?!?!

We are SO thrilled to officially announce that we are welcoming a BOY in just a few months!! I was SUPER surprised! I thought for sure that this baby was a girl…but we are over the moon to be having another boy!! Hailey is excited to have two brothers, and she has been calling them her “minions”…she is a big Dispicable Me fan ; ) And Connor will make such a sweet big brother!! Thank you to all of you who have congratulated us and participated in my gender guess poll!! 23 +3 weeks down and 16 +4 weeks to go!!!

Boy or Girl? Make your guess!

September 9, 2014 & 4 Comments

Our Labor Day Weekend Away In Pictures!!

September 3, 2014 & Leave a Comment

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Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

We had a wonderful long weekend with my parents and I want to share some of our favorite pictures! Almost all of these pictures are from our day at the zoo, but we also had a great time boating, swimming, and relaxing at our lake cottage : )

Hailey ready to get her sunscreen on (if you don’t want to shell out almost $20 at the giftshop, don’t forget sunscreen like we did! oopsies!) so we can explore the zoo!!

Mandatory picture by the entrance to the zoo ; ) Next year we will have 3 little ones…one for each letter…in this pic!!

Ready to go!!

Riding the train!! Choo Choo!

Train selfie!!

Voting for the conservation project! We all voted for the penguins…Hailey’s choice : ) : )

SOMEWHERE there are picures of me with this same drinking fountain (ahem…mom!! haha) …I GEEK over tradtions like this!!

Safari guide!!

Oh no big deal…just Connor LIVING HIS DREAM and feeding a giraffe! His favorite animal, by far!

We weren’t sure he would recognize them or even like them in person…he was IN LOVE!! It totally made my weekend to see that joy on his face!!

Zuri the giraffe : )

Hailey loves music of any kind so this was a fun moment for her!!

My little loves!!

Hailey LOVED when the animals were nice and close!! She talked to this Orangutan for a bit!!

We worked hard to get her the exact animal she wanted!! It had to be the panda WITH the bamboo ; )

If there aren’t any giraffes I guess this kitty will do ; )

My mom is the bomb.com at getting pictures like this in the perfect spot on rides!

Meet Connor’s newest giraffe friend, Zuri ; )

Morning boat ride with my girlie!!

Hailey was packing for school! One more week till pre-school! AHHH!

Connor picked the giraffe, and Hailey opted for the pink penguin : ) We named her Icee because Hailey had her first taste of an ICEE at the zoo ; )

Do you enjoy these picture posts? I love showing off my family with you : ) Stay tuned for a *GENDER REVEAL* coming up pretty soon!! So get excited!!! Please subscribe and share! Have a wonderful rest of your week and don’t forget to check out my Leah’s Friday Five on the Pearls and Pastries Shop Blog this Friday!!

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