Learn Guitar Basics for Free

If you could have only one talent, what would it be? To sing beautifully? To play the piano or guitar? Chances are, at some point in your life, you wished you were great musically in some form or another.

For thousands of years, musical talents have been revered in societies all around the world. If you're familiar with Jane Austen and the world of "Pride and Prejudice," then you know, along with painting, sewing and other arts, musical ability is seen as an important quality in an eligible woman.

Personally I have always struggled with music. I can't hear pitch and my only try at playing any instrument was the clarinet in middle school band. The music we played, mainly Christmas songs and oldies, never suited me, and I always found my eyes drifting to the back of the room where the percussionists played drums or the xylophone. 

Guitar and piano was never an option as I didn't have access to either one, and I never thought to ask for lessons. Thanks to Youtube and the concept of learning through watching, however, more people than ever have access to music and music lessons. 

"Guitar Adventures," a beginner and intermediate level guitar instruction book, not only includes the book itself but supplementary videos to stream as well. You can read through the step-by-step lessons and then watch the videos. 

Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27, Steeplechase Arts, the music performance and publishing company behind the book, is holding a special promotion for the book. Anyone can download it as a Free Amazon ebook ALL DAY.

If you've never learned how to play the guitar but always wanted to now's your chance! Don't know how to read music? No worries. Music professor Damon Ferrante will guide you every step of the way, from the names of the guitar parts to your first song.

This is the link to the promotion: "Guitar Adventures."

Check it out and let me know what you think with your comments! :)

Street Style

Street Style by grecbarn featuring a straw hat

H M t shirt, $12 / J.Crew wide leg jeans, $130 / High heel shoes / ALDO handbag / ASOS straw hat, $21 / H M scarve, $12

Redbox Reviews: Focus and American Sniper

Focus and American Sniper are two completely different films. I had high hopes for each of them (though one was a critical and box office hit while the other was not), and for the most part I though they both delivered.

Focus is a sexy, thriller, con film starring bona fide movie star Will Smith and relative newcomer Margot Robbie. Smith plays experienced con man Nicky who meets Jess, a beautiful young con artist who is new to the scene but has lots of potential. She joins Nicky in New Orleans for the 2013 Super Bowl. For a good half of the movie we see Nicky and Jess fall in love as they pull off this major con. It's all fine and good and Smith and Robbie have great chemistry, but the look into the past seems rather long. I would have preferred about a third of the movie to be dedicated to the flashback rather than 50%. 

Flash forward three years and Nicky and Jess been separated since the big job. Nicky has seemingly been out of the game since New Orleans and is doing one last job for a rich businessman in Buenos Aires. Nicky is shocked to learn, however, that his apprentice and former fling Jess is now the businessman's girlfriend. What is she after? Can he trust her advances? Can she trust his?

Focus is fairly predictable and nothing new but it is nicely directed and the saturated cinematography and lush costuming adds to the richness and fantasy of the film. While Smith is charming as ever, Margot Robbie is a definite scene-stealer. I'm excited to see what she does next. I give Focus a 7 out of 10.

American Sniper dominated the box office for several weeks after its cinema premiere last year and for good reason. While "inspirational" movies are common and often popular, it's not often that a story is as emotional and heart-wrenching as American Sniper. Bradley Cooper is terrific as Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in American military history. We see a little bit of Kyle's childhood, his short time as a bull rider/cowboy, and his beginnings as SEAL and eventually his career as "The Legend" sniper. Despite his success as a sniper, Kyle has trouble coping with the consequences of his chosen path, leaving his fellow soldiers in a war zone, and connecting with his wife children. The best scenes of the movies are of Kyle overseas acting as a sniper. These are definitely the most compelling and best-directed scenes. The weakest scenes are those of Kyle with his family. Sienna Miller who plays Kyle's wife is good but her character is not very developed, though she is based on Kyle's actual wife Taya. 

Like most movies based on memoirs or autobiographies, American Sniper is a very broad version of actual events. American Sniper is perhaps Clint Eastwood's best film since Gran Torino; it's shot beautifully, has a solid script, and is lead by a good actor who makes the most unconvincing scenes believable. I give American Sniper an 8 out of 10.

What movies have you been renting from Redbox? Any ideas for what I should review next? Let me know with your comments below or email me at greer.daisykeats@hotmail.com. 

How I Feel About My June Birchbox...3 Weeks Later

It's hard to believe June has come and gone and we're halfway through the year already. I've had by Birchbox subscription for a little over six months now, but I still really enjoy getting my box each month. It's like opening a little Christmas each month. 

Here's the breakdown on what I received in my June Birchbox...

The theme is "Say Yes" so basically it's about being open to adventure, the unknown, etc. which is appropriate since summer is the time typically people let go and do something outside their comfort zone. The bottom of the box is a light orange color and the top goes from that same orange color into a reddish pink using an ombré effect. It's nice, very much like the colors in a sunset. I'm still trying to come with some clever ways to reuse my Birchbox boxes...any ideas are greatly appreciated. ;)

• The first item in my Birchbox is the Marcelle Mini Waterproof Eyeliner (Travel Kit $18). The sample came in four different colors, but for the life of me I can't find my eyeliner, so I'm not sure of the name of the color. It's a little lighter than navy but not as light as a bright blue. I really liked the formula; it stayed put for a long time. Lately I've been pairing the eyeliner with the new They're Real! mascara in Beyond Blue. 
• I have yet to try the Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15 (Full size $49). It seems like I receive a million face creams, lotions, primers, and sunscreens from Birchbox, so I'm getting a little tired of trying new ones. I even changed my profile so maybe they'll cut back on giving me skin products in the next few months. The perfecting fluid is free of parabens and it supposed to give a "radiantly fresh faced" look according to the Birchbox website. It's part primer, sunscreen, and moisturizer.
• My third sample is actually one that I chose, the Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water (Full size $32). I have heard about cleansing waters for a while now, so I thought I would try this one out, especially since the brand is well known. I used this baby as both a make up remover and cleanser. I liked that the formula didn't dry out my skin like a lot of cleansers do. My skin felt refreshed after applying it. As far as its make up removing powers are concerned, I'm not totally impressed. While it did remove most of my eye makeup, I found that I had to use quite a bit of the product to do so. A little bit didn't go a long way.
• My last sample is a Klorane Shampoo with Mango Butter (Full size $20). I have yet to try this product since, like the skin products, it seems like I get a lot of them. The size is perfect for travel and it does smell good, so I'm excited to try it. The shampoo also came with a foil packet of the corresponding Klorane Conditioning Balm with Mango Butter (Full size $16).

If you've taken a look at the picture above you'll notice there's a sample of a Clean fragrance and a ponytail holder from L. Erickson. The ponytail holder is the best I've ever used. It keeps my thick hair in place, but when I take it out it doesn't tangle. The fabric is black with flecks of gold so it blends nicely with my brown hair. I think that every Birchbox subscriber received one of these ponytail holders (Correct me if I'm wrong.) It was easily my favorite sample in my June Birchbox. I have heard a lot about Clean fragrances, so I was excited to give this sample out as well.

What did you think of your June Birchbox? Do you have a Birchbox subscription and/or another beauty box subscription? Let me know with your comments below.

-Greer

Beach Beauty

Beach Beauty by grecbarn featuring a bronzing powder

Supergoop tinted moisturizer / Benefit bronzing powder / Matte lipstick / Maybelline black mascara / Essie nail polish

Beauty Review: Benefit's They're Real! Push-Up Eyeliner - New Colors!

Last Friday, June 26th, Benefit launched new colors for their signature They're Real! Push-Up Eyeliner and Mascara. I have yet to try the new mascara shades (Though I'm dying to get my hands on the blue one!), but I did get two of the eyeliners in Beyond Blue and Beyond Purple. If you've tried the original They're Real! Eyeliner and didn't care for it then the new colors probably won't do too much for you. The formula appears to be the same in every way. If you haven't tried They're Real! you should give it a shot. Some people swear by it and find the felt-tip applicator and gel formula to be the best out there. Others, like me, are a little challenged when it comes to using this thing. The first time I ever tried They're Real! I couldn't get any product to come out of the top. Come to find out you have to turn the bottom of the pen many times when first using it before the gel come to the top. And when the gel does come out, it looks a little funky. Am I supposed to wipe this off before using it? Is there too much product? Is there too little? Apparently a lot of people feel this way when first using They're Real!

All of that being said, the gel that comes in the pen has a lot of staying power. And the new colors are really beautiful. I particularly like the purple because it enhances my hazel eyes without looking clownish. 

Only on close inspection can you tell that the purple eyeliner is in fact purple, making this a fun but functional product for every age.

I am still getting the hang of the eyeliner so my cat eye tail is a little wonky in this photo, but I could've easily cleaned it up a little with some eye makeup remover. The most difficult part for me when applying eyeliner is getting the the product close to my lash line. It sometimes feels like my eyelashes are rebelling against the eyeliner, making it possible to create a smooth line. 

Overall, I think the new colors are awesome, perfect for summer and accessible for people who aren't used to a lot of color or want to try something new.

Have you tried any of the new Benefit They're Real! eyeliners or mascaras? Why do you like/dislike them? Let me know with your comments! :)

-Greer

Aria Style

Aria Style by grecbarn featuring a leather jacket

Glamorous leather jacket, $110 / Soda fringe booties / BCBGeneration chain bracelet / Links of London rose gold jewelry, $235

Ipsy Unboxing! June 2015

When I took inside my June Glam Bag online I was really excited for my samples. And when I actually received my the day before yesterday I was not disappointed. I was especially excited to see a sample from Smashbox and a fingernail polish, something I have to receive from either Ipsy or Birchbox.

The theme for this month is "Swim Into Beauty" so samples came in a black bag accented with a coral zipper. The material felt and looked a lot like neoprene which suits the swim theme. I've noticed that Ipsy subscribers are not feeling the bag this month, but I actually like that it's something different. Typically Ipsy bag are really bold or bright so I think the subtlety was a nice change.

• I have been wanting to try the Smashbox Photo Foundation Primer for forever, so I'll definitely be trying out this product soon. Despite the fact that it looks like a decent size in the above picture, it's not really that big. I don't have a travel-size primer though, so it will definitely come in handy when I'm traveling.
• The coral pink color of the Formula X Power Source nail color polish is so pretty and perfect for summer! Once I pick up some more fingernail polish remover from the store, I'm going to paint both my fingernails and toenails this color. The sample, like the Smashbox one, is tiny but I've never finished a bottle of polish before so that shouldn't be an issue. 
• When I took my bag out of its pink package I immediately smelled cucumbers. That was a good sign because I love cucumber-scented lotions, cleansers, etc. The BeFine Cucumber Facial Mask is a cooling mask, and I love masks that tingle in a good way, so I probably will really enjoy it.
• I feel like the NUXE Gentle Exfoliating Gel will be either a hit or a miss. Typically exfoliating products are a little too rough for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. But this was does have rose petals, so if anything it should smell de-lightful.
• I haven't had a lot of look with eyeshadow markers and crayons, so I was pleasantly surprised when I tried out the tre'StiQue mini shadow crayon in Aspen Pine on my wrist. The color was a very pigmented forest green with flecks of gold shimmer, so I think it should work well with my hazel eyes. I think doing a smoky eye with this crayon on my eyelid and my bottom lash line would be really pretty for a night out. 

What did you receive in your Ipsy Glam Bag this month? Let me know! :)

Redbox Reviews: The DUFF

Every once in a while a teen film comes along and cements itself as an essential coming-of-age film, joining the ranks of Clueless, Mean Girls, and basically every movie John Hughes wrote. Based on what I had seen in the trailer I thought that The DUFF had a chance of being one of those few films to gain cult status. Though The DUFF, based on the popular book of the same name, is not a bad film and even features some talented young actors, it lacked the independent spirit of other great teen films. It had a few laughs but no real relevance beyond its "We're all insecure but have something special to offer" message.

Bianca (Mae Whitman) is a high school senior who happens to be best friends with two popular, beautiful girls. After talking with her childhood friend and neighbor Wes (Robbie Amell, who is the movie's standout actor), Bianca discovers that she is the DUFF, or Designated Ugly Fat Friend, to her friends. Confused and angry, Bianca cuts ties with her friends and in exchange for helping him with his grades, gets advice from Wes so she can attract her crush, guitar-strumming hunk Toby.

Also starring Disney darling Bella Thorne as queen bee mean girl Madison, The DUFF follows a fairly predictable story line. A few witty lines are scattered throughout, many of which will probably be relevant for only a few more years. It's hard to imagine by kids laughing at all of the movie's jokes in 2040.

I won't give away the ending, but you probably already know that it's happy. I give The DUFF a 6.5 out of 10. Though the story and direction lacked, its young performers saved it from being a complete miss.

Have you seen The DUFF? What did you think? What Redbox movie should I review next? Let me know in the comments section. :)

How I Feel About My May Birchbox...3 Weeks Later

May's Birchbox was inspired and curated by Cupcakes and Cashmere's creator Emily Schuman. The box, like many of the recent boxes, is adorable. I've got all of my boxes stored on a shelf in my room hoping that a great DIY idea pops into my head one of these days. Maybe they could work as shadow boxes?? Hmmm...

My box was heavy on skin products this month, as are most of my boxes it seems. Maybe I should edit my profile so I don't receive as many. While the occasional moisturizer or sunscreen is fun to try, a girl can only sample so many facial cleansers.

Here's the rundown on what I received in my May Birchbox, starting with the skin care products:

• The Marcelle Clay Mask (Full-size $15) was one of my favorite products this past month. Though it is a skin care product, it's a clay mask and those are awesome. What's really great about this one is that it goes on clear. You can literally slather this stuff all over your face and it looks like you're wearing moisturizer. That's handy when you're traveling, and you're around other people, so you want to look decent while still treating your trouble spots...You get my point. 
• The Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream (Full-size $16) was the product I was most excited about. It was created in Japan, and if there's any continent that knows how to do skincare properly it's Asia. Though I was impressed with the hydration the moisturizer provided (It even removed some really dry, patchy skin on my forehead that my regular facial lotion tends to miss.), it's almost a little too creamy for use under makeup. This stuff would make a great night cream if you were in need of something that works but isn't too heavy.
• The Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+ Shade #2 (Full-size $39) was what you expect from a beauty balm: it hydrates, provides SPF, but the coverage is very, very light. If you have skin that behaves and is for the most part even-toned, then this BB cream would be all you need. I, however, require a little bit more coverage for everyday. But the formula is light and easy-to-wear.
• The Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect spray (Full-size $32) is good but I didn't find it to be any better than my regular leave-in conditioner. It has multiple functions, however, acting as a leave-in conditioner, heat protectant spray, UV shield, and color preserver. It does have a nice smell.
• My only real cosmetic item this past month was an eyeshadow quad, and it didn't disappoint. The Coastal Scents Revealed 3 Palette in the quad Desert Bloom (Full palette $19.95) was a small but beautiful variety of shimmery colors (gold, lilac-purple, deep red and brown). The colors, though, a little loose and powdery, layered really well and are surprisingly versatile for everyday use. My only complaint is that the quad came in a hard-to-open plastic container. Maybe a small booklet-type container would have been better (but probably more expensive as well).

What did you think of your May Birchbox? Have you recycled your boxes to make an awesome craft? Let me know in the comments section below. :)

Beauty Bargains: The Best Buys from ELF Cosmetics

I'm sure no one has to tell you this, but beauty products are getting more and more expensive. While drugstore options used to be pretty cheap, the line dividing prestige and everything else is becoming blurred. At the same time drugstore brands, like L'Oreal and Covergirl, are staying up-to-date on the latest trends, like natural, nude eyeshadow colors and spidery lashes. Eyes lips face (more commonly referred to as ELF or e.l.f.) is one of those few brands that has managed to stay reasonably priced and trendy at the same time. If you haven't tried any e.l.f cosmetics or brushes, here are a few of my favorites to get you started. You'll want to stock up as soon as you take a look at those prices! 

1. Makeup Remover Pen ($3) - I received one of these a few years ago for Christmas, and I still use it every so often when I need to clean up my eye makeup a little. This pen is especially good at polishing a cat eye that's a little messy. 
2. Poreless Face Primer ($6) - I have tried my fair share of primers, from the more expensive BareEscentuals primers to the cheaper NYX versions, but the Poreless Face Primer from e.l.f. is still one of my favorites. It has a faint eucalyptus-like smell, which I don't really mind since I like medicinal smells. It comes out white but spreads evenly, creating a smooth surface for makeup application. 
3. Makeup Mist & Set ($3) - This may not be the best setting spray, but at only 3 dollars, the one is a definite steal. I like to apply this spray before my makeup application right after priming and then after I put on my makeup to set it. It gives my makeup a more lived-in look. Sometimes I'll even apply it when I'm not wearing any makeup because it's cooling and smells great (Some of the ingredients are green tea and cucumber, so no wonder it smells good.).
4. Essential Little Black Beauty Book - Eye Edition ($8) - This is not the exact same Little Black Beauty Book that I have, but any of the e.l.f. eyeshadow palettes are great. The palettes always have a great variety of colors and the wear is pretty good considering the price. To get the best wear out of the eyeshadows, apply a primer on your lids beforehand.
5. Any cosmetic brush ($1-$6) - With high-end brushes costing anywhere between thirty and sixty dollars nowadays, it's nice to have cheaper options that can do the job. While a lot of inexpensive brushes tend to shed, e.l.f. brushes usually hold up well during application.
6. Essential Eyelash Curler - e.l.f. has different options when it comes to eyelash curlers, but during a recent a beauty haul I took a chance and bought the least expensive one. I couldn't resist; it was a dollar! It gives a natural curl to the lashes, nothing too fancy, but when I'm not in the mood for mascara, this is my go-to tool. 

You can find e.l.f. products online at eyeslipsface.com and at stores like Target and Walmart. My local Target has an especially good selection of brushes. Do you have any favorite e.l.f cosmetics and tools? Have you tried the e.l.f. High Definition Powder? I bought it recently but have yet to try it. Let me know with your comments below! :)

Date Night: Summer Edition

Date Night: Summer Edition by grecbarn featuring a black romper jumpsuit

Sleeve maxi dress, $25 / Pieces crop shirt, $20 / Walli / High rise shorts / Maurices black romper jumpsuit / Gianvito Rossi roman gladiator sandals / MIA fringe cowgirl boots / M Co patent leather purse, $33 / Lauren ralph lauren jewelry

The 5 Best Movies Made Before 1960 on Netflix Right Now

I love old movies, especially really old movies made during the Golden Age of Hollywood. There's something so glamorous about them. Maybe it's a combination of the incredible sets that were constructed in the studios, the beautiful costumes the actors wore, and the exaggerated but never silly acting style of the movies' stars. A lot of great old movies have come and gone since the beginning of Netflix's streaming service, but here are a few favorites that are available on Netflix as of May 2015...

• His Girl Friday (1940) is one of two movies in this list starring Cary Grant, one of the most charming leading men to ever grace the silver screen. As great in comedies as he was in dramas, Grant is especially good as a determined newspaper editor trying to win back his wife and star reporter Hildy, played by Rosalind Russell. Full of clever, fast-paced dialogue, His Girl Friday holds up seventy five years later as a reminder that the best comedies are usually the smart ones too.
• When I was in college I took a literature and film class that focused on the works of Alfred Hitchcock. I had seen one Hitchcock film when I was a teenager but I didn't take much notice. I don't know what was wrong with me because now Hitchcock is probably my favorite director ever. The Lady Vanishes (1938) is one of Hitchcock's earlier Hollywood films, but his distinct directing style is as evident in this film as it is in later films like North by Northwest. After meeting a kind elderly woman on a train, young socialite Iris (Margaret Lockwood) is stunned when the woman disappears and no one knows where she is. With the help of a musician (Michael Redgrave) Iris tries to find out the woman's whereabouts, discovering that her new friend is perhaps not who she said she was all along.
• Sunset Boulevard (1950), like The Lady Vanishes, has its fair share of suspense but unlike the latter film Sunset Boulevard is all drama. William Holden stars as struggling screenwriter Joe who meets an older actress Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) ready to make her big screen comeback. As Desmond becomes more and more obsessed with him, Joe is torn between the comfort of living with Norma and the stress of being the object of her affection. Beautifully shot in black and white, Sunset Boulevard is a classic film noir that has stood the test of time and is as shocking now as it was when it premiered in 1950. 
• Remember when Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks meet at the top of the Empire State Building in Sleepless in Seattle? That was a reference to the classic romantic film An Affair to Remember (1957), starring the elegant Deborah Kerr and the aforementioned Carey Grant. After meeting on a boat and falling in love, Nickie (Grant) and Terry (Kerr) promise to reunite at the top of the Empire State Building. Like all of the best love stories, the couple faces obstacles that threaten to ruin their relationship but inevitably discover they've never stopped loving each other. This one is a great date movie but beware--it may leave you shedding a few tears at the end.
• All About Eve (1950) is Bette Davis's crowning glory. She stars as faded movie star Margo who fears being overshadowed by younger, upcoming actress Eve. Like Sunset Boulevard, All About Eve shows the dark side of fame and show business, including the all-too-relevant issue of ageism against women in Hollywood. Davis's performance is so nuanced and delicate, she can simultaneously display disgust and pleasure in one single look. She's that good.

What are your favorite "old" movies? Let me know with your comments. :)

-Greer

The Best Shows on Netflix for Every Mood

With the variety of TV shows available on Netflix nowadays it's easy to get a little overwhelmed. You want to watch all the good stuff without ever being disappointed by a show that goes downhill after only one season. You also want something that reflects how you're feeling (unless you're really sad. If that's the case then you might just want to binge on Friends again.). Lucky for you and maybe not so lucky for me, I'm a Netflix addict. Comedies, dramas, shows about blind lawyers/vigilantes with incredible sensory abilities, you name it. So here are some of my suggestions for the best shows to watch on Netflix as of May 2015...

If you're in need of a quick pick-me-up and need something silly and fun to watch:

• Parks and Recreation, a mockumentary style comedy starring Amy Poehler as an ambitious and optimistic director of the Parks and Recreation department in a small Indiana town, is a lot like The Office (The U.S. version) but even sillier and more fun. While Steve Carell's Michael Scott is difficult to watch because he does so many cringe worthy things, Leslie is a breath of fresh air. She's smart, funny, and her positivity not only inspires her coworkers on the show but the show's fans in general. Though the show does have plot lines that weave through a number of the shows in a season, you start watching the show at any point in any season and get caught up really fast. Along with a strong female lead and some great scripts, the show also has stellar supporting actors that really make the show.

Other recommendations for similar comedies: 30 Rock, Young & Hungry, The IT Crowd

If you want a drama that is smart and suspenseful:

• If you have yet to be introduced to the genius typically found in a modern British drama, then meet Luther. Angry but clever "copper" John Luther, played by the talented and charming Idris Elba, is the police's most powerful weapon. He solves almost every crime he is assigned but his methods are controversial. When a suspect charged with horrific crimes accidentally dies, Luther's ways come into question. Also featuring Ruth Wilson as the brilliant murderer he is charged with arresting in the first season, Luther is a smart, well-written show that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end of the series. 

Other recommendations for similar dramas: Sherlock, Daredevil, Broadchurch

If you're wanting something heartfelt but not too heavy:

• Grace and Frankie debuted on Netflix a little over a week ago, but I am already obsessed. A little slow at the beginning, the show really picks up around the third episode. Starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin (who both also starred in 9 to 5, available on Netlfix) as frenemies who are forced to re-examine their lives after their husbands declare their love for each other. Though the supporting characters' stories are a little vague and roughly executed at times, what makes the show worthwhile is the sweet relationship between Grace (Fonda), an uptight retired businesswoman and Frankie (Tomlin), a freespirited, pot-smoking artist.

Other recommendations for similar shows: The Wonder Years, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

What are some of your favorite shows on Netflix? Let me know in the comments section below. :)

Ipsy Unboxing! May 2015

I am really excited about the products I received in my Glam bag today! Ipsy has yet to disappoint me, and I don't think this month will be any different. I received two cosmetic products this month, a cosmetic brush, a hair product and a skin care item. The items were a good mix of brands I like and brands I have yet to try.

The theme is "Jetsetter" so the bag design is travel-themed. It's canvas or canvas-like material with a picture of a lipstick and a cute saying printed on the front. It reminds me of something Benefit would give away at Ulta when you spend so much money on cosmetics, which is pretty cool since Benefit has some cool, cheeky ads.

• The item I'm most excited about is the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil in Ozone, which is clear. I have been needing a lip pencil for forever now. The sample also comes with little foil samples of the Revolution High-Color Lipgloss. I would have taken pictures of the lipgloss samples too, but at the time I didn't realize they were samples of the actual product, not just the colors. I'm glad I realized that before I threw away the packaging. Even though I've heard mixed reviews on the lip pencil, I'm always up to try something new!
• My second product is a leave-in conditioner, the Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray. As much as I love hair products, I have a hard time finding ones that work on my thick hair, so usually they're a hit or a miss for me. 
• I love that my Ipsy bag usually has at least one full size product, and this month's is the BellaPierre Cosmetics Waterproof Mineral Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Ebony. I already swatched the product on my hand and had a hard time washing it off with just soap and water, so I'm guessing the staying power is pretty good. I don't wear a lot of eyeliner (black, brown, or any other color), but I'm trying to experiment a little more, so maybe this eyeliner will help. 
• I love, love, love the last cosmetic brush I received from Ipsy, so I'm sure I'll like the Luxie Beauty Tapered Blending Eye Brush 205. All of the bristles seem to be intact, so I don't think I'll have to worry about it shedding. My only complaint? It's very similar to the brush I received a couple of months ago. 
• Between Birchbox, Ipsy, and the seasonal Walmart Beauty Box, I get a lot of skin products. Usually I feel so-so about them, but every once in a while I'll try something I love, like the Supergoop CC Cream that came in one of my Birchbox boxes a few months ago. I'm hoping that the Amie Morning Dew Matte-Finish Moisturizer will be one of those awesome products, especially since I have oily skin and I need all of the "matte-ness" I can get.

What did you think of the products in your Ipsy box? Do you have a beauty box subscription? Let me know with your comments below! :)

-Greer

Fashion Basics

Fashion Basics by grecbarn featuring pointy toe pumps

Mela Loves London black knee length dress, $24 / Rails rayon top / Office pointy toe pumps, $100 / Atmos Here black cross body handbag, $19 / Michael Kors lavender jewelry / NARS Cosmetics lips makeup

How I Feel About My April Birchbox...3 Weeks Later

In the five months I've received my Birchbox I've never been disappointed. If the samples weren't very large, the products were always really unique, and I discovered a new, cool makeup or hair brand. If the samples weren't that out of the ordinary, there was always one product that was worth the price of the box. This month was a little different; most of the samples are really small, and I really only care for one of the products.

This the rundown on the products in my April Birchbox:

• I'll start out with my favorite this month: the Jouer Lip and Cheek Tint in Petal. I had never tried a cream blush before, but I was really impressed with how well the product blended into my skin. You can easily layer it for a more intense look or just use a small dab for a soft flush. Though a lot of Birchbox samples are small, this one is particularly small, so we'll see how long it lasts.
• I've been wanting to try Whish products for a while now, but I was disappointed in the Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream. It's supposed to be very moisturizing, but when comparing it to my usual   $3 shave cream I didn't notice much difference. I also didn't care much for the blueberry scent that smelled an awful lot like blueberry yogurt. I like blueberry yogurt, but I don't want to smell it when I'm in the shower.
• My next two products are a duo: the Beaver Professional Hydro Nutritive Moisturizing Shampoo and Repairing Conditioner. Both products, when used together, are supposed to nourish and strengthen your hair. I only used these products once, so I can't say if they would or wouldn't "nourish" and "repair" over time, but one time wasn't enough to tell any difference. 
• My last product is probably the most interesting one I received, the Wei Manuka Bee Venom Mask. An anti-aging treatment made with real purified manuka bee venom, the product works like any other topical mask. When I washed it off my face, my face felt tight and dry. The next morning, however, I did notice a significant difference in my skin; it was smoother and tighter. I haven't decided whether the uncomfortable tightness I felt in my skin afterward  is worth the result.

What did you think of your April Birchbox? Did you receive any of the same products this month? What do you like/dislike about them? Let me know with your comments below!

-Greer

Art Inspired Fashion

Art Inspired Fashion by grecbarn featuring antique gold jewelry

Colorful dress / Kenzo embellished sweatshirt / Alice + Olivia pointed toe shoes / Natasha Couture chain handle handbag, $165 / Bling Jewelry sterling silver band ring / Betsey Johnson antique gold jewelry

Beauty Reviews: Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion

I always admire people who have diligent beauty routines, especially when it comes to skin care. Though I do have a cleansing routine I follow when it comes to my face, I'm really lax when it comes to taking care of the rest of my body. I have an acne-reducing body wash I use, but I almost never moisturize afterward. The result? My skin is dry everywhere except for my face. So when I received a coupon for the Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion in my spring Walmart Beauty Box I thought I would try it out. Anything that can potentially shorten my beauty routine (That's what they're advertising anyway.) and give me silkier skin in the process sounds like a winner to me.

Apparently this lotion has been around for some time, but recently they added some new versions: one with cocoa butter for normal to dry skin, one with shea butter for dry skin, and one with honey for normal to dry skin. I chose a happy medium in the shea butter version since my skin definitely isn't "normal" but it's not "very" dry either. I bought the product for a little less than six dollars, not including the one dollar off coupon I used. 

I applied the body lotion after I used my body wash, like the instructions stated. Because your skin is wet when you apply it, it goes on faster than a typical body lotion. You immediately rinse it off and don't have to wait for it to soak into your skin either. When I dried off my skin did feel softer, and when I woke up this morning my skin had retained that softness. It doesn't quite compare to the result of completely covering yourself with your favorite lotion, but I did save some time and  actually "moisturized," a pro to the product in itself.

My only con for the in-shower lotion? The lotion is so slick you have to clean your shower or bathtub immediately after using it, otherwise you have one big tripping hazard in your bathroom. 

Have you tried the Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion? What are some your go-to products when you're in a rush? Let me know with your comments below!

-Greer

Redbox Reviews: Whiplash

If you're looking for something unique to watch, something a little different from your average DVD rental, Whiplash (R)*, the story of a nineteen-year-old drummer and his overbearing music teacher, should be your next pick at Redbox. Starring the fresh-faced and talented young actor Miles Teller and screen veteran J.K. Simmons (who won the Supporting Actor Oscar for his role), the movie is part drama and part suspense. No, there's nothing particularly ghostly about the story, though Simmons' searing performance is enough to give you chills. The suspense comes from not knowing whether Andrew (Teller) will be able to take the emotional abuse he faces at the hands of Terence Fletcher (Simmons). And Fletcher's controversial teaching methods beg a question: is great talent learned through teaching and by willing to never give up or is it something a person is born with? With issues like bullying getting more attention in the media, this question seems more relevant than ever. How far should someone be pushed before they hit their breaking point? 

Besides the social issues Whiplash brings to light, the movie is audibly and visually engaging. The fun, punchy jazz music that inspires Andrew to be a great is just as inspiring to the viewer, and the "whiplash" effect of the camera in the more intense scenes allows the viewer to empathize with Andrew as he emotionally and physically hurts himself (by literally playing the drums until his hands bleed) to achieve his dream. 

I give Whiplash an 8 out of 10. It's compelling, surprising and it'll keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. 

*The movie is rated R for the strong and sometimes sexual language used throughout, so if that stuff offends you I would definitely skip it.

Have you seen Whiplash? Do you agree/disagree with my review? What Redbox movies should I review next? Let me know in the comments section below. :)

-Greer

On the Fringe

On the Fringe by grecbarn featuring ankle strap sandals

MANGO purple top, $45 / Boohoo fringe bikini / Express ankle strap sandals / Milly leather crossbody handbag

Ipsy Unboxing! April 2015

I received my second Ipsy glam bag two days, and I'm finally getting the chance to share it. This is definitely my favorite Ipsy bag so far and one of the best of the boxes/bags I've received so far from either Birchbox or Ipsy.

The theme for April is "Beautifully Bohemian" so all of the products came in a tan woven-looking bag with different colored stripes across it. It's pretty adorable.

• My first product is full-size--the Hikari Cosmetics Blush in "Tango", which is a really pretty coral-pink shade. I haven't used it yet, but the color looks really wearable for a lot of different skin tones. It's received good reviews on the Ipsy website, so I'm excited to use it. 
• The Nude Dude Eyeshadow Single in "Fit" from theBalm Cosmetics is a mini version of the shadow that comes in the palette. It's a shimmery copper shade that can be used in either wet or dry. It comes in cute book-like packaging which makes it easy to stash in your makeup bag or purse. I've been really into nude shimmery eyeshadows since the weather started to warm up here in Tennessee so I'm sure I'll get some good use out of it.
• I actually wore this next product under my makeup yesterday as a primer and I really, really liked it. It's the Good Morning Honey Silk Facial Serum by Hey Honey. When I applied it, my skin instantly looked brighter and smoother. Good stuff.
• My fourth product is definitely the best fragrance sample I've ever received in terms of size. It's 8.8 ml and comes as a roll-on. The Jor'el Parker perfume in the scent Femina is what the name suggests--a very feminine scent. With notes of lemon, mandarin, vanilla and musk, it's really light and would be a good everyday fragrance, especially when you work in a conservative environment and don't want anything too strong. 
• My last product is one that I'm not as sure about. I don't wear a lot of nude-colored lipglosses, which is what the Starlooks Satin Finish Lip Gloss in Cuddle is. It seems in a little sticky in the tube, but when I applied it on my lips they did feel hydrated. I think I may use this as a top coat over a nude lipstick if I want to add a little sheen to my lips. 

Overall, I'm really excited to play with my Ipsy bag this month! So far I'm really impressed with Ipsy, and I definitely think they give Birchbox a run for their money.

What did you think of your April Ipsy? Let me know with your comments below. :)

-Greer

Why Late Night TV is Worth Watching

For years it seemed people had a roller coaster relationship with late night TV. Maybe a host said something controversial, a network feud soured viewers' thoughts on particular shows, or maybe they just stopped being funny. My memories of late night TV are vivid. Sure, I didn't get many of the jokes when I was a kid (Some of them were probably not very appropriate for younger viewers.), but I did see how a relaxed setting and easy conversation could make for some good entertainment--sometimes fairly wholesome, other times edgy, but always fun to watch. As I started middle and high school, however, I got bored with it. It was the same every night. A guy in a suit would stand on stage, say a few (sometimes tired) jokes, talk to someone famous, and a band would play. It wasn't until college that I really fell in love with the magic of late night television again.

The undisputed king of late night is Johnny Carson. Liked by everyone and loved by his viewers, Carson was the whole package. For years it seemed that no one would be able to match or even replicate Carson's humor...until SNL alumnus Jimmy Fallon came along to shake up Late Night. As a college student I would watch clips from or episodes of the show on my laptop (usually after my morning classes) while eating my usual panini for lunch or after a bland cafeteria dinner. I felt like I was part of some exclusive club that no one but young people knew about. With the talented band The Roots on stage with him and every night and a group of writers with a wacky sense of humor banging out jokes geared toward a young audience, late night TV seemed new and relevant. When he took Jay Leno's place on The Tonight Show everyone took notice of Fallon and late night TV was reborn. 

Despite having a good run on network television, Conan O'Brien seems to have found even more success with satellite. Clips from the prerecorded parts of his show, like his Uber ride with Kevin Hart and Ice Cube and his conversations with his odd associate producer Jordan Schlansky, have gone viral and prove O'Brien is better than ever. Despite being on the air for over ten years, Jimmy Kimmel's tongue is sharp enough to keep his audience on their toes. Other current hosts include Seth Meyers from Late Night and British actor-turned-host James Corden from The Late Late Show. I'm especially excited to see what he does next. Just watch "Crosswalk the Musical: Grease" on his channel on Youtube. It's exactly what it sounds like: people perform musical numbers from Grease while cars are stopped at a crosswalk in LA. Yes, it is genius and also really funny.

Perhaps the best part about late night TV is that there doesn't seem to be too many rules when it comes to format. Chelsea Handler's show was mainly a bunch of comedians talking about current issues. Andy's Cohen's Watch What Happens Live! is a celebration of pop culture, especially housewives and millionaire matchmakers. With the variety of late night shows on television, there's probably one out there for you. And you don't even have to watch it late at night.

Do you watch late night TV? What are your favorite shows? Let me know with your comments below. :)

-Greer

How I Feel About My March Birchbox...3 Weeks Later

This post is coming a little late since I received my April Birchbox yesterday, but I thought I'd share my products with you anyway since I liked the variety of products I received this month.

When I opened my box I realized that there were only four products and five were listed on the information card you get with every package. I messaged Birchbox, told them my Embryolisse 24-Hour Miracle Cream didn't come in the box and within 48 hours I received a message back. They still had some of the cream samples in stock so within a few days I received another package with the sample in it. From the time I messaged them to the time I received the sample was only about seven days so Birchbox's customer service, based on my experience, is pretty darn good.

Here's the rundown on what I received this month:

• I had heard of the Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle Leave in Conditioner (Full-size, $21.95) before but had never had the chance to try it. I love that, like a lot of Birchbox products, this one wears a lot of different hats: it detangles hair, protects it against heat damage, and it smells really good. I found myself applying it as a leave-in conditioner after I wash my hair and as a heat protectant before I curl my hair for the most part. 
• Like the leave in conditioner the Embryolisse 24-Hour Miracle Cream (Full-size, $16-28) is supposed to be a multipurpose product--a primer, moisturizer, and makeup remover. Since I received it a little later than my other products I haven't played with it as much yet, but I have been applying it before I apply my foundation. It makes my skin feel silky smooth, but it's definitely not a "heavy duty" lotion, so when my skin is really dry I have to use a different moisturizer.
• I had never used any kind of highlighter other than the powder kind before I tried the Jelly Pong Pong Glow Getter Highlighter (Full size, $12.75). I don't really love or hate this product; it's not great but it's not terrible either. It's a little too shimmery for daytime, especially if you're not wearing a full face of makeup, but it does have good staying power. 
• I don't know if everyone would like the Harvey Prince Sincerely (Full 50 ml, $55) scent because it's a little strong and smells a tad like men's cologne but that's why I really like it. Sometimes women's fragrances can be too sweet or fruity, but this one isn't. It has notes of Freesia, Orange Flower, Moroccan Rose, Cedarwood, and Sandalwood (all listed in the info card that came with the sample).
• The last product I received (and my favorite) is the Mirenesse Glossy Kiss Lip and Cheek Stain in Starlet (Full-size, $22). The color is sort of burgundy like the matte lipstick I wore in a beauty look post recently, but it goes on really easily and has the look of a gloss or a matte lipstick if you blot it. I didn't know how it would look as a blush, but it blends really well and looked even better when I applied bronzer as well. 

What did you think of your Birchbox products this month? What subscription boxes do you get? Let me know in the comments section below. :)

-Greer

Black and Blue

Black and Blue by grecbarn featuring jean shorts

BCBGMAXAZRIA crop top / Topshop top, $18 / H M clothing, $30 / H&M jean shorts, $15 / Windsor Smith black wedge sandals / Converse black sneaker

The Best Drugstore Neutral Eyeshadow Palette: L'Oreal vs. Maybelline

With the success of the Urban Decay Naked palettes and the current "no makeup look" trend going on right now it's not surprising that there are some drugstore neutral eyeshadow palettes available. At $54 the Urban Decay palettes are definitely a splurge, and I love awesome drugstore makeup alternatives so I decided to test out Maybelline's The Nudes Palette and L'Oreal's Colour Riche La Palette Nude to see which one (or if both of them) were worth the money.

I've seen the Maybelline palette on the market for some time now, but it was only the other day that I spotted the L'Oreal palette at Ulta. How long has it been on the market? I haven't seen it in drugstores or Walmart. The Maybelline palette comes with 12 shades and I bought if from Ulta for around $10. The L'Oreal palette comes in 2 different versions, one for light to medium skin tones and one for medium to dark skin tones. I got the one for light to medium skin tones. It costs around $19 to $20 and comes with ten different shades. I haven't tried a lot of different L'Oreal eyeshadows, but I do like the Maybelline Eye Studio makeup. It's really pigmented and the color range is good. 

The first six shades in the Maybelline The Nudes palette.

Shades 7-12 in The Nudes palette.

As you can tell from the pictures above, the last six shades are the darkest and most pigmented. Some colors are shimmery and others are matte. I like that, like the Urban decay Naked palettes, the colors are not just different shades of brown; there's a navy-gray color (the last one in the bottom picture). Also, the colors aren't exclusively warm, so I can see them working with a lot of different skin tones.

The con? I was disappointed with the lack of pigmentation, even in the darker colors. I had to apply a lot of layers of product just to get something that would show up on camera.

The first five shades in the L'Oreal Colour Riche La Palette Nude.

The last five shades in the L'Oreal palette.

Like the Maybelline palette the last five shades are the darkest ones. Though the lightest colors don't show up on camera well, I think they were a little less work to apply than the Maybelline shades. These shades are warmer than the Maybelline ones, but there's not one "true" dark color so if you wanted to do a heavy smokey eye or something like that you would probably need some darker colors.

The cons? Because these shades are warmer, I'm not sure if this palette would work on every skin tone. Also, the shades are a little powdery, but I found that applying the product with a damp brush helped. Another thing: this palette is significantly more expensive than the Maybelline one and has less color options. 

All in all, after playing around with both eyeshadow palettes, I like them both. Even though they're both "neutral" palettes, the colors are very different so I think I will be using both of them a lot in the future. With spring and summer coming soon, I'll probably reach for the L'Oreal palette a little more because the colors are a little warmer. If you like drugstore makeup and you wear a lot of natural makeup, I think both of these palettes are good buys. 

Have you tried these palettes? What do you think of them? Let me know with your comments below!

-Greer

Redbox Reviews: Oscar Winner The Theory of Everything

After ten minutes of watching The Theory of Everything until the very end, I cried and cried. They were mainly "sad" tears, the ones that roll down your face when the characters' lives seem so hopeless that it's difficult to watch. But other tears were happy, the ones that happen when you're reminded that life goes on despite adversity.

The Theory of Everything is based on a memoir written by Jane Hawking, Stephen Hawking's first wife. It tells the story of Stephen's ALS diagnosis, his marriage to Jane, their divorce, and Stephen's many professional successes along the way. At the heart of the movie is the love story between Stephen and Jane, played brilliantly by Eddie Redmayne (who won the Oscar for his performance) and Felicity Jones (who was nominated for an Oscar for her performance) respectively. Redmayne's transformation into Hawking is completely believable but Jones's subtle and powerful performance is the one that stayed with me after the movie ended.

The movie is also beautifully shot and the script is well-written, but the material is heavy, heavy stuff. Part of that is the nature of ALS itself and the stress it puts on its victims and their families. But even more than that, because we see the progression of the characters' love and their roller coaster marriage, their divorce and the trials they face are that much more emotional and difficult to watch. That's my only complaint. I didn't get a lot of relief from the grief. I give The Theory of Everything an 8 out of 10.

Have you seen The Theory of Everything? What Redbox movies should I rent next? Let me know in the comments section below. :)

-Greer

Beauty Review: Biore Charcoal Pore Strips

I don't think there is any beauty issue more frustrating than skin problems. At 15 years old I was blissfully unaware of the chronic acne that would plague me for the next seven years. Now, at 22, my acne has died down a bit, but I still have a lot of trouble with blackheads, especially the ones on my nose and my chin. I've used Biore Pore Strips for years, but since I'm a sucker for new things and convincing ads, I decided to try the new Biore Charcoal Pore Strips to see if they were as effective as the original.

The first thing I did before buying the the product was to check and see if there was actually charcoal in it. After all, they're called "charcoal" pore strips. And sure enough charcoal powder was the ninth ingredient listed on the back of the box. I bought a box of six strips for around $6.49 at Walmart, which is a little more expensive than a box of eight of the original strips. But hey, they're new.

There's not a lot of visible differences between the original and charcoal strips, except for the fact the original are white and the charcoal are black.  I followed the directions, which was the usual "wash your face, dry it, then wet your nose and stick the strip on your face" type of thing you usually do with pore strips. 

After removing the strip from my nose (15 minutes later) I noticed that there was a larger amount of residue left on the strip than I've experienced in the past. Did I have more blackheads and dead skin on my nose this time around? I don't think so. Did the charcoal powder make that much of a difference? I don't know that either. Perhaps everything was just easier to see on the black strip versus the normal white. 

So, all in all, I'm a little torn about the new Charcoal Pore Strips because I'm not sure if they really worked any better than the original. But I may be addicted to the satisfaction in what seemed like a really deep clean. 

Have you tried the new Biore Charcoal Pore Strips? What do you think of them? What are your go-to skin products right now? What product should I test next for a "Beauty Review"? Let me know with your comments below! :)

-Greer

Perfect Weekend

Perfect Weekend by grecbarn featuring a tea mug

Topshop crop tee / RVCA pants / Boohoo nightgown / Multi colored socks / Sperry Top-Sider Paige Slipper / Bedroom Athletics Jessica Slipper Boot, $30 / Tea mug / H&M Eye mask, $4.44

Ipsy Unboxing!

Finally! Yesterday my pink package arrived in the mail for the first time. After four months of waiting I was finally taken off the Ipsy waiting list. I think there are a few different ways you can get off the waiting list early (follow Ipsy on Instagram, follow Ipsy on Facebook, etc.) but I decided to take the long route to avoid having to post anything (Plus I don't have Instagram anyway.)

I had already peeked at my glam back on the Ipsy website, so I knew what I going to receive this month.

The theme for the bag is "Floral Fantasy" so all of my products came in very cute bright blue, and of course, floral bag.

• One of the products I'm most excited to use and probably will get the most use out of is the Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush. From the get-go I could tell this is a quality brush. When I swatched the Pixi eyeshadow [I also received] the bristles felt really soft on my skin and no brush hairs came off. Fingers crossed after more use this brush will still hold up well!
• I tried to take a photo of the Pixi by Petra Mesmerizing Mineral Duo in Apricot Glow after I swatched it, but the colors are so light they don't show up well on camera. But in person the colors are really pretty, light, and very shimmery, which is perfect for spring and summer. The formula felt really smooth on my skin too.
• I love, love, love NYX products. They're affordable, and often they're comparable to more expensive brands. As much as I love NYX, however, I have yet to try any of the NYX lipsticks. I like the matte lip creams and the lip liners a lot so I'm sure I'll enjoy my NYX Cosmetics Butter Lipstick in Hunk. The tube is more purple in person, and the color of the lipstick itself is fuchsia and moderately sheer. I think this lipstick will be good for layering as well as wearing by itself. I'm excited to try it.
• The Coolway Glow Oil Treatment is a leave-in oil for hair. I always like a good hair product especially something that can help my dry hair during the cold months. You're supposed to use it before and after blow drying your hair, but I hardly ever blow dry my hair, so we'll see what happens.
• My favorite skin products are ones like the Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels. It doesn't matter your skin type or your age; anybody can appreciate something that gives you that being-in-a-spa feeling, even if it's for only ten minutes. I am wearing the eye gels right now and there's an awesome, cool sensation that makes me feel pampered and refreshed. Two pairs of the eye gels came in my Glam Bag.

So, what did you get in your Ipsy bag (or any beauty box) this month? If you subscribe to Birchbox, check out my February Birchbox post here. :)

-Greer