They say it's your birthday....

....it's my birthday, too! Well, it was a week ago. I had a wonderful birthday- great family, friends and co-worker well wishes and lots of goodies.
 I love getting stuff in the mail - not bills- but goodies. I am a huge fan of Birchbox and Julep Maven programs. Well, I also sign up for most of the birthday programs with some of my favorite businesses Mind you, these are all completely FREE to sign up. Here are a few of the great goodies I rec'd:

Photo Credit: Shula's Steakhouse

 Shula's Steak House:
  I signed up for their Loyalty Club and received a free entree (with the purchase of an entree). That's right folks, a free entree. Shula's has some of the best food and service I have seen in Indy at a steakhouse. Truly delish.  I opted for the 12 ounce filet - which was out of this world tender. Hubby had the Salmon. We also purchased several sides which were just as amazing. To top it off, our wait staff brought a small box of truffles to our table - complete with a signed birthday card.

 

Sephora Beauty Insider: 

  I signed up for this a few months ago since I purchase quite a few of my beauty products from them anyway.
I forgot all about the birthday perk.  I was ready to order a few products anyway and what did I find when I checked out (on line)? My birthday gift: A free 6 ounce bottle of "Happy Birthday, Beautiful" shower gel.  This stuff smells heavenly. JUST like a slice of fresh birthday cake! So hurry over and sign up for the Sephora Beauty Insider program.....

Photo Credit: My iPhone

Edible Arrangements:


 If you love fresh fruit, you will love this place. We received a bouquet when we moved into our new home last year.  I  actually liked their page on Facebook because I like them. Didn't think I'd receive anything. I was very pleasantly surprised when I received a Happy Birthday post from them on my FB wall - along with an offer for a free twelve piece box of chocolate covered fruit. It couldn't be that big - right. We were on our way to dinner on Friday and decided to drop by and get my box of goodies.  OMGoodness.......this box was HUGE. I opted for an assortment of fruits ( strawberries, apples and bananas). Let me just say they were gone by Saturday morning. What a nice surprise - just for liking a company I like anyway!

Wanted: Makeup Tools

Source: chanel.com via Mandy on Pinterest

These are a few of the makeup/beauty tools on my wish list. I don't really have a set place where I purchase my items. While most beauty products and fragrance products don't typically go on sale, I almost always look for the place that has the current "special". Examples are: Gift with purchase, larger than normal sample sizes, free shipping and points for purchases. 

The Chanel Precision Eyelash Curler shown in the picture above is the first to buy on my next makeup shopping "trip". Not only is it gorgeous, I have read that it curls even the shortest lashes beautifully. I have super short lashes and need all the help I can get. I've used the drugstore ones and they tend to pinch. Now, if I only had eyelashes like my yorkie, Coco, I'd be set. She has the most beautiful, long eyelashes. Go figure........ Anyway, you can buy it here. It's $35 - a bit steep, but I can only imagine how great the quality is. Hurry - it's a limited edition. You receive free shipping with your purchase of $100 or more.

Source: birchbox.com via birchbox on Pinterest

Next up- tweezers by Japonesque. These are great for plucking your eyebrows and anywhere else you need to get a stray hair. These tweezers are designed to fit comfortably in your hand allowing for super control when using them. Best? Japonesque will recondition your tweezers for free should they loose their edge.I LOVE all of the designs they have. You can purchase here or here.

As if I need another cosmetics bag. Still I want these from Sephora. I think they'd be great for the beach as well as when traveling. They are SUPER inexpensive and can be purchased here.

What beauty tools do you have that you think are great? Which ones are on your wish list?

Ole Henricksen

 One reason why I love purchasing beauty supplies from Sephora is that I can get samples. Samples of products I may have never heard of or thought too expensive to purchase without trying first. 

  I recently purchased some items from Sephora and received some samples.  One of the samples I received was Ole Henricksen.  It was the Herbal Day Creme with SPF 15. I had never, ever heard of  Ole Henricksen, but I knew I needed a new moisturizer. So, I decided to select that as one of my samples.

 OMgoodness, I absolutely adore this moisturizer. Not only does it smell great - a very light lemony scent- but it feels great on my skin. I had been using Vaseline Cocoa Butter Body Lotion ( I know - gasp!) on my face until I found something I liked. I just purchased some MK (you know who that is) moisturizer and remembered why I stopped buying it years ago. It makes my nose peel! Weird - huh?

  Herbal Day Creme with SPF 15 is PERFECT for me.  I only have to use a tiny bit to cover my face and  neck area. Believe me, a little goes a long way.  More about the product from Sephora:
What it is:
A daily moisturizer that shields skin against UV rays and environmental aggressors.

What it is formulated to do:
Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Crème SPF 15 protects and hydrates the complexion for healthy, radiant results. The expert complex is designed to disperse an ideal dose of moisture—sans residue.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
What else you need to know:
This formula suits normal, combination, and sensitive skin.

  Here is a bit about the company from the Sephora website:
Nature, science, beauty, and wellness. These four key elements are behind every Ole Henriksen product, making it a total lifestyle line and a true depiction of the man behind the brand. Ole (pronounced "ooh-lah") Henriksen's studies in cosmetic chemistry, and hands-on experience treating some of Hollywood's most famous complexions at his Los Angeles spa, have resulted in the ultimate in at-home luxury—skincare that treats the face and body while helping to achieve overall health and wellness. What we love most? Just like his sought-after spa treatments, every Ole Henriksen product is an absolute treat for the senses—they smell delicious and feel sensational.
 

 Honestly, I wouldn't have tried this had I not received a sample.  That is part of the reason I joined Birchbox. You can read more about the Birchbox deal here.
Do you use samples before trying products?
I am going to the Sephora website to order my full jar right now! I wonder what great new samples I'll choose this time..................................

Sephora

 

Sephora is one of my favorite beauty stores. So, I was more than happy to spread the word about Chip on Deals - Indy via Twitter for a chance to win a $50 gift card from  Sephora. Chip on Deals Indy along with Pretty Indy sponsored the contest. Imagine my THRILL when I received a Twitter update notifying me that I was the winner! 

Huge thanks to both Pretty Indy and Chip on Deals Indy for hosting this fun contest.
Be sure to check out their websites for more info on their companies. I have been a long time follower of Pretty Indy. You seriously should follow them for great
beauty advice. Chip on Deals offers great deals on golfing - not just for Indy, but all over.

 I've been wanting to try some new NARS products - nail polish , bronzer. The nail polish is a new color - Galion - which is a slate gray. Perfect for fall. My gift card will be perfect to use for these purchases. I am sure I'll add a bit more to the order - LOL.

They also have this great phone app that has tons of goodies including hot picks, new items, today's obsession. My favorite goody on the app is the  mobile offers. There are usually four or five to choose from. Just enter the code for your items of choice  at the end of your order.  It's as easy as that.

Are you a Sephora girl? What are your favorite products? Have you tried the mobile app yet? Thoughts?