GIVE THIS - NOT THAT | Makeover for Holiday Gift Giving

Here's the problem with gift-giving. We get lazy. Don't know what to get? How about a gift card? Or maybe a picture frame? Worst case? Socks. Well, never fear. Here is my top list to "Upgrade Ya" (cue Beyonce in the background) ahem.... at least in terms of gift-giving. Giving your modest effort a 21st century twist. Let's begin:

1. The DVD Box

So, your friend likes television? Don't we all. Don't limit him to just one TV series give him the lot with a Netflix or Hulu+ subscription. You can pay for a certain amount of months at a time. My recommendation: 3.

2. MAKEUP SET

Instead of just one makeup palette, give the gift of finding new products. Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription (as is Ipsy) that give sample size products based off of a beauty quiz. Read my review of Ipsy v. Birchbox here.

3. THE GIFT CARD

Oh, the dreaded giftcard. The ultimate sloth-like gift. I get it, you want to give them something they want, but you have no idea what that is. Here is your solution: Giftly. A modern day way to give someone a giftcard with an idea in mind. Check out more here. 

4. SOCKS

Socks are no longer for the boy who was barely allowed to sit at the table. Foot Cardigan makes giving socks fun & easy. This website delivers one random pair of socks to the recipient every month. Talk about a gift that keeps giving.

5. PHOTOS

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.. well only if it was worth a thousand likes. Memorialize your Instagram photos with CanvasPop. A unique website designed to merge the digital and physical. 

I hope this helped your search for the perfect gift! Stay Crafty!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Battle of the Beauty Boxes: Birchbox v. Ipsy

You asked. I answered. I've been getting tons of requests for what I think about Ipsy v. Birchbox beauty boxes and which one I think is more worth the $10 a month (if either at all!) Here it is, in all of it's glory, my pro/con list for Birchbox and Ipsy.

In my humble opinion, I think both boxes have their individual charm and if you are willing to shell out $20/month, I would go for both! It all depends on your goal for subscribing to the box. For example, if your goal is to get a fun surprise in the mail each month and try out different hair, skin & makeup looks then both boxes would be a good investment for you. However, for someone like me who isn't too adventures with her beauty regime and likes to try sample products in hopes of finding a new staple product, then one box might fit your need better. 

Ispy is strictly a beauty subscription service while Birchbox often offers lifestyle items like skincare, perfumes, (I once got some stellar headphones), etc. Everyone month from Ipsy you receive a small makeup bag which is something that I really enjoy. I now have skincare and makeup travel size bags for anytime that I am on the go. It's great to be able to keep items organized. 

Ipsy also does generally send more products than Birchbox but you have to remember that the net cost of the Birchbox items are usually higher because the products are more expensive individually. Ipsy often features Sephora brands like Urban Decay, NYX, Costal Scents, and Zoya. Birchbox will feature brands like Nexxus, Beauty Blender, Benefit, and Julep.

If you follow me on instagram (@simplysabrinan) I always post my beauty boxes monthly to see what I got. (Here is a look at Ipsy for August). I have been a Birchbox subscriber on and off for 3 years and recently aimed to try Ipsy. Follow me in my journey though Instagram and see which box I decide to keep.

If you decide to sign up for Ipsy, you can do so here. 

If you decide to sign up for Birchbox, you can do so here.

So what's your verdict? #TeamBirchbox or #TeamIpsy?

*All opinions are my own and I am not sponsored by either Birchbox nor Ipsy for my thoughts or opinions.

FAITHFULLY

Top: F21, Blazer: Love21, Jeans: Levi, Bracelet: France

New Rule: I will title my blog post the name of whichever song is playing on my iPhone at the time. C'mon it's not like the title is actually supposed to be relevant, just interesting enough to get you to keep reading. Success? We will find out soon. 

I can't tell you guys how excited I am that my sister bought me a subscription to Birchbox for my upcoming birthday. For those of you who don't know, Birchbox is a company that mails you beauty & skincare samples in a beautiful box each month- based on a profile that you fill out online. Each box is only $10 dollars, and it's a great way to sample some otherwise very expensive products, especially without knowing if the sample will match your skin type / color (this is why they have a profile!) I will be blogging about my Birchbox experience and let you guys know if I think it's worth the buy!

Until next time, 

-S

P.S. How much do you love the new layout?