NewBeauty TestTube Winter 2013

NewBeauty TestTube is another subscription service, but this one focuses more on skincare.  I loved what I got in my Winter 2013 tube.  You can find out all the info about the TestTube here: http://www.testtube.newbeauty.com/

The first item was a sample size of Vichy Liftactiv Serum10 and Liftactive Eyes.  I'm not really old enough yet to get much use out of these products, but I tried it on my skin and it didn't irritate my skin or anything, so that's good.

I also received a full size Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser ($35 value!).  I have been using it nightly and think it does a great job of cleansing and removing my face makeup.  I can't say if it's done anything for my pores though.  But I will definitely use all of this.

There were some items that everyone got and then some random ones that everyone got some of.  This was one of those random items.  It is the colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Sun Protection.  I looked it up online and it is a full size product worth $50!  It is a powder sunscreen which is something I had never used before.  It's nice that it doesn't leave icky greasiness behind like normal sunscreen, and it seems to work well.  Living in Hawaii I will have plenty of opportunity to use this.

Another item was a sample of Stila Skincare Face the Day moisturizer.  This item seems to do it's job quite well, but it sure smells strong.  Not in a perfume way, in like a chemical way.  It's kinda weird.  But it seems like a nice, non-greasy moisturizer and I will use it.

This full size Mally Eyeliner was another of the random items.  I feel like I really lucked out with my random items because some people didn't sound as happy with theirs.  Or maybe I am easy to please.  This eyeliner is pretty good.  I am not a black eyeliner kinda gal, but this one is a bit softer than normal blacks so I can pull it off.  It also seems to stay better than most pencil eyeliners I've used.

A full size item that everyone got was a Tarte Amazonian Clay blush (worth $25.)  I'm afraid I am not quite skilled with blush as I tend to avoid it since my skin can be reddish at times.  But I have tried this out a few times and it seems pretty nice.  It is a very bright almost purply pink color so I have to go very light on it and blend it in well. 

 

The last item which isn't really exciting but is very useful is a packet of Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes.  I tried one out and it doesn't bother my skin and seems to take off makeup just as well as the rest of them.  I will be saving most of these for when I travel, as they are very convenient for that.

So there it is, my NewBeauty TestTube.  Overall I was very happy with what I got and have found a use for everything.

Pillbox Hike

The Pillbox Hike is in Lanikai near 269 Kaelepulu Drive.  You walk up what looks like either a street or a driveway at that address and you will see the sign for the Pillbox Hike.  This is a great hike.  It is not very difficult (I managed just fine in slippers, which is what Hawaiians call flip flops.)  But the view from the top is extraordinary, overlooking the amazingly beautiful Lanikai beach.  The 'pillboxes' are small old military outposts that you can climb in and explore.  This is a very fun hike and I would highly recommend it if you are looking for something that isn't too hard but very rewarding.

The Amazing Adventures of Us and Our Friends

It has been great having friends and family come visit us.  In December, my immediate family came, then January my dear cousin Haley came.  In February, Blake's cousin Colette and her friend Lindsay visited us.  In March, Aaron's friend Bryce crashed at our place for a few days.  And then in April, my friends Nicole and Nathan stayed in a newly-vacated room in our house.  I've already blogged about the first two visits, so now I'll blog about the last three.

First, Colette and Lindsay.  We sure had some fun with those two.  I had never met Lindsay before and had only seen Colette a few times, but I think they are both amazing people and I'm so glad they came!  We had to work a lot when they were here, but we got to spend a couple days with them and we filled it with awesomeness.  We hiked Maunawili falls again, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite hikes.  It's just long enough to be a good hike, but not too difficult or steep.  This time it was super muddy because there had been rain recently, and believe it or not I thought it was extremely fun.  I did end up with mud all over my clothes and skin though, haha.  This time we decided to jump in the pool and swim around.  Here's a video of Colette and Lindsay jumping in.

I have video of me jumping in too somewhere... but I can't find it now.  It's probably on Blake's phone.  It is probably pretty hilarious because I screamed like my death was approaching.  So now I have done my cliff jumping and I'm done forever.  ;)  After that we got lunch at my favorite, Mexico Lindo, since it is like 2 miles away from the hike, then went to Pali Lookout to see the sights.  It was actually super windy this time, I mean it's always kind of windy but this time is the most windy I have ever seen it.

The next day we went to the Aloha Stadium Swap meet in the morning.  It was okay, but I'd rather go to the International Marketplace because it's smaller and doesn't cost money to get in.  It definitely was worth it though because Blake bought my V-day gift there.

Then we went paddleboarding.  That was something I had never done before and kind of wanted to try.  Lucky for us Colette and Lindsay had rented one using a Groupon.  I don't know why I never thought of looking on Groupon for Hawaii stuff before.  I did think paddleboarding looked kind of lame, so my expectations were low and it ended up being more fun than expected.  Not a can't-miss kind of fun, but not super boring like I thought it would be.  Three stars.

And the girls had to take a picture of our feets because we all had pink polish.  Presh!  Guess which ones are mine haha.

Hint, I'm the one that lives in Hawaii.

Next up is Aaron's friend Bryce.  Aaron did lots of stuff with Bryce that we didn't do and so I can't really tell you about all that.  But we did do the Pillbox Hike with them and go to Makapuu beach to watch them attempt to body surf.

The only picture I took of Bryce

And just a few days ago, Nicole and Nathan headed home after a fun week in Hawaii.  We had to work several of the days they were here, but thanks to the jellyfish stinging the heck out of people at Hanauma Bay we got an extra half day off to spend with them.  (Sorry to those people who got stung, estimates were around 35 of you.)  The first day I got to spend time with them we went to Sea Life Park.  We watched one of the shows together and then I got to watch them do the Dolphin Royal Swim.  Which was really fun to watch but also slightly jealousy-inducing.

Yes, he's riding on dolphins

Yes, she's being kissed by a dolphin

We also found a shorter hike that takes you to a waterfall that you can jump off.  I think it's called Nuuanu Falls.

Nicole taking the plunge

Then we went up to North Shore, starting at the Dole Plantation, then Waimea Bay where we got the crap beat out of us, then to Matsumoto's.  Because you can't visit the North Shore without going to Matsumoto's.

So that was going to be all the time we had for them, until....

So then we hiked on the Old Pali Road to a waterfall.  Which was barely trickling, but oh well.  Then went to Lanikai Beach and ended the day with malasadas.

Thank you everyone who visited us and shared their vacations with us!  It has been a blessing for us living out here so far from friends and family.  We don't have any scheduled visitors for May yet, but Colette has decided to move to Hawaii and she'll be coming at the beginning of the month!  We are very excited to have her around for the summer.