Wake Me Up When September Begins...

With profuse apologies to Green Day, it is the God's honest truth.  It's September 1st.  I'm watching THE Ohio State University in their opening game against Miami University.  Normally, I would be all psyched up for the opening weekend of NCAA football for the ENTIRE week beforehand, but I found myself waking up this morning a little surprised on how September has completely sneaked up on me. I am completely aware of how it happened, though. I spent the better part of the second half of August, which included my 39th birthday, worrying and obsessing about the impending nuclear bomb explosion that would become our daily family schedule.  I'm usually not like that, though. I embrace "change" as an integral part of life and have never had a problem with it.  But this time, it got me, both physically and mentally. Sweet Pea (Kindergarten) and Monkey Man (PreK 3) have started school....milestone beginnings for both.  That got me. BAD.  I am starting a brand new schedule at work.  For weeks, I obsessed about just getting it all STARTED so I could settle in to the new routine.  Again, when did I become my mom...the person in the world most opposed and apprehensive to change who I ever met?!? I'm not quite to Mimi status, but it scares me that I'm meandering down that path.

So, here's my August catch-up post.  First off, here's the kiddos in all their FIRST DAY splendor.  Both of them love school! I am anxious for Monkey to get the chance to be around other kids his age, enjoy the routine, expectations and social challenges of school, and play with some BOYS for a change.  We are RICH in the female department when it comes to family and friends.  He needs some testosterone :)  Boys are just such different creatures at this age.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         

My August Birchbox review is LATE, LATE, LATE!  I received my box LATEr than normal, August 14th.     We were at Cedar Point all day that day, so I missed the delivery.  This month's theme was appropriately "Beauty School".  My friend Michelle, of The Gianni Tree, received hers on time and shared her contents with me via Instagram, so I knew what could be in my box. I was excited.  However, my medium Brown Box held temporary disappointment.  While the contents card listed products I was excited to try, two were missing from my box.  I immediately contacted Birchbox Ops, as they call it, and was promptly taken care of by Anastasia who assured me they would get the missing products out to me ASAP.  So, seeing as I was missing some key components, I really couldn't give a great review of my Birchbox.  They did arrive LATEr the following week, but by then, I was in full stress mode and really didn't think much about it until today! So, here is my legitimately LATE Birchbox review :)

A very informative and helpful "Beauty School" booklet was included. It had useful info on the staple tools of a make-up artist and how to use them; how to READ a product label and what all those active/inactive ingredients in products mean; 5 tips to a better shave (to go along with the razor); make-up quick fixes and a 3:00 minute skin care routine.  All extremely USEFUL!

CALDERA HAND SOAP

This was one of the missing products from my box. I have heard wonderful things about Caldera soaps, but haven't used any yet.  It is a small sample size I have tucked into my make-up bag for emergency soap situations for either me or the kids.

JUICY COUTURE "Viva la Juicy La Fleur" perfume

Hot dog! Another floral based sample perfume. It's lovely and light.  Tried a few squirts on the way out the door to the mall last weekend! This was the second missing product from my box.

OSMOTICS Blue Copper 5 Firming Elasticity Repair

I have been using this as my night time face cream since I received it.  It's a smooth, blue, almost ointment consistency cream.  I like it.  A little goes a long way, it blends in quickly and doesn't feel heavy.  My skin looks hydrated and doesn't feel dry when I wake up. 

SHU UEMURA Art of Hair Moisture Velvet Nourishing Shampoo and Treatment

I haven't used these yet, but I LOVE trying out new hair products.  I color my hair and am always looking for products that lengthen the life of my color and keep my hair healthy.  I am going to give this stuff a shot as soon as I use up my current shampoo and conditioner.  I'll update after my test run.

SCHICK HYRDRO SILK 5-BLADE RAZOR

This product was included in ALL Birchboxes for customers this month.  This razor in incredible. I have never had a closer shave that has lasted longer.  I wish I would've had this razor all summer long! Although, I am to the point where I am so ready for fall so I don't have to shave my legs as much anymore ;-P, this razor makes it a little easier by having to shave every two days instead of every other day. The handle is so comfortable and really allows you to control the head well.  That's important, because with 5 blades, this thing is a lethal weapon if you're not careful!!! The refill pack are around $14.00 for 5 replacement blades, which is much better than the $11.00 (or so) I was paying for 3 replacement heads with my old razor.  A definite recommendation for this one!

If you're interested in finding out more about Birchbox, check out my first post about them or register here to get in on the fun!

So please excuse my blatant disregard for timely blogging ;)  I promise that during my favorite time of year, FALL, there will be plenty to talk about in The KrausHouse.  Hopefully, my first sports related postings too as the Browns get their season underway.  You wouldn't know it by the contents of this blog, but I am A MAJOR SPORTS honk, especially all things Cleveland sports.  Football brings out the best (or worst) in me! Just wait and see :)

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