CAUSEBOX Review--Info and Why You Need It

all items opened and shown below...keep reading!

I'm a HUGE fan of sub boxes (give me all the things!) but instead of just makeup or jewelry, what if you had a box that actually gave back? What if you knew the products you were receiving were involved with charities or benefitted organizations? Sound amazing? It is! You need to check out CAUSEBOX. I'm sharing their Summer Box.

What is CAUSEBOX? Why Do I Need It?

The CAUSEBOX is a seasonal selection of socially conscious products for women. This means products that: 

• give back generously to underprivileged communities, 
• help provide jobs and sustainable income in underdeveloped areas of the world, 
• raise awareness for different charitable initiatives, 
• and empower people, help people, or otherwise make the world a better place. 

7% of every box sold is given back to charity, each and every quarter, which really adds up – and if you choose--you have the option to pick from several charity partners.

  

How Much Is CAUSEBOX?

Every box has at least $150 of retail value, and sells for $49.95/quarter. This box has $233 value! 

 
I think it makes an excellent gift for yourself or others!

What's In It?

Keepcup 6oz To-Go Cup $17 Value

The world's first barista-standard reusable coffee cup. Made from non-toxic BPA and BPS-free polypropylene with a splash-proof seal. I've enjoyed taking this with me on my daily drive to work.

Everly Hydrating Drink Mixes

How about a little something to put in that cup? I got samples of peach mango (my fave), pomegranate maqui berry, and green tea passion fruit. No additives, preservatives, or fake coloring — just better tasting water. AND they provide life-saving oral rehydration salts to treat sick children! 

Musana Bumba Necklace $36.00 R.V.

How pretty is this handmade necklace (and with barkcloth bag)? Musana is a nonprofit that aims to break the cycle of poverty in Uganda by providing stable employment and education for women. Musana means ‘sunlight’ in the local language of Luganda, and the artisans who crafted this necklace are truly a light within their communities!

Living On One Special Edition DVD $24

Follow along as four university students spend a Summer in rural Guatemalan living on $1/day to better understand the realities of poverty. Their videos about the experience went viral on YouTube and ultimately became this amazing, award-winning film. I can't wait to watch this. Have you seen it?

Love for Humanity Face Cream $58

Made with active botanicals that preserve collagen and elastin, which help to keep skin youthful and firm. This formula is organic, vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and made in USA. Every product sold means a meal provided through Feed the Children. This smells amazing and gives me very soft skin.

Parker Clay Upcycled Wrap Bracelet & PArker Clay Headband $48 and $16

This bracelet was handmade out of Ethiopian leather and melted down bullets found in the Ethiopian countryside — what was once intended for harm has been transformed into something of hope and beauty.

This headband is handcrafted by a small team of artisans in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and is a must-have summer accessory.

Sevenly Lemonade Print $24

I don't have this framed yet, so I'm cheating and sharing a pic instead. I'm making lemonade here! ;) Such a fun, positive phrase and cute for summer. This print was one of the all-time best sellers in the Sevenly marketplace. 

I just want to thank CAUSEBOX for letting me sample their summer box. I love everything about this organization an hope you will try them. Want a free box of your own? If you sign up for an annual subscription, enter the code "ELLESEES03" at checkout to get a free Spring CAUSEBOX.

For more info or to order, check out https://causebox.sevenly.org/

What was your favorite item from the box?

Extra Elle:

• I'm back from vacation. The beach makes me so happy and calm. The laundry and sand everywhere? Not so much! ;)
• My #JALS challenge for the month has kind of come to a halt. I did buy a nail polish rack to jump start it again. No idea what I'm talking about? Click here.

Chai & Chit Chat Vlog Plus Rants and Raves (Video)

Raves:
Hey you! I'm doing things a bit differently today, and sharing my weekly plus monthly updates together! I'm pretty delirious as I type this. First, I finally got my taxes done! It takes twice as long since I have all the blog paperwork. Taxes should be a "rant" but since they're done, I'm adding them to the "rave" pile!

One of my dear friends flew in for the weekend to celebrate her birthday, so we were all out pretty late, and then I got up early and drove 5 hours to my hometown to celebrate my Grandmother's 75th birthday (click to see my Instagram). I got to see my adorable niece and one of my handsome nephews. And then I drove right back the next day. So a whirlwind weekend for me! I'm exhausted.

Rants:
Google+! I've been driving myself crazy for a couple of months wondering why certain pictures of mine would come out really dark once I uploaded them. I tried everything. I finally figured out it was Google+. Apparently Google+ automatically "fixes" your photos and this was turning them dark. Boo. But at least now all is well. :)

Chai & Chit Chat:
I cannot believe March is ovah! Every month I make a video just for YOU sharing the highs and lows of the month. Yes! I have a Youtube channel (subscribe if you'd like) It gives you a chance to get to know me better, see my personality in action, hear my Southern accent (okay, not a highlight but still!), and most importantly, to see the World's Cutest Dog:

I mean, would you look at that cutie?? Find out what happened in March, my Drink of the Month, Blog News, Post of the Month, my favorite and not-so-favorite beauty products, and more--in fewer than 5 minutes. So without further ado, here's March in review (rhyme!):

Can't see the video? Click here.

PS: Got wrinkles? Got stretch marks? Wanna see 'em disappear? Enter to win a tube of Strivectin SD Advanced.

My Experience Using MoviePass

I was lucky enough to receive a free trial month of MoviePass. I've been loving being able to catch up on movies in the theater. Thanks, MoviePass!
What is it? MoviePass is an all-access pass to movie theaters nationwide.  

• For one flat monthly fee you get access to all of the biggest releases in theaters. MoviePass works at 95% of theaters nationwide. Click here to find theaters near you. 
• Members can see a movie a day for one low monthly fee.  Some restrictions apply.  There are no black out dates and all first run major releases are available.
• Think of it as a “Netflix-like experience” for the moviegoer as MoviePass allows you to go to as many movies as you desire!
• Plans vary from a movie a day to a movie a week, so you can pick the plan that best suits you.

My Experience:

• Once I finally got my card, I was curious to find out if it really would be easy to use. It was! Here's how I used it:
• When you join MoviePass you will receive your very own MoviePass VIP card that you can use at 95% of movie theaters where major credit cards are accepted.  Simply...

• I tried MoviePass at three theaters in Atlanta, and had no problems using the card. It made watching the latest releases easy and convenient.
• I love the fact that there are no blackout dates or blackout movies. I got to see everything I wanted when I wanted to see it. 
• I also like how you can choose a plan that works for you.
• Movie fans will love this, and it would make a great gift for teens.
• I highly recommend MoviePass!

Enter to Win a FREE YEAR of MoviePass!

The Movie Award season is in full swing.  Have you seen the Nominees and Winners? MoviePass is the best way to see them all! Enter below to win a year subscription.

The Oscar nominees have been announced and the Golden Globe Winners are in, kicking off the 2014 race to Hollywood's biggest night, The Academy Awards on March 2nd. So many movies to see in so little time.

We have a solution that you’re going to love.  MoviePass, an all access pass to movie theaters nationwide.  For one flat monthly fee you will get access to all of the biggest releases in theaters. It’s a great way to watch all the nominees and winners without breaking the bank.

MoviePass works at 95% of theaters nationwide. Click here to find theaters near you.  Members can see a movie a day for one low monthly fee. There are no black out dates and all first run major releases are available. Some restrictions apply.

With the price of movie tickets skyrocketing, MoviePass is a great way to stretch your entertainment budget and stay up-to-date on all of the biggest and latest releases. New York Times said:  "With MoviePass, see a movie a day without breaking the bank."

How Does MoviePass work?

MoviePass is a simple to use service that allows you to cut the lines at the movie theaters. When you join MoviePass you will receive your very own MoviePass VIP card that you can use at 95% of movie theaters where major credit cards are accepted.  Simply…

1. Download the App (available on both iOS and Android)

2. Check into the theater and movie you want to see

3. Use your MoviePass VIP card to pick up your ticket at the kiosk.

Check out this video to see MoviePass in action!

MoviePass from LaunchSquad Video on Vimeo.

MoviePass was featured as App of the Week in the New York Times and was also featured in WSJ, CNN, Los Angeles Times, Hollywood Reporter, Time Magazine just to name a few.

Get started today at MoviePass.com

Buy Movie Tickets online

Buy movie Theater tickets

Enter below for a chance to win a free year of movies from MoviePass. Be sure to like MoviePass on social media and share with your friends for extra entries. ENDS 2-27

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Attention Movie Fanatics: Check Out MoviePass!

Fact #87 about me: I'm a movie fanatic. So of course Awards Season is one of my fave times of the year. I make it a mission to see the nominated films and actors. I love doing it, but there are so many movies to see before the Oscars and so little time. 

But what if there was a better way?

Enter MoviePass. MoviePass is an all-access pass to movie theaters nationwide.  

• For one flat monthly fee you will get access to all of the biggest releases in theaters. It’s a great way to watch all the nominees and winners without breaking the bank. MoviePass works at 95% of theaters nationwide. Click here to find theaters near you. 
• Members can see a movie a day for one low monthly fee.  Some restrictions apply.  There are no black out dates and all first run major releases are available.
• With the price of movie tickets skyrocketing, MoviePass is a great way to stretch your entertainment budget and stay up-to-date on all of the biggest and latest releases. 
• Think of it as a “Netflix-like experience” for the moviegoer as MoviePass allows you to go to as many movies as you desire!

Plans vary from a movie a day to a movie a week, so you can pick the plan that best suits you. And it’s super easy to use! Just login to the MoviePass app, select your movie and showtime, swipe your MoviePass card at the kiosk and enjoy the show!

How Does MoviePass Work?

When you join MoviePass you will receive your very own MoviePass VIP card that you can use at 95% of movie theaters where major credit cards are accepted.  Simply...

Plans vary from a movie a day to a movie a week, so you can pick the plan that best suits you. And it’s super easy to use! Just login to the MoviePass app, select your movie and showtime, swipe your MoviePass card at the kiosk and enjoy the show!

 
MoviePass from LaunchSquad Video on Vimeo..

Can't see the video above? Click here to see MoviePass in action!

MoviePass was featured as App of the Week in the New York Times and was also featured in WSJ, CNN, Los Angeles Times, Hollywood Reporter, Time Magazine just to name a few.

Get started today at MoviePass.com

Buy Movie Tickets online

Buy movie Theatre tickets

I *know* you're going to love it! I can't wait to try it!

Happy Holidays Tag!

I am on a kick with doing tags--finally, right? Well, today's tag is in video form. It's 4 1/2 minutes and features a cameo by a certain pup. And I had to edit it 3 frustrating times, so please, please watch! Thanks MeetMissJackson for tagging me! Learn more about my holiday preferences in the...

1. Which Holiday do you celebrate? 
2. Favorite Holiday Meal/Dish? 
3. Favorite Holiday Treat? 
4. Favorite Holiday Drink? 
5. Favorite Holiday Movie? 
6. Favorite Holiday Show? 
7. Favorite Holiday Song? 
8. Sled Riding or Ice skating?
9. Do you make cookies? 
10. Favorite Holiday Memorie(s). 
11. Whats on your wish list?
12. Best thing you have gotten as a gift. 
13. Any other traditions? 
14. Are you making any resolutions? What are they?

Can't see the video? 
Click http://youtu.be/g8datpMFfS8

TAG YOU'RE IT!

PS: I'm in a contest and need your note--just like my pic!

Thank you!

Current Giveaways:

Pulsaderm Cleaning Brush--ends FRIDAY

Urban Decay Naked Palette 3

Troubleshooting Mascara Problems Tips & Tricks

Hey you! What are your weekend plans? It's my sister's 18th birthday (omg! tears!) and my family is headed to the beach for the day. I can't wait! In the meantime, I'm back with another video! I'm sharing tips and tricks to fix those mascara problems, like smudges, clumps, and even help for oily lids. Every time I make a video, something is wrong with me--it's the nerves of filming. This time I broke out in a rash on my neck, so that's why I'm not wearing a necklace (check out Instagram for a pic).

• Awkward Disclaimer: I had a cold, had on zero makeup, and had just gotten back from a 5-hour drive, so I was looking rough.
• I really pronounce "oil" in one syllable. It sounds like "bowl" minus the "b" but I knew that would be hard to understand, hehe.

Oily Lids

• Try an oil-free primer under the eye. I used one from Pixi.
• Drier formula mascaras
• Waterproof mascara--if you don't want to use it, just try it as a top coat or on the tips.

Smudges

• Clean your mascara wand completely and then reload.
• Avoid putting mascara on the tips--just brush on the roots and up
• Tilt you head back when applying.

Clumps

• Remove excess product before you apply to avoid clumps
• Brush a clean spoolie through your lashes after applying mascara

FOR MORE TIPS, PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO!

Have a great weekend! Be safe, behave and be well. Love, Elle

Winterlicious/December/Christmas Tags

My Christmas Nails, via my Instagram...follow me on there for pics like this and more of my pup :)

Every Christmas my Lil Sis and I do word searches, from this book I've had over 10 years, and we do surveys! Remember those from Myspace? And Blog Things? ;) Since it's the holidays, I thought I'd share a little something to do if you have a free moment/need an escape from family/bored/etc. Do a tag! I get tagged to do these, but I'm awful at remembering to do them, and thought for once I'd answer them here! Enjoy and I tag all of you! Answer here or on your own blog. Enjoy your day!

Winterlicious Questions:

1) Favorite Winter Nail Polish?
Orly Rockets Red Glare
2) Favorite Winter lip product?
Babylips
3) Most worn Winter clothing piece?
purple trench
4) Most worn Winter accessory?
scarves
5) Favorite Winter scent/candle?
sugar cookies or apple cinnamon
6) Favorite Winter beverage?
all of the starbucks holiday drinks, esp peppermint mocha
7) All time favorite Christmas/Holiday movie?
A Christmas Story
8) Favorite Christmas/Holiday song?
Silent Night, Christmas Wrapping
9) Favorite Holiday food/treat?
frosted sugar cookies
10) What is your favorite Christmas Decoration this year?
my tree, with my pup's pawprint (btw did you see his xmas card?)
11) What's at the top of your Christmas list?
watching nephews open presents; seeing family
12) What are your plans for the holidays this year?
visiting family in my hometown and opening gifts
_____________________________________________

DECEMBER QUESTIONS:

1. What do you love most about December?
Christmas
2. What is your favorite perfume to wear with the holidays?
Miss Dior Cherie
3. Which 3 products can't you live without this December?
moisturizing products, sparkly nails, red lips
4. What is your go-to look this month? Winged liner? Red lips? Tell us!
bold shadow looks, be it heavy liner or sparkly eyes
5. What is your favorite glittery product? It can be anything!
polish
6. Show us your favorite ornament from your Christmas Tree!
most of my ornaments are from my travels around the world, so those and a homemade one my sis made me when she was 6
7. Which candy are you going to eat too much of this month?
not really candy, more of baked goods
8. What is your favorite December/Holiday related movie or TV show to watch?
Christmas Story, Love Actually, Serendipity, CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS STORY, and the scary 1960s claymation (whatever you call it) movies
9. What do you really hope Santa has wrapped in a present for you this year?
Something expensive, since almost everything i wear on face/body is under $20
10. The Holidays are all about sharing the love, Who do you want to give a shout-out and why?
anyone who is a regular reader/supporter of my blog...that means the WORLD to me...THANK YOU!

____________________________________________________________________

1.- When do you start getting excited about Christmas?

day after thanksgiving

2.- Do you still have advent calendars?

yes, edible and collectible

3.- What are your favorite Christmas films?

Christmas Story

4.- Do you have any funny Christmas memories?

i would throw up every christmas from nervous anxiety...it's funny now.

5.- Talk us through your typical Christmas day.

wait on siblings/nephews to come over and open presents. spend the rest of day visiting 2-4 sets of families. 

6.- What do you eat for Christmas dinner?

pretty much the same as thanksgiving, but ham and chicken instead
7.- Do you have any Christmas traditions?

our parents get us lotto tix in our stockings. fact: i never win.
8.- Which are your favorite Christmas songs?

oh holy night, silent night, christmas wrapping, all i want for christmas is you
i prefer the old standards from the 50s, but i have a little of everything in my way-too-many-christmas-cds-collection.

9.- What is the best Christmas gift you ever received?

barbie dreamhouse!! 

10.- Real or Fake Christmas tree?

fake as a kid, but real as a grownup...i like both
11.- Worst present ever received?
Cheese slices from my neighbor

Answer if you'd like! Have a great day.

How To: Bella's Hair & Makeup from Breaking Dawn 2

pics via summit entertainment

I mentioned earlier this week I saw Break Dawn Part 2 and I loved the twist!! Omg. Being the Professional Blogger that I am (big time jk), I brought my mini notebook and pen, ready to take notes on Bella's vampire look. I jotted and drew, only to realize later that my pen was out of ink, and what I could see had been blurred by chocolate. Professional, indeed. So here's my tutorial on her hair and makeup, based on her look in the movie. It is very wearable and can be done on a drugstore budget or high end; just use colors that are similar to the ones pictured. Enjoy!

Hair
1 1/2 inch curling iron or hot rollers
brush, hairspray, heat protectant

• The look we want here is big, voluminous Victoria's Secret curls. Bella had lots of extensions wigs/magic to achieve this, so as long as the hair you're using is layered and long, this should work! 
• This can be done with freshly-washed hair, since the curls are so loose. I usually just divide my hair in half and curl each side.

• Begin by taking a one inch section of hair and use the curling iron to roll vertically from the ends to the root of hair. Hold for ten seconds and gently release the clamp to release the curls. Repeat all over hair. 

• Lightly tease or curl or spray roots to volumize them.
• Bella didn't really have her hair parted, so flip your head over and then back for extra oomph.
• To make it look more natural: 
• Vary hair sections to half and one inch.
• Vary the direction of curl (away, towards face). This means if you're holding the curling iron vertically, and the clamp is not facing you, your curls with be towards your face. If the clamp is pointed at you, the curls should turn out away from your face. This isn't required, just optional to make it look more natural.

Makeup
Foundation mixed with luminizer (optional)
Concealer, powder, eye shadow primer
Mascara
Half lashes (optional)
Eye Shadows in white, light brown, dark brown (I used The Balm's Nude Tude Palette)
Shadow brushes in flat, crease, and pencil
Bronzer to deeper cheekbones & blush brush
Lip Stain

While above you'll see what's needed to achieve the whole face, I'm focusing on the eyes in this tutorial, as the rest is self-explanatory.

Pat white shade onto inner corner of eye.

Pat light brown shade on the rest of lid.

Place darker brown shade into outer corner and blend into crease.

Using a pencil brush, run dark brown shade underneath bottom lashes.

Add white shade underneath eyebrow. Add mascara, false lashes if desired, and bronzer onto cheekbones. Lightly pat lip stain onto lips with fingers.

Eyes edited! Contacts can be purchased for around $30 online (um, no thanks).

She only had red eyes at the very beginning of the movie, before she fed, 

and honey-colored for the rest of the movie.

Have a great weekend! Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

Friday is the last day to enter my $100 Shopbop giveaway!

Summer Bucket List: Conclusion

Summer Bucket List by ellesees on Polyvore.com

Earlier in the summer, I posted my Summer Bucket List of things I wanted to do. Now that fall is here, let's see what I accomplished:

1.  Movies Outdoors--Instead of finding somewhere to watch movies under the stars, I decided to do it myself! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
2.  Beach--I didn't go, but went to West Virginia instead.
3.  Homemade ice cream--This one didn't happen either!
4.  Trashy or funny novels--I've been reading lots and lots, especially since it's my resolution this month. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
5.  Master the fishtail braid—I don't know why I didn't do this sooner! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

What was on your SUMMER BUCKET LIST? Did you achieve everything?

PS--Design Sponge Book Giveaway is happening. Enter today.

Elle Entertains: Movie Under the Stars

Happy first day of fall! One of the items on my Summer Bucket List was to host a Movie Under the Stars. And recently, I did! However, everything that could've gone wrong did. Sad face. But like any good (ha) hostess, I quickly changed plans and rallied. Even though things didn't turn out like I planned, everyone had fun. Happy face. This party was really cheap to put together too. Pass the popcorn, because you're invited:

{inspiration before Mother Nature Changed Said Plans}

{1,2,3}

1. My DIY project of paper bag luminaries was super easy--just use a hole punch! Unfortunately, it rained most of the day so I saved these and will use another time.
2. I wanted to use bean bags and such to lounge on, but it was too cold and wet so beach chairs came to the rescue!
3. Because of the rain, we ended up not using a backyard movie screen, but here's how to make one. Luckily, I had a friend who owned a projector, which we hooked up through his computer to play the movie. We kept all equipment on the porch and showed the movie on the side of the apartment building.

{1,2,3,4}

1. To keep it all super cheap, I just used typical movie snacks, but with a twist--we had a Popcorn Bar. Candy, butter, seasonings, were offered to good ole microwave popcorn. 
2. I made these Rum & Coke Slushies but it was so cold, I had hot chocolate on hand too.
3. Mexican Coke was available too. And I totally think I can tell the difference despite what studies say!
4. Cute straws make anything taste better. Am I right?

So there ya have it: my budget-friendly Movie Under the Stars. I definitely want to try this again in autumn and already have lots of ideas a-brewing.

Have a great weekend! What're your plans? I'm hanging out with my Lil Sis.

PS: I'm Guest Posting for Molly on A Foreign Land....go check it out!

Outfit of the Week: Summer Skin

When: July 5, 2011

Where: Midtown Art Theater

Why: Starz screening of Torchwood

How: Summer Skin, Death Cab for Cutie

Thanks to Entertainment Weekly, I had the opportunity to screen the new Starz original series Torchwood (based on the British series...if you like Sci-Fi, you’ll love this. I’m not a huge sci-fi fan, but really liked the pilot). I had no motivation or idea in my mind when I chose this outfit—I had just gotten home from work & wanted something summery (I thought of watermelons for colors) & cute. And this outfit was very inexpensive as well. Click the pic for more info.

• I started off with this green tee, that I don’t wear that I often but I really should.
• I paired it with a white skirt—one of my favorite summer pieces. I got mine from Old Navy ages ago.
• These sandals are from Forever 21; only $16!
• I wore this beaded bracelet for a pop of color.
• Before leaving, I painted a quick coat of Essie Polish...this color is always a summer staple.
• My new fave cheek stain worn also on my lips. My lip color lasted through snacking on my complimentary popcorn.
• Not pictured, but I sprayed some Sally Hansen Air Brush Legs to give me that "Summer Skin" in 60 seconds.
• Also not pictured: extremely messy post-work hair thrown into messy bun.

What's your favorite outfit this week?

Have you entered this month's GIVEAWAY?

Let's Go to the Movies! Shameless

pic from Sho.com

I'm a *huge* movie fanatic and am a member of the Midtown Art Cinema Society. I'm also a longtime subscriber to Entertainment Weekly Magazine.

Every now and again the club, along with Entertainment Weekly Magazine give me the opportunity to peep a new movie or television show (see a previous event here) for free. I also get free refreshments, so it's always a good time. The show up for review is the Showtime Channel's Shameless. 

I'm a fan of the popular UK version of this show, and like all UK to American versions, I'm always skeptical. Anyone remember the American version of Coupling? Exactly. However, I found the pilot to be a faithful adaptation to its UK original. So what's it about?

Shameless is the adventures of alcoholic father Frank Gallagher and his kids in Chicago trying to survive. Despite the seriousness of that description, it's a comedy and a funny one at that. I love the family dynamic, and how effectively the series shows nearly every Gallagher and the problems that affect him/her.

William H. Macy plays the stereotypical, almost caricature, alcoholic who will never be up for Father of the Year. He's in few scenes and is usually passed out or mumbling. Emmy Rossum, of Phantom of the Opera fame, plays Fiona, Frank's daughter but clearly the Mother-Hen. She really shines in this role. Another standout is Gallagher son Lip, Jeremy Allen White. Solid performances exist throughout.

Review: I liked it! I wish I had Showtime to see how the show pans out once it has original plot lines and doesn't borrow from the British version. If you know what you're in for (see warnings below), I think you'll like it.

When & Where: Showtime, Sundays, 10pm

Warning: Lots of sex, drugs, violence, and nudity. Even though Shameless is about a family, this is FAR from a family show. Adults only! Pay attention to the opening credits, for it is then you are introduced to the whole Gallagher clan and neighbors.