Unboxing BDJ Box July- A Whole Lot Of Pampering Goodness!

My July BDJ Box arrived and you can just imagine my sister and I's excitement as we learned that the box was arriving. Before that, I already knew what the contents were because some gals were already posting photos online of their unboxing but we still had fun. My Sis even assisted me with the unboxing photos.

This is the whole package which looks so compact, but don't let the small size fool you because...

It's got a whole lot of Dove love and the usual treats from BDJ Box. Not bad for the month of July right? 

It's my first time to receive a BDJ Box, which was supposed to be a belated birthday present. Since all of the June slots were already sold out, I was able to get a slot for July. This month's theme is all about Head to Toe Pampering, and BDJ sure knows how to reward hardworking girls in the middle of the year.

When I first heard about the Top to Toe Pampering theme, I prepared myself for spa products, but now that I see all the Dove goodies and even added makeup, I think it's still more than enough to have a full body pampering experience.

Now look at this love from Dove, (fun rhyming!) there are all full-sized products that is enough to make me feel pampered. I'm a long time Dove user so this has just saved me at least a thousand bucks in my body care supply! Even Mommy is impressed... =D 

For this month, the BDJ team prepared a buffet of Dove pampering. Here, there is just not one but two bottles each of full-sized hair care for the crowning glory. There is the Dove Damage Therapy Intense Repair Shampoo 180 ml (2 bottles) and the Dove Damage Therapy Intense Repair Conditioner 180 ml (2 bottles). For the body, this will be handy for me as I travel at the end of this month, so I should be sure to pack the Dove White Beauty Bar Moisturizing Milk 135g. 

And for the BDJ Box itself, it's still oozing with sweetness and goodness, not to mention the most interesting stuff I have ever had my hands on... The color palettes in here are just what I need!

  

So what am I looking forward to with this month's beauty products? I am no stranger to Dove, and I am a big fan of the Energizing line because of its squeaky, clean scent for bath bar and deodorant. But receiving a super-generous line of eight full-sized products can just simply make anyone's day, and I have to say I can't wait to try the Dove Damage Therapy Intense Repair Treatment Mask 200 ml. I still have a small bottle of the Intense Repair Shampoo in the bathroom right now even as we speak and this could help me with my hair fall issues.

Another Dove full-sized product that I am excited to try is the Dove Whitening Original Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Aerosol 169 ml. I have been using the stick and roll-on for many years now, so using a spray deo is a first for me. At least I don't have to worry because Dove is gentle on my skin-even my underarms.

Now from the July BDJ Box itself, it's a treat that I am glad not to have missed. This box really caught my attention. I can't wait to try the Enchanted Eyeshadow and I got the Pixie Dust Shimmer Eye Palette Nude Eyes. 

 I like that this palette I received consists of neutrals which is really wearable for me. This only means that the team pays attention to my beauty profile and personal preferences since wearing anything too loud is not appropriate for a corporate environment. The super-tiny-sparkly formulation makes me feel like I am staring at real pixie dust! =p

Another plus is the usable applicator. I say usable because I have other eyeshadow palettes that promise good color but kind of fall back on the applicator since I don't really like to bring around a long eyeshadow brush in the bag.

Another sweet treat I like is the Too Cool for School BB Cream  from the BDJ Box. Lunch Box is a Korean Brand and they gave me the travel size tube. This is just perfect for an upcoming trip next week to visit relatives. So yeah, this is a keeper.

I really think the packaging is cute and clever. 

Well it was my sister who announced dibs on this one. She is a regular user of Revlon lippies but to tell you honestly, this is my first time to own a Revlon lipstick of my own. The usual brands that I have come to know are Mary Kay, Human Nature and Maybelline. But now, I have an added shade and I think I can experiment with this. 

I have heard of many positive reviews about Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter, as for the shade I got, it's in Raspberry Pie. It's a deep maroon pink shade. I haven't swatched it yet so let's see if it suits my skin tone. 

So far, these are the highlights of the whole July BDJ Box. There are still a lot of products in here like the Beach Hut Sunblock, Foot Appeal Mask, and the Sure Slim Voucher.

All in all, I think this is a great box, not to mention it is practical and there are a lot of good items putting the total estimated amount to over Php 4, 070. Whew. Just looking at that amount gives me a proud feeling. It's a good box, if not excellent. It makes me curious as to what's next. All the August boxes are already sold out but the September boxes are open for reservations.

It's tempting, I know. But I am more than satisfied with this month's box and receiving a July BDJ Box simply strengthens my interest that I could gift a similar one to a very special woman come October this year.

The BDJ Box team deserves a pat on the back for the job well done they have made. From the friendly responses I get in Twitter from their official account, to the carefully selected products that they offer, I am tempted to continue a subscription for more months to come. 

See how quick they are to respond to a simple question? 

So are you a Dove user too? Have you subscribed to any sampling boxes so far? What are your thoughts? 

If you haven't joined my Firmoo giveaway yet, you can check it out here. I hope you had a good weekend! =D 

Giveaway: Win Raisie Speaks+ Firmoo Eyeglasses!

Who has not heard of Firmoo?

Firmoo is the Global Online Optical Store that is generously offering practical and stylish eyeglasses for everyone. Firmoo has a complete line of computer glasses, fashion sunglasses and even classic series that come in many designs. If you need specialty eyewear and have a specific prescription, you can get inexpensive eyeglasses with high quality so that you can access good eyewear and see better.

Some time ago, Firmoo offered me free eyeglasses and I still have them up to this day.

Here are some personal picks from the classic series.

Retro Style Glasses

Unisex White Frame Retro Style Glasses

You can join and win $20 e-vouchers which you can use to purchase Firmoo eyewear so that you can give their products a try. There will be six grand winners of this giveaway, however if the number of participants will be over forty, there will be one grand prize winner as long as their shipping address provided is serviceable, then all is well and good. 

Only those who leave a valid comment telling which eyeglasses from the classic series you would want will be regarded as valid participants. You can also be a part of the Firmoo First Pair Free Program so that you and your family can test out the eyewear from Firmoo. If the total number of participants reach over 80, well that's all and good, yours truly can also win a free pair.

All you need to do is follow the mechanics and be sure to check your email regularly just in case you won!

So are you ready? Get set. Go!

Entry-Form

Book Review: The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman

How fast do you think you can finish a book? My reading speed is all ups and downs but my friends at my reading group can read fast and even finish 4-6 books in a month, even more! Yeah, I am back with my book reviews. This one is a little overdue which got me thinking that I should review books as soon as I finish them. I've still got my eyes on new books from the supplier, and I am on a lookout for other book blogs that will be willing to exchange links with me, if you are interested, would you let me know? Hint: leave a comment below...

I have already mentioned that I started reading Strange Pilgrims by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and didn't get beyond the introduction. I can't help feeling sad that I can't read it when I want to. It just won't load... I don't even know how this could happen, I have yet to figure it out. But I also think it comes at a reasonable time when I have a lot of projects to finish and both my parents are home, I have had a blast spending time with them together to make up for the bonding moments that we missed the past three months.

So on to the book review...

Highlights of the Book: Themes, Issues and Characterization
(Warning: May Contain Spoilers) 

Some issues and themes worth noting in this book is the balance of work and personal lives, as well as trying to maintain the professionalism in the workplace. As the correspondents strive to meet deadlines, there is the issue of a 50 year old publication staying afloat in the dot com era.

I liked that this came from the perspective of a staff operating an international newspaper. The issues touched were meaningful, and that these are the stories of ordinary people. Instead of a bulk of it being just one perspective, it is a breakdown of various characters and their relevance to their workplace. Tom Rachman gives a varied voice and style for the different characters, even just the supporting ones. It seems that this is a young author to look out for.

The themes that the book touches are love and family life, career and security, and faithfulness or loyalty. Each chapter in the book provides a glimpse in the life of each employee, and in between, there is the history behind the international newspaper, of how it started, but the true reason behind why it was founded is not revealed until the last two chapters. What goes on beyond the professional surface is more intriguing compared to how each correspondent and editor deals with in the workplace.

As for issues, enter the battle of the printed word and daily circulation of an international newspaper versus digital content that can be downloaded and shared in seconds. Usually the thin line is crossed between the relevance and truth of news reporting versus sensationalized stories. Here, the rich stories and challenges of being in the journalism profession is told. I can also personally relate to this side because of my involveent with the printed word having been a scriptwriter and editor in the past.

 The character I could truly relate with is Kathleen, the editor in chief of the paper because I somehow admire her drive and her ambition, being a tough woman in the workplace otherwise dominated by men, and the way she checks facts to protect the paper's credibility. Also, the obituary writer has quite a transformation as he transforms from a lazy but dedicated father to a work-committed editor but unfocused husband.

I also like that each chapter is titled with newspaper headlines which are parallel to each character's story and experiences-this is a novel way of introducing memorable characters to the reader.

Who Could Enjoy The Book 

This book is for people who are curious about what it means to be a print journalist in the midst of a dot com age where reporters from all over the world are facing, and how an international print newspaper can survive. Also, if you are curious as to how the balance between personal life and working life is achieved or rather in constant turmoil, then this book is for you. 

About the Author

People still write good books. 

That's what Discovery said about Tom Rachman and he is considered as one of the best discoveries of 2010, including Andrew Garfield. 

Tom Rachman was born in 1974 in London, but grew up in Vancouver. He studied cinema at the University of Toronto and completed a Master's degree in Journalism at Columbia University in New York. From 1998, he worked as an editor at the foreign desk of The Associated Press in New York then did a stint as a correspondent in India and Sri Lanka, before returning to New York. He was sent to Rome in 2002 as an AP correspondent where his assignments brought him to Japan, South Korea, Egypt and Turkey. He began as a part time editor in 2006 at the International Herald Tribune in Paris in order to support himself while writing fiction. He currently resides in London and is working on his second novel. 

What Other People Are Saying About The Book

It seems that I am not the only one who is quite happy about this book. Other book groups have shared their reactions and you can view them here

The New Yorker

Good Reads

Tom Rachman Site 

If you happen to like this book and pick up this copy, would you want to let me know? 

What types of books capture your interest? 

New Sample Room Goodies

How have you all been? I can't believe that a lot can happen in just a week. But that's life, and it all depends on how fast you can react to the events, and how well one can manage it all.

I am just glad my e-library is back. That only means that I can continue my reading habits. However, I have encountered problems with the title that I am most interested in. Every other title seems to load just fine. I have to look into the memory card though.

But blogwise, I have some surprises coming in store for you this month. You might want to look out for the next posts here and follow me on Bloglovin to be the first to know.

Here are some goodies that I received from Sample Room. You can watch out for the reviews for these products soon. In the meantime, I won't stay long, I have a huge project that I have to finish and I hope you all are having a good week. Hang in there, tomorrow is Friday!

Clickables

Twitter

Bloglovin

Currently Reading: Strange Pilgrims by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

I'm on a hold right now from reading because I have a ton of writing tasks that are too technical and just getting the facts straight is tricky alone. Another thing is that Momsy is on travel and she brought the digicam and tablet with her which puts my reading on hold too and that leaves me with more beauty products review without any suitable photos to use just yet.

Behind the scenes, I am babysitting our one-year old Fiona. She whines every thirty seconds. But I still let her rest on my lap and cover her with a blanket when she feels cold.

So, I shall wait for my ebook library to arrive then and write as fast as I can on those technical reports and writing tasks. But for next month my reading group in Goodreads have chosen Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita for the discussion. Momsy is reading Tolstoy right now. Does this mean I should go for an actual ebook reader instead of just a tablet?

Ok, ok, ok, currently reading (but put to a halt) Strange Pilgrims by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. (I can't believe I still have not posted my review on Tom Rachman's The Imperfectionists...)

G.G. Marquez is an old-favorite of mine, I got to collect and read many of his novels except Strange Pilgrims. Everybody else knows that I like to read his works, but every time someone goes out of town and passes by the bigger bookstores, I am always unlucky. Now that I have the ebook, it went traveling without me. But I can still wait...

In the meantime, here is a compilation of all the splendid book covers for your inspiration. I've always had his books in Random House editions, but there are other book covers that are even more impressive.

 What are you currently reading, avoiding, completing? 

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