Handy Dandy: How to Keep Cottage Cheese Fresh

Here's a tip to keep your cottage cheese last even longer - store the container upside down in your refrigerator. This helps in slowing down the effects of the oxidation process!

Luxe for Less - Miu Miu Flared Heel Pump

Today's "Luxe for Less" feature is dedicated to Miu Miu's Flared Heel Pump.

I'm sure you have seen this pump before. it's probably one of the better known shoes by Miu Miu. It's famous for it's 'flared' heel. This patent leather pump features a 5 inch heel with a 1 inch platform and retails at just under $600. It's pretty gorgeous.

But not gorgeous enough to blow $600 on!

Aldo's "Worstell" pump instantly reminded me of the Miu Miu pump. While this is comes in rich suede upper, it has a similar flared heel. The "Worstell" features a 4.5 inch heel with a 1 inch platform. Oh and it costs significantly less - just under $60!!!

Hmmm....$60 or $600...what's your pick?

Glossybox

After hearing (and seeing!) of Glossybox from Pretty Shiny Sparkly back in May, I have finally received my very first Glossybox!

Glossybox is a monthly subscription service that provides top of the line beauty products in a sample size for just $21 a month. The concept of Glossybox is similar to that of Birchbox, but right off the bat, I have to say that it is much better! (*While Birchbox is only $10 a month, the samples were nothing to write home about. I cancelled my Birchbox membership after a few months because I didn't feel it was worth my $10.*) With Glossybox, each sample size is larger than your typical sample size - I would say they are more similar to travel sizes. And they aren't your run-of-the-mill samples of brands that you can find at a drugstore - these are higher end brands found at pricier retailers.

Glossybox personalizes the items they send you based on your beauty profile - so you aren't receiving items that are sent to everyone. These are tailored just for you!

The interior of the Glossybox looks like this - everything is wrapped in their signature black and pink packaging. Aside from just the pretty packaging, your Glossybox comes to you in a sturdy, well constructed pale pink box. This is definitely a box you can reuse to store pictures, jewelry or other items!

My box included this 'Glossy Mag' which featured summer beauty trends and tips!

The information card features the theme of the box (this month's theme is 'Summer Simplicity') and the back of the card gives you a listing of the items you received, complete with item descriptions and the full sized retail prices. My items retailed from $12 - $150! I love how you get to sample higher end beauty products with Glossybox!

Top Row, L-R: First Aid Beauty Smooth Shave Cream / Ahava Mineral Botanic Hibiscus & Fig Velvet Cream Wash / A Perfume Organic in Urban Organic

Bottom Row, L-R: Ofra Cosmetics Eye Shadow ICE / vBEAUTE Lite Up, Buying Time & Eye Never / Wella Professionals Enrich Moisturizing Treatment

I am super excited to try these luxe beauty products out. I may not be able to buy them again at their  full retail price but the good thing is that I can have a good handle at what may be worth the repurchase vs not. It's a really great way to try out products that you might not have given a second look just based on their price along!

Glossybox does have a referral program but right now, it's by email invitation only. So if you are interested in trying out Glossybox, please send me an email - theprettyfactorblog@gmail.com - and I will send you the invitation link. Once you register your account, you will take their beauty profile survey - this will help in customizing the box of products that Glossybox will send you each month!

I highly recommend giving Glossybox a try - so send me an email today (theprettyfactorblog@gmail.com) and you can get yourself started!

*This is not a sponsored post. I paid for my Glossybox and now I'm talking about it! :)

Friday's Five

My five favorites this week...

#1 - I signed up for Polyvore awhile ago but never really got into it. Then I was putting together my Anchors Aweigh post and learned how to make my first fashion collage. Now I wonder how I didn't play on it sooner...it's genius! You can follow me on Polyvore HERE.

#2 - Sour Skittles. This is not really just applicable to this week. I love them any week!

#3 - Is anyone as obsessed with the new remake of Dallas as I am?! I am hooked!

#4 - I've always like margaritas. And smelling them is pretty good too - Island Margarita has been burning up at home all week. It smells just like summer. :)

#5 - if you have an iPhone, then you need to add the app, Poshmark. One stop shopping and selling! But I am warning you...it's dangerous! ;)

 Search for me - theprettyfactor

Bauble Swap by Because Shanna Said So

Can you guess what this is??

If you guessed that it's what I received in the Bauble Swap hosted by Because Shanna Said So, then you are correct!

Tasha from twenty-something. was my partner in this Bauble Swap and she sent me this gorgeous mother-of-pearl necklace!

Isn't it amazing?! Tasha purchased it in China and never got to wear it herself - I am so happy that she chose to send me her treasure! I cannot wait to wear it!

Thank you Tasha for sending this beautiful necklace my way!

And thank you Shanna for hosting such a fun swap!