Subscription Box Reviews

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Though there isn’t a theme to this box I found one. ENERGY.  Here is what is going to energize me this month! WOOHOO Bulu!

Perky Jerky ~ A Healthy, satisfying snack made from all-natural ingredients.  A good source of protein and flavored with Guarana.

FRS Healthy Energy  Chews ~ Pineapple/Mango.  Formulated with quercetin, a powerful, all-natural antioxidant found in foods such as red apples, these soft chews satisfy your sweet tooth and provide sustained energy when used daily.

Almased ~ A blend of only honey, soy and yogurt, for a formula so safe that even people with diabetes can use it. It nourishes the body as it stimulates healthy, long-lasting term weight loss.

Reserveage CocoaWell True Energy with AdaptoStress3 ~ Energy cocoa! An adaptogenic herb blend and naturally sourced caffeine that helps enhance energy.

Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant ~ Crystal infused towelette offers all the great benefits of the award-winning deodorant in a convenient packet. Lavender scent.

To get y0ur own Bulu Box go to www.bulubox.com

I paid for my own box and all opinions or lack of are 100% my own. 🙂

 

This month’s classic box focuses on gratitude, appreciation and thankfulness. Here is what the card reads as well as this month’s quote.

Express Appreciation

The air turns brisk and the leaves get crisp as winter whispers into the world again.  With the changing season should come a change of pace, as we pause to reflect upon the most important elements of life: family, friends and community. Focus on giving thanks for everything both big and small, and find ways to express your appreciation – not only with words, but through actions that say what you mean.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”  ~John F. Kennedy

 

 

Along with literature sharing how to use products and a coupon here is what I got this month.

Freekeh Grains
8 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, low-fat, and just as easy to cook as rice, this all-natural ancient grain is the perfect change of pace from the regular starches that crowd our plates. Use it in soups, pilafs, salads or just about anything else. And pat yourself on the back while cooking it—this food is also good for our land, farmers, and our health!

Justin’s Organic Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut butter cups are just about the most delicious thing in the world. Now take the idea and blend it with the finest organic peanut butter and then lusciously wrap it in fair trade, organic chocolate of the highest quality, and voilà! You’ve got Justin’s Organic Peanut Butter Cups! Cut them into fourths, stick in a toothpick, and you’ve got an incredible holiday snack to enjoy while you mingle.

L’Ecuyer’s Gourmet Caveman Rub
With winter at our doorstep culinary pursuits may begin to seem duller. Grits, granola, porridge… bleh! Lucky for us, L’Ecuyer’s Gourmet is here to spice up the season. Chili powder, cumin, sea salt, oregano, and a whole mess of peppers makes this seasoning rub something that’ll get Santa sweating from excitement. Cavemen need flavor too!

Organic India Tulsi Tea
Tulsi, also know as Holy Basil, has long been considered the “Queen of Herbs” in India. Empowered with immune support that helps the body relieve stress, a cup of Tulsi tea can settle the mind and soul as the final days of the year begin to count down. Take a moment and relax—you deserve it!

Pamela’s Backing & Pancake Mix
It’s amazing how light, fluffy pancakes can make everything right with the world. Wake up to them every morning with Pamela’s awesome baking and pancake mix. 8 grams of whole grains per serving and YES, totally gluten-free 🙂 What are you waiting for? Get that griddle started!

SweetLeaf Sweat Drops Sweetener
High fructose corn syrup got you in the dumps? Tired of needing a heaping spoonful of sugar in your morning coffee to make it drinkable? Us too. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce Sweet Drops, a crafty stevia-based sweetener by SweetLeaf. Add it to anything for a sweet, sugar-free flavor! Goodbye, morning sugar crash—hello sweet, sultry drops of joy 🙂

Teeccino
Get cozy with a cup of Teeccino. Bold, brilliant, and packed with powerful health benefits naturally released by the herbs, grains, fruits, and nuts inside. Non-acidic and containing the prebiotic inulin, Teeccino rebalances the negative effects of coffee. Try flavors like French Roast, Vanilla Nut, and Mocha and begin to warm even as the season grows cold.

Simply Organic
Looking for a little extra zing in your cooking? Find it in organically grown minced onion! With a warm, sweet and salty flavor that shines in savory dishes, this little spice packs a power punch that’s indispensable in the kitchen.

Lush Nuts
As winter’s air turns crisp, it’s time to warm yourself up from the inside out. Indulge in this delectable treat of dark cocoa followed with a kick of spice to give you a little warmth on those cold days!

BONUS! Avalon Organics (Vanilla Rosemary)
Winter’s brisk winds can leave your lips cracked and dry, and it’s important to soothe them back to health without harsh petrochemicals. Avalon Organic’s coconut and olive oils moisturize while organic shea butter protects against drying. Organic stevia leaf extract is used for a never-too-sweet flavor and organic rosemary and Vitamin E naturally also lend a nourishing hand. You’ll be licking your plump, healthy lips again in no time!

For all of the above, I am grateful.

 

This months box saved BB5 from the chopping block. I’m actually looking forward to trying all but one sample. Here is what I got.

Global Goddess ~ Upgrade Complexion Face Primer. Full size 1.7oz $22.95

This primer has vitamins A & E to nourish, while anti-oxidants create a thin veil of protection for a silky finish while pearlescent pigments create a youthful glow. YaY I love primers. They make my face fill so soft and silky.

Envie De Nuef ~ Eye Mask. 10 sachets $30.00

This eye mask is supposed to reduce wrinkles, dark circles and stimulate cell turnover. I can’t wait to try it!

Cetaphile ~ Moisturizing Lotion. Full size 8oz $8.99

Model Co ~ Lip Shine “Tease”. $16.00.

Non-sticky, highly reflective, shimmering gloss. I got one, same color, from Birchbox. I really like it, it’s truly not sticky and lasts quite a while.

Swagger ~ Eyeshadow. $9.50. I love the shade of this VEGAN eyeshadow. I don’t know what the shade is called. It’s not on the postcard or on the container.

**Not pictured..

$10 Gift card for My Name Necklace & a $1 off coupon for Cetaphil.

Aside from getting another gloss I am happy with box.

 

 

Love With Food is a  new subscription service for me. I couldn’t resist!  You get 8+  NEW gourmet foods delivered to your door for $10/month + $2 shipping and they’ll donate a meal to a hungry child!  There are other subscription options like 3/month, 6/month and annually. To learn more go to www.lovewithfood.com.  BTW for the month of November and December they are doubling donations to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Now on to the goodies!

This month’s box was curated by Amy Roloff  (Little People, Big World on TLC) to bring “you a taste of her fall favorites.”

 

 

 

When I first got the box it seemed small for a “Food” sampler and I was worried I’d only get to nibble stuff. I was wrong. As you can see it’s stuffed with yummy treats and packaged so neatly. I sat there for a few minutes not wanting to disturb it then I realized there was CHOCOLATE in there.

There were (it’s almost gone as of this post) 8 items in this month’s box.

Truffle Piglet from Hagensborg Chocolates: This was delicious and actually shaped like a piggy!

Inka Corn from Inka Crops: I’ve had these before and LOVE  them. They are full of flavor and super crunchy!

 

 

 

Chocolate Chunk Cookie from Skeeter Snacks: These are nut-free cookies that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are also produced in a nut-free facility, which I am sure is amazing for people who have severe nut allergies. Lucky for me I don’t have that worry.

Mango Pear Pineapple from Fruit.o:  100% organic fruit with no added sugar or preservatives.  YUCK! I tried it and didn’t like it. I should have known better. I dislike mango.

Mini Crunch for Mrs. May’s: The information card says that these “bite-sized roasted almond and fruit crunchers are tasty salad toppers”, but I will probably just eat them alone as a little snack.

 

 

Turkey Bak Kwa Jerky from Little Red Dot Kitchen: This is going to have to be something my boyfriend tries and reports back on because frankly, it scares me. It looks like a fruit leather, but the information card says it’s moist and tender jerky with an Asian twist. Jerky is NOT supposed to be moist IMO!

Original Mulling Spices Blend from Aspen Mulling Co.: The standard use for this appears to be to mix into cider, but it is also suggested that you try sprinkling it on hot oatmeal or blending it with pancake batter.

Pumpkin Spice Tea from Stash Tea Company: Can’t wait to try it!

Last but not least…. CUTE information card that I just had to share!

 

So needless to say, I’m in love with Love With Food! I can’t wait until next month!  Want to sign up?  You can often find deals for this subscription on some of the deal sites like I did.  Or you can just click here and use code “HOLIDAY12″ to save $5 off your first box.  They also have a point program where you can review products and earn points for free stuff! Did I mention they donate to fight hunger? 🙂

~D

 

This month I’m a little happier with my box. Honestly, I’m not hard to please. 🙂

We start out with their cute little beauty guide provided by Allure Magazine (Sample Society’s partner) that gives you tips on makeup and fashion.

Not pictured is a postcard with the list of box contents and my $15 gift code (off a purchase of $50) to use on this month’s loved samples.

So now on to the goodies!

 

 

 

 

L’Occitane ~ Shea Hand Cream. 1 oz is $10 and 5.2 oz is $28.

LOVE this stuff. I got full-sized tube in another box of sorts a few months ago. I can’t get enough of it. The smell is clean, it’s thick, but not greasy.

Per some website I stumbled: Apparently one of these French hand creams is sold every 5 seconds in any given part of the world.

 

 

 

 

 

Alterna ~ Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist. FS $24

Do not care for! It didn’t absorb well in my hair and left it feeling greasy. The bottle also leaked. Funny thing is I had the same problem with this company’s product in last month’s GlossyBox. Once again I didn’t like the smell of it either.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m excited about this next product!

Dermalogica ~ Precleanse Oil. FS $35

It’s  a pretty good sized bottle. It also came with a small packet of Dermalogica Cleanser that you can get 2-3 washes with. This oil is supposed to melt through the layers of body oil, make up, sunscreen, dirt and any other left over product that is on your face to get right down to your skin.

 

 

 

 

 

Diego Dalla Palma ~ Lipstick FS $34

I thought this sample was  fragrance. (No, I didn’t read the packaging) Then I opened it up. 🙁 I discovered a HORRIBLE pink shade of old school looking lipstick. Luckily I know someone who will LOVE it. *wink*

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last item (and my favorite) is..

DIPTYQUE ~ Volutes Eau de Toilette (NEW Launch!!) FS $120.

I got this brand in a different box and it was an amazing fig scent. I loved it, but not the price. I’m loving this one as well. It’s spicy and a tad rich. I still like it though. Here is what the box reads *sigh*

 

This month Birchbox is supporting The Art of Elysium, a non-profit that encourages actors, artists, designers and musicians to dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling various medical conditions.

As with every month there is also a “theme” of sorts. This month is GIVE. Here is what my postcard read:

Thanksgiving has always been our favorite holiday, and not just because of the obvious food reasons. We’re all so busy — with work, with friends, with mastering our makeup techniques — that we sometimes forget to stop and be mindful of how lucky we are.  This month’s box is all about giving: giving thanks, giving back, and of course giving treats.

 

Here are my treats!

Marula ~ The Leaky Collection: Omega Rich Pure Marula Oil. It’s for your skin. The super high level of antioxidants are supposed to prevent signs of aging.  Full size is $78.

Archipelago ~ Pomegranate Body Soap. A Triple-milled soap loaded with antioxidant-rich white tea and pomegranate. Smells divine! Too bad I don’t use bar soap anymore. I just might have to use this one though.

ModelCo ~ FIBRE LASHXTEND Lengthening Mascara. FULL SIZE 🙂 Mirror on other side. This company is all about mirrors. Last month I got a ModelCo lipstick from another “box” and it had a mirror on it too!

Oscar Blandi ~ Pronto Texture & Volume Spray. (giveaway) My hair is super thick and these type of sprays just leave it a hot mess!

Last item is to “Give”. It’s John Varvatos Artisan cologne. I shall stick this in my boyfriend’s stocking! 🙂

Birchbox Extra: Continuing with the give theme, Birchbox included a coupon to Chromatic Gallerie for me to pass along to a friend. We both get $15 off a pair of Chromatic heels. (Quick peek at their site, the heels start at $88.)

I almost forgot. I got a little booklet to shop for gifts and a little purple envelope to put a little surprise in it for someone.

Not a bad month. The Mascara saved the day…er box.

If you want to start getting your own subscription click HERE.

 

 

 

 

November, the month to REALLY focus on what we are thankful for. I’m grateful for many things, one being the kindness Mother Nature has show us thus far.

Today it’s getting my November Julep Maven box! While I’m normally an American Beauty, this month I chose Classic With A Twist and the theme is “Stay Warm In November”. Here is this month’s quote:

“It’s not happy people who are thankful, it’s thankful people who are happy” ~ Unknown

This months’ box is a real treat. I got so many items!

 

 

 

I got three Julep polish remover pads, some YUMMY Pink Grapefruit body frosting. It’s not overly citrus smelling so I think I’ll really like it. Then I opened my two colors.

Minka ~ (From the Bombshell collection) Oxblood red suede, with a matte suede finish.

Brit ~ (From the American Beauty collection) Graphite silver suede, wit ha matte suede finish as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is hopefully a better picture to give you an idea on what they look like. I don’t know most of my posts at home, so I haven’t done swatches. I’ll keep that in mind though.

If you want to start getting your own amazing Julep polishes go to www.julep.com

Just a heads up, that is indeed a referral link so that perhaps I can get some freebies. You can do the same once you sign up!  Until next month, Have a wonderful, safe Thanksgiving!  ~D

 

I’m loving PopSugar’s Must Have “Bag”. This is my third month and I have no plans of stopping! I’m going to dive right in! Ready?

As with most boxes and bags, this one came with a booklet that let me know what’s inside. I tossed it aside and ripped open the tissue! 🙂

 

 

 

 

 

We started out with yummy “must have “treats! Pirate’s Booty. To be honest, I’ve NEVER tried Pirate’s Booty. As of this post, I still haven’t tried it. No special reason, I just haven’t. Oh, but I will! (The booklet said this was a special extra. Yeah, after I looked at everything, I read the booklet.)

Dylan’s Candy Bar Gummy Bears. According to the booklet, the store is owned by Ralph Lauren’s daughter Dylan.

 

 

 

 

(This is another extra) Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy. They are deluxe sample size. They will be perfect for travel, or perhaps a stocking stuffer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next is a Red Flower Petal Topped Candle from Red Flower Candles. It’s topped with flower petals that can be used to decorate, tossed into the bath or bundled up in a satchel to freshen up any area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is exciting. I thought about getting this book, now I don’t have to! “The Casual Vacancy” by J.K. Rowling!  This will go perfect with my Pirate’s Booty and Gummy Bears. LOL

I didn’t pay much attention to the socks until I read about them in the booklet. They are Crescent Moon Socks by the Crescent Moon Yoga Company. Not that I do yoga, but I like grippy socks in the winter. Less sliding around!

 

 

 

Last, but not least is a pair of OPI bottles of nail polish. To Celebrate Brest Cancer Awareness Month OPI is donating #30,000 to organizations in the USA & Canada to help find a cure for cancer. That explains the pink. I’m not a “pink” person, but the glitter bottle has totally got my attention. I might break out of my comfort zone and wear both. Why not?

If you’re even the slightest bit interested in PopSugar click here. By now, if you read my blog, I hope you’ve signed up to get your own “bag”. If not, you’re missing out!

~D

Are you ready for this month’s GlossyBox? Opening my GlossyBox is always a treat. It’s like opening a SPECIAL gift just for me. From the luxe pink box, to the perfect pink bow and confetti inside, I just love it!

October’s theme is Spa Luxe. “Let Go, Unwind, Restore” The card reads:

GlossyBox delivers a unique experience of indulgences this month, ensuring your moment of beautiful, pure relaxation.  Break away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in a luxurious array of treatments designed to refresh and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.  The combination of products, essential for a pampering Spa Luxe experience, are ideal for creating a sense of well-being and the ultimate beauty oasis. 

 

 

Alterna Bamboo ~ Luminous Shine Mist. An eco-certified shine mist made with Indian gooseberry (I always wanted to know what that smelt like.) and organic bamboo that controls frizz and flyaways.  It’s a brilliant and weightless gloss for any hair type.  I sprayed it and it’s too “woodsy” for me. I’m not sure if that’s the way to put it. I think it may have leaked as well. The entire box and it’s contents smell of bamboo. Full size $22/4oz

 

 

 

 

 

Heartland Fragrances ~ Exfoliating Loofa Soap. A unique hand-poured loofa soap encased in a gently glycerin provides the perfect blend of moisture and exfoliation. This soap is designed to improve circulation and is great for exfoliating. It looks pretty cool, but smells like bamboo. LOL I’ll probably still try it though. I’m curious to see if it really does exfoliate. I’m sure once I open it I’ll get the scent of peppermint as well. 😉  Full size $8/8oz

 

 

 

 

 

MODELCO ~ Lip Duo Lipstick & Ultra Shine Lip Gloss.  This looks like much fun! It’s an ultimate pairing in lip-color – a flawless (we’ll see) long-lasting lipstick & an intense beaming gloss. You can’t see it, but on the other side is a mirror. The Shade is “Dusk” and the lip-gloss is “Striptease”. Like most other lippy stuff I’ve received from GB it looks horrible in the tube, but quite nice on.  I’ll have to try this later when I’m home and can take a proper picture.  Full size $39/Lipstick .13 oz Lipgloss .07oz

 

 

 

 

 

Carol’s Daughter ~ Shea Souffle’ (big container) Nastassja Skin ~ Enzyme Facial Peel (little container) The Souffle’ is in “Ecstasy” a rich moisturizer containing SHEA butter, Cocoa butter and Jojoba oil. It’s not greasy (it truly is) and free of parabens, mineral oil and artificial color. Smells quite nice too. Sugared Strawberry, Island Mango and Egyptian Musk Full size $20/8oz

Enzyme Facial Peel is infused with vitamins and nutrients. It exfoliates with a papain, a naturally occurring enzyme in papaya, and gently eliminates dead, dry skin cells. I need to look through my loot, because if I’m not mistaken I got this same thing in another “subscription box”.  If so, just like the other I’m hesitant to try it. Facial peels HURT. Yes, I’m a wienie.

 

Along with my beautiful box and it’s lovely luxe contents came a coupon for 20% off any Physique 57 Barre Workout DVD and an issue of GlossyBox Mag. Roughly 20 pages of tips, product reviews, and behind-the-scenes info on this month’s box.  Once again I’m happy with my GlossyBox and can’t wait until next month!

To get your own GlossyBox click the banner below. Even though I’m an affiliate I paid for my box and all opinions are my own.