PopSugar MustHave November 2015

 PopSugar MustHave is a monthly lifestyle subscription box. I call it a Christmas stocking in a box and I look forward to it every month.  It's filled with items that I might not purchase for myself, but that I will use and love. Just a bit of luxury.

The usual subscription box is $39.99/month plus tax ($42.65), but if you purchase 3 or 6 month subscriptions, there is a little discount. And, they have discounts every month if you find the codes. The current discount code is REFER5 for $5 off your subscription. I bought a 6 month subscription last month and had a discount for Black Friday. I totally forgot to change my subscription when the 6 months ran out and do another 6 months. Right now, I'm holding out to see if they have another Black Friday deal. If so ... I'm doing a 6 month and cancelling my month to month.

November's inspiration was Friends& Family, Gratitude, Giftings and Festivities. Seems appropriate for the time of year. As usual, I was scoping the mailbox for my box and was happy when it arrived. First thing I noticed was that it was big and it was heavy. Hmmm?

Deepa Gurnani Katie Crystal Headband: In a Limited Edition Box, I  received a Deepa Gurnani Crystal necklace. I really love it, so no surprise I love the detailing of this headband. Retail $56. I'm wearing it now as I write.






Tarte Cosmetics Beauty & the Box Eye Shadow: Such cute packaging. And it was a candy theme. The colors are Lollipop, Bubblegum, Jellybean, and Taffy. The combination is great. Matte and creamy with a hint of shimmer. Supposed to be formulated to last 12 hours. From my research, it looks like vegan also. Since I don't see a lot of red, I believe it may be. Other Beauty & the Box eyeshadows on the website are listed as vegan, but I couldn't find this one. Retail $22

West Emory Bingo Set: OK, I admit, I was a little iffy. This is what made the box big, and heavy. It is not just cheap paper. The boxed set has large cardboard playing cards, a tracker, and push-out circles for placeholders and for the number system. It could be a fun and simple game with family and friends over the holidays. Retail $20





Capri Blue Mercury Jewel Box in Rain. Candle has a very floral fragrance and the hand-blown recycled glass jewel box is really pretty. I have to use the candle a lot because I think it will be fun to use the box on my dresser. Retail $18.95

Gramr Gratitude Co Exclusive Thanksgiving Postcard Pack. What a nice reminder to thank people for doing something nice over the holidays, or just thank them for being themselves and being present in your life. A simple postcard is a quick reminder that they are appreciated. Retail $10. Also included a code for $15 off a subscription. 


Terrapin Ridge Farms Pecan Honey Mustard: HMMM ... I'm interested in giving this a try. Haven't sampled yet, but the combination sounds interesting. And it seems festive, and a little decadent, for holiday meals. Retail $6

Special Extra Inkdot Gift Card: This $20 gift card can be used for turning digital pictures into something longer lasting ... prints, coasters, etc. I am usually not a fan of gift cards, but since this can be used without requiring extra money added, I find it a winner. Retail $20. 

So, what do I think? I think PopSugar is really doing a great job with curations. Interesting combinations of products. Things I wouldn't necessarily purchase for myself, but really enjoy. Things I can use for gifts that my friends will love. And, fitting a theme without being too bound by the theme. Retail $132.90-$152.95 if you count the gift card, which I do since it can be used as is. Even at the regular monthly price of the subscription, it has great value. 

Beat the Blerch Sacramento 2015

We had so much fun last year in Seattle, that we had to make a girl's weekend of it again. I love races with themes, and this one really speaks to me. A LOT!!!  I was in Africa, so we couldn't do Sacramento, but CurleyKate had business in Northern California that timed perfectly. UltraGirl is doing ultra stuff, but Power Broker and I were up for travel.

So, off we were to the airport and we had to celebrate our travels early.

We arrived late Thursday and picked up our rental car and then off to the hotel for a good night's sleep. Next morning, it was breakfast and early packet pick-up at REI. We thought we would get there before packet pick-up opened to beat the line. We were wrong. I guess they set up early and people were lined up early. So, we waited ... and shopped.

We were told we had to have our registration code with us, but once we were at the desk, they were looking up codes for everyone. Packet pick-up was quick and smooth and goodies. I bought another book because I needed another Oatmeal autograph. And yeah, he's still cute.

We did a little driving around town and found lunch and did a little shopping and met CurleyKate and Latin Heat for dinner at Ten22. This place is amazing. I wish I had pictures of the food, but alas. I can't remember what I ate, but they had a nice vegan option and it was divine.

Then, back to the hotel. Set up for morning. And sleep.

We awoke early, but because it is a blerchy race, it doesn't start too early. Marathon at 8. Half at 830.

 We sat on the couch and reconsidered our decision to run.

We saw a quick passing Yeti, but not fast enough for pictures. Yetis are sneaky and fast. Blerches were passing out bacon and maple syrup marshmallows. I passed. Latin Heat had to partake. I wore INKnBURN muscles because it was the least blerchy thing I could think of. I had to beat the Blerch. I also got A LOT of attention in that. From racers, volunteers, and random strangers.

 
The race organizers sent us off in waves. We didn't really pay attention. CurleyKate and Latin Heat were doing 10K, but they started with us.

At the start, Blerches tried to convince us to turn around.

My run these days is 1 minute run: 1 minute walk. Power Broker is a sub-10 minute miler now. She stuck with me for a mile, but it was too slow and I told her to head on out. She did and she looked strong and had great form, as usual.  I felt heavy and slow. As the turn-off came for the 5K, I considered it. Glad I didn't. We had a beautiful run past the Capitol area and tree-lined streets and tree-lined paved trails along the river.

But, the 10K turn-off came up. Again, I considered turning left. I turned right and decided it was too late, I had to go the full distance. Aid stations were plentiful with cake and Nutella sandwiches. Volunteers were super supportive and cheerful. I didn't stop for couches this year. I had to keep moving forward.

As we got into more trails and I hit 7 miles, I was deliriously happy. I thought to myself, I can do this. I am so motivated to keep on running and do better with my training. This is awesome. That lasted about a mile and a half. Then I thought, how much longer until this is over. Thank goodness the trail was beautiful. We came up to the turn-off for the full onto packed dirt trails and I was very careful not to make the mistake of turning right.

I turned left towards "home." Eventually, I was just plodding and felt like a zombie. It's been a hard year. Every run has felt worse than the one before. Around mile 11, we came to a section of boardwalk made of railroad ties. I walked. I didn't think I could pick up my feet enough not to stumble and land on my face. Then, back to some road and a fellow INKnBURN ambassador passed me. She had done the full and she looked amazing and strong. As she passed, I asked if she was who I thought she was. We said brief hellos while we kept moving forward. And, finally, the track to the finish line. I was DONE. Somewhere in mile 12, PowerBroker texted me she was finished. After picking up my medal, I climbed the cruelly placed stadium stairs and found PowerBroker. CurleyKate and Latin Heat had already headed out for lunch. We did a few quick pics and back to the car to the hotel for a bite to eat, a shower, and then a lovely afternoon of relaxing spa treatments. Lazy dinner around the corner and back to bed.

 

 Next morning, we did a quick run to the running store and I picked up some shoes and a few other items. Yep, I need new running shoes ... believe it or not. Then we met CurleyKate and Latin Heat for lunch. Because it was so good before, we went to Ten22 again. Service and food were just as spectacular. Beet salad was amazing with 3 different kinds of beets. I was pretty much in heaven. Then it was a race to the airport and home again and back to reality.

Yes, we will do it again next year.

How to be a Redhead November 2015

 How to Be a Redhead. The website has all kinds of fun and useful information for redheads and sells red-head approved products. So, when they released a box just for red-heads, how could I resist? Because everything is redhead friendly, all items are free of heavy chemicals and compliment red hair and sensitive skin. They only released 500 boxes. I purchased the annual subscription for $180, so it comes out to $15 per box prepaid. I have no idea how much the monthly subscription is because it is now sold out and I can't see the pricing. I feel pretty lucky to be one of 500 women receiving this box. I really loved the first one and I was excited to see the second one. 

Joy Lacquer "Santa Says I'm Naughty" Nail Polish: This color was made specifically for the H2BAR Box. That's kind of cool. It's a deep red that I think will really pop. I can't wear polish at work, so I'll have to save this for a special occasion over the holidays when I have a few days off. Retail $4

Clearista Retexturing Gel: I love finding new skincare products to try. Clearista doesn't test on animals and I like that. The gel can be used as a primary cleanser or as a step-2 retexturing cleanser to smooth out bumps and rough patches, but very gently. Retail $52

Paul Mitchell Ultimate Color Repair Triple Rescue: Designed to protect colored hair from heat damage, the Quinoa Color Repair complex maintains the brightness of the red. It is supposed to work well on natural red also. So, I will be using this when I use heat on my hair, which isn't often. I have always tried to brighten my red. I know, it's already fire engine, but even as a kid, I wanted more. I used henna shampoos, so finding other products to enhance the red is a winner for me. Retail $20

Eve Organics "Fanatic" Mineral Eye Shadow: First ... vegan, and that makes me happy. Second, I love mineral make-up. Third, what a great color ... taupey and rosey. I absolutely love it. Retail $10







Egyptian Magic: Sample pack of a thick cream for moisturizing and nourishing. I read it can be used for skin problems suck as a rash or burn or scar. I was traveling and simply used it as a moisturizer. It was a little greasy for that purpose, so I think I would stick to use as a treatment for a sensitive area. Value $5.

ATZEN Bio-Active Complex: ATZEN is leaping bunny certified, so no animal testing. The description of ingredients sounds plant-based and organic without additional chemical additions. It doesn't specifically say vegan, but I don't see ingredients that I know to be animal based. So, that's a win. The packaging was bigger than the bottle. I always am taken aback by that, but it's normal these days. I tested this moisturizer and I like it... a lot. It's really luxurious feeling. And, any moisturizer with SPF 15 built-in is a positive. Retail $95.
(Other subscribers received soothing eye and lip gel)



Last month, we received Organix OGX Vitamin B5 shampoo and conditioner sample. This month we received another Organix OGX Vitamin E sample packet. I liked last month, so was not disappointed to receive another sample. And, I used it when I was traveling and my hair felt just as great. Value $5

So, what do I think? I am really feeling lucky that I stumbled upon this box while it is still available. The value was definitely there at $191, but really the greatest feature is the discovery of new brands and products that feel like they were made just for me ... red-hair, environmentally friendly, and mostly animal-friendly. I'm glad I purchased the annual subscription and sure hope they open up more for my ginger friends.

Wantable Style November 2015

On a whim, since I've enjoyed Wantable Intimates, I decided to give Wantable Style Edit a try. The concept is similar to other style boxes. For a $20 styling fee, the stylists pick five items to send you to try on at home. Keep what you want. Or return what you don't in the included prepaid return envelope. I answered the questions about my size and preferences, and general style. I think I made a note that I do NOT need blue denim jeans ... I have enough.

Anyway, when the box arrived, I jumped into it. I admit, seeing the items at first, I was a little "meh." I mean, I have 2 denim jackets. I should have specified. And a plain T-shirt? But, wait ... I tried them on and LOVED everything. Dammit, I really didn't want to spend extra money this month. But, the style was really amazing. I'll show you.

KLD High-Low Tee with Pocket in Olive. I thought the color was bland and the shape was huge. Then I put it on. The color was amazing with my hair and skin tone. The flow of the shirt was incredible. It was a perfect fit. Great with skinny jeans. And really cool for layering. Retail $49

Kut Classic Denim Jacket Serpa Wash. Remember, I have 2 denim jackets. But, this is super soft and has an amazing cut, slightly cropped to hit just at my waist. It's great as a layering piece over something long (see above) and can look great open or closed Retail $89

Olive & Oak Heather Grey Open Front Jacket. I am a fan of layering and I'm a fan of mixed fabric and I'm a fan of assymetric cuts. So ... this jacket hit all the highlights. The grey has nice blue undertones and is really quire pretty. A fun surprise feature ... most open front cardigans and jackets, don't have pockets ... this one did. Retail $75

BB Dakota Beretta Sweater Oatmeal: At first, I thought it was a little bland. But, it has a nice fit and I really like the change-up of the knitting patterns. It's a little shear, so I'll definitely wear at least a tank or cami under it. The oatmeal color is a little shimmery and almost golden. Retail $90

Morgan Pant Black: I have eyed faux leather leggings and wasn't sure I could pull it off. When these arrived, I was kind of curious/excited to try. They are stretchy in the back and the vegan leather front is lined, so it's soft inside. Pockets and belt loops, so more like pants than leggings. The only thing legging-like is that they pull on. Super comfortable and may be my favorite pants for the winter. Great with boots. My husband thinks these pants "rock" ... his word. I agree. My only complaint is that they are dry clean only and I hate dry cleaning. But, then again, for vegan leather, how else would you wash them. Retail $138.

So, what do I think? I wouldn't have picked out any of these items on my own. I wouldn't have combined them this way, either. But, after trying them on and seeing how they work together, I couldn't send anything back. I absolutely love it. The only thing I may have considered returning was the jacket, but it's so darn cute, too ... and different from my others. Total retail was $441, but with a 20% discount for keeping everything, it came to $310.75. See ... I saved money by keeping the jacket. Will I do it again ... absolutely.

Wantable Intimates November 2015

Wantable has 5 subscriptions: an Accessory box (I am not a good accessorizor), their Intimate box, Make-up box and their Fitness wear and Style box (try on at home and keep what you want). For the Accessory, Intimate, and Make-up, the cost is $50 the first month and then a $4 discount subsequent months if you keep everything. You can return individual items, though, so it's not a keep all or none sort of thing. When you sign up, you set up a style profile an select things you love, like, and dislike. They will never send something you dislike. Each box is selected for you, so my box will be different from everyone else's box. And, you can return if you want. That's a bonus most boxes don't allow. Aaaannnddd .... you always have the option to skip a month when you just need to take some time off. I chose the Intimates box. Assortment of undergarments, socks, loungewear, etc. 

The Intimates box now has "themes" of loungewear or lingerie. I'm a loungewear person, so I said I prefer that. I didn't "dislike" lingerie, so I may also receive that on occasion. You can expect three items each month. 

One of the things that impresses me most about Wantable is how quickly they ship. My style profile says that I love Loungewear, Leggings, and Socks. I have reviewed on their site each item I've received and they seem to do a better job selecting my items each time.

Once again, my box arrived exactly on time and I had selected loungewear as a theme I love, more than Lingerie.



I received a Long Sleeve Sweatshirt Dress. This is actually a really comfortable tunic with a hood in a soft brushed fabric. I will be able to wear it easily with leggings, like the one's I received last month. I might even wear it out of the house, but it will definitely be great for kicking back after work when I change out of my uniform and want to veg out on the couch with a martini. Retail $36. My price to keep $19.20


Over the Knee Bootsocks: Yes, please. I love long socks and it's boot weather. These are nice basic black so go with everything, but with a little sparkle to add a little interest. Retail $18. My price to keep $9.60

Pajama Drama Racerback Tank Teal: I have a cute pair of cropped pajama pants from a previous box that match this. And, it has a nice flow. It will go well for pajamas or under a sweater. Retail $21. My price to keep $11.20

So, what do I think. I like it, but it's not the same homerun from previous boxes. I really liked when the box had a few more items, but it seems that along with the price increase, they have also reduced to 3 items per box. Maybe a higher value for each item. Total retail $75, so not bad for $50 and even better for $36 since they are not changing the price for past subscribers who keep active accounts.  I am keeping everything and it will find use, so overall, I can't complain.