FabFitFun Winter 2014

FabFitFun was my first introduction to Subscription Boxes and may be what got me hooked. I love to receive packages in the mail and surprises make it even better. The box is guaranteed to contain at least $175 full-size, premium products in beauty, fitness, fashion, and Wellness finds. There is a wide range of items included, so for me, it's a lot of fun. . .not a bunch of the same. And, I try things that I might not have otherwise sampled. The cost is $49.99 per season, but there are discount codes available. And, subscribers can purchase extra boxes (usually $39.99) for gifts. I purchased an annual subscription last year for $179.99 and it automatically renewed (annual) at the same price for next year.

There are a few things about this box that make it a different from the rest and I really like that.

1.       You can purchase an annual subscription to receive 4 seasonal boxes, or you can purchase individual boxes. When my subscription was up and it was time for renewal, I was renewed at the annual rate instead of reverting to the quarterly rate.

2.      I like quarterly. Not too much $$ a year and I'm not filling up on too many products. You can also purchase extra boxes (until they sell out) without having an extra commitment. My communication with customer service has been good.

3.     The products are all plant-based and cruelty-free. I am not giving away food to friends (like I do with other boxes), although my friends appreciate me for it....Well, they used to be this way...More on that later

4. The last few boxes, the curators have been offering customization to people who have been subscribing for a while. This month, I was able to customize 2 items in the box. 

When this box arrived, it was HEAVY!!! Over 5 pounds of goodness. I waited (impatiently) to open it on Christmas day ... as a gift to myself. I admit it, I have always tried to sneak a peak under the tree and this year wasn't different. I had already read the spoilers, so I knew what was coming. Still, it's nice to see it in person and touch it. Each box comes with a fold-out card detailing the contents. Not just what the items are, but a little bit about why the curators like them. This month a few items were also supporting good causes and that's a good thing.

First up ... Zumba 60-minue DVD and $25 gift card. I have wanted to try Zumba, but I'm super clumsy and not coordinated and I have no rhythm. So, the idea of trying this out in a gym is intimidating. I'm looking forward to giving it a try at home. See if it makes me sweat and just how much I have to laugh at myself. I am sometimes leery of gift cards in subscription boxes because they are often to sites where the gift card comes nowhere close to any of the prices. And, often for sites I would normally use. But, voila ... I went to the Zumba site and I found a cute top for $30. I will actually wear this. The gift card included shipping, so it was a great deal. Value $55 including gift card. 

Next ... another gift card, so again, not so sure. Fashion Project is really cool. It's a resale shop of high-end designers. People donate their pre-owned items (free shipping) and Fashion Project lists them for 80-90% off new retail. They are particular about what brands they accept, so nothing low end. Each item is linked to a charity and a portion of the purchase price goes to that charity. Then, at the end of the year, donors are given a receipt for tax purposes. Everyone wins. I purchased a Coach wallet (I needed a new wallet) for $29 + shipping. So, I have a new designer wallet that would retail for $99 for $5.99. Some items still have tags. I would show you a picture, but it's no longer listed on the site because it is shipping to me. I may become a big fan of this site. Value $30. 

Third gift card of the box ... SaltedTV is an on-line cooking tutorial/class. Described as Netflix for cooking. Pick a cooking class. Step by step instructions. This is a 3-month subscription. Normally subscriptions are $9.99 per month. You can sign up on-line for 1-month free. So ... I haven't tried this, but I am guessing you could give it a month trial and then maybe use the gift card to get a total of 4 months? If not, then it's still a $20 value above the free trial. I'm not the cook in the house, so I'll give it to a friend ... or the Musician, but he's not that creative, so I don't know if he will use it. Value $29.97.

Now, onto the products!!! I love the new product lines I try out with subscriptions and I was not disappointed at all.

First was Lather AHA Hand Creme with Evening Primrose. It's thick and creamy and soft and smooth. It has a nice subtle scent. Not too strong. It contains alpha-hydroxy acids and other natural products. My hands were happy. Retail $30.

I am a big fan of eye creams and serum. I like the Passport to Beauty Tibetan Goji Berry Intense Anti-aging Eye Serum with Retinol. I've been reading about the benefits of Goji berry, but haven't tried it. I'm really looking forward to trying something to keep those pesky wrinkles at bay and maybe plump up the soft delicate skin around my eyes. Feels totally decadent. Retail $88.

I have been introduced to Juice Beauty through subscriptions and now I'm always happy to receive a new product from the line. The Green Apple Peel Sensitive is smooth and not rough like an exfoliator. It has a very delicate scent. I think I'm really going to like this. I haven't been finding time for facials and this may give me that "just-had-a-facial" feel. Retail $39.



This was the first customized item of the box. yourMinerals put together a Swedish Beauty Eye Shadow Duo just for FabFitFun. The Swedish Winter tone was in all the boxes, but I was given the choice between a bronze color, a pink color, and the color I chose Shimmer Grey. I have to admit, I was torn between the grey and the bronze. I would have been happy with either option. I am a mineral shadow user and I love the colors. Can't wait to add them to my repertoire. Retail $44.
The next customized item was the Half United Figthing Hunger Necklace. It's a spent bullet casing on a chain. Some people didn't like this because it seems a little "rough." I'm not a gun owner or a member of the  NRA, but I like it. I have what I call my "dark" side and this will be great when I'm dressed a little tougher and less "girlie." I like the cause. Half United gives half the profits to feed children in need. I chose silver. The other option was gold. Retail $34.

I love candles and could have them everywhere. One day when my house burns down, you will all know it's because I lit too many candles and forgot to blow them out. My favorite scent is gardenias. So, how happy was I to receive a Daniel Stone COCO Candle in Gardenia. It is made with coconut wax ...nicely plant-based ... and is supposed to have a clean burn. I haven't tried it yet, so we will see how it smells AFTER I blow it out. Retail $42.

FabFitFun has been adding sponsored items to their boxes recently. I don't mind a few little samples. This month ... Justin's Classic Almond Butter ... already a fan. This will go in my running bag for when I need a quick fix. Special K Snack Bar and Organic Valley Organic Balance Milk Protein Shake. Both contain dairy, so will be gifting to a friend to try instead. I did not include the value of these items in my tally.

I really love that most of the products are really socially and environmentally conscious and free of animal products. It seems that this box, the only animal products are in the sponsored items. I admit I would like to see a return to exclusively cruelty-free products in the box, but I am a realist and know that not everyone feels as strongly about it as I do.

Total retail value $392 (not including the sponsored items). If you're not likely to use the Fit Fusion (like me) free trial, then the value is still great at $362. I have the 1-year subscription for $179.99 so the box cost $43.75. Pretty good bargain since I love everything in the box. Are you jealous? Do you want one? Here is a link: Use the code WINTER!) and get a $10 discount.  BETTER YET!!! Through December 31, use the code OMG to get half off your firsts box. That's a $25 discount.  If you like my review, it also helps me out because I get a discount, too. 

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)

PopSugar MustHave Men's 2014 LE

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. Once a year, they have a box for men. The Musician is very basic, simple, practical. Not the type of guy who would normally purchase anything that he didn't need or that is sort of decadent, luxurious. I love my boxes and thought I would give him a little treat for Christmas. Maybe get him out of the "basic and simple" zone for a bit. 

The usual subscription box is $39.99/month, 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. I was out of town for a few months and had to cancel to skip my October and November boxes. Black Friday they had a special for $75 off a 6-month subscription. So, my $214.70 ($35.78/box) came to 139.70 ($23.28/box). The HolidayMen's Limited Edition box was $100 and I feel like I got a great deal. I purchased the Women's box for myself (what can I say?) They also have a Nieman Marcus box for $250, which I did not purchase.

Some folks have been pretty frustrated because there have been some special pricing lately. Shortly after I placed my order, they offered a code for a free December box with LE boxes. Well, I took a shot in the dark and reached out to Customer Service. I had ordered 3 LE boxes (1 for me, 1 for my husband, and 1 as a gift) and I requested consideration for an extra December box. They responded quickly and sent me an extra box to gift a friend. Sure, I suppose if I had waited and placed 3 separate orders for 3 boxes, I could have gotten more free boxes and gifted more, but that's a lot of work. 

Anyway, let's get started. I could have made him stop to take unboxing pictures, but I didn't. The box was tidily filled with several black tissue wrapped items and came with a card detailing the contents. 

First in the box was Wheelman & Co Jefferson Desk Tray. This is a PopSugar exclusive item. Since the Musician keeps his pockets full of little things ... change, business cards, guitar picks, receipts, etc ... and empties his pockets on his dresser every night, this leather tray may come in handy to keep things in one place. Normally we avoid items that are made from animal products, but since it is the men's box, I am going to let him decide to keep (and use) or gift this. Retail $75

We live in Texas and it doesn't get cold enough to wear the Dakota Grizzley Chunky Charcoal Beanie very often. The Musician does have an (almost) bald head, though and if we spend much time outdoors on chilly days, this may come in handy. He has a big head, so I made him try it on and it fit and he said it was soft. Not sure how we feel about the patch, though. Seems one spot won't be as soft as the others, but it is also kind of cool to have a "feature." Retail $45

I was surprised that he thought the Wurkin Stiffs Power Stays were "pretty cool." These are magnetic collar stays to keep those button down's crisp. Handy for the occasions he dresses up a bit. And, he likes them. Retail $40

So ... I love socks. I want him to love socks. He wears about three basic styles of socks ... white athletic socks with jeans and sneakers, or khaki socks with khakis, or black socks with a suit. I want to get him out of his style rut, so I'm happy to see bright colored socks from the Richer Poorer Long Weekend Gift Pack. He's not so sure yet. He doesn't think he can wear them with a suit (I do) and I would love to see him wear these with his khakis or jeans. HMMMM ... maybe in time the sock drawer can become more "interesting." Respond and let him know you agree with me. Retail $36. 

He is a musician and has an ear for music. Who doesn't need more headphones? The Urbanears Bagis Cobalt Headphones have a great feeling cord and a controller on the cord. Good features. Included in the box were extra ear pieces to ensure a good fit. I love a little color to get away from the basic white and black that we have now. I like the heart sticker and will put it on a bucket where I pile up all kinds of stickers. Retail $30

Grooming items? Ursa Major Stellar Shave Cream & Fantastic Face Wash smells great. Perfect traveling size and I think it will make it to the travel kit. He has trouble finding shave cream that doesn't irritate his sensitive skin, so we will see how this does. The kit also came with a face wipe and a sample of face balm. Retail $22

Would a gift box be complete without something to eat? Nope. TCHO Chocolate "Mokaccino" Seriousmilk + Blue Bottle Coffee Bar. It looks like a cappuccino packet, but it's a chocolate bar. Sometimes, the Musician likes coffee flavored items, sometimes not. And it does contain dairy, so I won't be sampling. Not sure if he will be enjoying it or gifting it. Looks lovely, though. Retail $5.95

Overall, total value for his gift box was $253.95. I think it's a good value and I'm hoping that he will get good use out of everything in the box. A little less "basic" and a little more "style." I can't change him, but I can try ... These boxes are sold out, so no luck if you want one this year. Next year, he is likely to get another box. 

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)

PopSugar MustHave Holiday 2014

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. In addition to the monthly box, I couldn't resist the Holiday Edition Limited Edition Box. It's filled with items that I might not purchase for myself, but that I will use and love. Just a bit (more) luxury.

The usual subscription box is $39.99/month, 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. I was out of town for a few months and had to cancel to skip my October and November boxes. Black Friday they had a special for $75 off a 6-month subscription. So, my $214.70 ($35.78/box) came to 139.70 ($23.28/box). The Holiday Limited Edition box was $100 and I feel like I got a great deal. They also have a Nieman Marcus box for $250, which I did not purchase.

Some folks have been pretty frustrated because there have been some special pricing lately. Shortly after I placed my order, they offered a code for a free December box with LE boxes. Well, I took a shot in the dark and reached out to Customer Service. I had ordered 3 LE boxes (1 for me, 1 for my husband, and 1 as a gift) and I requested consideration for an extra December box. They responded quickly and sent me an extra box to gift a friend. Sure, I suppose if I had waited and placed 3 separate orders for 3 boxes, I could have gotten more free boxes and gifted more, but that's a lot of work. Now, they are running a special for $30 off the LE boxes and people are upset. My take ... it's like any other after holiday (or pre-holiday) sale. Last year, the boxes sold out fast. This year, they had extra at the end of the season (and closer to the holiday) so they discounted to move them. It's like a sweater ... if I pay full price today and it goes on sale after Christmas ... well, most stores won't refund the difference. I have no real gripes about this. Just luck, I suppose.

Now, for the unboxing ... I was planning to save this until Christmas, but my dog had other ideas. She opened the box and tore up the paper. Needless to say, I don't have a good picture. But, it was obvious that each item was wrapped neatly in individual tissue paper. Nice touch for a luxury box. Each item was detailed in a fold-out card.







First and favorite for me was the Turkish-T Diamond Throw. This is a PopSugar exclusive item. It's heavy enough to be a throw blanket and light enough to be soft and comfortable without weighing you down. I love the soft periwinkle and cream stripes with diamond pattern. I wrapped up in it while I unwrapped the rest of the package. Retail $65

Next, Loeffler Randall Envelope Clutch. It is leather in a python embossed print in a beige color. It is very pretty and generous size. However, I am not a clutch kind of girl and I try to avoid animal-based products in my life when I can. I have a friend who is very fashion-forward who will love this gift. Retail $70








I am keeping the Illume Gilded Amberleaf Metallic Knob Tin. The candle smells amazing with lots of infused scent. I like amber, but not when it's really strong. This isn't a strong amber and there are hints of so many other really nice fragrances. I love the tin which adds a touch of elegance to separate it from "just another candle." I've already enjoyed it. Candles and bubble baths are my favorite way to relax. Retail $23.50.

I love skin care and beauty items in subscription boxes. It's funny that I haven't been a big make-up and beauty girl, but I find it really trying new skincare lines and products. I admit it, I didn't know what Luminizer was and had to look it up to figure out how to use the RMS Beauty Living Luminizer & Brightening Brush. At first, I thought it was mispacked because I couldn't find it. Nothing seemed removed from my box from the dog's "unboxing" and it wasn't in there. I contacted Customer Service. Shortly after, I found the wrapped box in the dog's toy box. I suppose she liked it too. I notified Customer Service. They were quick to respond, but there wasn't anything I needed from them. Nice to just have a friendly response, though. Anyway, I watched videos and I think I will really use this. It looks amazing to soften and shimmer eye-shadows and the transformation when brushed across bony parts (forehead, nose, especially cheekbones) is pretty awesome. I probably won't use it to highlight a cupid's bow on the lip line, though. Retail $50

I'm also excited to try Kate Somerville ExfiliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. Lots of fruit-based enzymes and extracts. It's kind of a gross dark color with an incredible smell and a very fine exfoliating texture. I like exfoliants and peels and I hope they keep me looking younger because I don't plan to age gracefully. I think I will really really like this. I tried a dab on my hand and it was great. Retail $22

And I LOVE the gold shimmer of the Habit Cosmetics 21 Nefertiti nail polish. The color alone has me all atwitter, but it's also supposed to treat cuticles and strengthen nails. I sometimes get brittle nails in winter, so I am excited to try it. I think it will be a great color for a NYE party. And the bottle is really cool and pretty.  Retail $18. 



Last item was Droga Chocolates Money on Honey dark chocolate covered caramels sprinkled in sea salt. I am sure they are amazing and I would love to try them. They sound divine, but alas, I avoid dairy, so they went to a friend. Retail $7.95.

Total value for the box was $256.45. I like to feel like I'm getting a good value and this did it for me. I loved the curation ... something special and unique. I'm a fan. There are still a few boxes left and discounted $30 with the NEWYEAR code, so only $70 if you act fast. Not sure if I get any "credit" if you use my link, but it's worth a try if you're interested.

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)

PopSugar MustHave December 2014

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. This month, I waited until Christmas to open it, so it really was my "stocking." 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, 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. I was out of town for a few months and had to cancel to skip my October and November boxes. Black Friday they had a special for $75 off a 6-month subscription. So, my $214.70 ($35.78/box) came to 139.70 ($23.28/box). Not a bad deal when you consider all that's in it. 

Seems this month has been very very busy for the company. There have been some delays in responding to some customer service issues and people have been unhappy. The ordering site has a bit of a glitch and if you select "gift" to send a box to a friend, many people (myself included) have had their orders doubled. It took a while, but with persistence, they resolved the issue. Although they sent 2 boxes, they refunded one of them. So, my friend who I intended to give a box to, received and loved it. And, another friend will be receiving a gift box and I know she'll be subscribing. Many people use extra boxes and separate them to gift individual pieces.Thanks Customer Service for responding and resolving the issue. 

Now ... onto the box!!! I knew what to expect from reading spoilers, but I sill like seeing how it's all put together in the box. Each box also comes with a fold-out card detailing the items enclosed. Helpful, I think. 

 First think I noticed in the box was the Williams-Sonoma Cupcake Mix in Vanilla Bean. I have been hearing rave reviews about the cupcakes, but since they contain dairy, I gifted them to a friend who loves to cook. She also received a full box from me, so she will be making multiple batches. Retail $14.95

Next item that caught my eye was SPUN by Subtle Luxury Speckled Metallic Scarf. I love scarves, so this was a big win for me. A few years ago, I went searching for a sparkly scarf to wear to a New Year's Eve party and settled for one that was just "meh." This year, no searching. I heard some mixed reviews, but I love it. It is really soft and has an almost thin velvety/suede-like texture to it. It clearly has a primary side of gold. The underside fabric is clearly a "back" and the back of the specks are silver. I think it adds texture when you show both sides at once. Retail $62

The other sort of luxury wearable piece was the SparklePop Sydney Necklace. It has a very long chain, which I love and can be worn really long or doubled up for layers. Again, mixed reviews. The chain is dainty and had some neat texture details. I like it and will wear it. Retail $42

For the home, a Canvas Dauville Platinum Bowl. It has a white paint on the outside and is stainless inside. My husband thinks it's "cool" so that speaks volumes. I have a habit of piling small items (jewelry) on my bedside table and then crawling on the floor to find them when I knock them off. This is a subtle and tasteful piece to put at the bedside to hold my bits and bobbies. Retail $29.


Can't have a celebration without a great lip color. Smashbox Be Lengendary Long-Wear Lip Lacquer in Bordeax satisfies the need. I tend to wear dark lip stains and this works well. One of my friends who received a gift box absolutely loves it. Retail $24

And a holiday box couldn't really be complete without some sort of gift wrap or tags. Something useful. Knot & Bow Parcel Tags do the trick. Small, subtle. Handy. Retail $4

Overall, $175.95 worth of items for $23.28, I love the value and the curation. Customer service responded to my request and solved a small issue. I have nothing to complain about and lots to be happy about. I think it's a great value and I love receiving things I "want" but don't "need." Right now, they are running a special for a $30 discount off a 3-month subscription.
That brings it to $26.62/box if us use the code NEW YEAR. Feel free to use my link to subscribe. Thanks and enjoy.

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)

St. Nick at Night 5K

I signed up for the Illuminations Half Marathon months ago. That was before I went to Alaska. That was before I decided to do a 5K the morning of the race. I went to packet pick-up and picked up my sweet swag. I had a few friends running the St. Nick at Night 5K, so I thought I might just run with them part way. Then, I looked a the route and they were running the other direction. HMMMM!!! I'm still really tired. I haven't unpacked yet. I've only been home a few days. Screw it ... I decided to do the 5K. I went back to packet pick-up and they were kind enough to let me exchange my bib for a 5K. It was easy. 

I want to take a minute to mention Purpose Race Events. I really really like them. Their races are friendly, local races. I am signed up for all of them in the San Antonio area. They support various causes, which is great. They also really encourage the community to come out and get fit and have fun. They are the organizers behind SpaGirl, Alamo 13.1, RioSA, Cocoa Women's, and Illuminations. I am not sure, but I think they are also behind the new Missions Half this year. Anyway, they have great swag, friendly races, good courses, great after parties, fun locations, and free photos. I love Women's events, they are always inspiring and empowering. One of my favorite things they do is the way the do the National Anthem at the beginning of each race. After a brief prayer (which I am in support of), participants sing the National Anthem. It's just another part of the participation. Anyway, on to the event. 

I met up with Coach K and Sorority Girl and we decided to walk the 5K together. Why walk? Well, I'm tired (that's my excuse, because I'm not lazy) and I'm just not "feeling" it tonight. 2 1/2 hours? Dark? After Alaska, I'm really "over" the darkness. It was a 5:30 start time, but it did get dark quick. It was also chilly. Coach K had neck injections yesterday. Running and impact, probably not a good idea. Sorority Girl is recovering from a stress fracture. So ... I had a great excuse. It's not me, it's them.

At the start line, we ran into GiGi and Cyndi who were also moving from the Half to the 5K. Hi ladies. Then, off we went. Through the grounds of the JW Marriott. As it got darker, the golf course was lit. It was still too dark to see without headlamps, though. We got surprised by the photographer flash. I think it's a hilarious, but not very flattering picture. 

We ran for just a few feet to cross the finish line and try to get a decent photo. 

Thanks for the medal. Where's the food?

We enjoyed hot beverages and snacks. No thank you, just fruit for me. Please take the chicken taco away and give me a meatless plate.  We socialized for about an hour and a half and ran into some other running buddies. We also ran into St. Nick for a holiday blessing.

As I was driving home, I was thinking how glad I was that I didn't do the half. I would just now be getting my warm beverage.

Due to some sort of construction issues, or something to that effect, the course was shortened a wee bit. Noooo problem.

So ... all said and done, I got to wear my new InkNBurn Christmas kit twice in one day. I'm planning on wearing it as often as I can between now and New Year's. Must take full advantage. I am no longer the only one at a race wearing InkNBurn, however. I'm glad to see so many Christmas "sweaters" out there ... including one from last year, and some crazy girl was wearing the Lust shorts and tank (too chilly for me). But, at least I stayed a little unique. I was the only one I saw in the Cable Tights. I love the way these clothes make me feel. Yes, if you read my blog, go shopping!!! No, I'm not getting any kickbacks for telling you how much I love their gear, I just do.