Escape Monthly August 2014--Paris

Escape Monthly is a destination-inspired monthly delivery of luxury products to help you relax, renew and escape! Indulge in experiences inspired by luxurious spas, tropical getaways, cultures of the world and more! - See more at: http://escapemonthly.com. If I can't take a real vacation every month, at least I can pretend with a vacation in a box. One monthly box includes a trip to the destination. If you just can't live without any extras of items in the box, you can buy them at escapemonthly.com/offers for a discount. All you have to do is enter your email address and they will send you a coupon code for the discount. They are now offering a less expensive (but no discounts) on a mini-box. It has fewer items (4-5 instead of 8, and no travel guide), but still full-size and costs $24.95. 

August was Paris. I love Paris in Springtime, but it's beautiful in August, too. I haven't really seen, or noticed, spoilers for this subscription before so I was pleased that early in the month they announced a spoiler. Unfortunately, the spoiler, and high-ticket item for the month had some delays in customs and the boxes were delayed in shipping. I was pleased that customer service posted this on Facebook, so people were kept in the loop. I was happy to receive my box when it arrived and the blue chevron makes me smile and they seem to know that "I Deserve It." Sadly, I didn't "deserve" the trip to Paris this month. Will I ever be the lucky one with the golden ticket? 

Rick Steves Pocket Travel Guide: The full-size box I subscribe to always contains a travel guide. I like this one more than some of the others. It's small enough to fit in a handbag and it's colorful with lots of pictures. I am a visual person, so a picture is worth a thousand words to me. It includes a fold-out map. I have to admit, seeing the photos, makes me want to plan a trip. Retail $12.99

Pierre Buiscuiterie French Butter Cookies: Once upon a time, I would have loved traditional recipe butter cookies. But alas, I no longer eat dairy. I am absolutely certain these are wonderful with the fruit nibs in them. I am sure my friend who gets all my gifted food items will really love these. Retail $4.25

Intsitut Karite Paris Shea Butter Hand Cream: This was what caused all the trouble in customs. I have to admit, I really do like the industrial packaging. The cream is thick but not greasy. I really like it a lot.  There were a variety of options and  people got different scents. My scent was Honey and Almond. How lucky was I? This will be used. Retail $26.00

L'Abbaye De Flavigny Gourmet Candy: I like these lemon candies a lot. They are apparently flavored with anise, but I didn't really get that flavor. They start out hard like lemon drops, so no biting. But, the sugar coating melts and then I nibble and I am satisfied. 5 calories per "mint." Because they are hard candies, I can get by with just one at a time. Retail $5.00

Edmond Fallot Mustard: I am a fan of Dijon mustard. I haven't opened this jar and won't until the jar in my refrigerator is used, but it looks creamy and I am looking forward to trying it. Retail $6.25. 

Nuxe Body Scrub and Shower Gel: I like that the Orange & Almond Blossom Petal scented shower products are entirely plant-based. I received 2 shower gels instead of one of each. From reviews I have seen, lots of people did not receive the scrub. I really like shower scrubs and it is supposed to be thick, which I like even better. I have inquired with customer service about a replacement. The scent of the gel is light and fresh. Retail $16.00. But, I looked on-line because I wasn't convinced. The shower gel was a 50 mL/1.6 oz bottle. On-line, they onlly sell 6.7 oz/200 mL bottles. The shower gell is $15 and the scrub is $24. Sooo... for 1/4 size of 2 gels only, my estimate is closer to value of $7.50. If I had received the scrub instead of 2 gels, then I would estimate a value closer to $10.00. Let's see how customer service responds to the packing error.
  UPDATE: I did contact customer service and they responded promptly. They apologized for the packing error and apologized for being out of the scrub. They made me an offer to either a) an extra 20% off my next box, or b) send me a few items from previous months including a scrub. I elected option b. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be keeping the subscription. I received: Iadora Charcoal Salt Body Scrub from the Las Vegas Box and Ayate Fiber Exfoliation Cloth from the Mexico Box. 

Bonus! Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserves. I cracked it open and used it the next morning on toast. It's very tasty. No high fructose corn syrup is a bonus. Retail $3.00, but since it really is a single serving size that you might find at a breakfast restaurant or hotel that serves breakfast, I think it may be overestimated. Maybe closer to $1.00? 

I'm still on the fence about this subscription box. It's pricey at full price $49.95. I have 20% off for life, so I pay $39.95, which is similar to other boxes I get. The value of this box was $$62.99-$73.49 including the travel guide. I would like to see higher value to make me feel like I got a bargain. I have considered cancelling the subscription, but then they tempt me with things like this ....next month Puerto Rico. Caribbean Island? Yes, please. They are still young and I do think they will learn and grow. Each month does seem a little better and a little more interesting than the one before. Maybe, please, can I have the box with the free trip?  

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

Dam 09 2014

I hadn't heard of this race before a group of friends on Facebook ....TriMomsSA.... posted about it and lots of them were going. 8 to be exact. How cool to "race" with friends. They said the race was well-organized and fun and had decent swag. So .... all things I like, I signed up. It's a nice local race, small, with a sell-out of 300 slots. 

Friday, I went to the Soler's and picked up my light Tri-top and bib. It's a pretty cool top with a cute froggy and pockets in the back. The folks in the store were really nice. I have been confused this year for some reason, so I laid out my gear and transition set-up for the morning, packed, and went to bed too late as always. 

The Musician got up bright and early and drove
me to the race. He's a good cheerleader

Yikes, it's early. The Musician had already aired the tires and loaded Vaderette so it was at least a quick departure. Transition opened at 5:45 and we left the house around 5:15. I wanted to get set up and relax a bit. As we we took the last turn toward the Alamo Heights Natatorium, we were passed by a bike. I though "oh crap, I'll be slowest again." Got to transition, set up. Lots of room to spread out, but I still try to stay compact for practice purposes. Then, some time to rest. Shakira had a bike accident the week before and couldn't race, but she was very sweet and came out to cheer us on. She found us lounging by the pool.

SWIM: I estimated my swim time to be about 10:00 and was given a corresponding bib number. This was a snake pool swim, but only one swimmer per lane, so passing would be easy ... if it came to that. After the first few speedy folks went, the numbers were mere suggestions. I found a group in the back third who said they were anywhere from 8-12 minutes. I jumped in with them. One swimmer every 10 seconds. My turn and I tapped the Garmin and swam. I felt like it was steady and I didn't push myself because I find when I push, I get more tired, but not much faster. I guess I timed myself right. I didn't pass anyone, and no one passed me. 10:39 (by Garmin and the last time Garmin time would mean anything)

T1: Short jog over some pavement and a carpet to T1. Still a picnic. Took a few hits from the inhaler, so I started to tremor. Had to figure out how to put on socks with shaking hands. And then trot out to the bike course: 3:30 Wicked slow.

BIKE: I normally hate looped courses and this was 10 miles, 3 loops. It was beautiful though. Lovely houses. And I suppose a 3.3 mile loop just doesn't seem so bad so I didn't mind doing it 3 times. There were a few places where I had to go to low gears, but not for long. The course was not closed to traffic and I didn't expect it to be. Only issue I had was sometimes the line of cars was slower than me. I'm not aggressive, so I slowed down. And then at the only stoplight, I was cut off by a car turning right. The police officer directing traffic apologized. I chose to unclip, rather than crash, but I was going pretty slow because it was the top of the longest hill. Somewhere along the way, I realized the Garmin wasn't showing I was on a bike. Something not quite right. But, the Musician had fixed the sensors so my bike computer was working again. Bonus!!! 36:10 (16.8 mph)

T2: Repeat picnic, as usual. I figure I need to train my skills before I spend too much time practicing transistion. It's not like a few seconds ... or a few minutes ... will matter. Anyway, I forgot my headband and my hat seemed loose. I forgot my bib and had to run back for it. That's the excuse I'm using for my long time. 2:41

RUN: It's a flat and lovely run. We go back out for a short time past the bike course, turn into a field with a bit of trail and then paved path around a field. Garmin still not recording run, even though I pushed the lap button. HMMM?!?!?! Technologically challenged. Eventually, I started to feel like I could run more than walk, and I did. Happy to turn around at the water stop and then head back home. I was happy that I still had some energy to smile at the finish. It was a short 4K, 2.4 miles. 30:54 12:5 /min/m

Final result: 1:23:56

Grabbed an orange quarter and a banana. The taco options were bean and cheese, and something with meat. 

TriMomSA . . I'm not a mom, unless puppies count. Really
great women. Salina took second in her age group. I did not.

It was a fun race and I'm glad I signed up. Great training race ... if you're into training ... nice local race. Well organized.  Good way to start a weekend. As for my technology failure ... operator error. I had set auto-multisport mode, but forgot to tell the mode to start. So, it thought I was just swimming laps ...my last setting was swim. Anyway, it was interesting to do the whole thing without the advantage of technology. I just kept going forward ... until I stopped.

Ahhhh . . .Finished!!!

PopSugar MustHave August 2014

I think I say this every time, and I will say it again. PopSugar Must Have boxes are like a Christmas stocking in a box every month. Last month my box came late in the month. So far, I have really liked almost everything in the boxes. They are filled with little things I might not purchase for myself, but that I enjoy. That's how a gift should be. This is a gift I give myself, but I don't have to do the shopping. I am always pretty excited when the box arrives. This month was no exception. 

August was inspired by: 

PopSugar Must Have is a monthly subscription box of hand-selected items in beauty, fashion, home, fitness, and food. It's not a box of sample items. I love the variety . . .it's not just make-up or food or whatever. Everything is full-sized. Price is $39.95 per month, and they have 3-, 6-, and 12-month plans that lower the effective monthly box. Seems that almost every month there is a $10OFF code that can be found on-line.  So, you could un-subscribe and subscribe on a regular basis to get the best deal, while not missing out. They also offer single-purchase premium boxes at different times of the year. Every box comes with a card detailing the items. 

Kendra Scott Elle Earrings in Slate: I'm not sure if other people got different colors, but I really like these. Nice and neutral while being feminine. I am trying to expand my style and it's important to have some earrings that add some flexibility. Better than my routine every day studs. Also a coupon code for 20% off your next pair. Suggested Retail $52

Paddywax Ocean Tide + Sea Salt Mini Jar Candle: Made from soy wax, which is pretty cool. Smells great. Really fresh. I call it a win. Sugested Retail $10. 

Goodbyn Purple Meal and Dipper Set: Another score for me. I take my lunch to work most days and this handy little case gives me an option for my hummus. It's diswhasher safe and recyclable. All good things in my book. My husband thinks it looks like a kids meal box, but it works for me. Suggested Retail $8.

The Mason  Jar Cookie Company Celebrate! I didn't know what to expect from the picture, but it is essentially cookie mix in a jar, but not a jar . . . it's a plastic bag. Just add butter and egg and you're set. I don't use butter or eggs and the ingredients had animal based products, so I gifted it. My non-vegan friends love my subscriptions. Suggested Retail $12. 

Lollia At Last Perfumed Shower Gel: Smells amazing. I haven't tried it yet, but it's next when  I finish my current bottle of shower gel. Has shea butter and jojoba oil, so hopefully very softening, too. Suggested retail $22.

Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip: It's in my handbag right now. I am constantly using lip balms, which isn't very feminine and I am trying to improve my style. This fits the bill. Soft, smooth, smells good, and just a hint of shine and color. It does look better than chapstick. Suggested Retail $22. 

And Finally, a special extra bonus item. thinkThin Brownie Crunch High Protein Bar: I used to love this brand before I gave up dairy. High protein and tasty. I gifted it, but I know it was good if you don't mind whey protein.

The August box is my favorite so far. I paid $39.95 because I haven't been canceling and joining with a discount code. I suppose I could, but that would take effort and I'm feeling a little lazy. I like a bargain and the value of the box was $126, maybe a little more if you add the value of the bar. I should just probably bite the bullet and do the annual subscription. For the first time, I did order the special fall box. It's pricier, but I'm excited to see what's in it.  

I'm looking forward to September, which is right around the corner. They have released a spoiler, so I'm super excited. Order today.

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

Fun with Nieces

I have ten nieces and nephews. They were born in pairs. My oldest brother and my sister had children the same years and my middle brothers had children the same year ... except the last year, but still close. We don't live close to my family, so I haven't really had much time to spend with them. Several  years ago, when the oldest were entering senior year in high school, the Musician and I decided to have them come visit. Then, each of the next few years, we had the next pair out. We skipped a few years because there was a little gap, and then we moved or thought we were moving. The plan was that we could get to know them. Maybe show them a few new experiences. I thought we might show them colleges, but they had other plans. 

This year was the last pair. Kristen has already graduated and Kymbr is starting her senior year. This was Kymbr's first flight and Kristen's first without parents. The parents were pretty funny. Several texts with updates until they arrived. I texted them that they were safe and sound. Everyone can take a sigh of relief. I think the toughest thing for them was that they are typical midwestern girls from typical midwestern families ... that means meat and potatoes and dairy and eggs ... not in this house. They were scared and afraid. HEHEHE!!! 

After picking the girls up from the airport, we spent our first evening grilling meatless burgers and planning the next several days. They were unimpressed with the Vegan cheese, but didn't seem to hate the fries. Kymbr is artistic and Kristen is adventurous. We found a mix of both. 

High on the list of things the girls wanted to do was a Segway tour. Always fun and a good way to see the city. We booked with Segway Nation. Headed downtown first thing in the morning. Individual lessons and off we went. The Musician and I had done Segways before, so I was itching to go fast. We had a nice time getting used to the rides by zipping around a park and then for a tour of the city. We had a great guide, but I can't remember his name. Got a pretty good tour and had some nice photo ops. I learned a little more about the city, but I don't remember it all ... so much. 

Look Ma. No hands.

Remember the Alamo

After lunch at Senor Veggie, where we ran into some neighbors, we headed to the Witte Museum. At lunch, Kymbr was more adventurous, but not impressed with Lentil Chili. Kristen had pasta with red sauce. They liked corn fritters and chocolate chip cookies.

At the Witte, we went to the Grossology exhibit. We all thought it sounded cool. The Simmons clan is all about gross body stuff. It was OK, fun, but really geared towards a younger crowd. Some stinky stuff, and some games. I don't know what I expected. If they were 12 or younger,  I think it would have been awesome. We spent a fair amount of time playing games at the body exhibit ... all about your own body. I learned I have no upper body strength.Kristen made the rope pull look really easy. Our aura's were groovy. 
 We rode the sky bike and Kristen climbed a wall. She's quick like a monkey. The girls were not impressed with stuffed baked portabello mushrooms for dinner, but didn't mind the veggie chips. Also not high on their list of favorite foods is tofu scramble. But vegan pancakes ... not so bad.  Over the next few days, we did lots of little fun things. It was really HOT and we had no desire to be outdoors. We learned how to make beaded braided bracelets with a techniqee called Kumihimo. Kymbr is a master at braiding and does lots of friendhip bracelets. The beads added a new flavor for her and this was a new technique. We did some glass fusing. It's great for creative minds as well as those of us who prefer to follow directions. I really need to mail them their artwork.

We went miniature golfing at a glow in the dark indoor mini-golf. We played some air hockey. We tried a few vegan restaurants and meals. Cupcakes, yes. Veggie sushi yes. Edamame yes. Seaweed salad no. Kale salad no. Tacos with faux meat yes. We took the girls to family night at a western bar for a little drinking and country dancing ... the Musician took us each for a spin. Kymbr got to wear her boots.

Shirley Temples ... don't worry parents. I'm not corrupting them

It was hot, but not in the caverns, so we took a tour of the Natural Bridges Caverns. This was a lot of fun for me, because these two just feed off each other and did a lot of laughing and giggling. Funny, we don't drink sodas, but we offered sodas to the girls. Shocker!!! They thought vegan meant no junk food. What? One morning, at 10 AM, they were floored when we went through McDonald's for soda (them) and tea (me). OMIGOSH!!! Soda this early in the morning? Is that OK? And, how is it that these girls did not know that McDonald's sells cookies? They do now. Have I created monsters?

On the final day before the girls headed back to Kansas, we spent the day tubing. Classic San Antonio tradition. Sunburn patterns were splotchy. It was another really fun time for me watching the girls laugh and giggle the whole trip down the river. It was sad to see them go. I had fun. I hope they enjoyed the trip, too. When I took them to the airport, they were impressed with how quickly I maneuvered the kiosks and got their boarding passes and baggage claim. I am just going to harass my sibs because apparently my older brothers didn't make it seem so easy.