FabFitFun VIP Fall 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. 

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.

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...

Since this box is quarterly, I am always really anxious and excited for it's arrival. There were a few spoilers and I really liked them.I was thrilled when I received the email that the box was being shipped. I waited ... impatiently ... but not too long for arrival. They ship by FedEx and it only takes a few days. Every box comes with a fold-out card detailing the luxury items inside. One of the things I love about the curation is that I might not purchase these splurges for myself independently, but I feel like I'm getting a value in the subscription and I feel a little decadent when enjoying the products. Fortunately, each box comes with a fold-out card detailing what's inside. 

Jessie Steele Apron: What a super cute apron this is. There were a few options, but I received an email several weeks ago and was allowed to select my first and second choice. I chose the white with black dots as my first choice and it really is adorable. I don't cook much, but my husband said that in that apron, I didn't need to cook ... he had other ideas. Blushing!!! Retail $32.  To keep the value coming, a 25% off coupon was included to order more.

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster: This was the second spoiler item and I was happy. This is a product line I use and really like. I have never been disappointed. I haven't used this particular product, but I'm sure I will love it. Retail $56. 

Gramr Gratitude Co. Thank You Card Set, Sealing Wax, & Wax Press: I really really like this idea. I am still a little old school and do like a little slow mail now and then. These are not fold-over cards ... more like post-card that do come with a lovely envelope. They are pretty and feminine. The wax and press add a nice touch of sophistication and will last beyond the 4 cards. My seal did have my last name initial, so I'm thinking they were customized for different names. I do like the personal touch. This felt like the box was personalized and allows me to be a little more personal when I send the cards. Retail $43.

Great Soles Pink Ribbon Ballet Barre Ped: Great little soft and comfortable yoga sock. I am a fan of grippy socks when walking around the house and these are pretty and dainty with a Mary Jane look. They are really soft. I could use them for yoga ... or I can use them around the house. HMMM!!! Maybe both. The Rose Pink was created to inspire commitment and action in the fight against Breast Cancer, so I also like the theme. Retail $12. A bonus was a coupon for two free pairs of socks with qualifying purchase. I'm not sure what qualifies, but I may check it out. 

Beauty for Real True Color Lip Cream "Always There": I have received this from FFF before and I think it's kind of fun. It's lip gloss that has a light and a mirror on the tube. It is very soft and soothing ... creamier than lip gloss. Nice fall red, maybe a little dark for my fair skin tone, but I think it will add some Glam when I do full face make-up. Retail $22

Chi 44 Iron Guard: Something I haven't thought of. I straighten my hair with a flat iron and I know the heat isn't good for the hair ... even with the ceramic ionic plates. I like the shine I get from flat ironing and this product is supposed to protect the hair and replace moisture that may have been burned from the heat. Maybe a little more shine, too? Retail $14.50

The Honest Co. Hydrating Shea Butter Cleansing Bar: When I opened the box, it smelled clean and fresh and wonderful. This lavender scented bar is the reason why. Absolutely devine. I am already a fan of the Honest Co., so I already know I love the moisturizing cleansing bar. Retail $4.95. But for me, the bigger value is the 25% discount for a one-time purchase up to $500. 

La Natura Travel Size Body Butter: This also smells amazing and is soft and smooth and creamy. I like the little tin that it comes in and it's free of parabens, slfates, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, artifical colors, mineral oil, PABA, or animal ingredients. Will fit nicely in a handbag for daily use on the go. Retail $18

Fit Fusion 3-Month Digital Subscription: This certificate gives you three months of unlimited streaming work-out videos that can be used on computer of mobile device. It's a great concept ... if you use it. I will admit that I'm not one for workout videos, so I'm not sure how much value it has for me. I also don't really like that a credit card is required to sign-up and you have to cancel (anytime) to not get charged at the end of the trial. Too much effort for me to search the catalog to pick a work-out to stream and then the hassle of cancelling. Retail $29.97. 

A few bonus (sponsored) items in the box just for a little more fun. Mary's Gone Crackers. Vegan and gluten free. I'm a fan of crisp crackers wtih my favorite grains ...flax and quinoa. I'm happy to find another option when I go shopping. Numi Organic Tea. Who doesn't like tea? I will definitely use the sample and see where it goes. I like the sponsored items in this box better than the summer box. They feel more in line with the luxury feel of the box and the cruelty free nature of the box that I love so much.

Verdict: VERY VERY VERY HAPPY!!!! This box had a great mix of fall-themed items. Some that I already knew about and loved and have used. Some new products to try. Some total splurge items that I would not have purchased for myself, but will absolutely enjoy. 

Last season, I noticed that the box wasn't really completely cruelty-free, animal-friendly, vegan. This season, back to one of the things I like most about this subscription. I read labels and I'm happy with what I found this quarter. 

Total retail value $232.42 (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 $202.45. I have the 1-year subscription for $175 so the box cost $43.75. Pretty good bargain since I love almost everything in the box. I'm hoping they will have another Black Friday sale so I can get my next year discounted as well. If not, I will still keep the subscription. Are you jealous? Do you want one? Here is a link: Use the code 5779985 and get a $15 discount. It's good for the first 3 people who use it. 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.)

Eating through Austin--Mother's Cafe Austin

I'm not a "foodie" by any stretch of the imagination, but I like to eat. I am luck that Austin isn't too far from San Antonio, because there are lots of vegetarian and vegan options. We were staying in Bastrop and found that the vegetarian options had hidden ingredients and the vegan options were boring. We decided to take a drive in to Austin for dinner. I keep my little journal so I can remember where I've been and where I want to go back. Mother's is a place I will go back.

We had the girls with us, so we called ahead to confirm that we could bring them. There are a few tables outside that are perfect for dining with the dogs. Almost immediately after we sat down, Joshua brought us chips and salsa. I have to say that Joshua was probably one of the friendliest servers I've ever had at a restaurant. He was really engaging and polite. Just the right amount of attention. The Salsa was great. Really good flavor, but as I'm not a connoisseur, so I can't tell you the nuances of the flavor.

The Musician and I decided to order more than we usually would because there were so many amazing things on the menu. I ordered the Artichoke Enchiladas with a scoop of guacamole. Now, I do love guacamole and this was really good. Not too spicy. Not too much onion. Really smooth. The artichoke hearts and mushroom filling was really good, temperature hot. I had leftovers and enjoyed it for lunch the next day. I think it might have even been better on day 2.

The Musician had the Bueno Burger. Voted the best in Austin and I believe it. I would say it was the best veggie burger I've ever had. We added vegan cheese and guacamole, but it would have been amazing without it. I would definitely order this again. The leftovers made an awesome breakfast. I wish I had more.

Finally, dessert. It's really not easy to find vegan desserts at restaurants ... even vegetarian restaurants often use dairy or egg. So, even though I wasn't hungry, we took dessert to go. Both the chocolate peanut butter pie and the chocolate almond torte were decadent. Rich. Dense. Too much for one setting, but worth the effort of trying.

Joshua told us that next time we need to try a salad with the Cashew Tamari Dressing. Apparently it's famous in Austin and absolutely amazing. If it's half as amazing as what we have already tried there, then I'm going to love it. If it's even better than what I had for dinner, then I might find myself in food heaven.

I might just have to make the drive for brunch this weekend. Or dinner tomorrow night. Who knows? But, definitely worth going back.

Spa Girl Tri Lost Pines 2014

First, I have to start out saying how much I like this race and the organizers of this race. They organize a few other very friendly low-key triathlons and running events in the San Antonio area and are expanding to Phoenix. The events are in great locations with spas or downtown with great scenery. They also have great swag ... and what other reason is there to race than for the swag? They actually seem to get it. 

I kind of felt like this

The week leading to this race was rough. I wasn't sure I was going to race. Plans changed from one day to the next. I registered for this race on my own months ago and convinced a friend to register, too. By the time we were both committed, the Hyatt Lost Pines was sold out so we found a reservation at a nearby hotel. Just for one night. The race organizers are pretty accommodating and helpful when women have issues. So ... I asked around to see if someone might want my race entry IF I was unable to go. Figured if I couldn't go, I would ask the organizers if I could transfer the entry. My friend, Red (yes, really, there are two of us), decided she just couldn't go. She had a rough week also and had too much going on. We never found someone to use our race entries (so we didn't ask to transfer) and reservations. I decided to race. I wasn't really excited about it. I had steroid injections in my hip and back on Thursday. Doc said "normal activities." Me: "Can I run a triathlon?" Doc: "Haha. Sure." He may not have though I was serious, but he didn't say "no." Triathlon is a "normal" activity ... for me. The Musician decided to go up with me so I wouldn't be on my own. As luck would have it, another racer couldn't go and she had to forfeit her reservations. The race organizers posted on Facebook and connected us. Reservations were transferred to me, the other reservations were cancelled, and the Musician and I decided to make a weekend of it. He loves the resort. They allow us to bring our dogs and they like the getaway also.

So, Friday after work ... rushed home to pack and drive to Lost Pines. Had enough time to get checked in and to packet pick-up. I picked up Red's swag, too, because we didn't want it to go to waste. Besides, I wanted that extra mimosa ticket for after the race. But did I tell you they have great swag? I love a shirt that doesn't have a ton of logos on it. And, the women's cut wasn't teeny tiny. I requested a medium because women's cuts often run small. I could have used the small, but I'm loving the loose slouchy feel of a very pretty wicking T. Oh ... Purple is my favorite color, how did they know? 

Quick dinner at the resort. The girls got a nice long walk. Set up my gear for morning and set my alarm for super early. Slept well. 

The alarm went off at 4 AM and I hopped out of bed. OK, that's a lie. I groaned and thought "I don't have to do this, I already have my swag." I lumbered out of bed and made the Musician walk the dogs. I think he was still asleep and might not remember taking them out. I couldn't find my pony tail holders, so no signature pigtails for me. I only had enough for one pony. Well, at least it wasn't hot. I wear the pigtails to keep the heavy pony off my sweaty neck.The transition follows the sidewalk and is long. I wanted to get to transition early to get a good spot at the Bike Out/In ... and I did. Yea!!!  After racking and setting up transition, got my chip and body marked, and back to bed for a nap. Yes, I really did take a nap.

Back to transition for a final check and then to the swim. This  year, we gathered in waves and they took us to the swim area in our large waves. I love the division ... Fast, Moderate Fast, something else, and Leisurely. After a prayer (yes, I appreciate a morning prayer), the women racers sang the National Anthem (also a really nice touch) and the swim started. I chatted with really nice women. Lots of first time triathletes, and this is the perfect race. Lots of friend groups and mother-daughter pairs. 

Look ... I actually do run sometimes.
Both feet off the ground

Swim: Time trial start with one swimmer every few seconds. My turn to swim and it felt good. It's an easy 300-meters around the lazy river, so how did I get lost? I was swimming along following feet, appreciating the draft and then Boom!! No one in front and no one behind ... I took a wrong turn. Got back in the group and then Boom!!! I followed the outside again and took a wrong turn. This time not alone because the girl drafting off of me followed. Sadly, my favorite part of a triathlon ended all too quickly and off to T1. 5:57 by Trusty Garmin. 7:28 by timing chip which included run

T1: I marked T1 as the time I left the water. Race officially marked T1 about 100 meters, or so, further at the entrance to transition. Time difference hardly matters. I still had my usual picnic. For some reason, I was confused about what to do and struggled with my socks. I stopped using a sitting bucket a year or so ago. I could have used it today. 5:25 by Trusty Gamin (included run). 3:28 by timing chip.

I love this picture. The blur makes me look fast. But, you can
see how beautiful the location is.

Bike: The Musician and the girls were waiting right by the bike mount line. I kissed them and took off on the bike. I do love my steed. She is a very good steed. It was a fun bike. Sure, there are some rolling hills and sometimes I had to work hard, but not really terrible. A little past the half-way mark it is almost all downhill. It's really pretty and serene. Cows meandering. Roosters crowing in the morning. Legs never burned. Girly bits never got upset. All in all---a good ride. At one point, I could have been pulled over for speeding. Speed limit was 20 mph, bike computer said 28 mph. Short-lived of course, but I'll take it. 42:07, 14.2 mph

T2: Back to transition and another picnic. I looked but never saw the Musician and the girls. Apparently, I was soooo fast that they didn't see me either. Found out later, they were sitting right and I was looking left. 2:08

Run: Anyway, my legs, as always, felt like lead logs at the bottom of my body. Took some time to get into my groove, but about half-way into the two-mile run, I found it. I was going to run-walk my usual, but decided to just run. Even though I felt like I was super slow, it wasn't a whole lot slower than my usual running pace. 24:46, 12:23 min/m

Yea, finish line!!! Got my pretty medal and a bottle of water and headed to transition for my phone. Yep, I did't take it with me on the run. Figured I would be OK on a 2-miler on a golf course. Probably wouldn't melt down and want a ride. Texted the Musician that I was finished. He was worried and thought I had crashed and quit on the bike since he hadn't seen me since bike start. Found him and headed for food. Enjoyed my mimosa ... and Red's mimosa...and a nice spread of fruit and chocolate. 

1:20:10 ... 23/83 in my age group. 307/729 overall. First time EVER I think that I've been in the top half

One of my former residents, and friends, did the race and posted on Facebook. I had a chance to visit and say "hi." It is interesting how through social media you can learn how much you have in common with people that you might not have suspected. 

Spent the rest of the weekend floating in the lazy river, walking the dogs, talking to the Longhorns and Alpacas (who ignored us by the way) and just being relaxed with my family. 

Escape Monthly September 2014--Puerto Rico

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. 

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. I haven't tried the mini-box and I've been on the fence about this subscription because I want to see more bang for my buck. 

The boxes used to have a surprise in one of the many shipped out ... a vacation to the destination. I never got the golden ticket ... woe is me. Anyway, seems that some of the vacations were never claimed, so probably missed. I would prefer to think I didn't win, rather than I might have missed out on a trip. So, the curators decided to do things differently. In order to win the vacaion ... pin where you want to go next (from the map on the box). Take a photo of your pinned location. Post it to Facebook. The pin with the most "likes" wins. I think that sounds pretty fair. 

September was a trip to Puerto Rico. The shipping was a little late as they were waiting for some items to clear customs. Customer service was good about posting updates via social media and email, so no worries. I was looking forward to a tropical paradise. Whoops, I was sent 2 boxes. I contacted customer service and asked what they wanted me to do with the extra box. I did check to make sure I didn't get charged twice on my credit card ... I didn't. They said to share it with a friend or enjoy it myself. I am sharing it with a friend. 

Each box comes with a fold-out brochure detailing the items inside. This is pretty handy. 
  I opened the box and as usual, the items were packed well. I have never had a complaint about the packaging. 

Moon Puerto Rico Travel Guide: Pretty Standard for Escape Monthly, the first item is a travel guide. I like travel guides, but I have amassed quite a collection now, so I think I would consider the min-box for the future. I don't need quite so many. Retail $16.99. 

Mi Madre Natural Hot Sauce: This little bottle is hand-crafted with local ingredients. It is hot sauce and you can see the full peppers in the bottle. I don't always do well with hot and spicy, so I haven't tried it yet, but it looks like it's probably pretty hot. YIKES!!! Retail $2.99


Dulzura Borincana's Coconut-Pineapple Candy: They are made with fresh coconut and pineaple and are individually wrapped macaroons. They are surprisingly the perfect amount of sweetness ... which means for me, not too sweet. I liked them. Very tasty. Retail $5.00


Carribean Vela Coco Candle: I have received several travel candles from subscription boxes lately. Good think I like them. This has a nice coconut scent. I will be traveling for work the next few months, so I am thinking the travel candles will come with me. I will be in a cold climate, so the coconut scent may warm me up ... dreaming of the tropics. Retail $5.00


Coqui Pins: I like little froggies. Coqui frogs are iconic in Puerto Rico and have a melody song. The frogs are said to symbolize love. This is a sweet little lapel pin and since I like frogs, I might wear it. If nothing else, it's super cute. Retail $9.00

El Isleno Plantain Chips: If you ask me, you can never go wrong with plantain chips. Salty. Sweet. I can't get enough ... ever. This was a single serving size, which for me means it is gone in 5 seconds flat. Retail $3.00


Yaucono Cafe Puro Puerto Rican Coffee: Descried as robust, defined, and powerful. I haven't tried it  yet, but I have been a fan of other carribean coffees in the past. And who doesn't love the smell of a robust blend of coffee in the morning? I never seem to have enough in my pantry, so happy with another bag. Retail $10.00

The final item in the box is listed as the BONUS!! Authentic Puerto Rican Souvenir. Sweet, handcrafted, tiny little woven hat. OK ... for me, probably a dust collector for a little bit and then give away to a child. Retail $7.00

Overall, satisfied, but still not "wow'ed" by this subscription. 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 $58.98 including the travel guide.  I will be traveling for work for the next few months and have stopped all my subscriptions, including this one. Customer service was great, no hassle, no questions. They offered an additional 10% discount on my first box when I return and re-subscribe. I have to re-evaluate my priorities while I'm gone and decide what I really want to spend my $$ on. I'm on the fence right now. But, if you want to join ... Next month is London.

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