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. This month, they celebrated their first anniversary with a special edition box featuring favorite from each of the past 12 months. I joined only a few months ago and wanted to see what the other boxes were like. And for $49.99 for 12 items, I figured it was probably also a pretty good deal. I was anxious to open the box, so let's see what was in there. I do really like the Chevron stripes and I love the "You Deserve It" motto.
India-Tao of Tea 500 Mile Chai Tea: I received this in my India Special Edition Box. I feel the same way now as I did then. Like. The black leaves smell incredible. I don't have a tea pot and strainer, but I have a good friend who does. She can share with me. We can relax and sip after adding some plant-based milk and sugar. Of course, I could just smell it all night and feel pretty relaxed. I found a 4-oz tin or you could purchase by the ounce on-line for $2.25/ounce. The 2-ounce tin, which will brew 30-35 cups, is valued at $4.50. 
Las Vegas-Jackpot Poker Chip Magnets: The Las Vegas Box had a variety of different souvenir items. I didn't receive the poker chip magnets in my box, so it was nice to have something different in the Anniversary Box. I have some Mardi Gras coin magnets that I like. They don't really work on my stainless steel refrigerator, but I like them as a little light decoration on the freezer in the garage. Found them on-line for $7.99.
California-San Franola: Also received this in my California Box. I gifted it because of the dairy and will gift again. My friend liked it before, I'm sure she will like it again. Unless you eat plant-based. I was disappointed to see that they have added whey protein. Not sure why you need to add processed product (especially dairy) to granola to make it tasty. Will also be gifting. It looked very tasty and I was looking forward to trying it, but alas . . .Retail $1.99
Mexico-Vero Mango Chili Lollipops: This was not an item in my Mexico Box, but Mexican Candy was included. I am a little nervous about sampling this and may gift it to some of my friends who hail from Mexico. The Mexico Box candy was valued at $4.00 and had 4 items, so I'm guessing about $1.00. UPDATE: Someone looked this up on-line and found a much lower value, closer to $0.15. 
New York-I love New York Sticker: I wasn't subscribing to Escape Monthly when the New York Box came out. I know that the symbol is iconic for New York, but have to admit, I don't have much value for a sticker. It seems there were some really cool items, lots of food, that could have been included. This was the bonus item in the box with listed retail $1.49. 
Ireland-Garden of Ireland Linen Wrapped Soaps: Ireland was my first box. Another item I was happy to receive because it was one of the variety of items that wasn't included in my original Ireland Box. I like pretty smelling soaps and I like the packaging. The scent I received is Heather & Moss and it smells great. From the box reviews that received this item, Retail $7.50. 
Colorado-Mountain Mist Lotion: It's true, I'm a sucker for pretty smelling hand and body lotions. This 2 ounce bottle is Lavendar scented--one of my favorites. The travel size will fit nicely in my handbag and off I go. Retail $5.20.Italy-La Civetta Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I use a lot of olive oil in my cooking and I know this brand and like it. Cold pressed is definitely the way to go and the flavor is light so good for salads, too. 60 mL bottle/2 ounces, so won't last long. Retail $2.50.
Vermont-Lake Champlain Vermont Chocolates: Again, who doesn't like chocolate. I'm sure this 4-piece sampler is tasty, but with the dairy, I'll be gifting it. I have read reviews of folks who loved it. Retail $6.00.
Hawaii-Honey Girl Organic Beauty Creams: I like receiving beauty creams to try different brands. This was an 87% organic eye cream and a tiny sample night cream. I will give the night cream a try tonight-it's thick and creamy the way I like it. The eye cream will also be used, but it's a little thinner and oilier than I'm used to. It does feel soft and smooth, though. The Honey Girl Website lists their 1.75 ounce Face & Eye cream at $30.99.
Oregon-Beeswax Cinnamon Roll Candle: Yes, it smells like a cinnamon roll. And yes, it looks like one too. I really like candles almost as much as I like skin care products. It is cute votive size so it will get used. I would almost eat it, though. Retail $4.00
Napa Valley-Sparkling White Grape Tea: I really should either get a tea kettle or spend some time with my friend who has all the supplies for really enjoying slow-brewed high-quality tea leaves. I think Napa may have been the first month. I think it's cool to have a nice combination of white tea with red currants and grapes. I think I could really enjoy sipping. This package makes 15-25 cups. I like strong, so probalby 15. Retail $7.99
The value of this box was
(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)
