PopSugar MustHave Resort Box 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, 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. 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. A few times a year, they release a Special Edition Box. The Resort Box was $100 and was delivered at the end of March. Of course, I am curious and I had seen spoilers, so I jumped at it. 

The Special Edition Boxes are packaged a little different from the regular monthly boxes. The box is packaged inside of the shipping box. Each item is individually tissue wrapped and then the entire contents are wrapped in tissue. Of course, a fold-out is included with a description of the included items. 

Stephanie Johnson White Dot Train Case: This was designed as a PopSugar exclusive. I really love it. I had a travel case when I was a kid and it was fun. This has an elastic interior strap to hold items in place and it is plastic lined so no mess even if you did get a spill. It just seems so feminine and decadent. Better than the plastic baggies I have been using. Retail $60.




Jane Iredale Warm My Steppes Makeup Kit: I really like Jane Iredale products. This is a really cute compact that includes a bronzer, a blush, and 2 lip glosses. I've actually mixed the glosses and it comes out great. Easy packing. Not strictly vegan because it does contain carmine for coloring and it comes from insect scales. Buuuttt ... I haven't gone quite that far. With the exception of silkworms, I haven't come up with a reason to avoid insect products in my plant-based lifestyle. So ... I'll continue to use this and love it. Retail $58. 

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum: First, I love the name. Second, I love the simple packaging. The bottle doesn't look like typical beauty product. I am always on the lookout for a good skin serum and this goes on silky smooth. I am always hopeful that they will make me look younger. Retail $80

Lele Sadoughi Half-Moon Pendant: Another PopSugar Exclusive. This jewelry line is found at Nieman Marcus and it's beautiful. The chain is silver-plate. The stone is beautiful reconstituted stone of howlite and marble. It's a great statement piece. It has a nice weight. Doesn't feel like "cheap" costume jewelry. And I always like jewelry that comes in a nice felt pouch. Retail $110

Jacob Salt Co. Pure Sea Salt Cocktail Salt: My husband likes margaritas, but I'm not much of a salt person in my drinks. This is sitting at the bar. Might get used at a party in the future. But I'm kind of on the fence. Not really sure this really fits the theme. I mean, sure, I get the margaritas on the beach ... but it just doesn't make me think travel. Retail $14.

Sloane Stationary Passport Holder:Third PopSugar Exclusive in the box. I don't know what the material is, but it doesn't feel like leather. Feels luxe, but not leather, so I'm going to believe it is not. This is totally decadent. Sure ... my passport is fine as it, but I feel a little chichi with a holder. I am taking 2 international trips this fall and can't wait to use it. Retail $48

Verdict:Totally dig this box!!! It is filled with lots of little luxuries that I wouldn't have purchased myself, but I am going to love to use. And, I feel the value is totally there. I pain $100 and received $370 value in products. And I really do feel the value is there for the suggested retail prices. Glad I didn't miss out on this one. 

SadieBug

After Papi moved to his super-awesome forever home, I had a 12-pound hole in my heart. This message was posted on  SA ROCKS Facebook page, so I talked to the Musician. “I think that having a short-term foster would help me heal. Give me the reminder why we foster. And remind me not to get too attached because they all leave, eventually.” He agreed and we picked up Sadie for a few days.

Sadie was probably the easiest foster dog we have ever had. She is about 7-years-old and very mellow … not like high-energy Papi. She is very smart and knows her doggie door and where to do her “doodie” without ever being told. My girls didn’t really mind her. They weren’t particularly put-out having her there, but didn’t play with her either. She didn’t really have interest in playing with them so no problem. Rumor is she gets along famously with cats and children and I believe it. She’s just really easy. Her favorite things to do are:

Eat

Cuddle on your lap

Play with toys

She loves her toys. It was fun to watch her root around in the toy box and select a toy for the moment. After a bit of shredding action, back to the toy box to see what else she could find to tear apart.

After about a week, she returned to her regular foster home and was a total wiggle worm of excitement to see them. She was adopted shortly thereafter, but sadly, it didn’t work out. I’m not entirely sure why. She just didn’t bond with the family who has a toddler, another dog, and a baby on the way. I think it was too much stress for the family bringing in another dog … any dog. Timing wasn’t right, but that means Sadie is still looking for furever.  It isn’t over until the Fat Sadie sings. You can learn more about her on Sadie's Facebook page or at SA ROCKS. And, if you are ready to give her a furever home, then you can apply to adopt here here. 

Zooma Texas 2015

 I have been pretty loyal to running Zooma races. I ran the first Zooma in 2007 in Annapolis. I have run a Zooma race every year since that time. My first race report was Zooma last year. The Texas course is tough ... hot, hilly. But, there is no way I wasn't running Zooma again this year. It's a "must-do" race for me. It's fun. Very women-centric. This year they had a girlfriend special and Sorority Girl and I signed up together and we each got a discount.

Both of us were able to get off work a little early and drive to Bastrop. The race is held at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and we wanted to get in and settled. I have turned Sorority Girl into an INKnBURN FANATIC and we were both dressed in INKnBURN kits for packet pick-up. Lace is the new spring line and it's really kind of sexy. Robot is an older design that is no longer available. Great traveling gear. As usual whenever I wear INKnBURN, got tons of compliments. I handed out lots of ambassador cards. We checked in and headed to packet pick-up. Always a little nicer and female-centric swag. Tech shirt without a lot of logos. Feetures socks (my fav). Journal. Mini-toothpaste from Tom's. Athleta reusable shopping bag.  They had a few exhibitors and Sorority Girl bought a Silpada necklace. I have realized that my head is not meant for hats and I knew it would be sunny. I was hoping for a visor and found one with the Zooma logo. Wish it weren't black, but needed a visor. Sorority Girl also schmoozed the Feetures rep and we were able to score some of their new compression socks. Promised to wear them for the race.  (They were super comfortable. No blisters. No swollen cankles. And no sore calves. Win!!!)

 We got settled. Had some dinner at the resort. Sat in the hot tub and prepared for morning. They had some temporary tattoos, so what the heck ... put one on my wrist. I don't usually take pics of my race-day set-up ... but a bunch of FB friends were posting their "flat mamas" for the following day, so we did too.

 Why do races start so early? Alarm went off and we both groaned. After rolling out of bed, we mixed up some oatmeal and stumbled to the start line. We were both dressed in new INKnBURN Ryu. We had just received these tops earlier in the week. I wore Ryu Blue Tech T and Sorority Girl was in Ryu Green Singlet. I think they pair fantastic with Bloom Shorts. I always feel pretty special in INKnBURN. We got lots of compliments. A few people recognized the design. And, it's not just pretty ... they are so comfortable. Like wearing sweatproof silk. And sure ... orange shorts with pink compression socks and green Hokas? Oh well ... at least no one can accuse me of being too matchy. The resort Llamas were available for gentle neck scratches. Don't scratch too high on the neck, they don't like that. No spitting, that's good.

 Before we knew it, we were starting the "race." It seemed so much smaller this year than previous years, but the Austin 10/20 was the next day and I suspect a lot of people were doing that. Both of us had been on injured reserve and we planned to go super easy. Set intervals to 3-minute-run, 2-minute-walk. Remember, last week I was DONE at mile 9 and wasn't sure how my hip strength was going to do on the hills. It went OK at first. Better than last year. At least I didn't lose the walkers in the first 10 minutes. And yes, it was hills, hills, and hills.

Buuutttt ... somewhere around mile 6, the intervals turned into 3-minutes-walk and 2-minutes-run. Then, it rapidly turned into mostly walk. Good thing we were just out for a long, leisurely Sunday stroll. Yes, the Bluebonnets were in full bloom. And yes, I lollygagged and took pictures of flowers.

 

 Mile 7 and my favorite picture. I had been looking for this barn. I just love this barn and this tree. It feels so Wizard of Oz to me. I had to get another picture this year to match last year.

 I have to say, all along the course, the volunteers were AMAZING!! When we strolled past, they cheered like we were running with the lead pack. About mile 9, we encountered a dog and pet him. He tried to follow ... oops, but we found his home and he trotted back to his yard.

Mile 10 and we are back on resort property. Yes, I got distracted by ponies and longhorns.

 The rest of the course was on the golf course and I was completely mesmerized by the trees this  year. The leaves haven't started filling in and for some reason, the skeletons of branches were just beautiful. This part of the course was flat. Thank goodness. We were very happy that we started passing people and felt a little more spry to do more running than walking. We were especially happy to pass the girl who was leisurely strolling with a PURSE slung over her shoulders. We checked, yes, she was wearing a bib. She had been ahead of us the whole race. A PURSE?!?!?! Were we really THAT leisurely?

 

 Finally, as we started, Sorority Girl and I finished ... together. So, last year was my PR for slowest half marathon EVER!!! I was happy that I did not set a PR this year. I was a whopping 2 minutes faster.

 We picked up our medals. Thanks volunteers who stayed out there until we were done. I have to admit, I LOVED when Zooma medals were charms on little silver chains. I don't need big medals. I am glad, though that they have detachable charms still to keep the charms going. But ... no chain for the charms. Aaaannddd ... I'm too lazy to take the charm off and find a chain for it. Also sad that the 10K and 5K don't get charms on their medals. This particular race is really tough with the hills and the heat comes on quickly despite the chilly start. I really want the charm. I know ... silly. I have to think long and hard about this race in the future. If I am going to keep doing Zooma halfs, I may have to start traveling. Wine Country?

 After finding some food, we found the really important things ... Barefoot Wine. YUM!!! And the cups change color with temperature change. YES!!! The little things that amuse and excite me. OK ... probably will see you next year.

Little Lace Box March 2015

Little Lace Box is a newer subscription box for women. It's curated for women by three sisters and isn't really described as a "lifestyle" box, but curates their boxes around particular themes. They used to be a monthly box and that changed after the March box. They had some challenges in February with production and distribution due to weather and dock strikes and the like. I think because of their popularity, they grew really fast and it has been challenging keeping up. After March ... the subscriptions are going to every other month ... six times a year. I had an annual subscription ... so it extends it out 20 months for the remaining 10 boxes. No complaints.

You can purchase a bi-monthly subscription for $59.99. 3 boxes over 6 months for $149.97. 6 boxes over 12 months for $269.99. If you have a recurring subscription, you can email them to suspend subscription for any reason and then resume when  you are ready.  I purchased mine when the annual (12-box) subscription was $383.90 ($31.99/box). Shipping is between the 20th-23rd each month and they bill monthly just before shipping.  If you like items you receive and want more, they have an on-line boutique where you can purchase more. For every dollar you spend in the boutique or on the purchase of the box, you get a loyalty point.  50 loyalty points is one dollar to spend in the boutique.

Shipping is between the 21st and 23rd of the month. I was very anxious for arrival and was a bit grabby when my husband handed me mail. This month was about sunshine and rejuvenation after a long winter.

First up: Cali Baronessa Torocco Shampoo & Conditioner: Some people received the Olivia line with olive oil. I'm really glad I received the Torocco line. OMIGOSH!!! This smells edible. The blood orange scent comes through. Supposed to be good for all hair types. This works nicely in my thick, curly, frizzy hair. So, it's a win. Retail $31.99

Next: Kate Spade Water Bottle: If you look in my cabinets, and much to the chagrin of my poor husband, you will see that I love water bottles. I carry one with me all the time. This water bottle is different from the others. It's real glass and has a rubber gripper sleeve. I probably wouldn't take it with me on a run or to the gym. But, it makes me feel a little fancy at yoga and at work. Retail $29.99.

Third item in the box: All-Natural Urban Spa Sea Sponge: This is actually a pretty dense sponge. I have some angst about it because I try to avoid all animal products and sea sponges are technically animal. But, I haven't heard that they have a nervous system, so I'm on the fence. I also don't object to most insect products, soooo.... And it is sustainably harvested which is another important factor when I think about animal product use. I think I'll keep it. Retail $13.99

 Finally: 12"X12" Gallery Wrap Mounted Canvas Print: OK, I will admit it ... at first I was underwhelmed. I wanted a "thing." This requires thought and effort on my part. But the more I thought about it, the more I LOVE IT!!! It's personal. I get to put my own personal spin, my own favorite picture. I thought about the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones in Hawaii. But, I'm going to Africa in September. I'm saving my code (which is good until the end of the year) for a safari picture!!! Yes, I love the canvas wrap print. It will be one of a kind, all my own, and special. The unique discount code was emailed to me and I think (haven't confirmed) that it's in my account. Retail $51.99.



 Verdict: For 31.99, the box contained $127.96 worth of items. So ... points for value. And, I thought it was beautifully curated. I love the theme. You really can tell that the sisters put a lot of their heart into the curation. It feels very personal ... to them and to me. I am so glad that I subscribed when I did and I will continue. I don't mind that the boxes are now bi-monthly because it is obvious that they put a lot of thought into the curation. It's not filled with products that were sent to them for marketing purposes.

Next box: Nonna's Kitchen. I love that they write what feels like a personal note explaining the thought process behind the curation. I can't wait until April.

(These are my personal opinions. I have no affiliation with the product and receive no compensation for my reviews)