PopSugar MustHave May 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. The current discount code is MUSTHAVE5 for $5 off your subscription.  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. 

I have been slow about getting around to writing about my May arrivals.It's not that I didn't love them, I just haven't been in a writing mood. So ... anyway. Here goes. As usual, I was really happy when my box arrived. I had seen spoilers, because I always cheat. I was looking forward to what was inside. And, I appreciate the card detailing everything. The box was inspired by Glowing Skin, Mother's Day, Fresh Flowers, Beach Bum, Colorful, and California Sun.



So, of course the first thing I think of at the beach is boardwalks and salt-water taffy. It makes me think of Ocean City and that always makes me happy. So, I was not disappointed with Hammond's Candies McCraw's Flat Taffy. I don't know what flavor mine was because it wasn't listed on the flavor guide on the label. It was purple and yellow and I am not sure I can describe the flavor other than sweet. The description said it was made with no artificial colors of flavors, but the ingredient list contains Natural & Artifical Flavor and Coloring, soooooo .... Retail $1

You can't go to the beach without a beach towel. We received Sisters of Los Angeles Surf Sand Love Beach Towel that was designed for PopSugar. It isn't my heaviest beach towel, but it isn't my lightest. And, you just can't go wrong with another option for the beach bag. Retail $40. 


The biggest boxed item was Middle Kingdom Mini Plum Vase in Coral Red. I like a bud vase, and this is nice and it's handy packaging for possible regifting. I like the touch of color, but not entirely sure that the vase fits with what I think of as a beachy theme for the box. Retail $20

I have been really appreciating tiny necklaces this year and I have a few, but each  is different. So, I was pleased with Kitsch Tri'd & Tru Y'shaped Necklace. I like the tiny choker, but with the charm to add just a little more dimension. Retail $32.



A box wouldn't be a lifestyle box without some beauty items, right? So ... included was Sage & Row Bare Shave Cream. Yes, I get that it's summertime again and I have to shave more often. This is a nice moisturizing shave cream. I like the tube because it just seems easier to pack. Retail $17

Batiste Dry Shampoo was also included. I guess I should hop on the bandwagon. Last year I received some dry shampoo, but I just haven't gotten around to trying it out. Somehow it just seems wrong to me. I feel the need to rinse and just don't know how it gets the hair clean. Anyway, retail $4.

Final Verdict. I like the box, but I don't love the box. It had some neat interesting things, but I'm not wow'ed this month. I can't complain. Retail value was $114, so the value is there and I have nothing to complain about. Maybe my lack of mood for writing is also translating into my lack of excitement.