Glow in the Park 5K

We had talked about it at work for weeks and I kept forgetting to sign up. I usually delete emails at work that don't seem to have direct relevance. This was no different. But, The Reservist loves to run so she read the email. She convinced us that we needed to run the Glow in the Park 5K. It was cheap ... $10 registration. The run was to take place at Fort Sam Houston and raised funds for the 522 FSS (Fort Support Squadron for those of you who don't speak acronym). As it was on post, it was really geared towards military families. I had promised to go, so ... as much as I wasn't feeling it that day ... I agreed. It was supposed to rain, UGH!!!

I texted MacMama and she and BabyMac were going. The Reservist was traveling the next morning and cancelled. I have to hold it against her in the future. I dressed in INKnBURN Radioactive Skeleton. I figured it was the closest to glowy that I have. I didn't even think to bring my LED lights. I use them for practical purposes, so they didn't seem like "party" pieces. After parking, I found my way to registration, paid my fee, picked up my shirt and a few glow sticks to make a necklace.

While waiting to register, MacMama found me. There were tons of families, children, young troops, and pets all decked out in glowing gear. I had a lot of people ask me where they could find my kit, so I directed them to INKnBURN's website. I love how even in a crowd of people dressed up, I still get attention in these kits. There was a huge party atmosphere. Live music. Food Trucks. Hula Hoop Competitions. The energy was amazing.

There wasn't any real seeding to the race. But, with the huge turnout, they did limit each start "corral" to 250 runners and we took off in 3 minute intervals.  MacMama is on injured reserve just like me and she is a walker these days. It didn't make sense to try to run. it was crowded and I was there to hang with my friends. So, we walked. I forgot to turn on Trusty Garmin for a bit, so it looks short. There were fun glow stations along the course with a variety of inflatable glowing things. There were decked out strollers and dogs with decked out collars and leashes.

After our walk, the party was still going on, but I was planning an early morning and the temps were dropping. We said our good-byes and called it a night. It was a fun event for the troops and I'm glad I joined in.

LIttle Lace Box February 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. I've seen amazing reviews of previous boxes and was dying to get my hands on one. They like to promote and showcase small artisans, rather than big brands, and I like that. The January box was sold out before I even heard of it. And, so they don't dilute their quality, they offer a limited number of new subscriptions each month. They have monthly subscriptions  for $39.99 (which you can put on hold) or an annual subscription (which is discounted) and paid at once. They keep a certain number of each available and if the monthly's are sold out for the month and they don't sell the number they had set aside for annuals, then they open them at the last minute for monthly's. The January theme was so popular, that the waitlist never opened. When they opened February for new subscriptions, they blew up the website. I purchased an annual subscription for $383.90 ($31.99/box). Shipping is between the 20th-23rd each month and they bill monthly's just before shipping. 

The theme for February was "The Lovers, the Dreamers, and Me." It's a reference to the "Rainbow Connection" and brought back childhood memories. I could hardly wait. I think February lasted a lot longer because I wanted m box. February turned out to be a bit rough all around. A dock strike, terrible weather, etc. Anyway, shipping was a few days late, but the sisters did let us know and I appreciated the communication. 

Remember I said February was a rough month? Well, not for me, but for the sisters. They wrote that this wasn't the box they originally envisioned, and I could tell they weren't as excited about it as they had planned. I'll give you my overall feel until after we open the box. But, I think the popularity was overwhelming and with dock strikes and weather making it tough to get product out, it was also tough for artisans to put together the products. They worked with what they had. With that being said, they aren't opening new subscriptions for March so that they, and the artisans they chose, can catch their breathe. I have to respect the honesty. 

Here's the list of the items included. I admit it, I got a bit confused at first. There are two items listed that have "OR" in tiny print. So ... I thought I was missing two items, but couldn't figure out how that was possible because the box was pretty packed. My mistake ... too fast glancing over everything. If you love items in the box, you can actually purchase them on the website. 

First I opened the Original Goat Milk Hot Fudge by Beekman 1802: Fun ... a group of sisters found a product made by a group of brothers. I've read great reviewes and I've hears that some people got orange and some people got original. I got original. I'm sure it's fantastic, but as a Vegan, goat milk is not on my list of things to try. My friend who is the recipient of most of my subscription box hand-offs will likely love this. Retail $12.99

Next I opened The Beekman 1802 Iridescent Shimmer Bling Bath: Same brothers as the fudge. Made with goat milk and sea salts for softening, it also apparently contains microscopic minerals to make you glowy and shimmery. But, no goat milk for me, so gifting it goes. Retail $18.99 (The alternative for this item was Tub Truffles by CeeCee&Bee, Retail $18.99. I might have used them since they aren't goat milk based, but I heard they couldn't be used in jetted tubs, so maybe not.)

Next up, was Pink Arrow Stationary by P.Press Papers: I'm trying to be better about writing notes and this is a nice reminder. These are very sweet cards that will be perfect for quick notes. It's a great valentine's theme and would have been great earlier in the month. But, I'll use these and enjoy them. Retail $12.99

And then Stud Earrings by Whitley Designs: OK, I heard some people got heart studs and other people got these cute hoops. Some people got gold and I received silver. I wold have been happy with either. I like the dainty silver hoops. Small enough that the could be worn in place of studs (except in my uniform). They are a bit tricky to put on, but I like them. Retail $54.99 (The alternative was Kitsch Dream Bracelet, Retail $31.99 for people who don't want to receive earrings. I don't remember specifying when I signed up, but that's OK ...  I like my earrings.)

One final item was listed as a bonus. Hula Bliss Goat Milk Lotion by Dancin' Goat Skin Care: I heard from a friend that this was amazing, and it also has coconut milk which I love in moisturizer. But, again ... goat milk = gift. Retail $4.50

So ... my opinion ... meh ... this wasn't a home run for me. If it weren't for so much goat milk product, I might have really loved it. I didn't really feel the theme, because I don't think goats was what they had in mind with rainbows. But, I also understand and respect the challenges this month and I know they were a bit disappointed also. Since the past few months were amazing, and they are not opening new subscriptions for March, I suspect that March is going to make up for it and be absolutely incredible. Overall, for the $31.99 (annual subscription rate) the value was $104.46. I suppose you can't really complain about the value. Even giving away 3 of 5 items, the value was still there.

 Little Lace Box also has a "points" system. You get points for opening an account, for subscribing, for reviewing, and for purchasing. Points eventually transfer to $$ that can be used for purchasing on their site. That's an added bonus. I haven't received an email asking me to review products, but I heard that's supposed to happen too.

March theme is "Here Comes the Sun" and we sure can use it. It's been a long winter.

(This is my personal review and unsolicited. I get nothing in return for writing about it.)

StitchFix February/March 2015

I don't get StitchFix every month because my closet is getting full of beautiful things. But, I was in a bit of a shopping frenzy recently and was disappointed with another clothing subscription, so I went for it.

StitchFix is a styling service. You set up your profile on-line and you can set it up to receive a "fix" monthly, or like me ... whenever the mood strikes. For each fix, I pay a $20 styling fee and I receive 5 items to try on at home. I can keep or return whatever I want and shipping is free both ways. If I keep everything, it's a 25% discount off the total. And, yes, the styling fee is applied towards what I keep. The more fixes I've done, the better my results. I left a note for my stylist that I was going to Cirque du Soleil and wanted something cool to wear, in addition to more color in my closet.

Jocelyn hit a home run!!!

Jocelyn wrote me a very nice note. She took notice that I had asked for some color since I have a pretty black and white and grey wardrobe. It also seems as if she took into account feedback from previous fixes. And, she gave me two options for Cirque du Soleil.

The first of the two options was a more classic look. I love this dress. Often this style of dress has a very straight skirt and I'm hippy, so it hugs the hips in all the wrong places. This dress is fitted at the top and has a little A-line to skirt. Not a flare, but enough to give a little flounce and avoid the wrong curves. It's lightweight and has a bit of stretch. When I don't have to wear a uniform, this will be great to wear to work.

The second Cirque du Soleil Option had more color. I've noticed that Skies are Blue that I've received before has similar soft stretchy fabrics. I know you can't tell from the picture on the hangar, but this also has a very nice drape and a lot of color. The knotted waistline really cinches the waist. I love wrap looks and even though it isn't a wrap, it give a similar structure. This was my plan for Cirque du Soleil. But, I ran a half marathon the day before and my feet were too puffy for the shoes I had packed. So, sadly, this wasn't worn and I went to the show in jeans and a sweater. But, I will get good use out of this dress. Also, I have to point out, neither dress was too short. A lot of dresses lately seem to be thigh length and I'm to "mature" for minis. So, I was quite happy to have 2 dresses that hit just above the knee. I don't have to wear tights and pretend they are tunics.



What a great blouse. Goes well with my existing wardrobe, but adds a hint of color. It  has a nice little A-line to it and I would be comfortable wearing this with jeans, a skirt, or as a blouse under a suit or blazer.


I would normally eschew a dolman sleeve. I've thought they look a bit ... well ... matronly. But, I really like this one when it's on. It's better on a person than a hanger. It has a really nice easy fit and bunches at the hip. The color didn't come out well in the picture, but it's a soft light mossy sagey green. The fabric feels really soft and silky and I will get so much use out of this during the spring. I love the solid color that will go well with a scarves or necklaces ... long or chunky.



And finally, what is probably my favorite item in the fix, but the least expected. I don't really wear bracelets a lot. I'm still learning about accessories and it's a big deal for me to change earrings or necklaces. But, I really love this cuff. It's absolutely beautiful. I did wear it to Cirque du Soleil and I bet I wear it a lot. It hasn't made it to the jewelry cabinet yet. It's all individual "wires" that are connected.

So, I kept everything and paid $183.50 (in addition to the styling fee) and that included the 25% discount for keeping everything ... again. I was so happy with this fix that I ordered my next one already. It arrives 2 days before my birthday and before I go to my high-school reunion. I hope Jocelyn does my next fix and requested her on my comments.