PopSugar MustHave November 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 plus tax ($42.65), 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 REFER5 for $5 off your subscription. I bought a 6 month subscription last month and had a discount for Black Friday. I totally forgot to change my subscription when the 6 months ran out and do another 6 months. Right now, I'm holding out to see if they have another Black Friday deal. If so ... I'm doing a 6 month and cancelling my month to month.

November's inspiration was Friends& Family, Gratitude, Giftings and Festivities. Seems appropriate for the time of year. As usual, I was scoping the mailbox for my box and was happy when it arrived. First thing I noticed was that it was big and it was heavy. Hmmm?

Deepa Gurnani Katie Crystal Headband: In a Limited Edition Box, I  received a Deepa Gurnani Crystal necklace. I really love it, so no surprise I love the detailing of this headband. Retail $56. I'm wearing it now as I write.






Tarte Cosmetics Beauty & the Box Eye Shadow: Such cute packaging. And it was a candy theme. The colors are Lollipop, Bubblegum, Jellybean, and Taffy. The combination is great. Matte and creamy with a hint of shimmer. Supposed to be formulated to last 12 hours. From my research, it looks like vegan also. Since I don't see a lot of red, I believe it may be. Other Beauty & the Box eyeshadows on the website are listed as vegan, but I couldn't find this one. Retail $22

West Emory Bingo Set: OK, I admit, I was a little iffy. This is what made the box big, and heavy. It is not just cheap paper. The boxed set has large cardboard playing cards, a tracker, and push-out circles for placeholders and for the number system. It could be a fun and simple game with family and friends over the holidays. Retail $20





Capri Blue Mercury Jewel Box in Rain. Candle has a very floral fragrance and the hand-blown recycled glass jewel box is really pretty. I have to use the candle a lot because I think it will be fun to use the box on my dresser. Retail $18.95

Gramr Gratitude Co Exclusive Thanksgiving Postcard Pack. What a nice reminder to thank people for doing something nice over the holidays, or just thank them for being themselves and being present in your life. A simple postcard is a quick reminder that they are appreciated. Retail $10. Also included a code for $15 off a subscription. 


Terrapin Ridge Farms Pecan Honey Mustard: HMMM ... I'm interested in giving this a try. Haven't sampled yet, but the combination sounds interesting. And it seems festive, and a little decadent, for holiday meals. Retail $6

Special Extra Inkdot Gift Card: This $20 gift card can be used for turning digital pictures into something longer lasting ... prints, coasters, etc. I am usually not a fan of gift cards, but since this can be used without requiring extra money added, I find it a winner. Retail $20. 

So, what do I think? I think PopSugar is really doing a great job with curations. Interesting combinations of products. Things I wouldn't necessarily purchase for myself, but really enjoy. Things I can use for gifts that my friends will love. And, fitting a theme without being too bound by the theme. Retail $132.90-$152.95 if you count the gift card, which I do since it can be used as is. Even at the regular monthly price of the subscription, it has great value. 

How to be a Redhead November 2015

 How to Be a Redhead. The website has all kinds of fun and useful information for redheads and sells red-head approved products. So, when they released a box just for red-heads, how could I resist? Because everything is redhead friendly, all items are free of heavy chemicals and compliment red hair and sensitive skin. They only released 500 boxes. I purchased the annual subscription for $180, so it comes out to $15 per box prepaid. I have no idea how much the monthly subscription is because it is now sold out and I can't see the pricing. I feel pretty lucky to be one of 500 women receiving this box. I really loved the first one and I was excited to see the second one. 

Joy Lacquer "Santa Says I'm Naughty" Nail Polish: This color was made specifically for the H2BAR Box. That's kind of cool. It's a deep red that I think will really pop. I can't wear polish at work, so I'll have to save this for a special occasion over the holidays when I have a few days off. Retail $4

Clearista Retexturing Gel: I love finding new skincare products to try. Clearista doesn't test on animals and I like that. The gel can be used as a primary cleanser or as a step-2 retexturing cleanser to smooth out bumps and rough patches, but very gently. Retail $52

Paul Mitchell Ultimate Color Repair Triple Rescue: Designed to protect colored hair from heat damage, the Quinoa Color Repair complex maintains the brightness of the red. It is supposed to work well on natural red also. So, I will be using this when I use heat on my hair, which isn't often. I have always tried to brighten my red. I know, it's already fire engine, but even as a kid, I wanted more. I used henna shampoos, so finding other products to enhance the red is a winner for me. Retail $20

Eve Organics "Fanatic" Mineral Eye Shadow: First ... vegan, and that makes me happy. Second, I love mineral make-up. Third, what a great color ... taupey and rosey. I absolutely love it. Retail $10







Egyptian Magic: Sample pack of a thick cream for moisturizing and nourishing. I read it can be used for skin problems suck as a rash or burn or scar. I was traveling and simply used it as a moisturizer. It was a little greasy for that purpose, so I think I would stick to use as a treatment for a sensitive area. Value $5.

ATZEN Bio-Active Complex: ATZEN is leaping bunny certified, so no animal testing. The description of ingredients sounds plant-based and organic without additional chemical additions. It doesn't specifically say vegan, but I don't see ingredients that I know to be animal based. So, that's a win. The packaging was bigger than the bottle. I always am taken aback by that, but it's normal these days. I tested this moisturizer and I like it... a lot. It's really luxurious feeling. And, any moisturizer with SPF 15 built-in is a positive. Retail $95.
(Other subscribers received soothing eye and lip gel)



Last month, we received Organix OGX Vitamin B5 shampoo and conditioner sample. This month we received another Organix OGX Vitamin E sample packet. I liked last month, so was not disappointed to receive another sample. And, I used it when I was traveling and my hair felt just as great. Value $5

So, what do I think? I am really feeling lucky that I stumbled upon this box while it is still available. The value was definitely there at $191, but really the greatest feature is the discovery of new brands and products that feel like they were made just for me ... red-hair, environmentally friendly, and mostly animal-friendly. I'm glad I purchased the annual subscription and sure hope they open up more for my ginger friends.

Wantable Style November 2015

On a whim, since I've enjoyed Wantable Intimates, I decided to give Wantable Style Edit a try. The concept is similar to other style boxes. For a $20 styling fee, the stylists pick five items to send you to try on at home. Keep what you want. Or return what you don't in the included prepaid return envelope. I answered the questions about my size and preferences, and general style. I think I made a note that I do NOT need blue denim jeans ... I have enough.

Anyway, when the box arrived, I jumped into it. I admit, seeing the items at first, I was a little "meh." I mean, I have 2 denim jackets. I should have specified. And a plain T-shirt? But, wait ... I tried them on and LOVED everything. Dammit, I really didn't want to spend extra money this month. But, the style was really amazing. I'll show you.

KLD High-Low Tee with Pocket in Olive. I thought the color was bland and the shape was huge. Then I put it on. The color was amazing with my hair and skin tone. The flow of the shirt was incredible. It was a perfect fit. Great with skinny jeans. And really cool for layering. Retail $49

Kut Classic Denim Jacket Serpa Wash. Remember, I have 2 denim jackets. But, this is super soft and has an amazing cut, slightly cropped to hit just at my waist. It's great as a layering piece over something long (see above) and can look great open or closed Retail $89

Olive & Oak Heather Grey Open Front Jacket. I am a fan of layering and I'm a fan of mixed fabric and I'm a fan of assymetric cuts. So ... this jacket hit all the highlights. The grey has nice blue undertones and is really quire pretty. A fun surprise feature ... most open front cardigans and jackets, don't have pockets ... this one did. Retail $75

BB Dakota Beretta Sweater Oatmeal: At first, I thought it was a little bland. But, it has a nice fit and I really like the change-up of the knitting patterns. It's a little shear, so I'll definitely wear at least a tank or cami under it. The oatmeal color is a little shimmery and almost golden. Retail $90

Morgan Pant Black: I have eyed faux leather leggings and wasn't sure I could pull it off. When these arrived, I was kind of curious/excited to try. They are stretchy in the back and the vegan leather front is lined, so it's soft inside. Pockets and belt loops, so more like pants than leggings. The only thing legging-like is that they pull on. Super comfortable and may be my favorite pants for the winter. Great with boots. My husband thinks these pants "rock" ... his word. I agree. My only complaint is that they are dry clean only and I hate dry cleaning. But, then again, for vegan leather, how else would you wash them. Retail $138.

So, what do I think? I wouldn't have picked out any of these items on my own. I wouldn't have combined them this way, either. But, after trying them on and seeing how they work together, I couldn't send anything back. I absolutely love it. The only thing I may have considered returning was the jacket, but it's so darn cute, too ... and different from my others. Total retail was $441, but with a 20% discount for keeping everything, it came to $310.75. See ... I saved money by keeping the jacket. Will I do it again ... absolutely.

Wantable Intimates November 2015

Wantable has 5 subscriptions: an Accessory box (I am not a good accessorizor), their Intimate box, Make-up box and their Fitness wear and Style box (try on at home and keep what you want). For the Accessory, Intimate, and Make-up, the cost is $50 the first month and then a $4 discount subsequent months if you keep everything. You can return individual items, though, so it's not a keep all or none sort of thing. When you sign up, you set up a style profile an select things you love, like, and dislike. They will never send something you dislike. Each box is selected for you, so my box will be different from everyone else's box. And, you can return if you want. That's a bonus most boxes don't allow. Aaaannnddd .... you always have the option to skip a month when you just need to take some time off. I chose the Intimates box. Assortment of undergarments, socks, loungewear, etc. 

The Intimates box now has "themes" of loungewear or lingerie. I'm a loungewear person, so I said I prefer that. I didn't "dislike" lingerie, so I may also receive that on occasion. You can expect three items each month. 

One of the things that impresses me most about Wantable is how quickly they ship. My style profile says that I love Loungewear, Leggings, and Socks. I have reviewed on their site each item I've received and they seem to do a better job selecting my items each time.

Once again, my box arrived exactly on time and I had selected loungewear as a theme I love, more than Lingerie.



I received a Long Sleeve Sweatshirt Dress. This is actually a really comfortable tunic with a hood in a soft brushed fabric. I will be able to wear it easily with leggings, like the one's I received last month. I might even wear it out of the house, but it will definitely be great for kicking back after work when I change out of my uniform and want to veg out on the couch with a martini. Retail $36. My price to keep $19.20


Over the Knee Bootsocks: Yes, please. I love long socks and it's boot weather. These are nice basic black so go with everything, but with a little sparkle to add a little interest. Retail $18. My price to keep $9.60

Pajama Drama Racerback Tank Teal: I have a cute pair of cropped pajama pants from a previous box that match this. And, it has a nice flow. It will go well for pajamas or under a sweater. Retail $21. My price to keep $11.20

So, what do I think. I like it, but it's not the same homerun from previous boxes. I really liked when the box had a few more items, but it seems that along with the price increase, they have also reduced to 3 items per box. Maybe a higher value for each item. Total retail $75, so not bad for $50 and even better for $36 since they are not changing the price for past subscribers who keep active accounts.  I am keeping everything and it will find use, so overall, I can't complain.

Little Lace Box October 2015

Little Lace Box is a 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 is changing after the April box. I think because of their popularity, they grew really fast. They put so much thought into the curations, it has been challenging keeping up. After April ... the subscriptions are going to every other month ... six times a year. I had an annual subscription ... so it extends it out 18 months for the remaining 9 boxes. No complaints. This is my 6th box. I have 6 more coming.

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.

In the process of searching for items for their curated boxes, they come across items that just don't fit the theme, but that they love and want to share. So ... the luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things ...found itself as theSerendipity pouch. The Serendipity pouch will be sent on the months that the Little Lace Box is not. I have received a few Serendipity pouches from Little Lace Box. I should share that they went "live" in September for $9.99 per month, so subscribers of the regular LLB no longer receive it as a free bonus in the off months.

 
I was really looking forward to my box when it arrived. I always am, because I have loved their curation. I appreciate the text message about shipping. In August, they had a few hints for the items in the box and I thought it was going to be an ongoing theme, but I haven't seen hints since.

I opened the box with enthusiasm. Of course, there was a fold-out detailing the items in the box. This month's theme was Authentic Autumn and the box was developed to transition into the next season and compliment a personal style.

First was a Fall Pashmina. The color options included Amethyst Orchid, Stark White, Cashmere Rose, and Soft Cream. The Orchid and Rose are apparently shades of pink and lavender. I received Stark White. The description says the fabric is 100% Pashmina Cashmere, but I am not sure I've ever seen 100% Pashmina. I am not an expert, so I can't really comment too much. I received Stark White and was pleased with it because the Rose and Orchid don't seem to scream Fall to me.  But, the white is a color I will use to brighten up my wardrobe. It is lightweight, but doesn't feel thin like summer scarves. Retail $32, but I can admit that I've seen similar for much less in New York on the streets. A few years ago, these were hard to find, but now they seem a dime a dozen.

The next three items in the box were from OFRA cosmetics. OFRA is Leaping Bunny certified, so no animal testing. Included were Absolute Face Primer, Eye Gel Primer, and Liquid Lipstick in either Rio or Santa Ana. OFRA has been in the last few boxes and Serendipity boxes, so I didn't feel like I was getting something new and original. Not being exposed to a brand that is new to me. I don't wear a lot of makeup, but when I do, I like a good primer, so I'm happy for another to try. I've never used an eye primer, but I'm excited to see if it can minimize creases and wear spots. I received the Santa Ana color and it did NOT work on me. Just a strange red that I can't explain. My blond friend received Rio and said it was very orange. Retail value $35 for Face Primer, $19.50 for Eye Primer, and $19.90 for Lipstick.

Travalo Skyline Portable Fragrance Decanter: Interesting concept and new to me. This is a way to take your favorite fragrance with you on carry-on and fit the 3.5 ounce per item limit. It's interesting. But, for me, I am not committed to a single fragrance and I love the tiny rollers I have received in other boxes and those are not a problem for carry-on. But, it will make an interesting Christmas gift at an exchange or for a few friends I know who are particular about fragrance. Retail $24

MintTeas: Tiny tin of mints made with organic tea, fruit and herbs. OK ... I carry mints with me. I'm cool with this. It doesn't feel luxurious, though and I really want luxury. Retail $2.99

Bonus Tea Forte Sample: I drink tea. The packaging was super cute for this teabag. It will make it into my rotation.

So, what do I think? Retail value was $133.99. Not bad for $31.99 that I paid. Still OK for $59.99 for new subscriptions. But, not as high as previous boxes. I am also not so sure that some of the items are things I would consider as having the listed value. So ... I'm kind of underwhelmed. Also, past boxes have seemed so well thought-out and this one seems a little rushed. The original creativity seems a little lost. I'm not sure that it fits the theme very well. My authentic self doesn't wear a lot of make-up. I loved that previous boxes had something that could be totally customized to make it really unique. Lip color, for example, is a tough one for many people. I would have liked a certificate to select a color that would be great on me instead of being sent something that just doesn't work for me. I'm actually a little underwhelmed. I know that no company can hit it out of the park every time. I'm really hoping that December will be more like past boxes ... unique and creative and spectacular.

December's theme is pulled from a great childhood story, The Little Prince. It's only with the Heart that one sees clearly what is invisible to the eye.

PopSugar MustHave October 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. 

It's been a whirlwind past six weeks, so a little luxury was needed for relaxation. I had not paid attention to when my box may be arriving, so it was a pleasant surprise to see it on my doorstep. 

First glance in the box and I noticed 2 things. First was the card noting that for every box, PopSugar made a donation to Right Action for Women in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I appreciate that companies I support are willing/able to support good causes. 

Next thing I saw was that the other contents were eclipsed by the Savvy Sleepers Luxury Satin Pillowcase. Yes, I actually do use white linens. I know some people don't. The 100% satin is supposed to prevent sleep wrinkles, reduce hair breakage, and protect salon blowouts. Well, I don't do blow-outs, but the other benefits sound good. It is very soft Retail $36. Also a gift card for 20% off a purchase. 

After lifting the pillowcase, the other contents were revealed. 

  And, also, the trifold card identifying and describing the contents. 

 Who doesn't love comfy house socks? Anyone? So, I'm happy with Richer Poorer Hope Slipper Socks and I'm wearing them while I write. Soft and cozy. Grippers on the sole to prevent slippage. And pink to highlight the cause of the month. Of course, I feel like wearing pink isn't quite enough, but it identifies the cause, and that's important, too. Retail $15.

Every box comes with food. I've heard great things about Belgian Boys De Stroopwafel. It's filled with caramel to be crunchy on the outside and creamy chewy on the inside. But, with dairy and egg, this will be gifted to a grateful friend. I won't tell her about the 200 calories per waffle (400 calories per package, yikes!!) Retail $1.59

There were some liquid items that were bundled together in a plastic bag. I didn't have leakage issues, but I've heard others had trouble with the Honest Company Sea Salt + Sugar Body Scrub. I am a big fan of Honest Company and I like scrubs, so this is a win for me. I don't know if they did different scents, but I love the lavender vanilla. Retail $17. Also a coupon for 30% off a bundle purchase. I may consider using it.

In the same bag was It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product. It says it's sample size and not for resale and I can't find it on-line, so I am uncertain if the suggested retail is correct. But, It's a 10 partnered with Right Action for Women to provide financial assistance to women for screening. It's Leaping Bunny certified. It is supposed to offer 10 benefits in every bottle including detangling, defrizzing, shine, etc. I'm willing to give it a go. It smells fresh and clean and has a silky feel. Retail $11.96. This was listed as a Special Extra. 

Some fun items in the box included Easy, Tiger Brown Paper Liquor Bag Set. These are cute and fun and will be perfect for gifts of wine. Retail $8

And another fun item is Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling. So, Mindy is just plain funny and she says what the rest of us often think. And I love the sarcasm. I think this will make a nice light read. Retail $25, ($15 on Amazon). Some subscribers received autographed books, I did not. That's OK.

A Special Extra was a $40 gift card from Danielle Stevens Monogram Collection. So, I'm not really a fan of gift cards in boxes that require me to give a credit card or spend more money. And since nothing currently available in the collection is under $50, this card doesn't really excite me.

So, what do I think? Retail value of the box including special extras was $154.55. Take out the gift card that doesn't have value unless you spend, it comes to $114.55. Take out the $10 for the Amazon price of the book and we're at $104.55. Take out value of the hair care sample (which I like, so I think it does have value) and we're at $92.59. So, it's not the highest value PopSugar box, but I think it's a fun box and I appreciate the cause they are highlighting. Next month is inspired by gratitude, friends & family, festivities, and gifting. Perfect theme for Thanksgiving.