Escape Monthly Anniversary Box

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. This bottle doesn't have a weight on it, but I'm guessing that's about the right size, so this is the highest value item in my box at $30.99 and maybe $5 for the Night Creme Sample.  UPDATE: I compared the size of the eye cream to another bottle I have. It's probably closer to 1/3 the size of the full size bottle sold on the website, so probably closer to $10.00 value.

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 $86.15 and much was due to the single "bit ticket" item $55.16. Lower than my earlier estimate because of the overestimate on the eye cream. Not a bad value for the $49.99 price tag, The value was just a bit more than the $49.99 price tag, and I admit I was a little disappointed with things like a sticker and a piece of candy with little value.  I really want to love this subscription because I really love the concept of a vacation in a box every month. I would like to be carried away to exotic lands. I like the subscription, but I'm just not feeling  the "wow factor." My husband watches me unpack the boxes and he says this one seems like cheap souvenirs to him and he likes my other boxes better. I do like trying new things, but I have not found a lot in these boxes that I would go out and purchase again because I love them so much. I guess that I would like to see higher value as my other boxes are valued at double (or more) than their price point making me feel like I got a bargain. But, I haven't cancelled yet, so that means I still like it enough to keep going. 

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)

2014 SARR Whine Run

So, it was a last minute decision because my back and hip had been hurting, but I did have a 6-mile run on my training calendar that I missed the day before, so I asked Shannon and she said "sure" she would go with me and would hang back at my turtle pace. Besides, my hip hurts when I sit, but doesn't seem bothered when I run. And, I did have an amazing adjustment by my chiropractor a few days before. I have to give a shout out to Dr. Doyle at Hill Country Spine & Sport. I swear, he and Wendy can get you back to full form quickly. Completely worth the drive to Boerne. I just want to point out that Shannon says she's slow, but she did take second in her age group in a 5K two days earlier. The name of the race was about right because I knew I would whine. And, I love the idea of some wine afterwards. Yea!!!


Monday morning, Labor Day (I didn't play hooky), Powerbroker picked me up at 6AM and, coffee in hand, we drove to Dry Comal Creek Winery. Parked, got in line, and registered for the SARR Whine Run. What a great running group. We got our shirt ... no more women's small, so I got a men's. It was going to be too hot to wear sleeves anyway. Back to the car, put on bibs, and walk to the start. We did run into some of our iRUN training buddies. Oops, forgot pictures with the group. I am not good about the photo thingy.

Water Station #2

After a national anthem, we started moving and whining. I forgot how hilly this course was. Up and down and up and down. Said hello to a friend at water stop #2 and her children. Amazing to see them out there. It was awesome because the finish looped around and they were in their car behind us cheering for a bit also. I have to say that Red is an amazing mom. She is raising really amazing, strong, confident, nice, smart children. Loralei is 10 and has run 12 5Ks and even a half-marathon. She got special permission to run the San Antonio RNR in December as the minimum age is normally 12. I'm kind of proud to know them.

Powerbroker and I are great running partners. We have our ups and downs and fast
and slow days, but we wait for each other. And we both agree, running is all about
buying cute outfits. At least, that's why I run.

The neighborhood is beautiful and the neighbors were really nice along the 5-mile route. It's hot and hilly, but it is a really great race. Good organization. Friendly people. I don't have a lot to say about the run except that we got it finished and weren't dead.

Walked back to the winery for beverages. I didn't want to stand in the long line for sausages, but I did stand in one of the many lines open for wine. They do a great job with lots of wine tents so no one has to wait long. Volunteers got shirts, food, and wine also. So nice. I was planning on Sangria and had been talking about it for the past 2 hours, but I opted for the White-Black Spanish instead. Really yummy!!


We had to get home quickly to face the rest of our obligations for the day, so we didn't stick around long. I fell pretty darn good about it overall. And, yes, all whining aside, I would do it again.

Escape Monthly August 2014--Paris

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. All you have to do is enter your email address and they will send you a coupon code for the discount. They are now offering a less expensive (but no discounts) on a mini-box. It has fewer items (4-5 instead of 8, and no travel guide), but still full-size and costs $24.95. 

August was Paris. I love Paris in Springtime, but it's beautiful in August, too. I haven't really seen, or noticed, spoilers for this subscription before so I was pleased that early in the month they announced a spoiler. Unfortunately, the spoiler, and high-ticket item for the month had some delays in customs and the boxes were delayed in shipping. I was pleased that customer service posted this on Facebook, so people were kept in the loop. I was happy to receive my box when it arrived and the blue chevron makes me smile and they seem to know that "I Deserve It." Sadly, I didn't "deserve" the trip to Paris this month. Will I ever be the lucky one with the golden ticket? 

Rick Steves Pocket Travel Guide: The full-size box I subscribe to always contains a travel guide. I like this one more than some of the others. It's small enough to fit in a handbag and it's colorful with lots of pictures. I am a visual person, so a picture is worth a thousand words to me. It includes a fold-out map. I have to admit, seeing the photos, makes me want to plan a trip. Retail $12.99

Pierre Buiscuiterie French Butter Cookies: Once upon a time, I would have loved traditional recipe butter cookies. But alas, I no longer eat dairy. I am absolutely certain these are wonderful with the fruit nibs in them. I am sure my friend who gets all my gifted food items will really love these. Retail $4.25

Intsitut Karite Paris Shea Butter Hand Cream: This was what caused all the trouble in customs. I have to admit, I really do like the industrial packaging. The cream is thick but not greasy. I really like it a lot.  There were a variety of options and  people got different scents. My scent was Honey and Almond. How lucky was I? This will be used. Retail $26.00

L'Abbaye De Flavigny Gourmet Candy: I like these lemon candies a lot. They are apparently flavored with anise, but I didn't really get that flavor. They start out hard like lemon drops, so no biting. But, the sugar coating melts and then I nibble and I am satisfied. 5 calories per "mint." Because they are hard candies, I can get by with just one at a time. Retail $5.00

Edmond Fallot Mustard: I am a fan of Dijon mustard. I haven't opened this jar and won't until the jar in my refrigerator is used, but it looks creamy and I am looking forward to trying it. Retail $6.25. 

Nuxe Body Scrub and Shower Gel: I like that the Orange & Almond Blossom Petal scented shower products are entirely plant-based. I received 2 shower gels instead of one of each. From reviews I have seen, lots of people did not receive the scrub. I really like shower scrubs and it is supposed to be thick, which I like even better. I have inquired with customer service about a replacement. The scent of the gel is light and fresh. Retail $16.00. But, I looked on-line because I wasn't convinced. The shower gel was a 50 mL/1.6 oz bottle. On-line, they onlly sell 6.7 oz/200 mL bottles. The shower gell is $15 and the scrub is $24. Sooo... for 1/4 size of 2 gels only, my estimate is closer to value of $7.50. If I had received the scrub instead of 2 gels, then I would estimate a value closer to $10.00. Let's see how customer service responds to the packing error.
  UPDATE: I did contact customer service and they responded promptly. They apologized for the packing error and apologized for being out of the scrub. They made me an offer to either a) an extra 20% off my next box, or b) send me a few items from previous months including a scrub. I elected option b. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be keeping the subscription. I received: Iadora Charcoal Salt Body Scrub from the Las Vegas Box and Ayate Fiber Exfoliation Cloth from the Mexico Box. 

Bonus! Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserves. I cracked it open and used it the next morning on toast. It's very tasty. No high fructose corn syrup is a bonus. Retail $3.00, but since it really is a single serving size that you might find at a breakfast restaurant or hotel that serves breakfast, I think it may be overestimated. Maybe closer to $1.00? 

I'm still on the fence about this subscription box. It's pricey at full price $49.95. I have 20% off for life, so I pay $39.95, which is similar to other boxes I get. The value of this box was $$62.99-$73.49 including the travel guide. I would like to see higher value to make me feel like I got a bargain. I have considered cancelling the subscription, but then they tempt me with things like this ....next month Puerto Rico. Caribbean Island? Yes, please. They are still young and I do think they will learn and grow. Each month does seem a little better and a little more interesting than the one before. Maybe, please, can I have the box with the free trip?  

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)

Dam 09 2014

I hadn't heard of this race before a group of friends on Facebook ....TriMomsSA.... posted about it and lots of them were going. 8 to be exact. How cool to "race" with friends. They said the race was well-organized and fun and had decent swag. So .... all things I like, I signed up. It's a nice local race, small, with a sell-out of 300 slots. 

Friday, I went to the Soler's and picked up my light Tri-top and bib. It's a pretty cool top with a cute froggy and pockets in the back. The folks in the store were really nice. I have been confused this year for some reason, so I laid out my gear and transition set-up for the morning, packed, and went to bed too late as always. 

The Musician got up bright and early and drove
me to the race. He's a good cheerleader

Yikes, it's early. The Musician had already aired the tires and loaded Vaderette so it was at least a quick departure. Transition opened at 5:45 and we left the house around 5:15. I wanted to get set up and relax a bit. As we we took the last turn toward the Alamo Heights Natatorium, we were passed by a bike. I though "oh crap, I'll be slowest again." Got to transition, set up. Lots of room to spread out, but I still try to stay compact for practice purposes. Then, some time to rest. Shakira had a bike accident the week before and couldn't race, but she was very sweet and came out to cheer us on. She found us lounging by the pool.

SWIM: I estimated my swim time to be about 10:00 and was given a corresponding bib number. This was a snake pool swim, but only one swimmer per lane, so passing would be easy ... if it came to that. After the first few speedy folks went, the numbers were mere suggestions. I found a group in the back third who said they were anywhere from 8-12 minutes. I jumped in with them. One swimmer every 10 seconds. My turn and I tapped the Garmin and swam. I felt like it was steady and I didn't push myself because I find when I push, I get more tired, but not much faster. I guess I timed myself right. I didn't pass anyone, and no one passed me. 10:39 (by Garmin and the last time Garmin time would mean anything)

T1: Short jog over some pavement and a carpet to T1. Still a picnic. Took a few hits from the inhaler, so I started to tremor. Had to figure out how to put on socks with shaking hands. And then trot out to the bike course: 3:30 Wicked slow.

BIKE: I normally hate looped courses and this was 10 miles, 3 loops. It was beautiful though. Lovely houses. And I suppose a 3.3 mile loop just doesn't seem so bad so I didn't mind doing it 3 times. There were a few places where I had to go to low gears, but not for long. The course was not closed to traffic and I didn't expect it to be. Only issue I had was sometimes the line of cars was slower than me. I'm not aggressive, so I slowed down. And then at the only stoplight, I was cut off by a car turning right. The police officer directing traffic apologized. I chose to unclip, rather than crash, but I was going pretty slow because it was the top of the longest hill. Somewhere along the way, I realized the Garmin wasn't showing I was on a bike. Something not quite right. But, the Musician had fixed the sensors so my bike computer was working again. Bonus!!! 36:10 (16.8 mph)

T2: Repeat picnic, as usual. I figure I need to train my skills before I spend too much time practicing transistion. It's not like a few seconds ... or a few minutes ... will matter. Anyway, I forgot my headband and my hat seemed loose. I forgot my bib and had to run back for it. That's the excuse I'm using for my long time. 2:41

RUN: It's a flat and lovely run. We go back out for a short time past the bike course, turn into a field with a bit of trail and then paved path around a field. Garmin still not recording run, even though I pushed the lap button. HMMM?!?!?! Technologically challenged. Eventually, I started to feel like I could run more than walk, and I did. Happy to turn around at the water stop and then head back home. I was happy that I still had some energy to smile at the finish. It was a short 4K, 2.4 miles. 30:54 12:5 /min/m

Final result: 1:23:56

Grabbed an orange quarter and a banana. The taco options were bean and cheese, and something with meat. 

TriMomSA . . I'm not a mom, unless puppies count. Really
great women. Salina took second in her age group. I did not.

It was a fun race and I'm glad I signed up. Great training race ... if you're into training ... nice local race. Well organized.  Good way to start a weekend. As for my technology failure ... operator error. I had set auto-multisport mode, but forgot to tell the mode to start. So, it thought I was just swimming laps ...my last setting was swim. Anyway, it was interesting to do the whole thing without the advantage of technology. I just kept going forward ... until I stopped.

Ahhhh . . .Finished!!!

PopSugar MustHave August 2014

I think I say this every time, and I will say it again. PopSugar Must Have boxes are like a Christmas stocking in a box every month. Last month my box came late in the month. So far, I have really liked almost everything in the boxes. They are filled with little things I might not purchase for myself, but that I enjoy. That's how a gift should be. This is a gift I give myself, but I don't have to do the shopping. I am always pretty excited when the box arrives. This month was no exception. 

August was inspired by: 

PopSugar Must Have is a monthly subscription box of hand-selected items in beauty, fashion, home, fitness, and food. It's not a box of sample items. I love the variety . . .it's not just make-up or food or whatever. Everything is full-sized. Price is $39.95 per month, and they have 3-, 6-, and 12-month plans that lower the effective monthly box. Seems that almost every month there is a $10OFF code that can be found on-line.  So, you could un-subscribe and subscribe on a regular basis to get the best deal, while not missing out. They also offer single-purchase premium boxes at different times of the year. Every box comes with a card detailing the items. 

Kendra Scott Elle Earrings in Slate: I'm not sure if other people got different colors, but I really like these. Nice and neutral while being feminine. I am trying to expand my style and it's important to have some earrings that add some flexibility. Better than my routine every day studs. Also a coupon code for 20% off your next pair. Suggested Retail $52

Paddywax Ocean Tide + Sea Salt Mini Jar Candle: Made from soy wax, which is pretty cool. Smells great. Really fresh. I call it a win. Sugested Retail $10. 

Goodbyn Purple Meal and Dipper Set: Another score for me. I take my lunch to work most days and this handy little case gives me an option for my hummus. It's diswhasher safe and recyclable. All good things in my book. My husband thinks it looks like a kids meal box, but it works for me. Suggested Retail $8.

The Mason  Jar Cookie Company Celebrate! I didn't know what to expect from the picture, but it is essentially cookie mix in a jar, but not a jar . . . it's a plastic bag. Just add butter and egg and you're set. I don't use butter or eggs and the ingredients had animal based products, so I gifted it. My non-vegan friends love my subscriptions. Suggested Retail $12. 

Lollia At Last Perfumed Shower Gel: Smells amazing. I haven't tried it yet, but it's next when  I finish my current bottle of shower gel. Has shea butter and jojoba oil, so hopefully very softening, too. Suggested retail $22.

Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip: It's in my handbag right now. I am constantly using lip balms, which isn't very feminine and I am trying to improve my style. This fits the bill. Soft, smooth, smells good, and just a hint of shine and color. It does look better than chapstick. Suggested Retail $22. 

And Finally, a special extra bonus item. thinkThin Brownie Crunch High Protein Bar: I used to love this brand before I gave up dairy. High protein and tasty. I gifted it, but I know it was good if you don't mind whey protein.

The August box is my favorite so far. I paid $39.95 because I haven't been canceling and joining with a discount code. I suppose I could, but that would take effort and I'm feeling a little lazy. I like a bargain and the value of the box was $126, maybe a little more if you add the value of the bar. I should just probably bite the bullet and do the annual subscription. For the first time, I did order the special fall box. It's pricier, but I'm excited to see what's in it.  

I'm looking forward to September, which is right around the corner. They have released a spoiler, so I'm super excited. Order today.

(This post contains affiliate links. These opinions are my own and are unsolicited. I have not received any compensation for my comments.)