PopSugar MustHave March 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 April box is currently sold out, so new subscriptions would start with the May box. There is a waitlist so it is possible that some new subscribers could get the April box. 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. 

Inside each box is a card detailing the items included. This month was a bout Springtime and Traveling.

PopSugar ships via FedEx Post, so sometimes it can take longer than expected to arrive. Thankfully, I was stalking shipping and it arrived sooner than expected.

Bliss Micromagic Microdermabrasion Treatment: This was one of the spoilers and had mixed opinions. I personally like it. I’m a big fan of daily to weekly exfoliation and I like Bliss products. It has a nice fine grain and I’ll get good use out of it. Retail $48

Greenmarket Purveying Co. The Archivist Lemon+Cucumber Reed Diffuser Kit: I have sometimes thought about trying the diffusers, but never really wanted to spend the cash to try it out. It’s a nice subtle look and simple. Just put the reeds in the bottle and let it do its job. I like the scent, but maybe it's a little too subtle or my room is just too big because I don't even notice a hint of scent unless I am standing right next to it. Hmmm...  Retail $20

Samudra Pink Pina Zip Pouch: This was made specifically for PopSugar. It’s a good size zip pouch. I’m a fan of pouches to organize when I’m traveling. See through will be handy to remind me what’s in. I have been known to go through pouches looking for something, so this will be handy. It’s hard to tell the value since its exclusive. Suggested Retail $40

Knock Knock What to Pack Pad: Interesting. I have friends who make lists before packing. I’m a bit more random. It’s too hard to make a list. But that could be why I tend to way overpack … or, alternatively, forget something important. This has 60 pads and I don’t travel often enough to get use out of that many. I am undecided if I am going to keep it or gift it to my traveling friends. Retail $7

Wet Brush The Squirt: I’ve heard good things about this hairbrush and it’s small enough for travel. Apparently it's for use in the shower, but I'm not sure if it's for during conditioning or after. And, I'm a bit hesitant because I have really thick hair. I've heard it works with thick hair, but, I’ve been using a wide-tooth comb for years. My hairstylist back in the day (best I ever had) advised against brushes as he said they would break my curls. I don’t know if he meant all brushes. But, today, I was a tangled mess and the comb was painful … maybe the brush would have helped. Also undecided if I will keep or gift. Retail $4.99

Halfpops Halfpopped Popcorn: I received Buttern and Sea Salt flavor. It contains dairy so I won’t be sampling. I’ll be gifting. Retail $1.69

Special Extra: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara and POREfessional: OK … the mascara is supposed to add length and curl to my lashes … yes, please. But, when will I get around to actually trying it? I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but mascara gets used more than other things. I have a lot of mascara from kits and subscription boxes. Maybe this will be the next one I open. The POREfessional sample is a lightweight primer. I’ll give it a whirl next time I apply make-up. I’ve recently discovered primer and like how it makes the makeup have a better looking finish.

My opinion of the box: It wasn’t my favorite and didn’t make me go WOW!!! But, I am also not disappointed. Ambivalent, I suppose. I don’t dislike anything, just not blown over by anything, either. The travel theme was evident and I like being able to appreciate a theme. Retail: $121.68 That's well over the $23.28 I paid for it.

(This post contains affiliate links. I don't receive any compensation for my review.)

Vegan Cuts Chocolate Box

I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!!! But, so many chocolates contain dairy. Boo. Sad face. Even dark chocolate, which I naturally like better than milk chocolate (even when I did eat dairy) often has milk in it. So, when I heard about Vegan Cuts Chocolate box, I had to give it a try. Lots of new chocolates to learn about and decide what I like so I can search for them to satisfy my chocolate craving. The box cost $27.95 and I feel like I got a real value. When the box arrived, the first thing I noticed was just how heavy it was. And, it was jam-packed full!!! I wanted to give an honest opinion about each product, so my review is later than I received it because I thought everything deserved a sampling. 

Lovebean Superfood Fudge Spread (variety of flavors) - 28 g
Coconut and chocolate are meant for each other and this spread is meant for your next sundae, toast or snack or velvety, dreamy dark chocolate spread is the perfect topping for a romantic dessert for two.
Tastes just like rich chocolate frosting. Yes, I spread it on a cracker and ate it right up.

Emmy's Organics Dark Cacao Macaroons - 2 oz   Macaroons made with melt-in-your-mouth dark cacao for an brain-awakening treat. Really tasty and rich. Great dark chocolate

 Wild Friends Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter - 1.15 oz
A smooth, natural nut butter that combines chocolate, peanut and coconut for a sweet and savory treat. ITSingle serving treat. It was OK. I admit, though that I'm not the biggest fan of flavored peanut butter. But at least it wasn't super sweet like some flavored nut-butters. I didn't taste any coconut and the chocolate wasn't really strong. No complaints, but not really "wowed." 

Creek House Patisserie 2pc Truffles - 0.95 oz. Decadent double dark chocolate truffles with a 72% bittersweet chocolate outer shell.   I sampled one of these immediately. Rich, smooth, dark chocolate. Perfection!!! Some famous brand name truffles have nothing on these!!!

 Jen's Zen Chocolate Sauce (variety of flavors) - 9.6 oz
Award-winning chocolate dessert topping and spread made with sweet and creamy organic coconut milk and coconut oil.   Amazing on ice cream. Just like hot fudge. 

Substantial Chocolate Magical Maca Bar - 1.25 oz  Classic exotic superfood bar made with maca and chocolate to produce a harmony of toasty butterscotch, light cacao, and maximum aphrodisiac powers.

My first thought sampling this was that it was a little dry and had an odd sweetness to it. It has very few ingredients and after the first bite, I REALLY LIKED IT!!! It became smooth feeling and smooth tasting. I think this is a win. 

Cocoa Cravings Criollo Chocolate Bar - 1.76 oz All natural chocolate bars made from the fabled "Criollo Arriba beans" using a recipe based on a simple combination of cacao beans, cane sugar and pure vanilla.

Bixby & Co Bar (variety of flavors) - 1.5 oz
Fair trade chocolate that features a delicious medley of fruits, nuts,spices, and brown rice crisps.Not too sweet, but just right. Actually reminded me of Carnation Breakfast Bars. Do they make those anymore? I wouldn't know, but I liked this bar. It was just right, but I didn't eat it as a meal ... it was more of a snack. That's OK, right?

Sjaak's Organic Chocolates Eli's Earth Treasure Bar - 1.5 oz Organic, fair trade chocolate bars that combine a smooth peanut butter crunch with a layer of caramel coated in delicious melk chocolate.    OMIGOSH!!! When they say candy bar, they mean it. This was sooo delicious. Really satisified my peanut butter, caramel, chocolate cravings. Some things you just can't find vegan very easily. I looked at their website and they are only available January 1-29. WHAT??? NEED MORE!!!

The Good Bean Fruit & No-Nut Chocolate Berry Bar - 40 g   A lower fat, high fiber alternative to other bars to cure your chocolate craving.
This was pretty good. A little sweet. Good crunch. I didn't notice a lot of chocolate flavor though. Of course, it could be because I was wolfing it down after a hard morning run. 

 Earnest Eats Baked Bar  - 1.9 oz --A healthy, whole food bar that combines oats, nut butter and delicious chocolate flavors. I already know about Earnest Eats ... and I love them. Double Chocolate Espresso ... yes! Please!!! 

 Chocolita Pine Pollen & Lemon Raw White Chocolate Bar - 1.23 oz Known for its immune supporting and energy boosting powers, pine pollen helps give this superfood chocolate bar its unique and irresistible flavor.  White chocolate is always a winner. This was surprisingly great. I'm not a white chocolate fan ... to rich. This was just right with a hint of lemon. It's not a white color, though. 
 Molly Rose Chocolate & Roses Lip Balm - .15 oz. Rich, smooth cocoa butter and rose essential oil with a hint of sweet chocolate to bring smoothness and a smile to your lips.   I tried this immediately and found it to be a little bit ... soft and wetter than I'm used to. But, it may be the naturalness and purity of the ingrediets. It seems like it might melt if left out in hot Texas sun, so I will be careful with it and I'm not writing it off. It tasted AMAZING though. If you had children, you might want to keep them away from it because they might think it's candy.

Thesis Chocolatier's Gift Raw Cacao Face Mask - .5 oz  Handmade organic face mask that uses cacao to nourish and regenerate dry skin  I wasn't sure what to think at first. This is a very very fine powder and I haven't ever used a powder mask. So, I poured a bit into my hand,added water and turned it into a paste, spread it on my face. Smelled good enough to eat ...I didn't. After a few minutes it dried and I rinsed. I always feel good after a mask, so I can't say if it was any different. .

 ...and some surprises!

I brewed the Chocolate Spice Black Tea immediately. It smells amazing, but not chocolatey and didn't have a lot of chocolate flavor. That's OK, though, it had great flavor, the chocolate just didn't come through very strong. 

The Vegan Protein was pretty good chocolate protein shake. It had the usual powdery feel as any other protein shake powder does, but no funny aftertaste. 

Check out the haul when it's in one big pile. 

Wantable March 2015

So, I tried the box in January and was unsure about continuing. I really have to justify it to myself because I have been spending a little too much lately. 

Wantable has 4 subscriptions: an Accessory box (I am not a good accessorizor), their Intimate box, and their Fitness wear box (try on at home and keep what you want). They also have a new Make-up box. For the Accessory, Intimate, and Make-up, the cost is $40 the first month and then a 10% 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. I chose the Intimates box. Assortment of undergarments, socks, loungewear, etc. Should be 3-4 items per box depending on value of items. 

So, I signed up to try again in March and I will do it a few months to see if I think it's worth keeping. I was sent shipping notice and the package arrived quickly. The items were picked for me based on my profile.

realUnderwear Fusion Tank: This is a black version of the blue tank I received in January. Personally, I don't think you can ever have too many tanks. This is microfiber, which I like. It has a V-neck on one side and Scoop neck on the other, so that's cool. It is very snug and form fitting, so if I don't tuck it in, it does roll up. That I don't like. I'll get good use out of it as a layering piece, though, so I'm keeping it. Retail $32.00. My price to keep $18.55. 

Third Love Mesh Bikini: This nude bikini is semi-sheer. I will admit, I have mostly very functional undies and I felt a little daring. Nice, though, they are like second skin. I hate thongs and wearing these, there were no panty lines. Because they run small, Wantable sized up and it was the right decision. Retail $13.00. My price to keep $7.54

Finally MukLuck Slipper Socks: Yes, no doubt, I like them. They are double layered and have grippie bottoms. I am always traipsing around the house wishing I had something warm on my feet. These do the trick. They are cute and comfortable. Retail $24.00. My price to keep $13.91.

Overall, I'm pleased with the selection this month. I kept it all. Next month will be $36 instead of $40. Total retail value was $69. I like everything, it's just a matter of justifying the extra monthly expense at this point. Is it a "want" or a "need?"

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.