FabFitFun Spring 2015

FabFitFun was my first introduction to Subscription Boxes and may be what got me hooked. I love to receive packages in the mail and surprises make it even better. The box is guaranteed to contain at least $175 full-size, premium products in beauty, fitness, fashion, and Wellness finds. There is a wide range of items included, so for me, it's a lot of fun. . .not a bunch of the same. And, I try things that I might not have otherwise sampled. The cost is $49.99 per season, but there are discount codes available. And, subscribers can purchase extra boxes (usually $39.99) for gifts. I purchased an annual subscription last year for $179.99 and it automatically renewed (annual) at the same price for next year.

There are a few things about this box that make it a different from the rest and I really like that.

1.       You can purchase an annual subscription to receive 4 seasonal boxes, or you can purchase individual boxes. When my subscription was up and it was time for renewal, I was renewed at the annual rate instead of reverting to the quarterly rate.

2.      I like quarterly. Not too much $$ a year and I'm not filling up on too many products. You can also purchase extra boxes (until they sell out) without having an extra commitment. My communication with customer service has been good.

3. The last few boxes, the curators have been offering customization to people who have been subscribing for a while. This month, I was able to customize 1 item in the box. 

As usual when my shipping notification is sent, I get very excited. I couldn't wait to see what was in my box. I had seen spoilers and I was ready to see the rest.

The item I was able to pick myself was the Jules Smith Scarf in Watercolor. I had the option of Watercolor or Modern Arts. I chose this one as it's a bit more subtle. I love the light airy colors on a light airy scarf. It will add a great springy pop to dress up my wardrobe. $42

I am always a fan of facial Serums and am looking forward to minimizing wrinkles and keeping my skin smooth with Palmetto Derma Collagen Booster and Restoration Serum. I love it for springtime to refresh the skin after months of indoors during the cold winter. $48

Merrithew 3 DVD Set "Intense Body Blast" +25 Gift Card. I admit it ... I need to get back to working out and building strength. This is mat-based Pilates and includes Levels 1, 2, and 3. I need the instruction so I'm looking forward to giving it a try. And for $25, I can buy either some equipment or another DVD to kick myself into gear. I have to admit, I have been lazy and haven't tried it yet, but I've read great reviews. Another good springtime item to work towards summer bathing suits after a season of sweaters and covering up. $61 Update: The $25 gift card is pretty useless in my opinion. It cannot be applied towards anything that is on -sale and shipping is at least $15 even for small items. I have tried to use the card, but no success. It continues to tell me that "conditions aren't met" and if I try to use it for a non-sale item, it tells me the card has "already been entered." So, I'm downgrading my value for this to $36 for the DVDs. 

Orly Nail BB Creme and Orly Nail Polish "Cake Pop" I have never tried a nail cream, but it is supposed to brighten natural nails and is nourishing. I really like the very subtle Cake Pop Polish. It's a pale pink. I think these would look great together in a french tip. $15 and $8.50

Yasi Metallic Flash Tattoos. Really? More metallic temporary tattoos? UGH!! So many of these this year and so junior high. Priced at $36 for a single sheet? I have no idea where that pricing came from and I am sooo not interested in temporary tattoos.


Rifle Paper Co. Cities Coasters Set: OK ... so these are really cute. Little Scenes of New York, London, Tokyo, and Paris. These will get good use, but I wonder how well they will hold up. Probably good for one season. $16

OFRA Cosmetics Eyeshadow Brush Duo (#11 and #20). These are high end eye shadow brushes. But, they are made of synthetic hairs and Capra, which is goat. I'm a little sad because FFF used to be all about animal friendly and cruelty free ... animal products aren't really cruelty free. Although it is soft first cut hair, my belief is that in order to keep getting baby hair, you have to keep making babies and what happens when they aren't babies anymore. I couldn't find a lot of information on-line about Ofra so I reached out to the company. They responded by confirming the Capra hairs, but also said they were Peta and Leaping Bunny certified. So, this means they don't do any animal testing, but animal using? Hmmm ... I don't know what to think. If you like the products, they did include a code for 40% off your first purchase. Retail $45.90

Sprout it App Card _ Miracle Grow Grow-able Seed Pod. Seed pod is pretty easy. Dig a hole and plant it. It has everything it needs to grow. My pod was basil and it's my second herb gowing thing this season and both are basil. The app is free, but I'm not much of a gardener and I'm not sure this will make me one. It's not that I don't know how (which I don't), but I also don't know that I have time. $1.49




Cosmos Creations Premium Puffed Corn (sponsored): Can't go wrong with popcorn. Mine was salted caramel and contained dairy. Gifted to a friend. $1.49

Vow to be Chic Gift Card (sponsored): This is a gift card for a bridesmaid dress rental service. I guess it's OK for parents who have teens going to prom? Maybe? Valued at $125, but no value to me.

And another Hello Fresh Gift Card. I've received about 3 of these in the past few months $40 off first week's delivery. I guess this could be useful because it includes all you need to make a meal. No grocery shopping. They have "vegetarian" options, but they contain a lot of cheese and some of the cheese is notorious for rennet, so not really vegetarian at all. So ... again no value to me.

So ... what do I think? Overall, I'm really happy with the box. I love the spring theme. Everything fits pretty well. I wish they would get back to where they started where animal-friendly meant animal-product free. I would have less to give away and would be able to use more items. But, then again, my friends love getting gifts. I really was disappointed by the number of gift cards because they never really fully cover the cost of purchases and I don't want to be induced to spend in order to feel like I've saved. I don't mind the cards like Merrithew where you can actually purchase something in it's entirety with the card. Except that you can't really use it. See above. So ... not counting the sponsored items and gift cards which really don't have a lot of true value, the value of this box came out to $237.89. $212.89. I didn't count the tattoos, either, because the value seemed over-valued and really? Really? no more tattoos. So ... all in all, I'm happy as I always am with FFF. Spring boxes are still available and a Mother's Day box is available that also contains a Jesse Steel apron and FFF Water Bottle. You can save $5 with NEW5 code.

StitchFix April 2015 #11

I don't get StitchFix every month because my closet is getting full of beautiful things.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 my 30-year high-school reunion in Washington DC and it was also cherry blossom festival. I was leaving on April 9 and my Fix was supposed to arrive on April 7. I must admit, I was disappointed to receive shipping information ON APRIL 7. So ... it didn't ship until after my account said is was supposed to arrive and it wasn't here in time for my trip. Jocelyn had hit a home run with my last fix, so I specifically asked for her this time. I appreciate the personal note that showed she listened and she remembered what she sent last time. By the way ... I still love the bangle and did wear it during reunion weekend.

I tried on the Brixon Ivy Azurre Lace Overlay Blouse first. 

When The Musician saw this blouse, the first thing he said was "That looks like a Grandma ..." He was right. It was big and boxy and not flattering. It actually looks better on the hanger that it did on me. I wold never be happy wearing this so I returned it. $68

The next thing I tried was the Sugarlips Celise Pencil Skirt.

While I like the color, I admit, I wasn't wow'ed by the skirt. First, I find pencil skirts hard to move in if I don't have a split in the back. I move a lot and have to move fast. And I'm up and down a lot, too, so this wouldn't be comfortable for work. Also ... I found the sheer panel above the knee just a little weird. I returned this too. $44.

Next was the Daniel Rainn Triton Spaghetti Strap Silk Blouse

I have some angst here. It's a really pretty, and dainty little blouse that will be great in the hot summer months and layered under a suit. But, I am having trouble with silk these days. I recently learned how they get silk from the worms and how the worms fight it. So ... that being said, I kept the blouse, but I'm going to update my profile so that I don't get silk in the future. $74

I really liked the dresses in my last fix and was pleased to have another dress I really like in this fix. Donna Morgan Raj Pleated Dress. It's really really cute. I love the way the white pops out when I move. It has a really nice cut and flare. It's a little low scoop in back, but not too racy. I wore it to work and had tons of compliments. It looks like a basic black dress, but has amazing flare. Yes, you can tell I kept it since I wore it to work. $78

Interesting this month, no accessory item. Not a complaint, just an observation. My fifth item was Margaret M Emer High Waisted Tall Trouser. 

 I liked these pants. They were a stretchy, fitted, pull-on trouser. Nice basic black. Not as high-waisted as I thought based on the description. But, I have a LOT of basic black pants and some that look almost like this. For the price point, of $98, I just couldn't justify keeping it since it's not very different than a lot of my wardrobe.

I was sad that I wasn't as impressed this time with my fix. There, I said it. If I had kept everything, I would have paid $265.50. This accounts for the $20 styling fee and 25% discount. But, I sent back 3 items. I was sad because my last few fixes have been spot-on and this one was more of a "miss." Well, it won't stop me from trying another one. :)

Teenage Angst, Nostalgia, and Other Things

WOW!!! Has it been 30-years since we were Congressional Pages? It feels like yesterday. The year living in the dorm, away from home for the first time, Working on Capitol Hill. Feeling like a big-shot with big teenage ideas. It was such an important and formative year in my life. The friendships and bonds are powerful. Through the years, we have remained close ... and distant, but always there. Bonds have grown because of the shared experiences. People I knew as teenagers, I have grown to love and respect as adults. Acquaintances have become friends. So, every 5ish years, a core group (so grateful to them) organizes a weekend reunion. I have made it to most, but not all. The people who come from one time to the next change. I couldn't miss 30-years, and the weekend was Cherry Blossom Festival.


The Musician and I arrived on my birthday. A few  people were arriving Thursday, so we decided on a small dinner for folks who were in town. We settled into the hotel and I put on make-up ... shocker. Now, I always cringe walking into the Capitol Hill Hyatt. It brings back memories of New Year's Eve and the $50 tip we had to leave the housekeeper. I will say no more about it.






CurlyKate was stuck in traffic, but we met with Phil and Marna and Susan and Kristina (who traveled from Switzerland) and walked to NoPa for dinner. We walked past the homeless shelter where I volunteered in College. It hasn't changed. CurlyKate made it to dnner and join us in our special private room. Senator Warner cancelled so we got the private room for the evening. Here is the teenage angst. As we were walking, we began talking about how our bodies have changed, and how self-conscious we are about it. Hello!?!?!? I PUT ON MAKE-UP!!!! I NEVER WEAR MAKE-UP!!! Yes, the most self-confident girl (not me) in the class was worried about how she thought she looked. I guess we were all self-conscious back then and we looked at everyone else and thought they had it all together. All of our teenage anxieties are back ... even though we are all mature, friendly, adults who adore each other.

Yep. That's me. And Yep. I shared it. Don't laugh too hard. 

 So ... about NoPa... amazing service, great food. The chef did some modifications to make my meal vegan and OMG!!! Talk about amazing crispy Brussels Sprouts! Our server (I think his name was Niko) was awesome. He was the right amount of attentive, was able to easily keep the checks straight. We weren't Senators, but we were treated like we were the most important people in the restaurant. My friends surprised me and I had sorbet for birthday dessert. Raspberry ... yum, Pina Colada ... more yum. Rhubarb ...FANFREAKINGTASTIC!!!

Alison arranged a Capitol Tour through her Senator's office on Friday. A huge group of us met and we were divided into two smaller groups. We rode the tunnel train to the main building. Now, we used to run the tunnels and ride the trains all the time, but since 9/11 they are not as open to tourists (gasp, I am one of "them" now) as they used to be. We were confused a bit in the Capitol as there have been so many renovations and excavations in the past 30-years to include the massive visitor's center that used to be a parking lot. The tour was interesting. I always enjoy a tour because I learn fun new things. But, such nostalgia. We knew secret passageways and where doorways led that our guide didn't. Hallways that used to be our domain were blocked off. There are no more House Pages and we didn't have access to the actual House or Senate Galleries or floor. Those teenage days of feeling super important are past.

The Musician headed back to the room and most of the Pages headed to the Newseum. I haven't ever seen the Cherry Blossoms in bloom like they were this year. They were fantastic. I took advantage of being downtown and went for a run. In all the years I've lived in the area, I have never run the Mall and Monuments. 6 miles. Slow for a lot of reasons. Thousands of tourists. So much to see and soak in and remember and feel ... Along the Tidal Basin I stopped to offer pictures to just about anyone who was trying to take a selfie. Much better pictures when someone else takes it for you.

 First official dinner at Carmine's. Family style Italian dining. I'm awfully glad the company was great because the meal and service was not. The organizers had confirmed that they would accomodate vegan dining options and that all we needed to do was to order from the menu. That's not what happened. Table had Ceasar salad and we were served a really nice mixed green salad ... the rest of the table liked it better than the Ceasar. Appetizers were served, but nothing if you didn't eat meat. We asked and were denied. Pasta was served. Two lovely options for the meat eaters ... bland penne with tomato sauce for us. Then the main course ... fish or chicken. We inquired about vegetables and were told that even the vegetables were cooked in chicken broth and they couldn't do anything different. Besides, the manager said that wasn't part of the contract. After some argument, we were brought a plate of plain steamed broccoli. Dessert was lovely Cannoli and Tiramisu.They did bring us a plate of fruit. Soooo .... it was a little disappointing to be made to feel disenfranchised because I don't eat dead animals or animal excretions. Yes, I'm on a high-horse. It wasn't the fault of the organizers and they were clearly upset. But, I wouldn't recommend Carmine's to anyone who wants anything out of the ordinary. Service was very non-accomodating. Pretty disappointing for $60 per person to not have even a fraction of the options as others. OK ... stop complaining. The conversations were wonderful. Learning about my friends and where they are and what they are doing is inspiring. Stories of strength and courage and compassion and adventure. Really really really amazing people. Every last one of them. I feel pretty boring around these folks.

No ... this was not an option. Neither was grilled eggplant ... even though they had it on the menu

Saturday morning, I met Barb and Suzanne for breakfast. It was so amazing to catch up with them. It's like no time has passed. Amazing women that ... again ... make me feel insecure. They have accomplished so much and done amazing things and led amazing lives. Thank goodness they are warm and kind and not caught up with themselves. Then, lunch at our old haunt Bullfeathers. It doesn't feel any different than it did 30 years ago. The sad part though, our old dorm is now a parking lot and trailers. It was gone last time, too, but it's still hard to see. So many memories there.

After lunch, I met Steph, an INKnBURN Ambassador for coffee at Union Station. She is freaking amazing awesome strong beautiful!!! I would love to move back to DC. She would be so much fun to hang with. She loves her dog, who is very cool. She knows all kinds of fitness people and where I could take silks classes again. We walked back to the hotel and she headed out to see the Cherry Blossoms. Then I met up with Becca...another INKnBURN Ambassador. She is totally badass and cool and hilariously funny. Speaking INKnBURN, what an amazing family I have joined becoming an ambassador. I traveled the whole trip in INKnBURN. The pants look like jeans. And they travel so well, comfortable, and wrinkle free. But, I will admit, wearing yoga pants all the time did make me feel like a middle-aged "Real Housewife." Is that bad? Or good?

 So ... several cups of coffee into the day and it was time for final dinner. This was catered in the hotel, so late nights were OK ... or not, if you had an early flight like us. Different folks came in from around the city and along the coast. Old yearbooks came out. Stories were told. Plans were made. It was hard to say good-night. We missed the people who couldn't make it this year and hope to see you next time.

Pages from Class of 1985

And their families

 I had planned on volunteering at the Cherry Blossom 10-miler, but made my flight arrangements too early. Susan was running as well as some of my other DC area friends. Sad to miss it. Next morning it was back on the Metro and fly home to San Antonio. I love you guys. I miss you. I can't wait until we do it again.

 I'm just sharing these pics because the flowers were really beautiful and I wanted to prove that The Musician really did travel with me.