PopSugar MustHave July 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. 

I had seen spoilers, so I was really looking forward to what was in the box. July was inspired by Beach Days, Easy Travel, Summer Heat, Fourth of July, and Stripes.  

Henri Bendel Signature Stripe Canvas Dopp Kit: I personally love little bags to organize for packing and travel. This is a nice bag that has a bit of luxury feel to it. It has a water-resistant liner to keep spills from being problematic. I love that it stands up and pops open and stays open. Retail $28

Supergoop! Defense Refress Setting Mist SPF 50. I like the idea of a mister. In the morning, this can be used to set make-up, but I don't wear make-up often, but it can be re-misted throughout the day to add sunblock. And,  if it can control oil and shine during summer months, that’s a good thing. Anything with SPF in it that I can apply without feeling oily is also a score in my book. And is smells great and refreshing with the rosemary. Kind of a pick-me-up. Retail $28

Sorial Card Case: This is a nice alternative to a wallet for those times I don’t want to carry a big purse. Just a slim design for an ID, a credit card, and a wee bit of emergency cash. That’s all I really need anyway. Also included is a gift card for $25 off at Sorial.com. There are only a few items available at the moment, but they have a vegan leather line that I may give a try. Retail $28

PopDental Portable Toothbrush. I love my electric toothbrush at home, but have to use an old regular toothbrush on the road. Not anymore. I am so excited to include this in my travel kit. This is probably my favorite item in the box. Retail $19.99

Yes To Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes. Another item that I use a lot when travel or from the gym. I am a fan of facial wipes and it’s nice to have another brand to try. Nice natural plant-based extracts to cleanse, remove makeup (if I wore any), and moisturize. This will be great for travel bag or gym bag if I’m running late. Retail $5.99

The Good Bean Frute & No-Nut Bar, Chocolate Berry! A new vegan bar to try? Yes, please. I am a huge fan of chick-peas so this makes me pretty happy. And blueberries and chocolate and cherries …Holy Crap, that's good!! Now I need to find more. Retail $1.99

Special Extra: Hallmark Signature Greeting Cards. I really am working on doing a little more writing of cards. Just a short note to let someone know you thought of them enough to put the effort of a note. And, with all the electronic communication, receiving a real card in the envelope is special. These three beautiful hand-made cards  fill a need. Retail $14.97

So, my verdict? I really love the travel theme of this box. I will get great use out of everything in it. And I fell it had great value. Total retail of $111.97 (Special extra brought it up to $126.94).  I really love this box. I do feel like it was inspired by easy travel and relaxing days in the sun. 

FabFitFun Summer 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.

As usual, I got a little excited when shipment notification was sent and I stalked my mailbox. I always appreciate the notecard detailing each of the items.  

Wren 14Kt Gold and Black Sapphire Necklace: There have been a lot of delicate necklaces in boxes this spring and summer and I’m not complaining. The boxes came with horseshoe, heart, or moon and I really love the moon which would have been my first choice. The tiny little black sapphire adds just a little extra touch. Retail $100

The Everyday Wireless Speaker by FabFitFun: This is probably my favorite item in the box. It’s small, compact, charges with a USB, and pairs to my phone. You can answer calls when it is playing. I was surprised by how great the sound came through. The Musician was also impressed and he has a better ear than I do. I also love the way it feels. I don’t have words to describe it, but it feels “soft” instead of like a hard plastic. And it’s nicely portable for anywhere you want to take it. Retail $29.99

Inkling Scents Sultry Roll-on Oil Perfume: I am a big fan of roll-on perfumes because they are easy to toss in my handbag and go. I love the delicate scent. Also included is a code for 15% off with over 20 other options. Retail $25

Gorge “I’ll Make You Look Amazing” Daily Spray: Another favorite in the box. I am skeptical about leave-in conditioners because I have thick, course, curly hair. And a spray mist? Really? But, wow … I was impressed. Just a little mist and I was easily able to comb through the tangles and my hair was really shiny and controlled. I wear my hair up and back at work, and even pulled back, I had people ask me what I had done differently because my hair didn’t have loose wispies and it was shiny. Retail $24.95

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss: Sure, who doesn’t love a little more lip gloss. It has a nice hint of color and it gives moisture. I will add it to the rotation. Retail $19

FabFitFun x CosmoBody Jump Rope: Always need something fitness related in FabFitFun. And I love a good jump rope. I have wanted one for a while to work on coordination, fast-twitch muscles, and stamina. It ranks up there with a hula hoop for fun and return to my younger days. It’s amazing how many calories you can burn while having fun.  There are some jump rope workout videos at fabfitfun.com/jumprope to help you find a routine that is more than just jumping. It’s nice to have some variety. Retail $14

Scratch Nail Wraps: I think of these about like I think of temporary tattoos. Fun occasional novelty, but not something that I am jumping up and down over. Retail $12

Headspace 3-month Subscription: OK, I admit it, I haven’t used it yet. But I love the idea of this app for guided meditations to just slow down my spinning brain. Apparently it’s great for Type-A personalities like me. OK … next week, really. Retail $38.85. And even better, no credit card required, so you don’t have to remember to cancel in 3 months.

Hello Konjac Cleansing Sponge: What an interesting concept. This sponge is from Konjac potato plant, a perennial native to Asia and found at high altitudes. I love a non-animal sponge.  It seems hard when dry, but soft when wet. Retail $12

Sponsored Item: Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturizer: Who doesn’t want a light, non-greasy moisturizer? I fight dry skin in summer after being in the sun and in winter cold. So … I’m pleased. Retail $7.99

So, my verdict: This is one of my favorite FabFitFun boxes. There were so many things in the box that I loved that it is hard to pick a favorite. I have 2 favorites and some close runner-ups. And, for $45, I felt the retail value of $275.79 (plus the sponsored item) was a great value. 

Mayor's Triathlon 2015

Yesterday, after Peach Pedal, we went to the YMCA to register for the Mayor's Triathlon. This little race is being put on by Seriously and ThatsDumb's Triathlon club. The Mayor of Fort Worth runs this race. Hence, The Mayor's Triathlon. I was promised, the bike was flat. It was another early morning and some pre-race cuddle time with Chance. How can you not love that widdle biddie face?

We headed out to the start and, I swear, everyone knows Seriously. She has been on injured reserve with a bad back and this is her first event back. Everyone was thrilled to see her. She hasn't been training as much, but really, she doesn't need it to be competitive.

I forced Seriously and ThatsDumb to take a pre-race picture and I set up my transition area. I like my location near the bike out and in.

Swim: The Mayor was the first in the pool and she got the pool to herself. It was fun lining up and cheering her on the bike start as we waited to swim. I Hemmed and Hawed about where to line myself up. Seriously and ThatsDumb are fast. I haven't been training much, but my usual time isn't too far behind Seriously. I think. They convinced me to be in the top third of the pack with them. I listened. They promised, I wouldn't be "that person" holding up the line. It's a pool swim, so, you know ... Well, eventually I hit the water. Dude behind me who was certain he was a slow swimmer, tapped my foot at the first length and I let him pass. At 200 meters, there was a dude right behind me, and one behind him, and one behind him, etc. ... I was "that person" holding up the line. I let about 7 guys pass and then fell in behind, the next length was super fast because I caught the draft, then 300 meters and done. 8:25. What the heck? That's a full minute and a half slower than I expected for 300 meters. Hanging my head in shame. I have lost a lot.Noticed I hadn't started Trusty Garmin, either. Hit start and lap and see if it can pick me up in T1.

T1: Didn't seem like I totally took a picnic, and hopped on my Litespeed. Just a 13 mile ride, shouldn't be bad. 3:43

Bike: A few small hills, but nothing bad. 2 loops and I hate multi-loop courses, I just want to get back and get finish. And, my attitude is terrible. I have no mojo. I am really hating this. The course is great. The support was great. It was a pretty ride. I am just grumpy cat today. Obviously, mojo is off ... I forgot to put my computer on the bike. I just want to be done. At least I look good in Betty Designs. 56:27

T2: I feel like I'm forgetting something, but OK, let's head out and finish this thing up. 2:02

Run: Yep, I forgot my visor. The sun is bright. I've been on running restriction because of my hip. And, remember, I'm feeling pretty grumpy cat today. It's just 45-ish minutes. Seriously was running up the long hill as I was running down. Look how happy she is! No wonder everyone knows and loves her. At the bottom of the hill, we turned into a flat trail. I saw the buyer from Fort Worth Running. I pretended to run so she wouldn't think I'm a loser. She commented on my cute Betty. Maybe she will realize that Fort Worth needs cute running clothes and will add INKnBURN to their collection. At the turn-around, I realize, I also forgot my race bib. Ooops. I hope I don't get a penalty. Hahahaha!!! At this pace, it won't matter. Back to the road and up up up the hill. I almost stopped for a rest, but thought that would look bad. 43:50

Finished at last. Thank Goodness. I just want to pick up my medal and go home.

Turns out, I didn't start auto-multisport on Trusty Garmin and it thinks I did some long swim segments. I did do something liberating, though ... I changed out of my trikit in Transition area, without nudity. I got my new UnDress and LOVE it. I messaged The Musician and he had such a sweet response. 

Back home to see Chance, hop in a shower, and off to lunch. Isn't he freaking adorable? 

Then, once again HUNGRY ... and we wanted real food, so it was off to Rodeo Goat for lunch. Of course, I had to have my namesake burger. And The Musician had the other vegan burger. UHHHMMAAAAZZINGGG!!! We sat outside to avoid crowds and while the mimosa was refreshing, it did get hot outside.

Back home to play with Chance and enjoy the NormaTec recovery on my legs again. How can you not love that little face?

He got sleepy and I could see how much he loves his family as he chose Seriously's lap to fall asleep in. Eventually, it was a sad time to say good-bye to friends, but it is a long drive to the house. Can't wait until next time. ThatsDumb says next time, we won't have any rides or races on the schedule.

And, if you want to adopt a cutie patootie like Chance, there are so many in rescue. If you are in San Antonio, check out the available dogs at SA ROCKS.

Peach Pedal 2015

It has been several months since Chance (formerly Papi), the best foster dog ever, went to his furever home. I have missed him terribly, and I wanted to visit, but I didn't want to confuse him. On our way up, I promised my friends from INKnBURN that I would stop by Fort Worth Running and show them an amazing product line. I hope they carry it. If you live in the area and want them to carry it, let them know. The Musician and I were dressed in INKnBURN, but no pictures. What was I thinking? Oh yeah, I want to see Chance. Seriously and ThatsDumb are amazing people and I know he has an amazing home. But, we had a free weekend and decided to make the trip to see him for a weekend. The Musician has been friends with Seriously since the womb, so it's not weird to go visit the foster dog. I must admit, I was nervous. Would he remember me? Not? Either way, would it be hard to leave again and would he be confused? Or would I be sad that he didn't remember me? I don't know. I walked in the door and he went nuts. Yeah, I think he remembered me. I carried him around all night because he wouldn't let me put him down. He was feisty as always. He tried to follow us to bed, but I carried him to his room. I wonder if he still sleeps under the blankets. 

We had a weekend of activities planned. First up was an organized ride. Since I'm training for MS150, I need an excuse to get in the saddle. I'm a little scared riding around town without a big pack because cars and trucks are bigger than bikes.  Peach Pedal would be a good way to get some miles in and feel safe and supported.  And, I'm pretty sure that also means some sweet and juicy Texas peaches. So ... Saturday morning, we got up at crack of dawn and headed out to packet pick-up. Quick and easy, pay my fee. I just followed Seriously and ThatsDumb. After we picked up our shirt, it was back to the car to get on the bikes and we headed out with the 65 milers. I just followed the people who knew what they were doing. It was packed. Bikes everywhere. Seriously and ThatsDumb were planning the 43 mile route. I was thinking, hey ... what's 13 extra miles? Especially the first 5-ish miles that seemed pretty flat. I did forget to turn on Trusty Garmin for a few miles, though. Oops!! Even though it didn't record, I want credit for those miles. ThatsDumb took off faster and Seriously stayed with me about 5 miles, but I just couldn't hang. I also had every intention of taking advantage of every aid station. So ... 8 miles in, and I had my first ice-cold juicy sweet peach slices. 

The views of the countryside were amazing. There were horses playing, really playing, in the pasture. Horses standing under trees. Wide expanses of land. Goats, cows, alpaca, dogs (well-behaved and behind fences). I probably wobbled a lot because my head was moving side-to-side capturing the scenery. I was so busy looking around that I missed the turn for the 30-milers. But, I realized the error about a mile and a half later. I was already feeling hot, and the rolling hills were happening. I debated, keep going? or turn around. I turned around. 43 miles is a lot more than 30. And, my bum was feeling it. 

Made it to Stop #2 and learned all about the challenges of riding in bib shorts. It takes much longer in the Porta Pottie and you have to hold stuff and squat. It takes skilz!! I really really like my bib shorts, though. They are so comfortable and stay put. And, c'mon, Betty Designs skulls and butterflies!!! Too cute. Got compliments on my kit. It was nice to stretch the legs, get some blood flow back into the sore bits. And have more ice cold juicy sweet peach slices. 

Back in the saddle again and by now, I was just plain getting tired. I was really glad I didn't plan on 43. I kind of just want this to be over. It's hot. I'm cranky. Rolling hills are causing me to suck wind. Goats standing on hind legs, being guarded by Pyrenees ... OK that was a nice distraction. Then it was aid station #3.

I'm still cranky and the heat is getting to me. I keep refilling my water bottles, but the Tailwind half-strength isn't enough. First time trying it out. No gut issues, but I think I need full strength. I like the flavor, but at half-strength, the lemon doesn't taste like lemonade. I tried a Huma gel and it tasted like apple pie. That will get me by a little longer. Just a few more miles to go, but I'm stopping anyway and forcing myself to smile for a picture. And, since I've been talking about peaches, I should show you, they exist ... lots of them. At this point, I even tried a pickle. I keep hearing about pickle juice on rides. Interesting ... might be better ice cold.

Finally, 30 miles done. Back to the car to wait for Seriously and ThatsDumb. Why is it that the hills don't look very impressive on the elevation map? Would I do this again? Heck yeah. The volunteers at every aid station were so very nice. The route was beautiful. The Litespeed did her due diligence. The only problem was that my bike still needs a better engine. 

My finish picture is lying in the grass exhausted. Seriously came up about 20 minutes later and decided NOT to go for a run. I thought that was a good idea. Then about 5 minutes for ThatsDumb. Yes, I forced them to take a post-ride selfie. "It's for my blog," I said.

Off to shower. Then lunch at Righteous. The Musician had Multi-Grain Banana and Dark Chocolate Waffle that was pretty decadent. The menu is organic, but not vegan. Very few vegan options. I had Chile Pasilla with Roasted Butternut, Avocado, and Queso Fresco (minus queso fresco) soup and a side of Sweet Potato and Zucchini. It was tasty, but I like more options. They have plenty of juices, but I'm not in the juice mood ... I wanted FOOD!!! HANGRY HIPPO after a ride. Then to packet pick-up for the next day. And rest trying out NormaTec. Oh ... my legs are happy. Then, to another friend's birthday dinner and I wolfed down that vegan pizza. Sleeping soundly tonight.

For those of you supporting my MS150 training. Thank you. I am doing this nutty thing because other's can't. It's a great cause and one that is very close to me. If you haven't donated, it's not too late. (wink wink)