Little Lace Box March 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. They used to be a monthly box and that changed after the March box. They had some challenges in February with production and distribution due to weather and dock strikes and the like. I think because of their popularity, they grew really fast and it has been challenging keeping up. After March ... the subscriptions are going to every other month ... six times a year. I had an annual subscription ... so it extends it out 20 months for the remaining 10 boxes. No complaints.

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.

Shipping is between the 21st and 23rd of the month. I was very anxious for arrival and was a bit grabby when my husband handed me mail. This month was about sunshine and rejuvenation after a long winter.

First up: Cali Baronessa Torocco Shampoo & Conditioner: Some people received the Olivia line with olive oil. I'm really glad I received the Torocco line. OMIGOSH!!! This smells edible. The blood orange scent comes through. Supposed to be good for all hair types. This works nicely in my thick, curly, frizzy hair. So, it's a win. Retail $31.99

Next: Kate Spade Water Bottle: If you look in my cabinets, and much to the chagrin of my poor husband, you will see that I love water bottles. I carry one with me all the time. This water bottle is different from the others. It's real glass and has a rubber gripper sleeve. I probably wouldn't take it with me on a run or to the gym. But, it makes me feel a little fancy at yoga and at work. Retail $29.99.

Third item in the box: All-Natural Urban Spa Sea Sponge: This is actually a pretty dense sponge. I have some angst about it because I try to avoid all animal products and sea sponges are technically animal. But, I haven't heard that they have a nervous system, so I'm on the fence. I also don't object to most insect products, soooo.... And it is sustainably harvested which is another important factor when I think about animal product use. I think I'll keep it. Retail $13.99

 Finally: 12"X12" Gallery Wrap Mounted Canvas Print: OK, I will admit it ... at first I was underwhelmed. I wanted a "thing." This requires thought and effort on my part. But the more I thought about it, the more I LOVE IT!!! It's personal. I get to put my own personal spin, my own favorite picture. I thought about the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones in Hawaii. But, I'm going to Africa in September. I'm saving my code (which is good until the end of the year) for a safari picture!!! Yes, I love the canvas wrap print. It will be one of a kind, all my own, and special. The unique discount code was emailed to me and I think (haven't confirmed) that it's in my account. Retail $51.99.



 Verdict: For 31.99, the box contained $127.96 worth of items. So ... points for value. And, I thought it was beautifully curated. I love the theme. You really can tell that the sisters put a lot of their heart into the curation. It feels very personal ... to them and to me. I am so glad that I subscribed when I did and I will continue. I don't mind that the boxes are now bi-monthly because it is obvious that they put a lot of thought into the curation. It's not filled with products that were sent to them for marketing purposes.

Next box: Nonna's Kitchen. I love that they write what feels like a personal note explaining the thought process behind the curation. I can't wait until April.

(These are my personal opinions. I have no affiliation with the product and receive no compensation for my reviews)

Alamo 13.1..The Best Little Half in Texas

Because I’m such a big fan of local races and, especially the organized races of Purpose. Race. Events, I had signed up for Alamo 13.1 long before I started prolotherapy. 

I had prolotherapy session #3 9 days before the race. I swear I have been religious about physical therapy, but I feel like that hip is getting weaker, not stronger. I asked the doc and he said it was not unexpected. (I love doc double-speak and do it all the time myself.) For 3 months, we have been poking little holes in my gluteus medius tendon and injecting inflammatory agents. Of course, my gluteus medius was not firing properly. It was not working so that the tendon wouldn’t be strained while it heals and regenerates. Something about my butt being smarter than my head …

Anyway, let’s keep going. I know races require volunteers. Purpose. Race. Events volunteers have always been great and in the week leading to the race, there were a few messages on Facebook and email asking for volunteers. I wrote and said I would volunteer for packet pick-up on Saturday. It was raining cats and dogs and Packet Pick-up moved indoors in La Villita.  I met the organizers and was just as impressed as always. They are really really nice people who care about individual racers. They really summed it up when they said they appreciate the support because they are all racers themselves and want to make their races “special.”  I wore my INKnBURN Amigo and Lace Capri because it seemed appropriate. I was given my volunteer shirt and wore it over Amigo. Before I put on my shirt, I did get lots of compliments ... as usual ... on my clothing. 

 I was assigned the final stop and bag check-out. Simply my location made me a sort of de facto information booth which was sort of fun. I tried to answer questions … or find answers … or just give support and advice (and platitudes). I got to meet lots of really nice people. Several folks came from Austin. A few people were in town on business and thought this would be fun. One couple traveled from Oregon just to do this race. I ran into a doc from SAMMC (she came in 4^th in her age group), Coach J, IronMama Bel, and Amanda –another  INKnBURN ambassador who was visiting from Arizona. It was funny … I recognized her at a distance because I noticed, and coveted, her shirt. I checked Facebook to confirm it was her. Small world. I also picked up my race number and sweet swag.  Always a nice Technical T-Shirt without logos. And, always a nice bag … this time the half-marathoners were given a small lightweight duffel.

Set up on Saturday night. I knew it was going to be a lonelier run than usual. The Accountant was sick. Sorority Girl was sick. But, PowerBroker was still going … we have different paces, but she would be fun to follow and she would hang back with me a bit. Heather was running. We have similar pace, but she is steady, where I’m all over the place.

 

Sunday morning, the alarm went off at 5 AM. PowerBroker texted 5 minutes later to cancel. It’s been a rough week. So, I drove down town, found parking, and walked to the Alamo. Took a few fun pictures. Said "Hello" to IronMama Bel. Met up with Heather. Amanda zoomed by us. 

Before the start, we were told about the purpose of this race … support of Trisomy Awareness and some inspiration. A prayer was said. The racers sang the National Anthem. There was a musket volley followed by a cannon blast to start the race.

 I seeded near the back and figured I would follow my usual plan … start slow and get slower. As I passed the start, there was Karina hanging out on the Bike. Lifetime Fitness Bike Club was providing support and she was the sweeper. Shout out and keep going. The first mile and we had circled back to the Alamo. The community was out cheering on runners. Just after the first mile, we had our first water stop and then the 5K split off. After that we had water stops about every mile. I always carry my own, so not really important to me, but important to other people.

Between Mile 2 and 3, we crossed a bridge and had a spectacular view of the city. Until this time, we had been running past beautiful old homes in cute neighborhoods. After this, I knew the biggest hill was behind us and there shouldn’t be much elevation change for the rest of the run.

Somewhere around Mile 3ish, we entered Brackenridge Park and did some running along trails and paved paths. Alongside the Golf Course. Through beautiful tree-lined paths. A variety of waterfowl just hanging out at the lake. Oh … and a wee bit of mud that was covered with rugs, but still soggy. In this area, there were a few sections of two-way traffic, so it was fun to see the leaders coming back a bit. At least at my pace it didn’t get congested. The bike support was encouraging with shout-outs and they did make space for the oncoming runners to make sure the speedy folks didn’t get slowed down by the turtles.

 Mile 5 and the 10K split off. The sun was starting to come out and … remember the rain from yesterday …well, that meant humidity today. As we crossed over into University of Incarnate Word, we stopped a bit to let some of the traffic thin out. I didn’t mind at all … forced rest!!! Nice run through the campus and we didn’t do the really big hills. Then another forced break to cross back to the Park.

Honestly, this is worse than usual. I blame
prolotherapy and weakened gluteus medius.
And, It really hurts right now.

Then it hit. Mile 9. Since Gluteus Medius is taking a break, Gluteus Maximus and Minimus and Piriformis were working harder. They revolted. No more lateral support and my left knee kept hitting my right knee and the pain in the butt was real. I remembered some words from my doc “…..blah blah blah …. don’t push …. blah blah blah … impact … resistance …. blah blah blah … Tendon Rupture …” My run was done. I was going to walk it in from here. Yes, demoralizing. Passed a guy who was suffering more than me. Said he had been doing great until Mile 7 when his knee quit and he was walking it in, too. Despite walking, I still passed a few folks and many passed me.

Mile 11 … Riverwalk is always lovely to run along. The flowers are in bloom and smell great. Heather caught up to me. We talked a minute and she kept going. She was pacing now exactly as she had targeted from the beginning. That girl is steady.

Mile 12 … Black Girls Run had the most encouraging, enthusiastic, energetic water stop. There were a couple of guys I had seen earlier with the funniest signs. “If you were a vegetable, you would be a cutecumber.” “The guy behind you is checking out your butt.” First time I saw them, I said …”He better be checking out my butt” because the new lace Capris from INKnBURN are awesome. He said “fo sho.” This time, another runner was passing me and I asked … “were you just checking out my butt?” He stuttered and blushed, so I think the answer was “yes.” We were then back up on the street and a girl I had been close behind for the last few miles was on a stretcher, crying, being put in an ambulance. I don’t know her. But, I almost wept for her/with her, too. 

 Finally … I see the Alamo and the finish line. I am not going to walk the finish chute, so I kick up a bit for a final run. OUCH!!! MY ASS REALLY HURTS!!!!

Agony!!

Happy to be done!!!

Thanks for the medal and the water. No thanks for the Chocolate Milk (but I’m sure other people appreciated it). Heather was a minute ahead of me. We said our congratulations. Her boyfriend had been finished for a while. He was so cute and attentive taking care of her. Went to get some food. Yes to the fruit boat. Yes to the Baked Potato ….they gave me mine plain as requested. No thanks to the Pizza, but I wanted it. Then a slow meander to my car. Along the route to my car I saw a few final runners coming in. Karina told about how much she was inspired by those final runners who “Fought to the Finish.”  I’m really ready to be done now. And, if you have read this far, you are too.

Yes, I will share my shame

 

Just a few final notes …

See how much happier she looks than me?
I think she's famous for her cheesy grin.

1.   My INKnBURN didn’t fail me. Comfortable in the sloggy humidity. Really fast wicking. And cute enough to get attention. Amanda wore the full lace kit and got lots of comments. But, she’s so stinking cute that she gets a ton of attention anyway.

2. I love the Purpose Wall. People wrote messages of the purpose of their run.

3.   Although I didn’t stay, I love that the organizers have a raffle at the end of the race … after the final runner … for CA$H!! It keeps folks hanging around to support those final finishers. Here is an amazing Blog Post about the final finish line experience. Trust me, it's worth the read and far better than anything I could have written. Now I regret that I didn't stay for the finish. 

4. Congratulations to Amanda and IronMama Bel for sub-2-hour PRs

Thumbs up all around for “The Best Little Half in Texas.”  And, thanks for the free race photos. 

Aaand ... Purpose.Race.Events has a new race planned this year. Sign up for the Masquerade Half at the JW Marriott on Halloween. What a great way to show off your running costumes. And they are having a Masquerade Ball in the evening. Super cool!!! 

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.