Popsugar MustHave June 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 am a headband wearer, so to receive a Yogitoes Peacock hBand was a plus for me. It's really soft and I love the way the color slowing moves from lavender to indigo. I will be great as an eye mask at the end of a yoga session. Retail $4 (but I have paid more for headbands)

Quay Australia Mandate Sunglasses: Yes, we all like a new pair of sunglasses. These seem to be fine quality and the storage bag is really nice. But, since I wear only prescription sunglasses, these won't do me a lot of good. But, I suspect I can score some extra friend points by gifting them. Hmmm ... just to decide which friend is most worthy. Retail $45. 


Judy Blume's In the Likely Event: OK ... I admit it, Judy Blume? Really? I'm not 12. But, this is supposed to be written for a more mature audience than the "coming-of-age" books I group up with. At a minimum, it should be a nice light easy read for a beachy day or a day relaxing by the boat. Retail $27.95, but on Amazon for $16.77.

Pacifica Enlighten Eye Brightening Shadow Palette: I really need to start wearing make-up. I love make-up, I am just too lazy to put it on most mornings. I have gotten some lovely eye-shadows in subscription boses and I really like this color blend. It's vegan, which makes me like it even more. It is infused with coconut oil and I am a big fan of the benefits. Retail $14. 

SNAP Infusion SUPERCANDY. I received berry and sour and sampled immediately after checking ingredients. Many gummies are made with gelatin, but these have a pectin base. That's great for me. Tasty. May be great for a change during long run or bike days. Calories are low and there are b-vitamins and electrolytes. Retail $4.

SPONGELLE Boxed Flowers-Fleur en Boite: How fun is this. A body wash infused shower buff. This will be perfect for travel. It has about a week's worth of washes and smells great. And, it feels kind of decadent and whimsical all at once. Retail $16. 

Special Extra: Sweet & Spark $30 Gift Card. I like vintage jewelry, but nothing on the site is $30. I don't particularly love gift cards in subscrption boxes that require me to spend more money to redeem. So .. this didn't have a lot of added value for me. But, as an added item, I am sure some people will really appreciate it.


So, what do I think? It's an interesting box. I liked everything in it, but it didn't have me jumping for joy like the last few months. But, c'mon ... the last few boxes have been total home runs and the bar is set really high. I have nothing to complain about, just expectations have been raised. I will get use out of everything or find someone who will. Retail is $110.95 (not counting the gift card) or $99.77 (if you  use the Amazon pricing for the book). So, I felt it had value and am happy.  

PopSugar MustHave Summer 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. 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. A few times a year, they release a Special Edition Box. I have found that the past few months PopSugar MustHave has been hitting it out of the park, so I couldn't resist the Summer box for $100. 

The Special Edition Boxes are packaged a little different from the regular monthly boxes. The box is packaged inside of the shipping box. Each item is individually tissue wrapped and then the entire contents are wrapped in tissue. Of course, a fold-out is included with a description of the included items. 

Each item was individually wrapped in tissue paper, which for me adds to the feeling of unwrapping a Christmas stocking. Before I share the contents, I also need to point out, that once the boxes were unwrapped, I really really liked each of the inner boxes also.

First up was a Kendra Scott Ainsley Cuff Bracelet: OMIGOSH, DO I LOVE THIS BRACELET? The gold cuff is gorgeous. I love the hourglass shape and the lace filigree design. I don't usually wear cuffs and have received a few recently and found I like wearing them when I can. This is by far my favorite. Totally a win for me. Retail $120. 

Next was Baggu Weekend Bag in Sailor Stripe: I AM SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THIS TOO!!! This is a really big, roomy, durable bag. It will hold everything I need for a long weekend and will fit as a carry-on. I have struggled finding a cute bag that can do both for me. This one hits the mark. Retail $74. 

Omorovicza Gold Shimmer Oil: I wasn't really sure what to think of this at first. It contains a plant based blend of oils and colloidal gold. It does shimmer, but not sparkly. It is supposed to be great for softening, strengthening, and repairing skin and hair. I feel like I need to use it for semi-special occasions, so I'll just have to find excuses. I did a little test and it's not sparkly and it was smoothing. Retail $80. 

Sunnylife Beach Paddles In Bronte: I'll admit it. I kind of like the idea of these. Seems like fun on the beach, but I'll need to find the right excuse to use them. They came nicely packaged in a clear case for storage. I wouldn't have thought of getting these for myself, but I always see people playing on the beach and wish I had something fun, too. Retail $26

Savannah Bee Company Honey for Cheese and Old Fashioned Honey Dipper: I like honey. I don't eat cheese, so I'm not sure about combining cheese and honey. I'm assuming this will work great for my honey uses or I may gift it to a foodie friend of mine. Retail $7.50. 

Fringe Studio Vintage Love Anchors Glass Tray: Personally, I can't have enough little dishes to put my jewelry and bits and bobbles in. I need trays everywhere or I will lose everything. I really like this. It's got a nice nautical summer theme and it just makes me feel good. Retail $16. 

Overall, I'm really happy with the curation. It was a lot of fun and had a couple of super awesome items. I would have been happy with just those and the other items were just icing on the cake. I didn't feel a super coherent theme, but  I liked everything in the box. I could find fun and utility in it. With a retail value of $323.50, I definitely felt I got value. And, I think PopSugar MustHave hit another home run.  

Wantable Intimate June 2015

Wantable has 5 subscriptions: an Accessory box (I am not a good accessorizor), their Intimate box, Make-up box and their Fitness wear and Style box (try on at home and keep what you want). 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.

Once again, I was really impressed with shipping speed. My box actually arrived on May 31 ... for June. You gotta' admit, I can use it for June. I was kind of surprised and it did sort of make me smile to see this note in my box. Honestly, I don't know if they send this to everyone, or if it was printed off a printer to look hand-written, but I don't care. It made me feel good. It felt personal. So, what was in the box?

I do love pajamas, so I was sent Pajama Drama Tank wth Lace Trim, Grey. I am always good for a pajama/lounge piece and this will go well with some pants I received in another box a month or so ago.This is really soft and comfortable. Can't go wrong with a tank in my book.Retail $21, My price to keep $13.12

And, I still love pajamas. so the box also included Dreamwave Pajama Drama Ruffle Trim Short and Tank. I saw this in another review and the reviewer thought the cute little side ruffles would be annoying. I don't think so. I think the ruffle is cute and it doesn't bother me at all. I am glad to have short pajamas for the hot, sticky summer months ahead. Retail $14.00 X2, My price to keep $8.75 X2

And, let's not forget that I listed Socks as an item I love on my style profile. And, I really like colors and stripes. I don't get to wear them in my work uniform, but can sneak them in sometimes in scrubs on days I'm not at work. I will never complain about the Ozone UPC Stripe Socks. Retail $15. My price to keep $9.38. 

My verdict? I admit I was on the fence about the box at first. Could I really justify $40 ($36 if I keep everything from the month before) for intimates that I don't really "need." But, I've been pleased and will keep going. Yep, I think it's worth it. The value of this shipment was $64 and I paid $36.

Little Lace Box Serendipity May 2015

You may have read my reviews of Little Lace Box before. I really like this subscription because it is different from others. All boxes are curated around a theme and you can really tell the three sisters that designed this company put a lot of themselves in each package. They exploded and had a few growing pains in the past few months. They handled them in an amazing way. They made an announcement in April, that they were going to a bi-monthly subscription, but that current subscribers would get a little surprise in May ... what a surprise it was!!!

In the process of searching for items for their curated boxes, they come across items that just don't fit the theme, but that they love and want to share. So ... the luck that takes the form of finding valuable or pleasant things ...found itself as the Serendipity pouch. The Serendipity pouch will be sent on the months that the Little Lace Box is not. The cost of the subscription is $9.99 per month. While they are working out the kinks, the sisters are sending this to current subscribers for free. It's these things that really show the personal touch, and that they really care, that make all the difference. And, all the products and related items are available on the website.

First in the  pouch, was a set of Ofra Cosmetics products. I have only learned about Ofra recently in subscription boxes. Ingredients are natural, organic, plant-based and animal friendly (which makes me happy). Although not strictly vegan as color tints often have an insect base, but I'm not as worried about insects for some reason. Maybe because they aren't as cute and cuddly (except bees and silkworms, I care about them). I have actually tried the eyebrow pencil ... and I don't usually use an eyebrow pencil and was impressed with the way it shaded my red (thin) eyebrows pretty naturally. The lip gloss is dark plum and I like it. I have always been a little dark. I haven't used the lip liner because I'm just scared of lip liners and looking funny.

 Next was Bella Ink hand-made greeting card. I really like hand-made cards so this will be in my rotation.

And finally, Brode Electrolye Vitamin. I keep thinking I'll give this a try for a long run or bike day. I am always looking for a good balance. But, I have to admit, I'm not sure I will notice a difference with a single use. Worth a try though. 

So, what do I think? Well, what a nice surprise it was!!! I love the name. I love the idea. I love that for now it's free. And, with a value of $46.90, even if I had paid for it, I would have felt like I got a great deal. I have been won over and will remain loyal to Little Lace Box and Serendipity for a long time. 

P.S. They announced the August theme for Little Lace Box. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. They don't usually give spoilers, but they will be giving hints on their Facebook page. I can't wait and I haven't even received June. 

A Road Trip, A Race, and A Wedding

In my life, I can't always take a lot of time off work. I don't live "too" far from my siblings in the midwest, but far enough that it's not an easy weekend trip. But, my niece is getting married, so I worked out a whirlwind 3-day and we took a road trip.

Friday morning, we headed out early for the 12-hour drive north to Girard Kansas. Of course, I wore my most comfortable traveling clothes. INKnBURN all the way. When we arrived at my brother's house, we were greeted by Jazmine. She is a farm dog for sure and seems to have a close relationship with skunks. But ... oh, so sweet and really wants to be scratched. Must wash hands quickly. 

The Rebel (my brother) lives in the country ... 15 minutes from the nearest town. The town has like a small main street. Yep, this is the part of the country I was born and raised in. As we headed out do dinner, I was reminded of the beauty of small towns in the countryside. No real light pollution and wide open spaces, so you get to see beautiful skies. The Rebel's girlfriend visiting from New York. And, yes, the theme song from Green Acres played in my head all weekend. 

Facebook makes the world a small place. I had met a friend through INKnBURN in said small town and she told me about a 5K the following morning. The Victory over Violence 5K had a superhero theme. I didn't have a superhero costume due to poor planning, but MightyMe goes all out. Cute as a button. I did wear a cool INKnBURN kit, though. So ... off I went early for a run. And yes, my family thought I was nuts. It was a little chilly and a lightly misting so I wasn't sure I wanted to do this. But, it's for a good cause, so I paid my registration fee and hung around until the start. I am on a return to run program until I can get the hip feeling better, so really limited to 5 minute run/2 minute walk. I don't really enjoy it, but I'm trying to actually listen this time and heal. It's going slower than I want. When the race started ... MightyMe ran her pace and I hobbled along. But, I did try to run when I saw a camera. I won't complain too much, I did come in 38 out of a whopping 53. It was a fun little easy flat course with two loops around the park in a small town. Reminded me of my childhood. The old houses, the mature trees.

After the run, I had to rush off to meet the family for breakfast. Oatmeal for me, because small town Kansas is not very vegan-friendly. I should have taken a picture of the ginormous cinnamon roll, though.

Then, time to rush around and get ready for wedding festivities. The rest of my sibs were there. So, we really just did spend time with each other. They see each other every few months, but for me ... it's a rare reunion seeing all of them at once.

Funny ... they all asked how was the trip? Of course, the usual answer ... I was well rested and The Musician was ready to be out from behind the wheel. It's a family joke because when I was a kid ... the moving wheels were instant sleep ... well, not much has changed as an adult.

Not all of the nieces and nephews could make it. They are growing up and have busy lives. But, two of them were there. The nephew recently got engaged. His older sister and her husband are just as adorable as ever.

 My siblings and their spouses (I don't know why I didn't get a picture of The Comedian. His wife was unable to make the trip and I got pictures of couples. Sorry.) But it was nice to see The Protector and his wife, the Nicest Person in the World, the Rebel and his city girlfriend, and The Scrapper and her SuperWife.

The wedding was absolutely beautiful. My breath stopped when I saw my niece. She is really a stunner. Her husband seems gentle and kind. They thought about so many lovely details. Because of the rain, the ceremony was held in the barn. They had so many lovely and personal touches in the ceremony. The minister was their youth minister who watched them meet and grow in their relationship. Her sisters were her bridesmaids and they are just as beautiful. Then, a quick turnover of chairs and tables and the reception was also in the barn. The centerpieces and cakestand were all handmade by the wedding party. The groom is an artist with wood. We were prepared for the barbecue and brought our own food, because, well ... it's Kansas and meat is a pretty major part of the diet. I did have some wedding cake though. Three flavors. I only ate one and it was AMAZING!!! One of my nieces was maid of honor and gave such a sweet speech. The groom's father was best man ... which is super cool ... and his speech was so sweet and really showed the sweetness of the family she joined. The Doctor gave a speech and when he mentioned my dad, we all choked up a bit. But, he didn't cry. The bride and groom danced. The bride and her father danced. The groom and his mother danced. Each song was clearly perfectly chosen. They had a sweet slideshow of each of them growing up and then of them together. Also perfectly chosen songs for each sequence. My niece is a teacher. Her kindergartner's showed up and seeing the little ones dance was so cute.

 It's always bittersweet when these events come to an end. I hate saying good-bye to my siblings again, especially with such a short visit. The Rebel and I are very close and he had several good-byes. His oldest married and moved away. His middle little moved and is starting PA school the next day. And, between the two of them, they took most of his furniture and his house is big. His littlest little is moving in full-time, though for college.

After playing with Jazmine a bit, we hit the road early for the 12-hour drive ahead. It turned out to be a beautiful day, although I did sleep through most of it. And, yes, comfortable in more INKnBURN.