Monday Musings 10/28/13

Happy Monday everyone!  There have been a couple of random thoughts I've had lately, some relating to items from boxes but not all of them, and I think a weekly posts on Monday's with some of these thoughts would be enjoyable.

1.  It's a super exciting Monday for St. Louis sports fans!
I'm a diehard Rams fan and tonight is their first Monday Night Football appearance since 2006.  Unfortunately the starting quarterback is out for the season and the matchup is against one of the best teams in the NFC (the SeaTurkeys).  I try to stay optimistic before all games, but I'm a little concerned about how this is going to go - especially since a potential disaster will be nationally televised.  Of course, the St. Louis Cardinals will be playing game 5 of the World Series next door (both games are in STL!).  Hopefully they can pull ahead at make the series 3-2.  It could be an AMAZING night if both the Rams and Cardinals can pull off a win.

2.  Who are all these people that have reality TV shows?
I'm a pretty avid TV watcher and I feel like I'm pretty up to date with what is going on with pop culture, but it seems that there are many reality TV shows about "celebrities" that I have never heard of.  Who are these people and who decided giving them a whole TV show that will probably only last one season was a good idea?

3.  Blueapron and Plated are still awesome
Even though I haven't been posting our weekly meals, D and I have had some delicious meals from both these companies over the past few weeks.  A couple plates even earned an elusive score of 10/10 from both of us.  I seriously can not recommend these services enough!  If you would like to try Plated, please use my referal link: https://www.plated.com/invites/c68767.  If you would like to try a week of Blueapron for FREE, comment below and I'll send a free week your way!  :-)

4.  Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish is also amazing
This has been one of the best Birchbox discoveries I have had in a long time.  I ended up purchasing a full sized bottle of this cleanser and the toner as well.  My skin is very sensitive and a bit unpredictable. After 2 weeks, my skin has never been so soft and clear.  I'm apparently not the only one who loves this product as it's currently sold out at Birchbox, but it's definitely worth trying out if you ever have a chance.  

5.  I love spinning but....
I really enjoy going to spin class as part of my usual workout regimen, but I never am able to get into the class as much if the instructor plays music I don't know or music without lyrics.  I really think that being a good spin instructor also requires being a good DJ.  I have yet to try out the Soul Cycle phenomenon, but when I do I'll be sure to report back.

6.  Rent the Runway is one of my favorite things ever
My friends all know what a fan of Rent the Runway I've become over this past year.  I've been able to wear some amazing dresses this year (especially with all the wedding related festivities!) without spending a fortune and ending up with dresses filling my closet I'll only wear 1-2 times.  They also just opened a new showroom in Henri Bendel's in NYC.  I went to check it out last week and it's great to see so many of their options in person all at once.  They deliver nationwide so if anyone wants to give them a try, please use my link and also get $20 off your first rental.  http://www.renttherunway.com/referral/Sparklie59

That's all the random things to share today!  Now I'm off to find a Halloween costume with minimal commitment.....

#renttherunway
#plated
#blueapron
#birchbox

Rocksbox #7

I realize Rocksbox #6 happened less than a month ago, but since I found myself only wearing one of the pieces (the gorgeous earrings), I decided to swap it out for another box.  Rocksbox #7 is a definite winner so I'm very glad I did!

Rocksbox has become one of my favorite subscriptions.  For $19/month you get to "rent" 3 pieces of designer costume jewelry for up to 2 months.  You can switch out your set as many times as you want during each month (sort of like netflix).  The best part is that you can also purchase any items you absolutely fall in love with.

Here are my 3 pieces!

Rectangle Cuff in Snow by Urban Gem (retail: $58, member's price: $46.40)
This bracelet is great.  It's not too large, and white detailing is definitely unique.  This will be a perfect piece to add to casual weekend outfits. 

Chrysoprase Bezel Neckalce by Margaret Elizabeth (retail $108, member's price: $86.40)
I love this green necklace.  It's large enough to be noticed but not quite at "statement necklace" level.  Rocksbox has definitely opened my mind to wearing gold pieces.  Especially pretty green ones.

Lucky Duck Earrings by Lucas Jack (retail $38, member's price: $30.40)
I never imagined I would enjoy wearing tiny wishbones on my ears, but the shape and size of these really make these work nicely.  Growing up, I always looked forward to making a wish on the wishbone after having a turkey during the holidays.  Since turkey day will be here in a couple of weeks, these are actually a great seasonal piece to have fun with.  :-)

I'm excited to have 3 pieces I will definitely be able to use on a regular basis over the next few weeks.  This box won't be parted with quickly.

Anyone else have some great Rocksbox items this month?  If you are interested in trying it out, please use my link to sign up. http://curebit.com/x/IyPzTO

#Rocksbox

Bonjour Jolie October 2013

Like other things that arrive on a monthly basis, my October Bonjour Jolie box was delivered right on schedule.

Bonjour Jolie is a time of the month box that sends you monthly supplies in the brand of your choosing along with special treats for $16/month (plus s/h).  The theme this month was "Falling for You!"  Fall flavors/scents are a favorite of mine so I was definitely excited to see what the box included.

The Gift
Complete Nail Spa Package (Total Value: $16)
This set includes a Sally Hansen Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen, Nail Art pen, Triple sided nail file, birchwood cuticle stick, argon oil for cuticles, and 2 La Fresh Nail Polish remover pads.  I've gotten the nail polish remover pads in a Birchbox a while back and they are great for travel.  This whole set would actually be great for travel.

The Edibles
Chocolate Covered Pumpkin Pie ($1)
Yum!  This will be delicious!

Dessert Teas by Davidsons Tea Company (5 bags - $1.85)
These are dessert teas and are all caffeine free.  I had the Vanilla-coconut one earlier today and it was definitely tasty.

The Pampering
Tipsy Pumpkin Soap by StarFire Creations ($1)
This looks like a piece of pumpkin fudge and smells great.

Helping Hands Apricot and Ginseng Hand Scrub ($2)
I tried this today and was not a fan.  The texture was a little runny and I didn't care for the scent.

Solid Lotion bar by Faith Soaps and Love ($1.50)
I love solid lotion/massage bars!  This one doesn't smell too sweet which is great.

Music Download Card from Rorie Kelly
I had some issues downloading, so I"ll try to play around with it more when I have a chance.

The Protection
A combo of the 30 feminine hygiene products I selected (~$12)

The overall value of this month's box is ~$35.  I especially love the nail set and can't wait to enjoy all the edibles.

There are a couple time of the month boxes out there.  What other boxes have people tried and how do they compare to Bonjour Jolie?

#bonjourJolie
#tombox

Stitch Fix #2

On this beautiful fall weekend, I was excited to see the arrival of my second Stitch Fix box.  Since I was really hoping for some great tops in my last box (and it didn't end up happening - instead I ended up with a dress I love), I was hopeful I could get some season appropriate long sleeve tops to go with jeans on the weekend.  I also mentioned how I would love to find a great blazer.

A quick refresher of how stitch fix works:
1.  Fill out a VERY extensive style and sizing profile on their website.  You can also include a link to a pinterest board for inspiration.
2.  Sign up for when you would like to have your "fix" delivered.  The styling fee is $20 and includes all shipping.
3.  When your fix arrives, spend 3 days deciding which items you would like to keep by trying everything on at home. If you keep anything, the $20 styling fee is deducted from the items cost. The items you don't keep are sent back in a pre-paid USPS envelope.  If you decided to keep the whole box (5 items), you'll get the entire contents of the box for 25% off.
4.  Review all the items online.  By providing feedback about fit, styles, and colors, supposedly each future fix becomes even more tailored to your unique style.
5.  Sign up for your next fix!  Another option is to sign up to get a "fix" monthly.  I signed up for the monthly option for now but only plan to keep items I love.  If it gets to be too much, I'll switch scheduling it less frequently.

For this second "fix" my stylist was Jennifer.  I guess this answers my question about always having the same stylist since last time Jackie picked my items.

Here is my fix!

Noe Cap Sleeve V-Neck Sheath Dress by Andrew Marc in Olive - $148
I like the style of this dress, but the fit was off.  Even after trying it with different bras, it was too large on the top.  For a dress of this cost, it has to be amazing for me to purchase it.   A simple dress like this would have required a perfect fit.  Verdict - RETURN.

Breccan Dot Print Mixed Material Blouse by Kensie in Red - $68
When I first saw this blouse I was excited because of the color and thought this could be a great piece to incorporate into my weekend wardrobe.  But then I didn't love it.  The breccan dots were not my favorite and I didn't really like how it was form fitting in the sleeves yet so loose in the torso.  Verdict - RETURN.

Dorsey Chunky Knit Drape Front Cardigan by THML in Turquoise - $108
First of all, I think a more appropriate name for the color of this sweater would be "dusty mint."  This would be a perfect sweater to wear while cozied up in the library on a fall/winter night while, drink a pumpkin spice latte, and spend hours studying for some exam.  Fortunately that's not my life anymore but therefore I don't see this piece being much of a staple in my wardrobe.  Verdict - RETURN.

Jezebel Lurex Detailed Button Up Cardigan by Mystree in Off-White - $68
This is really not my style at all but I did follow the stitch fix directions and try it on like everything else.  It is still not my style.  I didn't like the pretend collar, gold stitching, or detailed buttons.  Verdict - RETURN. 

Salma French Terry Striped Blazer by Tart in Black - $128
I actually found this "blazer" a little confusing.  It was a very thin and form fitting material that I don't think would provide much warmth.  I would almost call it more of a sweater pretending to be a blazer.  The vertical stripes didn't really do much for me either.  Verdict - RETURN.'

So this was not really a success.  I was a little disappointed, but I do really plan to stick by my plan to only purchase items I plan to wear on a regular basis.  Before my next fix, I plan on doing some updating on my corresponding Pinterest board so hopefully the next items are more on point with my style.  I do still like the concept (and how it's a huge time saver!) so I'll definitely give them a few more chances.

Interested in also trying Stitch Fix?  Please use my link - for everyone I know who signs up, I'll receive a credit to purchase something in one my next fixes.  https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3184070

#stitchfix

October 2013 Barkbox

Elvis' favorite box has arrived for the month!  The items in this month's Barkbox celebrate the "colors and flavors of fall."

What's Barkbox?  It's asubscription box that delivers 4-6 "innovative toys, treats, gadgets, and goodies" for your dog.  They customize the box based on the size of your dog and the monthly cost of the box decreases with your length of subscription ($29 for 1 month, $24 for 3 months, $19 for 6 months).   Another great thing is 10% of Barkbox profits go towards local pet shelters.

Here is Elvis' October Box!

The first item is a Chevron Bear from Pet Qwerks (retail: Not entirely sure - $6?).  Elvis already loves his new squeaky friend here.  Stuffed animal toys are definitely his favorite but they require periodic replacement after receiving too much love.

This next item is interesting.  Your Dog's Diner Mutt Meatball Mix (retail: $7.99) is a mix of organic seasonings to be mixed with a pound of lean ground meat and an egg to make dog meatballs.  D does not think I will ever actually make these meatballs but I know Elvis would love them.  Maybe if he's been really good.... ;-)

One thing I really love about Barkbox is the variety of healthy treats they send every month.  These artisan Baker's Best Autumn Harvest dog treats (retail: Not sure again - $9) are made of goat liver and pumpkin.  I predict Elvis will also be a fan of these. 

The next item was definitely the cutest item in the box.  Fruitables Halloween Share Pack (retail: $5.99) includes 8 small sizes of dried fruit dog treats.  These would be great to give out to dogs participating in trick or treating later this month.  I love that he ingredients are dried fruit and just the perfect size.

The final item is a lamb ear from Superior Farms (retail $3.19).  Elvis loves these type of things but only gets to enjoy them occasionally.  I'll have to find a special time for him to enjoy this.

Overall another great Barkbox with a value of approximately $32.  I love the variety of healthy treats and being introduced to new products for Elvis to enjoy.  Having a variety of treats around are super helpful when it's training time.

Has anyone else been enjoying Barkbox with their pup?   Interested in trying Barkbox?  Please use my referral link and get $5 off your subscription!  https://barkbox.com/r/NGWIVP3PQE

#barkbox

October 2013 Birchbox

Birchbox time!  This month's theme is "Beauty Buzz" and I can say it definitely did not disappoint.  I've only had the box for one day and I've already tried most of the items.

Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription box that sends out 4-5 deluxe beauty samples based on your individual profile for $10/month.  Some months are better than others, but I've really enjoyed being introduced to many new products via this service.  

Here is the beautifully wrapped box.

My first item is "Reality Base Foundation" by Alison Raffaele (sample value: ?, full size: $38).  This foundation is oil-free and actually really light.  I was sent "skin tone 3" and it's surprisingly a great match.  I usually don't wear liquid foundation, but it's great to know this product is out there.

My next two items were the facial cleansing system by Liz Earle.  It included the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (sample value: $6.51, full size $21.50) and one of their Pure Muslin Cloths (sample value: $3, 2 cloths - $6).  This British cleansing system had amazing reviews online and I was very excited to try it.  I'm a fan of using my clarisonic a couple times a week, but have been wanting to find a daily gentle cleanser I love.  I think this is it.  The smell is very soft and it left my skin feeling super soft.  Even my eye makeup came off easily.  This product is definitely a winner.  The super cute packaging made it feel extra special too.  :-)

Next I received Aqua Lacquer by POP Beauty (sample value - FULL SIZE!!! $14).  At first glance I was worried this was another lip product that was going to be too bright for me, but it goes on nice and sheer.  The applicator is paddle shaped so it makes putting it on very easy and precise.  

The final item is a new category of the box called "Birchbox Find."  Supposedly these will be mass-market items that Birchbox decides to share in addition to the usual samples.  This month is the 8 hour moisture Hydration Lock Chapstick in Vanilla Creme (sample value - FULL SIZE!!! $2.49).  I'm a person who can never have enough chapstick (I keep one in every bag I own), so I definitely appreciate this item.  It also included a coupon for a $1 off purchasing another in any regular store.  

Overall a great Birchbox!  I'm actually considering purchasing a full size version of the cleanser once I've finished up my sample.  The total value of my box is $26 plus the foundation sample.  

Is anyone else familiar with the Liz Earle cleansing products?  Did anyone else have any great finds this month in their Birchbox?  

Interested in giving Birchbox a try?  Please use my link!  http://birch.ly/13uUfhH

#birchbox

Popsugar Must Have October 2013

It's been an exciting few weeks of new boxes.  Here is one more.  

I've enjoyed reading the website popsugar for the past couple years.  They have a monthly "must have" box for $35/month that I finally decided to try out for the next 3 months.  Since I canceled the similarly priced Fancy box, I felt ok using my monthly box budget towards trying this one.  

The items in the box are divided into categories for food, beauty, fashion, and home.  There weren't any home items in this box.  Maybe next time.  Here is the box:

Must have food:

The Can't Cook Book by Jessica Seinfeld ($16.79)
This new cookbook looks like it would be great for someone moving into a new apartment and starting to cook for themselves.  The recipes look basic and there are lots of photos.  Since I like to think I "can cook" (and since blue apron and plated make it so easy), I think I'll be gifting this item.  

The Crispery Halloween CrispyCake ($3.95)

This is a giant rice crispy treat.  It looks nice and soft and delicious.   It's definitely big enough for two people so I will share it with D in a sneaky effort to convince him like this box.  ;-)

Must have beauty:

NYX Cosmetics Liquid liner ($4.50) and Smokey Shadow Palette ($7)
The colors in the eye shadow palate are nice, but I'm doing pretty well on the makeup front right now.   This will also be great for the gifting pile.  

Julep Nail Polish ($14) and Freedom Top Coat ($18). 

I have been curious to try Julep polish for a while.  I really like how this includes both the color (dark navy blue) and top coat.  

The Wet Brush hair detangling brush ($14)

At first I thought this was just a hairbrush and I didn't need another one.  Then I looked at the condition of my current hairbrush and realized it was definitely time to replace it.  This brush is great on both dry and wet hair.  The bristles are soft and extra flexible.  It's a definite upgrade from its predecessor.  

Must have fashion:

Gorjana Charity Bali Bead Bracelet in Pink ($45)

This is like a fancy version of a friendship bracelet with a great cause.  When purchased on their website, Gorjana is donating 100% of the proceeds to benefit Breast Cancer Connections.  The bright pink color makes it stand out while still being dainty.  It also fits my wrist perfectly.  This will be a staple of mine during breast cancer awareness month.  

Jane Tran Bobby Pins ($12)

Very cute hair pins!  Now I need to come up with some hairstyles that showcase cute hairpins.  

Must have Bonus: 

Stitch Fix $20.00 Gift Card ($20)

Whohoo!  I was planning on getting another stitch fix in a few weeks (I still want to find some non t-shirt casual tops), so having this card will cancel out the styling fee AND also let me out $20 towards an item.  For a person who is already a stitch fix fan, this is a definite win.  

The grand total of everything in the box is $156.74.  I'm super happy with that value for $35.  Yes, some of the items will  be gifted, but the hairbrush, bracelet, and stitchfix card alone are worth more than what I paid.  I'm excited to see what "must have" items popsugar has in mind for November. 

Interested in getting a popsugar must have box for yourself?  Please use my referral link - http://popsu.gr/ndbC

#popsugar

#musthave

DeLonghi Lattissima Plus and Rocksbox #6

A nice cappuccino always brightens a grey afternoon.  As does a box of fun jewelry.  Today is the perfect day to share my thoughts on our new DeLonghi Lattissima Plus machine and the latest Rocksbox!

I'm not someone who drinks coffee.  I am however someone who spends way too much money drinking overpriced Starbucks drinks (aka milk with flavored sugar and a little espresso).  With D being a huge fan of Nespresso, the discovery of the DeLonghi Lattissima Plus machine via our friend Debbie was a major success.  Unlike the pervious Nespresso machines, this one makes both plain espresso AND lattes and cappuccinos.  The milk foamer is directly connected yet removable to store in the refrigerator.  After purchasing a travel mug, I can proudly report that this whole week I've stayed out of Starbucks and have enjoyed my Vanilla Lattes made at home.  Usually it takes even less time than waiting on the line at Starbucks which is another added perk.  Using some of our wedding gift money towards this purchase was definitely a worthy investment.

Here is a photo of the pretty double cappuccino I made this afternoon.  I don't usually drink it out of a juice glass but I wanted to share the pretty layering effect.  I was hoping my vanilla almond milk would work well in the machine, but unfortunately it ended up tasting burnt.  It looks like I'll be sticking with skim milk.  Vanilla almond milk is apparently better to be enjoyed cold.

My Rocksbox #6 arrived today.  Here is the breakdown:

Druzy POP Ring in Black Quartz and Silver by Kristine Lily (Retail $48, Member's Price $38.40)
This ring is small, dainty, and pretty cute.  It's a fun add on accessory.  The size is perfect so I'll try to incorporate this as much as possible before returning this box.

Radiance Earrings in White by Liz Palacios (Retail $128, Member's Price $102.40)
These earrings are quite sparkly and very pretty.  These will definitely be perfect for a couple of nights out I have coming up.  I don't quite love them enough to want to keep them (especially for the price), but I will definitely enjoying wearing these. 

Clara Bracelet by Loren Hope (Retail $65, Member's Price $52)
This bracelet is nice, and I would probably enjoy wearing it, but it's too big for me.  I think my wrists are on the small side. It's too bad this isn't adjustable.  Oh well. 

Overall it's a pretty good Rocksbox.  I'll probably end up sending it back after wearing the earrings a few times.  Interested in giving Rocksbox a try?  Please use my link!  http://curebit.com/x/VnBjRX

#rocksbox
#nespresso