Rocksbox #8

Before leaving for vacation, I decided my week away would be the perfect time to refresh my Rocksbox.  It's hard to believe this my 8th box since joining in July.

Rocksbox is a jewelry subscription service that sends 3 pieces for you to try for 60 days or purchase what you like a reduced price.  The cost is $20/month and you can refresh your set as many times as you'd like during the month.  It's sort of like Netflix for jewelry.  I haven't purchased any pieces yet, but looking back at some of my past sets I wish I had.  The next time I get something I love I won't let it get away!  :-)

Here is my latest box:

Delicate Beaded Bar Necklace in Rose by Charlene K (retail: $78, member's price: $62.40)
I currently don't have any pink jewelry in my collection so it will be interesting to see how frequently I incorporate this into my outfit.  It's a very delicate looking piece and will probably go nicely with solid colored items of clothing.

Big Break Earrings in Gold (retail $46, member's price: $36.80)
These are definitely fun statement earrings.  There are definitely some holiday events coming up these will be perfect for.

Rami Ring in Blue Chalcedony (retail $76, member's price: $60.80)
This ring is cute, but I don't think I can justify the price tag on this one.  I'll enjoy it over the next couple of weeks but it's not really a memorable item.

Overall this is a middle of the road box for me.  I like all 3 of the items enough to wear them over the next coming weeks, but I'm not super excited about any of them.  Getting to mix up my usual accessories still makes Rocksbox one of my favorites though.

Interested in trying Rocksbox?  Please use my referral link!  Join Rocksbox

#rocksbox

December 2013 Birchbox Man

D's December Birchbox Man box arrived just in time to get the holiday spirit started!  The theme is "#manoftheyear" and suggests December is a great time to celebrate a personal highlight reel.  I love this idea!

Birchbox Man is a men's lifestyle box for $20/month that includes both grooming and lifestyle items.  It's a larger box than the women's version, but still contains a nice variety of surprises.

Here is D's December box!

Adrenaline Junkie Energizing Scrub by Billy Jealousy (sample value: $3)
This body scrub has an invigorating peppermint smell.  It's meant to be used on both face and body.  D says "It's cool and smells nice."

Texture Paste by GO247 (sample value: ~$4?)
I'm estimating the size of this sample.  This product claims to add definition and texture without any stiffness.  It can be used on damp or dry hair.  D says he "doesn't really like texture paste."  Maybe I can still convince him to try it out...

All-In-One Moisturizer by Mereadesso (sample value: $28)
This is a very fancy one step approach to skin care.  It serves as a toner, moisturizer, and under-eye cream.  It's meant to be used twice a day.  I enjoy using all in one products and I think D will like this too.  D says he "likes the stuff he already uses."  I'm going to have to convince him on this one too.  I'm also glad there is a re-sealable nozzle on the back of the sample so it won't go to waste.

Liquid Aftershave Cream by Proraso (sample value: $3.75)
This cream has witch hazel and eucalyptus to calm the skin.  D says "it smells nice but I already have lotion."  Clearly I'm going to need to do some work on D to get him to fully appreciate the fun of Birchboxes.

Knit Watchman's Hat (value: $25)
This is the winner of the box!  D says "I like it."  It's already gotten use on this cool day.  :-)

Speakeasy Candle by Votivo (value: ?)
This is a bonus item in the box and has a "bold scent with a hint of rum and bourbon."  It's a small candle compared to last month's travel candle.  D says "this is stupid but nice" (we seem to have a lot of candles right now).

The overall value of this box is ~$64.  A great value if I can convince D to try everything out.  I guess at the very least the hat being a success makes it worth the price paid.  It will be interesting to see how D's feelings toward Birchbox Man evolve over the coming months.  Any suggestions?  ;-)

#birchboxman

Bonjour Jolie November 2013

It's time for November's Bonjour Jolie delivery!  As usual, it was 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).   This subscription doubles as a wonderful delivery service of necessary items and also a way to put a smile on my face as I go through all the other goodies inside.  :-)   The November theme is "A Time for Giving Thanks" and like previous boxes, the contents did not disappoint.

The Protection (retail ~$12)
To start with the most important items first, here are the 30 feminine care items in the quantities requested along with some Advil.

The Gift
Copper Stone Necklace (retail ~$12)
This necklace has a brass charm that says "Live-Laugh-Love", a Bronze Key ("to remember you are the key to finding your own happiness") and a natural Sodalite stone.  This isn't really my style, but I feel like it will be a very sweet good luck charm to pass on to someone special.  :-)

The Edibles
Jumbo Sea Salt Caramels (retail ~ $2?)
These caramels are made with only sea salt, butter, and sugar by Grandma Cindy.  They are a handmade Etsy item and proceeds from the caramel sales support the medical bills of the creators grandson.  It's a great cause and the caramels are definitely delicious.  I highly suggest these to anyone who is a caramel fan.

Mott's Flavored Apple Cider (retail ~ $2.40)
I'm a huge fan of apple cider.  Right now I've been enjoying buying fresh apple cider to enjoy, but when the season is over these will definitely come in handy.

The Pampering
Organic Cider Spice Soap by SomervilleSoapWorks (sample - $1)
This handmade soap has a very gentle smell and softly exfoliates.  I really liked how the scent wasn't too overpowering.

Body Butter by The Concord Soap Company (sample $1)
I got two samples of this body butter - Almond and Green Cactus.  The sample packet sizes make them great to throw into a purse.  So far I've only tried the Almond one and it smells great!

Sugar Scrub Soap Cubes by All Earthly Things (sample $1)
These little sugar cubes of body scrub smell great, but I wish the consistency was a little looser.  They were too firm to just break apart in the shower.

Calming Bath Oil by BlissFull Apothecary (sample $2)
This bath oil smells amazing - maybe it will motivate me to actually take the time to relax and take a bath.  :-)

Overall another great box from Bonjour Jolie with a retail value of ~ $33.  I love getting surprise bonus treats with items I would otherwise have to go purchase anyway.

What did other people think of the November Bonjour Jolie box?

#bonjourjolie

Monday Musings 11/25/13

Welcome to Monday Musings Island edition. :-)

1. Antigua is beautiful

We are having an amazing time here in the beautiful Antigua.   It's my first time staying at an all inclusive resort, and I'm quite impressed.  The frozen cocktails and delicious food just keep coming. Here is the view from our beachfront room - complete with a rainbow. 

Here is a picture is a red footed tortise.  I named him Elviki. :-)

We don't plan on doing much other than enjoying the soft sounds of the ocean waves, but on Wednesday I'll get to show D my Katnis skills with a bow and arrow. 

2.  Kids do not belong at R rated movies

The weekend before leaving on our vacation, D and I went to go see "12 Years a Slave."  It is a very powerful film and will definitely get attention during awards season.  I realize the harsh images and vocabulary are a sad reality of American history, but that does not mean someone should bring a 7 year old to this movie.  A couple in front of us brought a small child to the theatre.  As I keep thinking about the movie, I also continue to be disturbed someone would bring a kid to see this.  The movie is rated R for a reason. :-(

3.  I'm over the juicing craze

I was becoming a fan of occasional juice cleansing before our wedding and I still maintain if anyone is curious to give it a try the Blueprint cleanse is the way to go. Last week I decided to try a similar cleanse offered by a new juice bar near our apartment.  I don't know if it was the fact the juices were different or if my body is now just decided to be tired of juicing, but I didn't even make it half a day.  By lunch time, it felt like crap and ended up eating lunch.  I realize this doesn't make much sense but I'm still done with juicing.  

That's all for now!  Happy Thanksgiving week to all!!

#Mondaymusings

Stitch Fix #3

My third StitchFix arrived just as I was packing for our Thanksgiving vacation.  The timing was actually perfect since I figured I might have something fun to pack.  This being my third fix, I was hoping issues with how things fit would be resolved and that I would love at least one item to put the $20 styling fee to use.

Here is my fix!  The box was lighter and less full than the previous ones.  

Amy was my stylist this time.  I guess my feedback from each order gets saved centrally and I should expect to always have a different stylist.  She mentioned in her note to me she was sending some blouses that would go great with jeans and a different blazer to try.  Since I had previouslyshared a link of my Pinterest board with styles I like, one of the dresses she included was one I had previously pinned in a different color.  Here are the items in my fix:

Missy Polka Dot Tab Sleave Blouse by 41Hawthorn ($58)

I really liked this print.  Unfortunately, like the other blouses I've received from stitchfix previously, the fit was too boxy in the body.  41Hawthorn is the house brand for stitchfix and I think I need a size down in their blouses.  I made sure to include that in my feedback. The fact the fabric was very sheer was not something I was thrilled about, but if the fit would have been great I would have been happy to always wear a tank top under it. Status: Returned

Capitola Fit and Flare Tank Dress by 41Hawthorn ($78)

This was the dressed I had pinned on my Pinterest board, so I was excited to see it in the box.  It was also nice to know the Pinterest board actually gets looked at by the stylists.  Even though the version I had pinned was in red, I was very excited for this shade of blue.  The fit was perfect.  (Sorry for blurry photo! :-(  ) Status: Kept

Ivy Lace Printed Tab Sleave Blouse by 41Hawthorn ($68)

I liked the color, but the fit of this blouse was the same as the other one.  Too big.  Status: Returned

Joede Asymmetrical Sheath Dress by Miilla ($68)

The asymmetry was part of the draping on the back which I couldn't manage to get a good photo of. I felt like the dress was kind of shapeless and didn't do much for me.  Maybe I should have tried belting it, but I didn't particularly care for it enough to consider it. (Another blurry photo. Sorry!!!)  Status: Returned

Toshi Contrast Long Sleave Blazer by 41Hawthron ($88)

While the blouses by this brand are too big, this jacket was too small. They are both the same size but I would have needed a bigger size in this.  I also didn't love the contrast cuffs. Maybe a blazer is something too difficult to estimate the right size for.  Status: Returned

Overall I liked the styles I was sent, but the fit just wasn't right for most of the items this time around.  I ended up keeping the dress since it's a peice I know I'll wear and the price was very reasonable (especially when putting the styling fee to use).  In addition to my feedback regarding the sizing, I requested my next fix not include dresses.  I'm really hoping to add some great separates to my wardrobe with my next fix.  #stitchfix

Interested in trying stitchfix?  Please use my referral link!  https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3184070.   

November 2013 Barkbox

Elvis' favorite box arrived this weekend!  As much as we love the toys and treats in every Barkbox, Elvis has not been able to finish all his treats by the time the next box arrives.  After our 6 months are up (January will be the last box), we're going to put Barkbox on temporary hiatus until we need to replenish our treat supply again.

With that said, the November box did not disappoint!

The first item has already become one of Elvis' favorites.  It's a plush Zucchini by Pet Lifestyle and You (P.L.A.Y)  (retail: $9.50).  This toy is eco friendly and also seems pretty durable.  It's squeaky and  it's pretty funny to watch Elvis carry around something that is the size of a real vegetable.  (apologies for the action shot being a bit blurry)

The next item is a 2-pack of N-bones (retail: $4.50).  These are supposed to help with proper oral hygiene which is great because I'm embarrassed to admit Elvis won't let me brush his teeth.  Elvis already enjoyed one and ate it pretty quickly.

Next we have some mac-and-cheese treats from Bocce's Bakery (retail: $9.50).  These only have four ingredients: organic barley flour, cheese, turkey bacon, and truffles.  Interesting all the ingredients also claim to be "human grade."  Elvis is going to go crazy for these.

Still more treats!  Happy Howie's Turkey Sausages (retail $3) can be cut into smaller sizes.  These will be great for training or to take on walks.

Elvis' actually got TWO of the last item of the box.  He got a bonus Etta Says Deer 7-inch Chew (retail: $3 each --> $6).  Sometimes Elvis likes these types of treats but sometimes he doesn't know what to do with them.  I guess we'll see how this one turns out.

Overall a great barkbox with a total value of $32.50.  There are too many treats for Elvis to consume in 1 month though so it makes sense to put this box on hiatus for a while after January.  Does anyone else find that Barkbox delivers more treats than can be consumed in 1 month?

If you are interested in trying Barkbox, please use my link!  You'll get $5 off and Elvis will also get a free box.  https://barkbox.com/r/NGWIVP3PQE

#Barkbox

November 2013 Birchbox

It's Birchbox time!  I can happily report that as I write this review I've already tried all the items in the box.  That's definitely a sign it was a good one. :-)

The first item is a Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil by Chella (Full size!!!! - $18).  I haven't really used highlighter pencils before but supposedly this can be applied 10 different ways.  I need to do some YouTube research this weekend to see its full potential.  This morning I used it to perk up my lower eyelid a bit and it definitely made my usual eyeliner pop.  

The next item is a Color Club nail polish in the color "top shelf" (full size - $8, sample size $4).  I'm super excited for this shimmery nude color.  All the color club polishes I've gotten previously have been great. 

My third item was Crema da Mani in Cleopatra by Tocca (full size: $20, sample size: $5). This smells amazing. It's a soft grapefruit and cucumber scent and the lotion is super moisturizing.  I love the way my hands feel after using it. 

Also in the box was BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator by Vasanti (full size: $34, sample size: $5.67).  I'm picky about my face washes, but this was provided a very nice gentle scrub.  It left my skin feeling very soft but not overdone.  

The final item was the lifestyle extra.  It was a Chuao Honeycomb Chocopod (pack of 8: $9.95, sample value: $1.24).  I speak of this in past tense since I already ate it last night.  And it was delicious.  

The total value of my November box was $33.91.  A great value for $10 - especially because I will use every item.   This is one of the best birchboxes I've received in a while.  

What did other people get in their Birchbox this month?  If you are interested in trying Birchbox, please use my link to sign up!  referral 

#Birchbox

Popsugar Musthave November 2013

Here come the November Boxes!  Today my second Popsugar MustHave box arrived.

Popsugar is a popculture/fashion website.   They have a monthly "must have" box for $35/month.

The items in the box are divided into categories for food, beauty, fashion, and home.  There weren't any home items in October's box, but they made up for that in this one.

Here is the box:

Must Have Fashion

Michael Stars Folk Art Wrap ($42)
I love this wrap.  It's soft, seems warm, and I've really been wanting to try to rock the big scarf look this season.  The colors make it neutral yet interesting.  I can't wait to try it out tomorrow.  This item pretty much makes the whole box worth it for me - the rest will be a nice bonus.  

Must Have Beauty
The Soap and Paper Factory Shea Butter Soap ($8)
This soap is "Roland Pine" scented.  The smell reminds me of the holiday season.  The pine scent might be a little strong for me, but I'm willing to give it a try.  If I don't like it, there is always a chance that D will.  Pine is a gender neutral smell right? ;-)

Absolute A! Nail Polish Remover in Spring Fresh (32 pads) ($1.99)
I got the lavender scent of this oil-based nail polish remover.  The instructions say one little pad removes polish from 10 fingers.  I didn't imagine this would be possible due to how many cotton balls I use to get all my polish off usually.  Amazingly, one little pad did the trick.  And the smell was great.  This little container will last me 31 more removals, but this is something I will definitely consider purchasing in the future.  

Must Have Food
Maison de Monaco Strawberry and Blackcurrant Cream Preserves ($6)
Sounds good to me.

Must Have Home
Illume Candle (6.2 oz) ($15.75)
Looks like I got the "Naughty" candle. ;-)  It has a spicy wooded scent which I love.  It will be great for our apartment.  Other people apparently got the "Nice" version of the candle which has a sweet vanilla fragrance.  

Canvaspop Gift Card ($30)
This is a gift card to use at Canvaspop which is a company that transfers photos onto a canvas.  Since we have plenty of photos in many different formats right now from the wedding, this the one item in the box I don't see myself using.  Luckily I have a friend who was planning to print a photo on canvas so I'm happy to give her this.

Lands End Single Canvas Wine Tote ($19.50)
I can't tell if this is useful or not.  It's sized to hold a single wine bottle.  We don't go to many BYOB restaurants and even if we did I can't imagine carrying this around the city.  Maybe as a gift when bringing wine to a party?

Special Extra
Barefruit Crunch Sea Salt Caramel Apple Chips ($1)
Yum.  These won't still be around tomorrow.

Overall the total value of this box is $124.24.  It definitely has some great items - especially the wrap, candle, and nail polish remover.  While it's a pricier box, I feel like the value of the items make it worthwhile.  

What's your favorite item in this month's box?  Interested in subscribing?  Please use my link!  http://popsu.gr/ndbC  Also, save $5 on your first box by entering code REFER5.  I can't wait to see how they top this box in December!


#popsugarmusthave

Monday Musings 11/11/13

Exciting news!  My Monday Musings are on time this week!  Here are some random thoughts of mine as the week gets started.

1.  Does anyone else always seem to have printer drama?

We have a wireless printer connected to our home computer.  I'd say I have the need to print something maybe once every 2 weeks or so.  For whatever reason, it seems like I frequently find myself having to reset/redownload/reconnect something.  Before I know it, I discover that it's taken me 45 minutes to print one page.  I have no idea why this seems to be a persistent issue.  On a positive note about the printer, I figured out (with D's help) how to transfer an address book into Word and print labels.  That was a huge printer success, so I guess I should be happy with that.  

2.  I'm obsessed with Candy Crush  

I'm one of those people who is totally obsessed with this silly game.  Anytime I'm alone with my phone, it seems I'll play a level or two.  I thought for sure I would be tired of it by now, but the levels continue to keep me engaged.  There is both a sense of pride and embarrassment when I admit that I'm on level 285.  

3.  ARTPOP

There are plenty of people expressing their opinions of Lady Gaga's new album so I figured I'd join in too.  ARTPOP contains the eclectic mix of randomness found on her previous 3 albums, but I find myself being intrigued by how all the tracks fit together.  Many of the songs lack the typical pop catchiness found in most other mainstream releases.  The album seems to work best when listening from beginning to end, but there are a handful of songs that I predict will end up doing well as singles in the long run.  My favorite tracks are Aura, Venus, Do What U Want, Dope, and Gypsy.

4.  Sick people should NOT go to the gym

This morning I went to spin class.  Everyone was ready to get their week started with a good workout when someone came in right as the class was about to start and took the last available bike.  In addition to her water bottle, this woman arrived with a large stash of Kleenex.  She started coughing.  She didn't stop coughing for the entire 45 minutes.  Everyone in the room was giving her dirty looks, but it accomplished nothing.  As soon as class was over, everyone else in the room pretty much ran straight to  the hand sanitizer.  All the coughing and risking getting everyone sick was bad enough on its own, but it was also apparent that through the whole workout everyone else in the room was looking around being worried about catching whatever illness this sick person had.  I'm not a crazy germ-a-phobe, but I really wish those with un-controllable coughs would wait until they are feeling better before going to gym.  

That's all for now.  Feel free to add your thoughts on any of these Monday Musings!