Saturday, December 28, 2013

January 2014 Birchbox Man

Happy (almost) New Year!  Birchbox Man got an early start sending out the 2014 boxes.

Here is what was in store for D:


American Crew Alternator (sample value: $1.36, full size: $15)
This is a styler that is meant to be used to initially style hair and then be reapplied later in the day if needed.  It supposedly has "medium hold."  Hair products don't get a lot of love around here.  D isn't too excited about this one.


Ernest Supplies Soap-Free Gel Face Wash (sample value: $1.85, full size: $18.50)
Another cool sample with a nozzle.  This cleanser is moisture rich and has a hydrating blend of citrus.  D likes citrus scents and I think this will be great for traveling. 


MenScience Androceuticals Post-Shave Repair (sample value: $15, full size: $30)
This facial spray tons, heals, and hydrates.  It is also supposed to be extra calming for the skin post-shaving.  D has agreed to give this a try.


Reviver Dry Deodorant Wipes (sample value: $3, full size: $17.99)
These wipes are to be used to get rid of smells in clothing or hair after a night in a smokey bar or a sweaty day.  I don't know if D will have a use for this, so I think I may keep it in my gym back for days I have errands to run after a workout. 


Tommy John 360 Sport Trunks (full size! - $31)
These boxer briefs wick away moisture while working out AND they have a super cool pocket to keep top secret items.  This is D's favorite item in the box.


This box has a great value of ~$52. The beauty samples in this months box will require some convincing to get D to try them, but at least he got a great pair of underwear!

Interested in trying Birchbox Man or the original Birchbox?  Please use my referral link! http://birch.ly/IVRmOh

#birchbox
#birchboxman

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Stitch Fix #4

The craziness of the stores around here the past few months (people seem to start their holiday shopping VERY early) made me excited to get a Stitch Fix before Christmas.  After the last fix, I gave feedback that I didn't want to be sent dresses and that the sizing of the 41Hawthorn items was I was being sent just weren't working for me.

Here is how this fix turned out.

Rebecca Plaid Knit Infinity Scarf by 41 Hawthron ($38)
This scarf is ridiculously soft and cuddly.  I've been enjoying scarves this season and this is different from the the ones I already have.  It goes great with jeans since its navy/cream in color.  Status: Kept!


Sophia Skinny Jeans by Kensie ($88)
Cute jeans but they are almost identical to a pair I already have.  Status: Returned

Mercer Houndstooth Pint Henley Blouse by Daniel Rainn ($58)
I stood in the mirror and debated this top for a long time.  It has a black camisole attached inside so it made it feel like it had more shape to it.  I still found the cut a little too boxy.  And I wasn't really feeling the print.  Status: Returned


Lucy Brick Print Split Neck Blouse by 41Hawthorn ($68)
I spent some time debating this top for a while too.  I think I like this print, but again the size is a little too big.  I think I would need a smaller size in this brand for this style of top.


Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer by 41Hawthorn ($78)
This blazer is the same size as the previous top, but now it's too small.  Even though the sleeves are supposed to be short, it was also too fitted in the body.  I also don't know if a bright blue blazer is an item I would get much use out of.


So there are still some sizing issues, particularly with the 41Hawthorn brand.  I was happy to not be sent a dress this time, but I'm disappointed I haven't gotten any of the tops to work for me yet.  Using the $20 styling fee towards the cost of the scarf (which I love) did make this worthwhile and as always, it was fun to see what I was sent.

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

#stitchfix

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Barkbox December 2013

The arrival of this month's Barkbox is just in time for me to save it's contents and give them to Elvis on Christmas morning.  As much as Elvis loves Barkbox, we are going to take a break from it after January so he has a chance to eat all the delicious treats he's stockpiled.

Here is the December box:


Simply Fido Reindeer Toy (retail: $6)
Elvis is going to love this!  He's not going to know where to begin chewing with all these appendages. 


GoDog Yeti Toy (retail: $12)
This supposedly has "chew guard technology."  I predict Elvis will gladly accept this challenge so we will see how it goes.


Planet Dog Chicken Pot Pie and Pumpkin Treats (retail: $9.95)
Another bag of treats to add to Elvis' stockpile! 


Peanut Butter and Applesauce Bistro Bites (retail:$6)
These treats are perfectly sized for Elvis.  They will be great for training time.


Barkworthies Junior Bully Stick (retail $3)
Elvis has a weird reaction to bully sticks.  He knows they have "value" but doesn't really start chewing them for a while.  Sometimes he completely ignores them.  It will be interesting to see what he thinks of this one.


This is a great box this month and everything will make a great gift for Elvis on Christmas morning.  Interested in trying Barkbox?  Please use my referral link:  Barkbox Referral

#barkbox

Rocksbox #9

Happy snow day!  Despite the crazy weather that has been happening, the turnaround for getting a new Rocksbox was quite speedy.  I didn't end up keeping my last box for very long since none of the items were really my style.  This latest box is a definite improvement.  :-)

I've enjoyed this box so much lately, it's become my favorite subscription to gift.  Anyone looking for some last minute holiday shopping ideas, I highly suggest a Rocksbox subscription (and if you use my referral link, that would just be the cherry on top :-)  Rocksbox Referral

Here is what was in my latest box:

Taner Dagger Earrings in Rose Gold by Gorjana (retail: $35, member price: $28)
I can honestly say I don't know if I've ever worn rose gold jewelry before.  These earrings nice and dangly but not over the top flashy.  They might be my favorite item I've ever gotten from Rocksbox.  I may even consider keeping these (that would be a first!).  This photo doesn't do them justice, but if you are someone that sees me in person, you can expect to see these live.  (I'm actually wearing them now)


Akil Necklace in Black Jade and Silver by Robyn Rhodes (retail: $78, member price: $62.40)
This necklace is maybe a little too trendy for me, but I'm willing to give it a try.  I don't think I've ever worn an arrowhead necklace either so this will be a first.


Clover & Crystal Earrings in Silver by Urban Gem (retail: $60, member price: $48)
These earrings are a hit too.  They are SUPER sparkly but too large.  They will be perfect for dressing up without being too much of a statement.  These might be my second favorite item I've ever gotten.  ;-)


Overall I think this a great box because of both sets of earrings.  I predict I'll be wearing both almost every day over the next month.  The necklace I plan on trying, but I'm sure I won't be sad to part with it.

Interested in trying or gifting Rocksbox?  Please use my referral: Rocksbox Referral

#rocksbox

Monday, December 16, 2013

Monday Musings 12/16/13

Happy Monday everyone!  As December continues to fly by, here are some of my latest musings!

1. We put up our first Christmas tree!
Here is our Christmas tree!  Picking out a tree in NYC is a little different than how it was done while growing up, but this one is perfect for our apartment.  We don't have a massive ornament collection yet so candy canes were the perfect solution to empty branches.  The only issue we are having is that it doesn't seem to be drinking much water.  I think it's drinking a little but not enough that we have to refill the stand every day.  We put it in water about 10 minutes after getting a fresh cut, so I don't think that would have been enough time for the trunk to close up with sap.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  Christmas is only about a week away and we don't want to un-decorate it to make a fresh cut.  :-(


2. We like to play Chess
We're big TV and movie fans.  It also seems like there are many distractions online every day.  D and I have been trying to play chess together as a way to unwind a bit instead of zoning out digitally.  Sometimes our games last for quite a while, but D usually wins.  I'm getting better though. 


3. OMG Homeland and Revenge!
Without giving away spoilers from last night, I was totally shocked by what happened on both shows. Especially Homeland.  I wonder where the show will go from here.  

4.  I'm still trying to find a niche for the blog
It's been about 6 months of blogging. Yea!  I'm still not sure where this adventure will take me.  The box reviews are fun, but I know there are many other box blogs.  Any suggestions from the world out there of how to make the blog even more interesting?  Any requests for posts?  ;-)

That's all for today!  More box reviews coming soon!

#Mondaymusings


Saturday, December 14, 2013

December 2013 Birchbox

I've been a little slow on posting this week, but I'm going to get caught back up today with my December Birchbox review.

Birchbox sends monthly beauty samples based on your online beauty profile for $10/month.  Here is my December box!


Body Butter by Camille Beckman ( Morelia Monarch Scent) (sample: $0.71, full size: $15)
This body butter has a soft scent and is perfect for the dry skin I always battle this time of year.  I love trying a variety of lotions with different scents.


Lip Magnifier by Mally (soft nude) (Full size!!! - $20)
It's always great to get a full size item.  :-) This lip crayon has a soft finish and the color is great for daytime.


Argan Oil 7 Moisture Healing Mask by Nelson j Beverly Hils (sample: $5, full size: $20)
I often end up forgetting to use hair masks that I get as samples.  With how dry the air has been lately, I really should give these a try.


Truffle Therapy Serum Boosting anti-aging serum by Skin&Co Roma (sample: $25, full size: $75)
It's almost like Birchbox knew I should be reminded to take care of my dry skin this winter.  I tried this serum before bedtime and I woke up with skin that was super soft.  This is a winner!


Greenleaf Candle Co. Starlight Votive Candle (sample: ?, full size: $17)
This candle does not smell good.  I ended up throwing it out because it was also very strong smelling.  Whatever the combination of citrus and white musk it contains, I was not a fan of.

Overall this was a great box.  I'll use all the items (except the candle) and hey ail be very handy to have for the winter season.  The box also had a great value of over $50 which is amazing for the $10 paid.

What did other people get in their December Birchbox?  If anyone is interested in signing up for Birchbox, please use my referral link!  :-)  http://birch.ly/IVRmOh

#birchbox

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Trunk Club #2

Just in time for the holiday season, D agreed to give Trunk Club another try.   The nice thing about trunk club is that you work with the same stylist and can request a new trunk at any time.  Erin contacted us via email this time and asked if D had any special requests.  We told her to just send a variety of items.

Here is D's second trunk:


Bond Soft Cotton Blazer in Navy by JKT
D didn't love the fit or style of this blazer.  Also, he's not a huge fan of wearing blue which is a fact we mentioned to Erin in our overall box feedback.  Verdict: Return


RB15X 5 Pocket Twill in Gray by Rag & Bone
D has been wanting some gray jeans, but these are more of a greenish-gray khaki style of pants.  D really liked the fit and the color is different than anything he already has.  Verdict: Keep!

Dressy Sport Gingham Shirt in Burgundy by Gitman Brothers
I actually really liked this shirt and D thought it ok, but he didn't love it enough to keep it.  The high price point also didn't help.  Verdict: Return


L/S Fitted Dress Shirt in Purple by Jeremy Argyle
I liked this shirt too (probably because it was purple).  D thought it was a little too bright.  Verdict: Return

Normandie Slim Straight Dark Wash Jeans by Paige Denim
These are similar to the jeans D already has but a little bit of a slimmer fit.  D was not a fan.  Verdict: Return


Half Zip Sweater in Navy by Jeremy Argyle
This is the same style of sweater as the black one D kept from the first trunk.  The fit is great, but D doesn't like navy blue.  Verdict: Return


Half Zip Sweater in Brown by Jeremy Argyle
This is another version of that same sweater.  D really likes the black one from the first trunk so this brown one is a great addition to his wardrobe.  Verdict: Keep


Parke Loafter in Brown by To Boot
D had told Erin during their initial consultation to not send shoes but it looks like she decided to give it a try this time.  These weren't really D's style and he doesn't need shoes right now.  Verdict: Return


Edwin Belt w/ Nickel Buckle in Tan by Fullum & Holt  
D likes all his belts to be reversible to make it easier for when he travels.   Verdict: Return


D ended up keeping 2 items from this trunk and I think they will be things he will wear regularly.  While it would be nice to find things on sale, the service of having the items delivered in the perfect size  with no shipping fee is a great service.  Avoiding the craziness of the stores during this time of year is also a plus.  We gave Erin feedback to not send shoes again and to avoid navy blue items.

Anyone else trying trunk club?

#trunkclub

Popsugar Must Have December 2013

My favorite box arrived today!

Here are the treats included in the final Popsugar Must Have box of the year!  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.  


Must Have Fashion
Lulu Frost for PopSugar Bracelet ($~100) 
This is a total estimate on the cost of the bracelet.  It's a piece made especially for the box so it's probably of a lower value than the usual bracelets they make.  In addition to the bracelet which is a sparkly silver charm on a gold chain, the box included a 25% code to use at all purchases on the Lulu Frost website.  The bracelet is different from what I usually wear, but I like it and will definitely wear it.


Must Have Home
MIXT Studio Wrapping Paper ($9)
I guess this time of year it's impossible to have too much wrapping paper so this will definitely come in handily.  The prints are cute and the set also includes gift tags and twine to decorate.  


govino Go Anywhere Flutes ($12.95)
These champagne glasses (cups?) are made of reusable plastic.  We actually have the red wine version of these and they are perfect for enjoying beverages outside during the summer months.  Now we can enjoy champagne without worrying about breaking glasses outside too.


Must Have Beauty
modelco Fiber Lashextend Black Mascara ($20)
I love Fiber mascara but it's been a while since I've used it.  This actually came at a perfect time since I was needing to pick up some new mascara.


NCLA Peppermint Lane Nail Wraps ($16)
I've only done nail wraps once but I'm excited to try these out for the holidays.  


Must Have Food
CC MADE Caramel Corn ($4)
Any type of caramel corn is a good thing.


Special Extra
Ghiradelli Chocolates (2 bags) ($8)
Yes, I realize I could buy these at any grocery store, but I probably wouldn't.  But now that I have them, D and I will definitely enjoy them.  :-)


The overall value ($170) of the box this month is a little uncertain since my value of the bracelet is an estimate.  Even if the bracelet wasn't included it would still be a great value and I'm excited for all the items.  This continues to be my favorite box.

Interested in trying PopSugar Must Have?  Please use my referral link!   http://popsu.gr/ndbC

#popsugar
#popsugarmusthave

Monday, December 2, 2013

Monday Musings 12/2/13

Happy First Monday of December everyone!  It's back to reality after such a beautiful time in Antigua.   Here are some thoughts I have as the week gets started.  

1.  K vs. Pinchy 
There were lots of cute little crabs crawling around our resort last week.  I thought they were hermit crabs but I'm really not sure.   On our last full day, I decided I wanted to befriend one.   I remember holding hermit crabs during beach visits as a kid so I thought it wouldn't be a big deal.  As D and I were lounging beachside, I saw a crab cross our path.  Of course, I named it Pinchy and got up to go pick it up.  D told me not to.  I should have listened.   As I approached, Pinchy hid inside his shell.  I picked it up anyway.  This was a very stupid idea.   The next thing I knew, Pinchy emerged with a giant claw and latched on to my finger.  Yes, Pinchy broke skin and drew blood.  After panicking and shaking my hand, he let go.  I can report that I am now almost fully healed and no harm was done to Pinchy.   He hid in his shell for a bit before crawling away.  The lesson to be learned from this story is to not pick up creatures on the beach.  Here is a photo of Pinchy after the incident.  


2. Book Review: Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan
During my beach and pool time last week I finished this latest novel by Amy Tan. The Joy Luck Club has been one of my favorite books for many years so I looked forward to enjoying this over vacation.  This novel again focuses on mother/daughter relationships but within a single family.  The story moves very quickly and to be honest I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend it. 

3. Finding gym motivation.  
I've always been someone to workout fairly regularly and I was SUPER motivated to workout before my wedding  (of course).  Now that work hours are longer and daylight is shorter, I admit it's sometimes hard to motivate and get moving.  Variety definitely helps me but that can also sometimes backfire.  It's always a risk to try a new class or program if it ends up not being a good workout.  On the flip side, finding a great new class is a major win.  Even though it's not the new year yet, I'm going to make a resolution to make sure a workout happens 4 times a week.  And now that it's on the blog, I have to make sure it's true. ;-)

That's all for now!  Happy early December to everyone!