January 2014 Barkbox

As I mentioned last month, this is going to be our last Barkbox for a while.  We love the box and the variety of products, but we need to give Elvis some time to catch up on all these treats!

Here is Elvis' final box before we take a hiatus for a while:

Harry Barker Tug n’ Toss (retail: $3)
Elvis loves a good tug of war toy, but I do wonder if he'll be able to hold on to this due to how little his mouth is.  Guess we'll have to try and see!

Loving Pets Barksters (retail: $8.99)
These look like little potato chips!  They are all natural and low in fat.  I'm sure these will be a hit.

Think! Dog Alligator Jerky (retail: $5.59)
These are actually made of real alligator.  I don't know if Elvis will like alligator, but I'm curious to see if he does.

Wigzi Pocket Bone (retail: $7.99)
This bone bounces and has an area to fill with treats on either side.  This will be perfect to entertain Elvis when he needs a little variety from his Kong.

Barkworthies Junior Bully Stick ($2.50)
This is actually a repeat from previous a previous month, but Elvis has already finished it.  Clearly, he didn't mind.  ;-)

This was another great and diverse box.  I'm sure Elvis will enjoy everything inside at some point.  

Interested in trying Barkbox?  Please use my referral link and get $5 off! https://barkbox.com/r/NGWIVP3PQE

Plated 1/20/14

We are really on a roll with Plated recipes this month!  Below is what we enjoyed this week.  I've also going to now include photos of the ingredients before cooking.

Wild Mushroom Pappardelle 
This is a "wow" dish.  It was as tasty as mushroom pastas I've ordered in many restaurants.  At first it seemed like there wouldn't be enough sauce, but all the pasta noodles were coated perfectly.  My amazing husband D prepared this one for us (and even took the prep photo!) on a night I was a work a later than he was.  We definitely want to try making this again!

Couscous with Tempeh 
The couscous with kale was our favorite part of this dish.  We think it would actually make a great side for quite a variety of proteins.  The tempeh was nicely seasoned, but a little dry.  The dish tasted best when the tempeh was cut into smaller pieces and combined with the couscous.

Braised Chicken 

This was our snowstorm meal over the past week.  It took a bit longer than the suggested time to fully cook the chicken, but it made our apartment smell amazing.  The finished soup was comforting and perfect for a snowy night.  Adding the parmesan cheese as a final garnish really brought everything together by making the texture a bit creamier.

Interested in trying plated?  Please use my link and receive 2 free plates in your first order!
https://www.plated.com/invites/c68767

#plated

#platedpics

Wantable Intimates January 2014

New box alert!  I mentioned there would be some changes in the box repertoire this year and I'm happy to share my first experience with "Wantable Intimates."  

Wantable has 3 boxes you to choose from: Intimates, Make-up, or Accessories.  You could subscribe to one or all three but each box is $36 (monthly) or $40 for a one time purchase.  The very nice thing about this service when signing up monthly is the option to skip months.  Even better, if you don't like the box you are sent, the entire thing can be returned for a full refund.  No questions asked.  

Since I live in loungewear/gym clothes and I canceled a prior underwear subscription, I was excited to give the Intimates box a try.  I also feel like my make-up and accessory quota is more than filled.  

In my profile, I checked items I "loved" "liked" and "disliked."  Wantable claimed I would be most likely to receive items I marked as "love" and would never receive products I "dislike."  

Here is the box (and a cute quote on the back of the "Hello, Knockout" card):

Wantable Tank Top Rackerback Fuchsia ($16)

This tank is a great color and is partially made of spandex to provide a soft stretch.  This will be perfect for those trips to the gym I should be taking when the polar vortex calms down.

Thigh High Stockings Kimming by Kix'ies ($18.95)

These are very cute and will be fun to wear under a longer dress/skirt.  I don't have any tights in an argyle pattern and I'm excited to find outfits for these this winter.

Q-T Intimates Bikini Black with Heart ($10)

These panties are probably my least favorite item in the box.  They are cute but not extra amazing.  Always good to have extra undies though.

Betsey Johnson Intimates Sleep Shorts in Houndstooth (retail: $29)

I love these!  The fabric is nice and light and the pattern will look great with a black, white, or pink top.  If I combined them with fuchsia tank top above, I have a great pair of pajamas for when the weather warms up a bit!

I am very happy with this box!  It will be fun to adjust my preferences to see how the types of items sent will change.  It was a great value (~$74) for $36 with free shipping.

Interested in trying one of the Wantable boxes?  Please use my link!  https://www.wantable.com/invite/Uv05LObNMCE

#wantable

#wantableintimates

Birchbox January 2014

The January Birchbox theme is "Go Time" which is a great message at the start of a new year.  In addition to the samples, some motivational postcards were included.  :-)

Here is my January box:

Nail Rock Glitter (Full Size! - $7)
This is a red nail polish with a small pot of red glitter.  I could see this being great for an accent nail if I did my own nails at home.  It's always fun to get full sized items, but I will probably end up gifting this.

Retrospect Hand and Nail Reconstructor (Full size: $36, Sample size: $2?)
I'm not a fan of foil packet samples since they can only be used once and are pretty small.  It was nice to get two packets to try out at least.  This creme is very thick but did leave my hands feeling soft and hydrated. 

Serge Normant Dry Conditioner (Full size: $25, Sample size: ~$12)
I've become a fan of dry shampoo (especially after a blowout!), but have never heard of dry conditioner before.  Apparently this is a companion to dry shampoo and increases a healthy shine when used on the end and middle of hair strands.  I look forward to giving it a try.

ZENMED Support Serum (Full size: $29.95, Sample size:  $5)
Serum is always great to have especially during these dry winter months.

Under Armor Braided Mini Headband ($19.99 for pack of 3, $6.66 for 1)
I love Under Armor, and this is a very fun green color.  Unfortunately my head is too big for headbands.  I need them to be super soft otherwise they are way too tight.  This might have to be gifted as well.  :-(

Overall this is just an OK box.  It has a good value (~$32), but I'm not particularly excited about any of the items.  Some months are obviously better than others when it comes to Birchbox.  Hopefully February is more exciting!

Interested in trying Birchbox?  Please use my referral link!  https://www.birchbox.com/invite/vnw45

#birchbox

Plated 1/13/14

Our second week of plated for this year was also a major success.  Here are the delicious meals we enjoyed this week:

Bulgur Wheat Salad 
This "salad" actually tasted more like a light risotto.  The texture of the roasted veggies also really added to the overall experience.  I actually ended up eating both plates of this meal - one for dinner and the other for lunch the next day!

Provencal Steak 
This recipe gave us another chance to use our broiler.  The seasoning gave the meat great flavor and the  suggested cook time produced a finished steak that was perfectly medium rare.

Chicken with White Wine Pan Sauce

Our pan sauce was a little thinner than how it appeared in the photo, but it was still quire good.  Roasting broccoli with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper is also now a go to veggie side we plan on keeping in our repertoire.  

Interested in trying plated?  Please use my link and receive 2 free plates in your first order!
https://www.plated.com/invites/c68767

#plated

Stitch Fix #5

I hope that maybe 5th time would be a charm with Stitch fix and I would get sent some great tops to being me into 2014.  Since I have some credit to use, the styling fix for this fix was covered.  I was super hopeful to get some great pieces. The box this time was a little smaller than in the past.  The note for the stylist said she was sending some great basics for me to try out. 

Here is my fix:

With the fix being mostly blouse-y tops, I decided to try them on this go around with a pencil skirt and tuck them in. 

Ivy Birds & Tree Print Blouse by 41 Hawthorn ($68)

Sigh.  Again with a blouse that us both see through and too boxy/big. They keep sending me 41 Hawthorn stuff trying to get me to find a winner but the sizing always seems off!  Status: Returned

Monza Dot Print Mixed Material Blouse by Kensie ($64)

The fit on this was a little better, but I didn't like the style.  The fitted sleeves and super boxy top seemed strange. Status: Returned

Harper 3/4 Sleeve Jacket by 41 Hawthorn ($58)

This is a very strange jacket.  It felt more like a broken in sweater. Status: Returned

Barcelona Solid Silk Short Sleeve Blouse by Daniel Rainn ($78)

This was my favorite item in the box.  I love the bright green color. It's the right size but I just didn't feel like it was doing anything for me (especially for the price).  Status: Returned

Dellora 3/4 Sleeve Zig Zag Blouse by 41 Hawthorn ($58)

I actually thought this pattern was very fun. I probably would have liked it better in black than navy but the potential was there.  Even though this top is very boxy, it was super small in the shoulders/neck.  I'm very puzzled how the same size in the same brand seems to be cut so differently for each item.  Status: Returned. 

So everything was sent back this time around.  I still love the model of stitch fix, but it doesn't seem to be working out for me lately.  I still have some more credit with them, but I'm going to hold off on scheduling another fix until May. Hopefully by then they have some fun summer items to send. 

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

#stitchfix

January 2014 Popsugar Must Have

As the January boxes continue to trickle in, I was super excited when my Popsugar Must Have Box arrived.  These boxes are on the pricier side for subscription boxes ($39) but the variety and value is usually amazing.  

Here is my January box!

Rifle Paper Co. 2014 Flip Around the World Desk Calendar ($16)

This desk calendar has cute illustrations of major world cities.  Unfortunately I don't really have the desk space to make this work, but I plan on giving it to someone who does,  :-)

Jack and Lucy Knit Gloves ($20?)

There was no web link listed for these in the info booklet, but these gloves are great!  They are knit still allow me to use my iPhone when I'm out and about.  I really should have invested in some smart gloves earlier since I always have to take mine off to use my phone.  I'm super happy to have these.  

The Juice Generation Book ($15.86)

There is Juice Generation two blocks from our apartment and we love it.  D has been wanting to get a juicer for home but we have held off so far.  This book seems like a great way for us to learn more about the whole home juicing process if we decided to go for it sometime in the future. 

Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask ($40)

I tried this deep cleansing mask this morning!  It goes on as a cream and then foams for about 5 minutes.  The tingling sensations made it seem like it was really providing a nice deep clean.  

Pipsnacks White Truffle Popcorn ($6)

D and I love popcorn. I love Truffles. This is going to be delicious I'm sure. 

Revlon by marchesa box O’ Files ($3.49)

I guess it's always good to have extra nail files around!

Overall the value of this box is great (~$100).  I will definitely use all the items.  Popsugar continues to be one of my favorite boxes.  :-)

Interested in trying this amazing box?  Please use my referral link!  http://popsu.gr/ndbC

#popsugar

#musthave

Stitch Set January 2014

In the interest in giving some new boxes a try, I decided "Stitch Set" be the first inaugural box of the year.  I'm a self taught, advanced beginner knitter.  The projects in my repertoire are limited to scarfs, hats, and baby booties (which I love to make as gifts for expecting family and friends).  When I heard about Stitch Set, I thought it would be a fun way to learn some new techniques and expand my collection of knitting patterns.

Stitch Set claims to be for the the beginning knitter, but also claims to be beneficial to all levels.  Each set includes a pattern with detailed instructions and all the necessary items to complete your project.  The monthly price is on the higher side ($39), but I decided to give it a try.  I figured that with the detailed photo instructions and all materials, it was almost like paying for a mini knitting lesson.

Here is my first Stitch Set.  It comes in a handy drawstring bag to carry your project on the go.

As you can see it includes everything: knitting needles, yarn needle, practice yarn, project yarn, scissors, a booklet with details knitting instructions, and a pattern.  Some Italian candies were also included.

The pattern this month is for a Garter Stitch Cowl.  

I have to admit I'm disappointed with this pattern.  The garter stitch is super basic and the cowl is very simple.  It's basically a mini scarf with the ends attached.  I'm going to use as much yarn as possible to either make a scarf or infinity scarf out of it.

I will not be subscribing to Stitch Set.  Even for a beginner, I don't know if Stitch Set is the best use of $39.  Someone who wants to learn how to knit would be better off purchasing a set of beginner knitting instructions (or finding a tutorial online).  If the price were lower (much lower), it might be an interesting way learn basic projects monthly.  The packaging and inclusion of everything to make the project was great.  I would be interested to see if there is a similar subscription for a slightly more advanced knitter (that is more reasonably priced).  

Does anyone know of a different knitting subscription service?

#knitting

#stitchset

Rocksbox #10

After New Years, I decided to trade in my Rocksbox to have some new pieces wear at the start of 2014.  Even with the crazy weather much of the US is having, the turnaround time to San Fran and back was only 1 week.  Here is what was in my 10th box:

Lyra Bracelet by Angel Court (retail: $78, member's price: $62.40)
This bracelet reminds me of something Sherha Princess of Power would wear.  Surprisingly, I actually like it quite a bit.  I don't know how much I will actually wear it, but I'll try.

Sophia Studs in Mint by Loren Hope (retail: $32, member's price: $25.60)
These studs are larger than I usually wear and the color is unique.  They will be a great everyday piece.

Double Drop Blues Necklace by Lucas Jack (retail: $92, member's price: $73.60)
I can honestly say I've never seen a necklace like this one.  The double drops being slightly asymmetrical make this design very unique.  I've worn this one already today and it was a nice (yet small) statement accessory. 

I ended up keeping the Gorjana Rose Gold earrings from the last set.  This set is probably the most diverse I've received.  While I don't plan on keeping any of these items.  It will be fun to wear them for a week or two.

Interested in trying Rocksbox?  Please use my referral link!  http://curebit.com/x/eUs8Yp

#rocksbox

Plated 1/6/14

We started our new year off with 3 delicious meals from plated.com!  They are challenging its members to focus on cooking wholesome meals at home instead of ordering in via #NoTakeOut.  We will definitely end up ordering take out at some point, but we also plan on preparing at 3 subscription box meals (Plated or Blue Apron) every week.

Last week we enjoyed the following:

Tofu Cashew Stir-Fry 
I had forgotten how great jasmine rice is for stir fry.  In addition to this meal being quite enjoyable, it made enough for me to also take some for lunch the next day.  We did end up adding some of our own Sriracha to bring up the spice level a bit.

Steak Fajitas 
Delicious!  D prepared this one on a day he was home from work before me.  The steak was incredibly flavorful and homemade guac is always a win.  I think we'll keep this marinade recipe in our repertoire. 

Chicken Ramen

I think I've mentioned before that putting an egg on top of a dish pretty much guarantees I will love it.  This dish was no exception.  The ramen noodles and broth were very flavorful without being too salty. D and I both loved it.  

We were very happy with all three dishes this week.  An added bonus was that none of them were difficult or time consuming to prepare.  Hopefully our plates for next week are equally as great.

Interested in Trying Plated?  Please use my referral link!  https://www.plated.com/invites/c68767

#plated