February 2014 Birchbox

You may notice my Birchbox review is a little late this month.  This is the reason why:

Unfortunately my box arrived with a broken sample of hair oil.  It was a complete mess of oily, broken glass and I had to throw the whole thing away.  :-(  I am however happy to report that Birchbox was VERY quick to respond to the situation.  They sent a replacement my way and informed me the items inside would possibly be different.  Here is my new box!

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil (Full size: $21.95, sample size ~$2)
Of course the only item that was the same between the two boxes was the item that caused the problem.  Haha.  I don't use hair oil on a regular basis, but will keep this around for times when I pull out the curling iron/blow dryer. 

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner (Full size: $45, sample size - $11.25)
I love this brand and I love how this has a great matte finish.  It's great how it can be used both under and over makeup.

Joan Vass L'eau de Cristal (Full size: $75, sample size ~ $1)
I'm not a huge fan of fragrance samples, but they are definitely handy for travel or to carry in a purse.  I actually really like how soft this musky scent is.

OPI Sheer Tints Top Coat (Full size: $9, sample size $2.25)
This top coat has a light purple tint.  I'm going to need to look up the best ways to use it.  It might be a fun way to touch up a manicure that is a few days old!

Harney and Sons Fine Teas ($9.60 for 20, sample size - 2 bags (~1)
It's always fun to try new tea flavors.  I'm enjoying the White Vanilla Grapefruit right now.

Overall this is a middle of the road box for me.  The total value is around $15 which is on the lower side of many previous boxes.  I do understand that this was a replacement though.  Hopefully I have some more exciting items in March!

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

#birchbox

Trunk Club #3

Here is another of my favorite posts to write!  D received his 3rd Trunk Club box this week and as usual was kind enough to model the contents.

Trunk Club is a personalized styling service for men.  There is no cost for the service (unlike stitch fix), shipping is free both ways, and you work with the same stylist over time to discuss fit and any requests.  You are only charged for the items you want to keep.

Here are the items in D's 3rd trunk (some photos contain 2 items):

Kazu Madras Plaid Button Down by Life After Denim
Normandie Slim Straight Pants in Charcoal by Paige Denim
D actually liked the pattern of this shirt, but it was a little too small for him and the sleeves were too short.  He also liked the charcoal pants even though they were a tad on the slimmer side of what he normally wears.  Since the fabric was a cotton/spandex blend, they will probably only get slimmer after washing.  Status: Returned

Perfect Sportshirt Check in Blue by J Press
Normandie Japanese Twill Pants in Navy by Paige Denim
This was the surprise outfit of the trunk!  D usually is not a fan of blue clothes, but he really liked this button down and how it looked with the dark blue pants.  The fit of the pants was a little better than the grey pair.  Now that D knows possibly likes navy blue pants, he can find some at a lower price in the style he usually buys.  Status:  Shirt - KEPT, Pants - Returned

Short Sleeve Wagner Henley in Gray by Alternative Apparel
The shirt had a great fit since it was basically a t-shirt with a fancy neckline.  D did not like the neckline.  Status: Returned

Light Weight Merino Half Zip in Light Gray by Jeremy Argyle
This is a lighter version of the half zip up sweaters D loves.  He ended up keeping a brown and black one from his previous two trunks.  Since he doesn't need any more of these, we mentioned that in our feedback.  Status: Returned

Slim Fit Shirt by John Varvatos
This "slim fit" shirt was very big and not slim fitting at all.   Status: Returned

Elton Crew by Billy Reid
I thought this was cute.  D did not.  Status: Returned 

There was good variety in this trunk, and D will now be on the lookout to find similar pants to those sent.  He also has a new shirt in his wardrobe which he probably wouldn't have found if shopping on his own.  The note from the stylist mentioned she was sending a blazer she thought would perfect for D but it wasn't included.  We mentioned its absense and requested to have it sent our way if it was still available.  That means another trunk might be heading our way very soon….

Has anyone else tried Trunk Club?  What do you think?

#trunkclub

Wantable Intimates February 2014

With all the time spent indoors this winter, I've already enjoyed using everything from my January Wantable box.  I was excited to see what new things would arrive this month since I changed my profile to say the items I "loved" are: loungewear, tanks, socks, soft bras, fun&flirty, and brights.

Here is a quick reminder of what the Wantable subscription entails.  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.  

Here is my box.  I'm impressed how much they can pack into such a tiny box.

Ahh Kisses Seamless Tank with Lace Panel & Shelf by Rhonda Shear (retail $29.90)
The fabric of this tank is extremely soft.  While it's not quite supportive enough to be useful for working out in, it will be great to wear under sweaters.

Heart Print Tights by Look by M (retail $15)
This year I've started embracing tights since now I will actually wear a skirt out even though it's cold out.  I like that how heart pattern is very subtle.

Seamless Boyshort by St. Eve (retail $9)
Yea for cute undies!

Holly Ankle Sock by Soxxy (retail $12)
Yea for cute socks!  These have grips along the top to help them stay in place (not that I really find that to be an issue, but I guess some people do).

Ahh Seamless Leisure Bra by Rhonda Shear (retail $19.95)
This soft bra is incredibly comfortable.  I foresee myself wearing this more than the tank top.

The total value of this box is $85.85 which is great considering it cost $36 and I will use everything included.  I love that the items are very different from what came last month so the variety level is high.

Interested in trying Wantable?  Please use my referal link! https://www.wantable.com/invite/Uv05LObNMCE

#wantable

#wantableintimates 

February 2014 Ipsy

Here is another new subscription I am giving a try!  Ipsy is a service similar to birchbox but seems to focus more on make-up products.  The cost is the same ($10/month) and it includes a cute makeup bag each month to hold all the items.  There are also videos posted on the website month that shows how the different makeup products can be applied.  I was excited to give Ipsy a try and the bag is a nice addition bonus.  

Ipsy arrived in this fun hot pink mailer.

Here is the makeup bag - a nice bright pink for February!

Here are the goodies inside….

Pop Beauty Plump Pout Mini (sample value: $8, full size: $16)

This is a cute lipgloss, but due to the fact I seem to have lots of lip items in a similar color, this will probably go in the gift pile.  

Zoya Nail Polish in Dot (full size! - $9)

I've been needing a soft neutral pink polish in my collection.   I also suppose this would be a good color for me to practice home manicures.

Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow + Base in Violette (full size! - $18)

I love this soft purple color.  Excited to try this!

Fresh Start Mask with Ice Age Mud by skyn ICELAND (sample size: $6.67)

Packet samples are not my favorite.  This one seems interesting but also a little complicated since you have to mix the contents of the two packets together (blue mud and activator).  I'll end up sticking to the face masks I already have.

Eyelashes + Eyelash Glue by J. Cat Beauty (full size! - $4)

It has been years since I've worn fake eyelashes, but I'm excited to give these a try.  I can't wait to see what D thinks.  ;-)

The total value of my first Ipsy bag is $53.67 (plus the make up bag).  It's a great value for the price and it's a great way to get a fresh supply of these type of items.  I'm going to give this bag a try for a few more months and see how it goes.

Interested in trying Ipsy?  Please use my link!  http://www.ipsy.com/r/5iay

Plated 2/3 and 2/10

I've fallen a little behind on blogging, so I'm going to include two weeks of plated together in order to catch up.  Overall the past two weeks haven't been our absolute favorite dishes, but the variety has been nice.  We even found a dish worthy enough for our Valentine's dinner!

Week of February 3rd:

2 Steak with Chimichurri 
This flank steak was prepared over a citrus, carrot "hash."  I enjoyed the addition of the chimichurri sauce, but D felt the hash was favored well enough from the citrus that it wasn't needed.  We've gotten pretty good at grilling this cut of meat to a perfect medium rare.

2 Tofu Kebabs 
We were excited to try this recipe, but the execution was a little more difficult than planned.  Marinading the tofu prior to cooking was a little challenging since it broke apart very easily.  The flavors were nice and we really enjoyed the soba noodles.

2 Arroz con Pollo

The seasoning of the chicken was delicious, but we felt like the rice could have used a little more flavoring.  Salting it a little more would have probably helped.

Week of February 10th:

2 Winter Ragout 
We predicted this dish would be similar to the mushroom pasta we enjoyed a few weeks ago, so we decided to save it for Valentine's Day.  Pairing it with an amazing bottle of wine and homemade creme brûlée was the perfect way to make this delicious dish extra special.  It also made a huge portion we were able to enjoy for lunch over the weekend!

2 Roasted Chicken 
The seasoning of this chicken was very flavorful, but my favorite part of the dish was the twice baked potatoes.  I LOVE twice baked potatoes.

2 Brussels Sprouts over Polenta

This was an interesting recipe, but I think following the cooking directions exactly as they were listed on the instructions caused a slight fail in execution.  The brussels were a little too overcooked and the polenta was a bit too thick.  Great flavors and color though!

That wraps up our culinary adventures over the past two weeks.  More to come as February continues….

Interested in trying plated?  Get 2 plates for free by using my link!  https://www.plated.com/invites/c68767

#plated
#platedpics

*NOTE* links in this post all link to my plated referral page.  Signing up provides 2 free plates for both you and me.

Popsugar Must Have February 2014

My favorite box was the first to arrive this month!  The Popsugar Must Have box is always full of a nice variety of surprises.  The cost of the box is on the higher end ($39/month) the value always is significantly higher.  Here are the "must have" items for February!

Must Have Fashion
Gorjana Brooks Jewelry Roll ($45)
This jewelry is a nice size and I love how it has zippers.  I definitely need to organize my most used pieces and this will be perfect.  It will also be great for travel!  A card for $25 off at Gorjana-griffin.com was also included.  

Must Have Beauty
Nourish Organic Argan Face Serum (~$24)
I haven't tried a spray formula of face serum before but I'm interested to give this a try.  With how dry the air has been lately, I've found I can't seem to have enough moisturizers on hand.

NCLA Nail Polish (Rodeo Drive Royalty) ($16)
This is a deep red polish which is a great color, but I don't really do my own nails.  This will be going in the gift pile.  

Model Co. Lip Pops Duo Lip Gloss and LipStick ($16)
The combo of having a lipstick and lip gloss together in the same color is great, but I seem to have lots of lip products I'm using right now.  It's a great color though - I may end up keeping this instead of saving it for gift purposes.

Must Have Home
k. hall Designs Peony Candle Tin ($11)
We seem to be getting a lot of candles lately.  The smell of this might be a little too strong and flower-y for me.  

Must Have Food
Sugarwish Candy (Cinnamon Hearts) (~ $10)
This little blue box is filled with red hot hearts.  The box also contained a coupon for 20% off to use at sugarwish.com to make a customized candy gift.  I'm sure we will enjoy eating these (and it's a cute tie in for Valentine's Day) but I don't see myself using the 20% coupon.  

Special Extra
Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash (~$3)
Yes, I do realize that Dial Body Wash is sold at drugstores everywhere, but I appreciate having full size to use!  This version smells like kiwi without being overpowering.

Overall this is a diverse box with a total value of around $125.  Some of the items I will probably save for gifts, but I think the people over at Popsugar did a nice job of putting this box together. 

Interested in trying Popsugar?  Please use my referral link!  http://popsu.gr/ndbC
There is also a code BOX10 to use and get $10 off your first order

#popsugarmusthave
#popsugar

Monday Musings 2/3/14

It's been a while since I shared some musings on a Monday.  But here are some thoughts for today:

1. It is much less fun to watch Super Bowl commercials when you have already seen them.  

In the past, Super Bowl Sunday always gave me three things to look forward to: exciting game, entertaining halftime show, and new unique commercials.  Last nights game was clearly not what anyone expected, but I definitely knew what was coming with the commercials. I say this because I had seen a majority online or on tv in two weeks leading up to last night.  Apparently the advertising world is now "teasing" Super Bowl commercials to get people excited to watch them during the big game.  I found this had the opposite effect for me.  Instead of eagerly watching each commercial last night, I found myself getting distracted to do other things after saying "Eh.  I've seen this already."  Anyone else feel this way?  I understand that clips become popular online, but why not release them AFTER the Super Bowl?

2. There are way too many delicious looking treats to bake on Pinterest. 

I love to bake but I don't do it as frequently as I'd like to. Everytime I go on Pinterest to find a new recipe inspiration, I suddenly find 10-20 new recipies for beautiful baked creations. Of course, all of the recipies also have photos of a magazine cover worthy finished product. These delicious images get pinned to my "yum" board and then hang out there forever.  I repeat this exercise every couple of weeks but I can unfortunately report that I have only attempted to ever make only one item.  Obviously I can't bake constantly (since D and I need to eat real food ;-), but I've decided I'm going to try to actually bring a post on the "yum" board to life once a month.  

3. I don't mind snow but...

I hate slush. And that seems to be what is outside all the time now. :-(

4. Spin shoes are amazing

After years of regularly attending spin classes at the gym, I had been told by many instructors that having real bike shoes with clips would allow me to get more out of my workout.  I always put this advice on the back burner since I felt like spinning with regular sneakers was fine and it was easier to not change shoes.  Last week I finally purchased my own new pair of spinning of shoes.  Wow.  They really do make a huge difference!  Now I can feel both the down AND up pedal strokes.  My next adventure will be to see what all the hype is at Soulcycle and Flywheel.  I'll keep everyone posted. 

That's it for now!  February boxes should start arriving soon....

Rocksbox #11

After my last box being a little underwhelming, I decided to return set #10 after about 2 weeks.  The turnaround time for this latest box was a little longer than usual (~9 days), but I assume that is due to the extreme weather going on around much of the country.

Here is a quick reminder of how Rocksbox works - For $19.99 a month 3 pieces of jewelry are sent to you based on your style profile.  You can wear the items in the set for up to 60 days or decided to purchase an item you love at a reduced price.  During the month, you can refresh your set as frequently as you like.  Rocksbox is a great way to try a variety of accessories without having to actually purchase them.

Here is my latest set:

Olympic Ring by Anuja Tolia (Retail: $110, member price: $88)
This is such a great piece for this time of year!  It fits me perfectly and is quite unique.  It isn't very heavy which is nice.  I'm only able to really wear rings on the weekends, but I'll definitely be accessorizing with this over the next few weeks.

Kourtney Earrings in Grey and Gold (Retail: $52, member price: $41.60)
These earrings are similar to a pair I had before, but the color is more grey than blue.  The shape is also more square.  I can't wait to wear these with scrubs.

Vintage Fringe in Natural by Urban Gem (Retail: $58, member price $46.40)
I asked for a "statement necklace" when I returned my last set and it looks like my request was definitely granted!  This is a very stand-out piece that I wouldn't normally pick out for myself.  It was fun wear to brunch earlier today and I'm so happy they sent it.  Pieces like this are my favorite part of subscribing to Rocksbox!

Overall this is a great set!  I really like all of the items and will wear everything over the next few weeks.  There isn't anything here I plan to keep, but I will be excited to see what comes in the next set!

Interested in trying Rocksbox?  Please use my link and get $10 off!  http://curebit.com/x/eUs8Yp