Monday Musings 1/6/14

Happy 2014!  I realize this version of Monday Musings is coming a day late (aka Thoughts on a Tuesday), but I've been spending the past few days thinking about what I want to do with this blog in the new year.

1.  Staying true to Subscription Boxes
I started thinking of possibly taking my posts in other directions, but I worry that risks making this blog a personal journal.  Though there are many subscription box blogs out there, I'm going to continue to focus on reviewing the boxes I receive.  Hopefully reading them is enjoyable/helpful to people interested in possibly subscribing to something new and want to read about past boxes.  I'm going to occasionally try some new boxes as some others get put on hiatus early this year (Birchbox Man and Barkbox).  I'm also going to return to weekly posts with reviews of our Plated or Blue Apron meals.  And although it is not box related (and sort of journal like) - I will continue to post Monday Musings if I have something to post about.  So get ready for the January Boxes to continue to arrive!

2.  I love my new tea diffuser 
Now I will be more motivated to use all the loose tea I have taking up a whole shelf!  Making one cup is so much easier than a whole pot if I'm the only one drinking it.  Like every year, I'm going to try to drink more water in 2014 so getting excited about tea again definitely helps! 

3.  Getting ready for movie award season
It's my favorite time of the year as so many good movies come out.  I try to see everything nominated for the Best Picture award at the Oscars.  Even though the nominations aren't out yet, it's easy to get a head start with movies that are receiving critical acclaim.  Gravity, 12 Years a Slave, and Wolf of Wall Street were all amazing.  The only disappointment so far was American Hustle.  Yes, the acting was good but the plot didn't really seem like anything new.  D and I both didn't see what all the fuss is about.

4.  Polar Vortex
Is this the first time a cold wave has been giving a name like a tropical storm gets?

Anyone else have thoughts on award season movies?  I'd love any suggestions of what we should see before the nominations are official!

#mondaymusings

Bonjour Jolie December 2013

Happy New Year!  With all the holiday festivities, I'm a little late posting my December Bonjour Jolie box (aka period box).  It was a box very appropriate for the holiday season.  I only wish it had arrived a little earlier in the month!

The Gift
Silver Snowflake and Jingle Bells Bracelet (value: $16)
This bracelet is very cute, but unfortunately not my style.  Actually I think it would be a super cute gift for a little girl.  I'm going to hold on to it until next year and figure out who this would be a sweet little gift for. 

The Edibles (value: $3?)
Ghiradelli Chocolates
StreenLand Chocolate Snowflake Coins
Land O Lakes Hot Chocolates
It seems like the hot chocolate mixes I got are different from those listed on the description card, but that's ok.  I don't discriminate when it comes to anything in the edible category.

The Pampering
Peppermint Lip Balm ($4)
Vanilla Sugar Scrub Lip Treatment ($4)
Crocket Face Scrubby by Sam's Crochet ($0.50)
Gingerbread Scented candles ($1)
The lip products and candles smell great!  I'm a person who can never have too many lip balms and the scrub is nice to have too, especially with all this dry winter air.  The face scrubby will probably work great with my hot cloth cleanser so this will be great when I need a little extra exfoliation.

The Protection (~$12)
My combination of 30 feminine hygiene items.  Advil too!

Overall this was another great box from Bonjour Jolie and loved the festive theme.  As I've stated before, I think of this box as more as a delivery service that includes some extra treats.  For the $16 price tag, it was a great value of approximately $40.

I know there are other TOM boxes out there.  Is there another company I should try out for one month?

#bonjourjolie

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

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

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 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