Birchbox Review - February

Birchbox was amazingly, awesomely fast with their delivery/shipping this month.  Oh, how I wish it would continue like that!  In fact, I've gotten to the point where I don't even check my shipment notice, because it really just upsets me that it takes so long!

Kudos Birchbox!!

What I received:

February Birchbox

The theme this month was Red Carpet Ready.  Items were chosen to help you look your best for whatever big event you had coming up this month.  I wish!

Closer look

Oscar de la Renta live in love - perfume sample.  Unfortunately, perfume samples are becoming the norm for Birchbox.  I like this scent okay.  I'm just over all the perfume though.  Especially since this is the same exact size I would get at the perfume counter of the department store if I asked, for free.  I'm considering changing my profile to state that I have a perfume allergy.

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint - this is stated to give you a healthy glowing complexion.  It is also SPF 15.  I'm looking forward to trying this.  It is a bitty sample though.

Kiehls Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream - I like Kiehls products and this is a nice sized sample.  This is touted as an anti-aging powerhouse.  Yes, please!

Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle - I was most excited to receive this product after watching the Birchbox spoiler video.  I have fine, straight hair that tangles like crazy.  I live for detangling sprays.  This is one product I may have to purchase full-sized if I like it.

Ghiradelli Milk Chocolate with Caramel Square - enough said.  I don't think it lasted five minutes after opening the box. Thank you!

Overall a fairly decent box.  I can't wait to try the detangling spray and hope I love it.  As you can tell, I'm most disappointed in the amount of perfume samples, but I think I can fix that.  Still, Birchbox continues to be a nice surprise for me every month, and I love that they stepped up their shipping timeliness!

What did you like most in your Birchbox subscription this month?  Did you get different products from my box?

Want to try Birchbox?  For just $10 a month, you can!  Check it out:  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=jsc3n (my link).

Disclosure:  I purchase my Birchbox subscription myself.  All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.  My link does get me referral points, so thanks for clicking!

Graze - Box #1

There's a new snack subscription box called graze.  It is a service that sends you four snack-sized servings of healthy snacks that are "nature delivered" on a weekly basis.  Graze costs $5 a box, but I was able to sign up with a promotion where I got my first and fifth boxes for free (essentially $15 for 5 boxes).

What is great about this service is that you can go on their website and note any allergies, likes and dislikes prior to receiving your first box.  Gluten free, nut free, no problem!  Currently, you can choose between a nibble box and a light box (lower calorie).  I chose the nibble box.

Nice box!

I was very excited to receive and try my first box!  Even better when I opened it  . . . .

How cute is this?

The box is beautifully done!  Even better, it comes with a card with nutrition facts and expiration dates.  They include a napkin (for people who get it sent to work).  Everything is environmentally friendly and recyclable.

My snacks:

Loved this!  Very moist granola bar.

A nice salty, sweet snack

A savory selection of snacks and nuts

A dried fruit medley
(Sorry for the sideways pic)

All-in-all a very cool idea!  I tried all of the snacks before posting and truly enjoyed them all.  They vary in calories from 127 - 240 per serving.  Everything was very fresh and provided a nice variety of options.

Now, you are suppose to receive a box weekly, but there has been a slight delay receiving my second box.  Graze sent an email outlining the delay and apologizing.  This was very nice from a customer service standpoint.

Interested in trying Graze?  Check them out at www.graze.com.  You need an invitation code (here's mine):  Z1HRVQZD.  You get your first box for free by using this (I get $1 off my next box)!

After trying your snacks you then go back to their website to "rate" the items you got.  Hated something?  You don't have to ever get it again.  By the same token, you can specify those items you really liked and find others that are similar.

Enjoy!

January Goodies Co.

If there was ever a subscription box for you to dip your toe in the water with, it would be this one!

Goodies Co. is a new subscription snack box that is still in beta testing.  I was so excited when I was able to "get in".  It is a division of Walmart Stores Inc., so I have a strong suspicion that it will be sticking around!  For $7 a month (shipping included) you get 5 - 8 new food items sent to your door.

Can't wait to see what's inside!

The packaging was super cute!  Even cuter when I opened the box!

Love the inside of the box!

Love the card!

Just beautiful!  The theme for this month's box was "New Year New You" and it was designed to help you fulfill those healthy lifestyle resolutions.

Packed box!

Now if they meant healthy treats . . . they certainly had you covered!  Inside:

Skeeter Snacks Cookie - Chocolate Chunk - This is a nut free, crisp but chewy chocolate chip cookie.  I can't wait to try!

Nature's Bakery Whole Wheat Fig Bar - a whole wheat alternative to a Fig Newton.  I'll be interested to see if they can pull it off.

Cookies!

Go Nola - Maple Pecan Madness - I love granola and I love maple, so I can't wait to try this product also!

Stretch Island Fruit Chews - I love that these are made with fruit only and no added sugar.  The boys would love these.  How cute it it that there is a maze game on the front?!

Snacks!

Flamous Brands Falafel Chips - Spicy -  These sounded very interesting, appealed the most to Mark and were opened promptly.  Boy are they SPICY!  They have great texture and flavor, but have quite the zing to them.  These chips are organic and are very high in protein and fiber.  I would love to try their original flavor once my mouth recovers.

Chips!

Cascal - A natural fermented drink in "fresh tropical".  This would be a good alternative to fruit juice, especially if you want something carbonated.  I liked the flavor and it only had 80 calories per can.

Wild Garden Traditional Hummus and Pita Chips - A great on-the-go pack of multigrain pita chips and seasoned hummus.  We love hummus and pita chips in this family.  This is perfect to pack in lunches or to take to work!  Sure beats that French onion dip!!

Snacks and a drink!

The box also came with a great card describing the products and their cost.  You can then go online to purchase these items.  I need to see if Walmart Stores plan to carry these products in their actual stores.  I have seen some of these products (Stretch Island) elsewhere.

Descriptive card

Goodies Co. also allows you to review their products.  In return you earn points which can go towards earning free boxes.  I couldn't find how many points you need to get that free box though!  You also earn points by ordering boxes and products.

All-in-all I am very happy with Goodies Co.  I hope that they stick around and make it through their beta phase!  I love finding new food products and you certainly can't beat this price point!

Interested?  Check out their website:  www.goodies.co and request an invite!

Do you have any food subscription boxes that you love?  Any that you recommend that I try?

Disclosure:  I paid for my Goodies Co. subscription myself.  I received no compensation for this post.  All opinions are my own.

Klutch Club - January

I received my second KLUTCHwomen box on Friday last week.  This month's theme was Healthy Weight Management box (filled with products to help you reach your goals).

Shoe box sized box

I first signed up for Klutch Club during a promotion last month.  I believe I received that first box for around $9 total ($1 for the box with $8 shipping).  I liked the box enough to continue with it for at least another month.

Klutch Club is a monthly subscription box that sends "$50 of the best healthy snacks, supplements, fitness programs, personal care products and more delivered monthly for less than $18".  Subscriptions start at $18 for a month to month order and decrease based on your level of commitment.  You chose between a women's and a men's box.

First looks

The box came filled with products!

Lots of stuff!

Ginger People Ginger Chews - this looks like a full sized product with 8 pieces of chewy ginger candy.  Ginger is good for motion sickness and is a nice spicy-sweet candy.  Yum!

Bach Rescue Remedy Gum - another full sized product (17 pieces) of a orange and elderflower natural stress relief homeopathic medicine.  I should be chewing this by the box full come 3pm!

Madecasse Chocolate - 2 squares of their 80% cocoa chocolate for "an all-natural sweetness fix".  I'm always happy with chocolate!

Candy, gum and chocolate

FRS Healthy Slim Chews - Strawberry melon flavored chews (28 count) that provide appetite control and sustained natural energy.  The directions state to eat 2 chews 30 - 60 minutes before each of your two primary meals of the day. This is also a full sized product.  I'm willing to give this a try!!

EAS Lean 15 Bar - one bar in chocolate peanut butter designed for post-workout snacking, it provides 15gm of protein.  "Get lean and toned".  Post-workout snacks are always a hard thing for me to remember (and oh so important) and this may make it easier.

Chews and protein bar

Snikiddy Eat Your Vegetables Chips - a single serving of sea salt flavored vegetable chips.  These chips provide a full serving of vegetables.  I can't wait to try them!  I wonder if they would go over well with the boys?!

Scheckter's Organic Energy Drink - one can of an organic energy drink that states that it gives your body a boost naturally without the chemicals, shakes and heart palpitations.  I'm not a big fan of energy drinks (other than diet Coke), but I'll try one can.

Chips and a drink

TurboFire's Greatest Hits Cardio DVD - 30 minutes of intense cardio conditioning.  I have never really gotten into work-out DVDs.  I may have to watch this on the couch!

Extras:  Hypnosis Network's free session plus 20% off,  LeBootCamp weight loss program $25 off the 1-month open plan and Pro Compression $20 gift card.  I don't really count these as being toward the value of the box, as you have to spend money to use them.  Mark has been complaining of calf tenderness with running, so I may try the Pro Compression socks for him.  The others, probably not.

DVD and extras

Klutch Club also comes with a nice brochure that describes the products in the box.

All-in-all I've been happy with Klutch Club.  I think I will give it a few more months.  I think it is a good value and I like the variety of products I've received.  

Do you get any sports or fitness related boxes that you really like?   Want to try Klutch Club:  www.klutchclub.com

Disclosure:  I paid for my Klutch Club subscription myself.  This is my honest review.  I have received no compensation.  All opinions are my own.

January PopSugar Review

It's here!

Anticipation

My January PopSugar box arrived yesterday and it took loads of willpower to not rip it open until today!  It took my friends even more willpower to not talk about it in my presence!!  Thank you!!

Enjoy!

PopSugar Must Have started last summer.  I joined a couple of months in.  I believe my first box was September 2012.  It is a subscription box service for $35 a month.  It is the priciest of the boxes I get, but always well worth it, and always a good value.  I have definitely had some favorite months and products, but who doesn't?  What appeals to me might not to you.

First looks

The box always comes fully packed.  Awww . . . .

Everything inside

A wonderful booklet is always included which describes the product, why it was chosen and links.  The products are broken up into categories:

Stability ball

Must Have Fitness:  Merrithew Stability Ball - funny enough, I just got rid of an old fitness ball, so a new one was in order.  The box contains a card with several exercises, a pump and a discount code for a  pilates dvd.

Watch and lip balm

Must Have Fashion:  The Remix Timebomb - This is a pretty funky watch.  I don't have a white watch so I'm glad I got this color (I think people also got pink and blue ones)!  There is a LED light that provides quite the light show.  I believe you can also buy other bands and switch them out by popping out the watch face.

Must Have Beauty:  Epicurean Discovery Lip Balm - I was most excited about this item as I have a small obsession with lip balms/glosses.  Then I saw that it was tea tree oil based.  I'm sorry, but tea tree oil makes me think of head lice, as it is a natural repellent for those pesky bugs.  Unfortunately, head lice were popular during preschool years and we used this on the boys regularly to ward them off (it works!).  Therefore, not a good association for me!  Nevertheless, I tried it, and mine really smells bad.  Not sure if my balm is bad or if this is just how it smells.  Is yours yucky too?

Yum

Must Have Food:  Popbar Hot Chocolate on a Stick and Jet-Puffed Vanilla Mallow Bits -

Okay, what's not to love?  Stir the hot chocolate stick in warm milk and add some marshmallow bits. Love.

Booklet and Casetagram voucher

Bars and coupon

Special Extras:  Think Thin Bars and Casetagram gift certificate - Three thinkThin bars in various flavors were included.  I also got two coupons.  I like thinkThin bars, and I like that there were three different varieties.  The Casetagram voucher is for $15 off your order.  Casetagram allows you to customize cases for your phone or tablet, or purchase ones by designers.  Maybe . . . 

I always like the variety of things in my PopSugar boxes.  The value of the box exceeds $100.  I figure if there is one thing that I really like that covers the $35 cost, it is a win.  I'm happy!

Have you signed up for PopSugar Must Have box yet?  Have you been happy with it?  What's been your favorite item?

If you haven't signed up yet, you can use code: REFERFRIENDS for $5 off your first box!
A link:  http://popsu.gr/tCq.

Disclosure:  I paid for my PopSugar box myself.  I have received no compensation for my review.  All opinions are my own.

January 2013 Birchbox

"Best Year Ever" is the theme for the January 2013 Birchbox which arrived for me this week.

Birchbox is the first beauty subscription service that I subscribed to over a year ago.  $10 a month gets you 4 - 6 sample sized offerings in a range of beauty products.  Sometimes you will even get a fashion or food treat thrown in!  Birchbox tailors their boxes to a profile that you fill out.  My understanding is that there are approximately 35 different boxes shipped out each month.  My box is probably completely different from yours.

This month my box looked like this:

First appearances

And upon opening:

Everything inside

The first item in my box was alessandro Nail Polish in Blue Lagoon.  This was a nice French blue color and a good sized sample.  I think it will look good on my toes, and if I'm brave enough maybe even my fingers!  I love mini nail polishes as I can never see myself finishing a full size bottle of polish.  Ever.

Next up was theBalm cosmetics Put a Lid on It Eyelid Primer.  I have used eyelid primer in the past and do think it makes a difference with eyeshadows staying power.  I look forward to trying this.

somewhat blurry but you get the idea

I also got a sample of Harvey Prince perfume:  Skinny Chic.  I really like this fresh citrus scent.  I'm just bummed that my little pump bottle is not working properly.  Ugh!

Ojon damage reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum was also included to smooth and hydrate hair.  It's a small sample, but as it is an oil, I expect it will last awhile.  My hair can definitely use it this time of year!

Lastly, as my "beauty extra" I received two packets of Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream.  I have used other Fresh products in the past and have liked them.  I appreciate the fact that I was sent two samples to really give this product a try.

Two "extras"!

All in all, I'm happy with this month's Birchbox.  I think it is a win for $10 a month.  I can also earn points by going on their site and reviewing the products I received.  Points can be redeemed towards full sized purchases!

Check Birchbox out:  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=jsc3n

Disclosure:  My Birchbox subscription was purchased by me.  I receive no compensation for my review.  All opinions are my own.