July 2014 ~ Popsugar Must Have Box!

This is my third..no wait..MY FOURTH..box from Popsugar Must Have! Three are from my regular subscription and one was a summer limited edition box.  My pup and I jumped off the couch as soon as we heard the doorbell ring this morning! The box arrived with two of my other online orders..a few clothing sale items from Mint Julep and some jeans I bid on for my husband on Ebay.  Lucy, my golden, gets so excited when packages come..she jumps up and down and then sits patiently waiting ...it seems she's saying, "aren't you going to open it?"  I promised myself I wouldn't open it till I wrote up two overdue subscription reviews but ...well.. she had those puppy dog eyes..and well.. what if there was a candle in the box and it was melting..or a bottle of perfume that was leaking ..or.. or... after thinking that through for about all of ten seconds I grabbed the scissors, searched through the white tissue paper, to reveal the first Popsugar July item! 

smile..pretty things...let's pose for a photo! 

Michael Stars Beach Hat ($48) - I was a little nervous to find this at first. I heard there was a hat item from spoilers and I didn't know what to expect...but  I really like it!  I can wear it to the pool, when I grill outside, or when I lounge around on my backyard hammock!  It is bendable and has these cute buttons on the back with pink stitches. Keep! 

I also like the inside.. who's going to see the inside? ..nobody..but it's cute that it's there! : ) 

Dang Foods Toasted Coconut Chips ($3) - Not a fan of coconut..and all things coconut or items that contain nuts have been going to my grandmother. I visit with her once or twice a week and she likes getting surprises..she will love these!

ACME Chevron Paper Straws ($7) - I'm a sucker for silly straws! (Get it?) I have blue, red, and pink striped paper straws but not chevron!  I like to throw parties and a pretty straw just adds a special touch! I didn't take a photo of the back of the package but there is also a mix of teal, light blue, and grey included. ..24 straws and four of each color...and oh my..somebody get me off their website..I want everything! They have sweet picnic basket sets, wool felt birthday crowns, and the cutest mini cake bunting sets! 

See.. I told you she was interested!  I mean she does have pretty eyelashes.. : ) 

Revlon Bold Lacquer Length & Volume Mascara (This was a Special Extra item and the insert doesn't list the price value) - I like getting makeup samples and this is full size. I was running out of mascara anyways and I never know what kind to get..it will be fun to try out a new Revlon product! What kind of mascara do you prefer? 

TKO Jump Rope with Soft Grip Handles ($13) - Quite honestly I'm a couch potato...there I said it.. I lasted a whole two days with the last workout DVD Popsugar sent.. maybe jump ropes are my thing? I'm not obese..nor a skinny rail..but I could stand to loose a few and get back into half my wardrobe.  The label says you can burn up to 170 calories in 15 minutes...15 minutes of straight jumping sounds like a long time to me..but so did 10 minutes of oil pulling and I have been doing that for a few days now.. maybe both at the same time? no..I think that would be a disaster.. On the back of this box it shows you different kinds of jumps..that seems fun..kind of.. actually I think I will give it a try..

Sun Bum Sunscreen & Lotion ($20) - I was packing my pool bag this morning (not that  I am going today..turned out to be a rainy day..but wanted to be prepared for a sun shiny day soon)..and I thought to myself..gee I don't have sunscreen.. Adding these two to my pool bag and they will come in handy next week! The products smell really good too!  I received Sun Bum Pink Grapefruit lip balm in my first Hammock Pack and found out that Sun Bum supports over five non-profit organizations, including Surfers for Autism and Boarding for Breast Cancer. 

French Bull Ziggy Salad Servers ($12) - Can we say LOVE!! These are so me.. and I can't wait to use them! They are scratch and shatter resistant AND dishwasher safe..and they just make me happy ...and they make me want to make a pretty salad just to use them! I just checked out their website and saw that they offer plates, spoons, mugs and more that match these bright and fun salad servers! Go on their site and click on "Collections" --> "Ziggy" to see all the products that match, I'm eyeing the Ziggy Pop-Up Lunch Box and Ziggy Storage Container Set!

So...thanks POPSUGAR for this FUN summer box! You are amazing yet once again! If you would like to subscribe to or learn more about Popsugar Must Have box click here! 


*I was not compensated or asked to write this review and all opinions are my own. : ) 

June 2014 - Popsugar Must Have Box!

LOVE this month's Popsugar Must Have box!  It is even better than the Special Edition Summer Box! Popsugar is still my favorite subscription box because of the huge items and amount of items included!  

You Smell Lemon Antibacterial Wipes ($6) - As  I was up to my elbows in painting some office shelves I found a new use for these and I am going to keep them with my craft paints! 

Native Union $15 Gift Card - WOW!  I like a lot of their tech gadgets on their website ..I think I am going to buy something with the gift card and then gift the item to a friend for Christmas.

Turkish-T Beach Towel ($32) - YAY!! I've wanted one of these since I'd seen it in last year's summer box!  

Lollies Hair Ties (8) - Already in use!  These don't slip out of my hair like others do. 

Sachajuan Shiny Citrus Body Lotion (24) - I already received Sachajuan beach hair spray in the special edition box and I liked the product.  The smell of this lotion is way better than the beach spray though!   It smells kind of like jasmine and citrus and it is a BIG bottle! 

One Potato Two Potato Hawaiian BBQ Chips ($2) - I wasn't sure about these and have seen them in some discount stores lately.  I ripped into them on a road trip this summer and they are YUMMY!  My husband was chatting away so he got one..and I ate the rest! I would buy more of these! 

Emily Griffin's "The One & Only" ($28) - This is the perfect gift for one of my friends.

I like Popsugar's card insert design that describes each product. It looks very Instagram like this month!

The total retail value of this box equals to over $100!  Amazing box and products..can't wait for the next one! If you would like to find out more about Popsugar Must Have box subscriptions click here!  

*I was not compensated or asked to write this review and all opinions are my own. : ) 

June 2014 ~ Popsugar Must Have Special Edition Summer Box!

It's here!! The Popsugar Must Have Special Edition Summer box has arrived as of this morning! I had been tracking the package for a few days now..it said this morning that it was out for delivery.  I never heard a knock or anything...I went out to check the mail and there sat the much anticipated Popsugar package plus my new Bonjour Jolie box! 

Isn't it just a bit nicer to unwrap something in delicate tissue with a sticker mantra just for you?! ; )

Tadaaaaa!!!  It was a bit heavier than the regular Popsugar box I received before. I saved the big brown box to open last!

SACHAJUAN Ocean Mist beach waves spray - $28 at Barney's/NY

I love beach waves in my hair and can't wait to try out this product from SACHAJUAN. I currently use Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray from Ulta that sells for $5.99.  It works well for me but I am excited to try something new! I will have to do a comparison of beach wave sprays this summer! 

Tarte Cheek Stain & Lipsurgence Power Pigment - $30? & $24

I had never heard of Tarte cosmetics till I saw the sneak peek for this box from Popsugar. The cheek stain has a screw on cap and then you push from the bottom of the container to release more.  It appears dark in the container but when I put it on it was much lighter and a bit shimmery.  Interesting..and certainly not as messy as a powdered blush can be.  I could not find the exact cheek stain on the Tarte website but their other cheek stains sell for around $30.  Next, is the Lipsurgence Power Pigment. You would twist the end of the tube to release more of the lip tint. I like the color, it is a dusty light shimmery pink. I will probably wear both of these this summer! 

I tried to guess what was inside..it was a bit heavy...I thought glass and I was right!  Inside the box was four City Rocks drinking glasses made by Sisters of Los Angeles.  All were in tact, none broken, and each had been wrapped in bubble wrap. 

City Rocks glasses - $45 approx.

These glasses were specially designed for Popsugar in honor of their four office locations. They arrived in bright summery colors and would be cute served on a white metal circular tray for an outdoor party.  Since they are specially made, there is no exact retail price for these. Similar glasses on the Sister's of Los Angeles website sell for $45.   

I do like that it says Popsugar on the bottom of the glasses : ) 

Eliunt Extra Virgin Olive Oil - $15 approx.

Honestly, I thought this was a hair product at first! It's not your typical olive oil bottle.  Eliunt sells olive oil from ten locations around the world!  The color of the band on the bottle represents what origin it is from which is pretty cool! There is also more info on the details and explanations of the packaging, cap, and color on their website. Mine is from the USA..I would have rather had another country but it will be fun to try it out anyways. I just finished my Oregon Olive Mill olive oil from A Kitchen Box yesterday and I have more homemade pizza recipes to try out this week..so this was a nice surprise...kind of random though.  

Soixante Neuf Jewels Vintage Inspired Horn Necklace - $155 (!!!)

I didn't know what to think when I pulled this out of the trinket pouch.  Interesting, unique, like the colors, would I wear it? ...not really....but apparently Kim Kardashian, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Tisdale did. Still Italian horn necklaces (origninally worn to ward off bad omens) are not my thing..nor my style. Soixante Neuf Jewelry does make some other really pretty neclaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. 

Samudra Blue Tropics Pouch - $60

But I do love this tropical Live Love Aloha zippered bag!  It's made out of canvas and big enough to store sunglasses, a magazine, and a pair of flip flops! It was made exclusively for Popsugar by Samudra. Samudra sells bags, totes, t-shirts, and hats.

Here is the other side of the bag..which goes really well with my new Roxy swimwear! (pictured below)  I can use the tote to store my swimsuit in my suitcase on vacation.

This was not in the Popsugar box ..but the tropical print goes well with my new Samudra bag!  I purchased this one-piece online. Roxy does make a two piece version that I found at Macy's.  I don't know what is with this summer's swimsuits..but  I could not find anything I liked in the stores!  It's like the whole world thinks every woman should wear a bikini! I really like this Roxy Sunset Strip one piece ...it has cross straps that tie so the top can be higher or lower and it has slight ruching of the material in front. 

I am glad I ordered the Popsugar Must Have Special Edition Summer Box... They sold out fast and I think I ordered the second day it was posted.  I added up all the approx. retail values of the items and it ended up totaling over $300 dollars!  The box was a birthday present and cost $100, so I am glad to see the value of items exceeded the price of the box.

My regular Popsugar Must Have box will be arriving soon for June and I can't wait to see what summery things are inside!

*I was not compensated or asked to write this review and all opinions are my own. : ) 

May 2014 - POPSUGAR MUST HAVE box review!

POPSUGAR! POPSUGAR! POPSUGAR!  I cannot say enough good things about this box!  This is my first Popsugar Must Have subscription box and I decided to order for the summer months.  The quantity and quality of items does not compare to other fashion/beauty product boxes.  Popsugar sends full size products and the retail value of this box added up to $115!   That is more than double than what I paid for it! 

The box is bigger than most of my other subscription boxes and was PACKED!  

This is a Citrus Zinger water bottle and retails for $17.  I'm so glad I got pink! (It's the little things!)  I have used this bottle every single day for the past two weeks mainly for water and ice tea.  What's cool about this bottle is that you can actually juice a lemon or lime right on the spot! I tried it with a lemon and I left the half lemon in the bottom to infuse the water. Well..it was a bit..LEMONY! A little too much lemony.. I will have to re-try it when I buy some more fruits.. there are a few recipes that come with the bottle like clementines and mint which sounds interesting!  Another thing that comes in hand is the thumb hook to carry the bottle.  I didn't know how convenient this was until I was struggling to get in the door at work with books, purse, teacher bag, etc. and thought ooohh thumb hook! 

I was excited about this DVD until this morning..when I actually tried it! It is not fast paced but maybe when I get myself more in gear I will be more into it.  I did an hour of zumba after and zumba just keeps my attention span longer...This dvd retails for $15.

This is a Kerry Cassill sleep mask designed exclusively for Popsugar Must Have.  I checked out the Kerry Cassill website and found quite a few things I would purchase (if I could afford it!). The website sells beautiful linens, bedding, scarves, and even pajamas designed by Kerry Cassill.  Here is the website!   I thought the sleep mask was very pretty (and could picture myself wearing it while wearing pearls and a boa feather lined robe in Paris!) ..but I honestly don't have any problem falling asleep and it went perfectly with my spa themed secret sister gift that I had to give...so that is where it went and I hope she enjoys it! This mask retails for $24! That's one expensive good night's sleep!

Skinny Sticks...have yet to try them but the bag is HUGE!  I'm saving them for a pool snack this week..the packaging and description is cute anyways.
They retail for $4.

Next was nail polish from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics!  I have seen this blue everywhere this season and now I finally have a bottle of my own!  The name of the polish is "Pool Boy" (how fitting for this summer themed box!)  and it retails for $10.

It just gets better and better!  I can't decide which I like better the Citrus Zinger or this St.Tropez perfume spray by Smellbent! It smells like the beach!! I've worn this daily since I got it and it really does smell AMAZING!
 It retails for $45! 

I don't have the heart to throw out the box..such cute packaging! 

A mini pamphlet comes in the box that lists descriptions of each item and their retail value.  I always wait till I unbox all the items before I read inserts so I don't spoil the surprise! 

I really am impressed with the quality and quantity of items. I cannot wait for the June box and I also ordered the Popsugar Must Have limited edition Summer box which is already sold out! It should be here Wednesday!  If you would like more info. about Popsugar Must Have subscription box click here! 

*I was not compensated or asked to write this review and all opinions are my own. : ) 

Subscription Boxes!

I am obsessed with subscription boxes lately!  There seems to be a subscription box for every theme or idea imaginable! If you don't know what a subscription box is...let me explain.  It is a monthly box you receive from a company, shipped directly to your home, filled with goodies and trinkets!  Most subscription boxes are surprise boxes and you don't know ahead of time what you will get. Who doesn't like a monthly surprise box?! I sure do! There are subscription boxes themed around cooking, crafting, pets, kids, beauty products, travel, fashion, etc. A great place to start researching subscription boxes is My Subscription Addiction.  On the My Subscription Addiction website you can read reviews, research boxes based on price and theme, manage your subscriptions, and create wishlists!

Dottiebox was my first subscription box I ordered. So far I am way beyond impressed with the overall cuteness of the box, attention to detail, and unique handpicked items from independent artists/designers!  Read my April 2014 review here!  Currently, Dottiebox offers a recurring $20 monthly subscription or a $60 pre-paid three month subscription. Also, the website offers mini box subscriptions. April and May mini boxes are $10 each, a recurring monthly mini box subscription is $13/month, and a three month pre-paid mini box subscription is $36. A mini box features 2-3 handmade items plus coupons.  Dottiebox website also sells lip balm and  individual gift dottieboxes you can send to a friend! 

A Kitchen Box is the second box I subscribed to. As a past culinary student, home cook, and foodie, this box is definitely one I had to try!  Read my April 2014 review here!  This box features special curated ingredients, a flour sack towel, recipe cards, a surprise item for your kitchen, and a music download.  Everything was so elegantly packaged in my April box...it is a treat to unwrap and explore each item! The website sells past boxes for $34 each or a subscription to future boxes. A quarterly subscription is $89, a semi annual subscription is $175, and an annual subscription is $350. This box makes a fantastic gift for anyone who loves to cook! 

I have been wanting to try the Popsugar Must Have box for awhile now and I finally placed my order last week.  Not only is opening a subscription box exciting but watching unboxing reviews is addicting!  It's kinda like being five again and watching the birthday kid open the presents!  Popsugar Must Have reviews are really fun to watch because they feature A LOT of stuff! TheMissAllieCakes and Jen at The Busy Bee create really helpful reviews when deciding what box to choose next!  So Popsugar Must Have box offers a $39.95 monthly box, 3 months for $109.85, 6 months for $214.70, or 1 year for $429.40.  The boxes feature home, body, or fashion products hand selected by Popsugar editors. And every so often a special edition box comes out. I've seen reviews on the special edition summer box, resort box, and the special edition Neiman Marcus box. These special edition boxes show up randomly, cost more, are in limited amounts, and sell out fast. I am due to receive my Popsugar Must Have box any day now and will post my review!  I am excited that I waited to order for the summer months..somehow I feel like this box is going to be amazing! 

Didn't I say there was a box for everything?!?!  My Cotton Bunny is a subscription service from Los Angeles for ..your time of the month! No more awkward feminine product aisle!  On the website, you can pick when your cycle occurs and the box should arrive around that time.  The box features tampons or pads (your choose what kind and from where.. Tampax, Always, Playtex, Kotex, or o.b.), chocolates, and a surprise gift!  I think this box is just about the greatest idea ever.  My box is on it's way and will post the review soon. Boxes are $16 per month.

I have been looking for a "travel" box and this one seems to be the one! I have read many positive reviews about Hammock Pack.  I ordered my subscription yesterday and cannot wait to see what May's box brings!  The box is supposed to feature 5-6 products that represent a getaway or destination. The products are a snacks, bath products, housewares, and accessories. May's box is supposed to be Florida so I'm expecting some fun beach items..possibly sun tan lotion or beach scented candle?  Each box is $25 plus $5 for shipping. A 3 month subscription or full subscription is still $25 a month.  You can look at past boxes on their blog!  I will post my review soon! 

I subscribed to Fancy Box recently and I really like how they allow you to set preferences.  You first choose three general preferences to what you like..I chose Women's, Home, and Media.  After you make your purchase, then you can manage your subscriptions and set preferences such as clothing and shoe sizes, cell phone brand, ring sizes...and you can enter your birthday to receive a special surprise. Besides the regular Fancy box, there are other different variations and types of subscriptions. There are celebrity Fancy boxes like the Jennifer Love Hewitt Fancy Box and chef boxes like the Tyler Florence box (which btw might be my next subscription!). There are Fancy Food boxes and Mystery boxes! The celebrity boxes vary from $39-$42 a month, the Mystery box is just $10/month, and the regular Fancy box and Fancy Food Box are $39/month.  A Fancy box for 3 months is $115, 6 months/$225, 9 months/$330, and 12 months/$425. There is also a $7.95 shipping fee. I have read many Fancy Box reviews and watched unboxings and it seems that it is well worth the price! Fancy Box states that the box features $80+ worth of products! There is also a referral program ..when one of your friends sign up then you get a credit...ooooh!  The only disappointment I have is that I wish I ordered this box last month..I saw an April unboxing and a Kinfolk magazine was in the box!