Deleting the naughty...with Graze codes!

Hi All,
Just a quick post to let you know I have some unlocked Graze codes to share! Enjoy!

1YRQ217VP

 

www.graze.com/us/products

Deleting the naughty...with PopSugar Must Have March

The March PopSugar Must Have box arrived in record time. I actually stayed spoiler free this month, and I am glad I did. I ended up being more excited about it and didn't have any biased opinions on the contents.  This worked for me, but I don't know if I can do it again next month!

The Laundress Specialty Washes:
The full size item I received was "Delicate Wash". This blend is for silk, synthetics, lycra spandex, bras, hosiery and lingerie, etc.  This was a good one for me because the other options would be useless: Wool and Cashmere (not a whole lot of that) and Denim Wash (frankly I don't care how my jeans are washed - I don't by the $100 ones). The bottle is 16 oz. with a 3x concentration so a capful should go a long way. Non-toxic, biodegradable and allergen free. The fragrance is Lady and is very light and floral. I need to take better care of my unmentionables so this will be a friendly reminder sitting on my dryer :)

Hollywood Fashion Secrets Sweater Saver Brick:
I have never heard of this. I usually use a battery operated pill shaver. To use you just lightly rub on the clothing and it removes pills, fuzz and knots. Not recommended on fine knit or silk.  I have read other comments that it leaves little black chunks everywhere, so we shall see if this is useful.

Hollywood Secrets Fashion Tape:
I am slowly gaining a complete repetoire of useful fashion items, and I like to have them around even though I don't go anywhere fancy anymore.  But, just in case... now I have fashion tape to keep my shirt closed! Whew...I have always had a problem with that..NOT. I am going to throw these in the drawer with my new backless, self-adhesive bra, the strapless bra, the spanx, the piller and my foot petals. I am prepared for the Oscars.

Heather Belle Signature Tassel Necklace:
According to the card, tassel necklaces are the hottest trend of the season.  I have had a couple of these for over a year now, so I must be a trendsetter, hahaha! I have hardly any gold toned jewelry in my armoir so I am excited to have this piece, as I wouldn't have picked it out for myself. I already know what I can wear it with...Summer, get here, please.

Corkatoo Corkscrew:
This is my second corkscrew this month...I am starting to feel some peer pressure, and that I should be drinking more. I got the red Parrot one and it is super cute. I love it, and all things beachy and vacation-y. It doubles as a bottle opener on the beak.  How can you not enjoy cracking open a cold one while thinking "Polly wants a beer".

The New Black Nail Polish:
The duo I received is Pardon My French, in a sort of periwinkle blue and a pastel leafy green. I was just thinking about going through my polish drawer and throwing out the stuff that is almost 8 years old anyway, so it will be nice to refresh with the smaller bottles. Plus it is almost flip flop season... UPDATE: I believe the combo I got is the Pardon My French set in "Havoc"

Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara:
The card says a girl can never have too many kinds of mascara, but I think I am mascara-ed out. This stuff only has a short shelf life and I wear it once a week maybe.  I need to get out more...really. But since I am over the hill, I noticed my eyelashes have thinned out and are not as long as they used to be, so maybe this a silent message that I need to do somethign about that. The S-shaped brush is supposed to acheive thick lashes and shape curl, to get the both the inner and outer lashes.  I will give it a try. I have also been looking for a reason (other than my husband saying we are moving get rid of shit) to throw out old mascaras too.

Peeps:
Enough said.  I've been to the Peep Store.  Happy Easter.

Deleting the naughty...with Beauty Box 5 February

Beauty Box 5 has recently announced they are making a change. With their One Year Anniversary, they have vowed to have larger products, as in more deluxe sizes.  If this month is an indication of their commitment to customer satisfaction, they are off to a great start!

*I have dropped the ball this month, and so my reviews are a little off the cuff..in the haste of keeping organized I have thrown lots of boxes and description cards, so I will do my best. I also lost my SD card, so a couple other boxes will have no reviews :).

BB5 Compact Brush:
Cute little compact mirror/brush combo in aqua blue with their logo. Peanut instantly loved it. I am going to thrown this in my purse and keep it handy for her hair in a pinch, especially at dance class.  I can't use it because of my curly hair, but it is a keeper.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub:
Deluxe sample size in Tropical Mango.Certified organic. Smells amazing and I am pumped to use this come spring to pump me up for summer...get me exfoliated and ready for swimsuit season! Downside? I hate when stuff smells so good I would rather eat or drink it. 

Cool Way Boost, Low Heat Revolution:

The website for this product talks about a new system for styling hair that doesn't involve high temperatures from flat/curling irons and blow drying. It is a three step system involving the Transform Spray, the AutoSense Flat Iron and the Boost Repair Mask. the sample I received is for the mask. Site description is this: "Brings flat, lifeless hair, back to life, by eliminating environmental and friction damage. Our scientists found a way to strengthen, condition and smooth your hair by adding a weekly application of Boost Repair Mask™ to your hair. You will not recognize your hair after 30 days of using Boost.

- Stops frizz by locking moisture in your hair.
- Smoothes, Conditions and clinically proven to strengthen hair.
- Color safe, non toxic and good for all hair types."
I am interested in the mask, but am guessing without using the whole system you won't have the great results. I will give it a try.

H20 Bath Aquatics Shampoo:
This is a hotel sized sample of a daily shampoo that is gentle. Ingredients include watercress, moss and seaweed. Love the smell!

Brush Guards:
I forgot to talk about these...here's the deal...I don't know what they are and I probably won't use them :)


Short and sweet, sorry!!  I will get back into gear soon!

Deleting the naughty...with Beauty Box 5 January

I was planning on cancelling Beauty Box 5 but I forgot my deadline, so I have another 3 boxes. Oops.

They don't really have a theme or idea in mind when they curate this, so it doesn't have any rhyme or reason, just samples.

Pencil Me In Eye Pencil:
I received the color Lapis, which is a dark, navy blue. The description says it is a vitamin-packed natural formula that is smooth and lasts all day. I am willing to give it a try. I have read that blue is a good color for brown eyes, which mine are sort of...to make them pop and brighter. Came with a self sharpening tool in the cover.

Model Co Colourbox Lip Pencil:
Pomegranate is the star of the year, and the color of this lip liner. It is a rosy coppery color, a little dark and could be used to fill in rather than line I think, it was soft. This pencil also came with a self sharpening cover. I am close to completing my Model Co line..have gloss, mascara and lip liner.

Ferro Cosmetics Desert Rose Blush:
Mineral based, the blush is a warm peachy color but a little too shimmery for my taste (and age), but it's pretty. I think it would look good with a tan and a night out on the town.

Perfumies Solid Perfume Stick:
This was my least favorite product. It was mushy, not solid enough for a light swipe on the wrist and it was like a melted chapstick. The fragrance I received was Stardust, a fruity orange/citrus scent.

Surprise 2012 Favorites (Leftovers):
I gathered the 2012 favorites were just leftover, and received 2 more sample packets of Purlisse SPF 30 daily moisturizer, which I've gotten before. I will use it, just not in the middle of winter, I need a little vitamin D.


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Deleting the naughty...with PopSugar Must Have January

PopSugar Must Have seems to have been getting a lot of bad press lately...I have read so many complaints and rants on how disappointed people were with the luxury box, December's box and now this month's. I did not order the Luxury one, $100 for that was not a priority. But, I really liked December's, the mugs are still awesome and I really liked the products in it. With that being said, I was still worried about January because of the obvious focus things tend to take on fitness and health amid resolutions. Lots of boards were ready to pounce before there were any spoilers.

 My take? I really liked the January box. See below!

Merithew Stability Ball:
I love this! I have been going back and forth for a year about buying one of these since I quit the gym (because of my working at home/stay at home mom schedule...not because I'm a quitter). I recently bought one 12 lb dumbbell, planning to buy a second and I am set for a little mini home gym now! I wish the ball was silver or black, but that's ok, at least now I have one. It also came with the pump. PopSugar included a card that showed a few exercises I can do to get started.

The Remix Timebomb Watch:
I am not normally a watch wearer, but the fact that I received the black one meshes well with my workout gear :) I have been just using my phone, and it's probably not the best tool to have on a 5k. It's not uber-fancy, but it will do the trick with the second hand going around. I am glad I got black! The lights are cool, the kids will mess with it I am sure. It has a ginormous face...I will look like those little 3rd graders with the big watches from the 80's, but I don't care! Also, the watch is not water-resistant, but is splash proof, meaning it can get a little wet, just not submerged.

Epicuren Discovery Lip Balm:
This balm is a pleasant little surprise. Loved the tea tree in it, gave my lips a tingly, refreshing feel. The smell is a little medicinal because of the tea tree, but I really don't mind it, it felt great on my lips and took away the burn of chapping. With an SPF of 15, it is definitely my new go-to balm for the cold Minnesota winter. My 4 year old, Peanut, even likes it.

Popbar Hot Chocolate on a Stick:
I hope this bar is all it promises to be...what better way to spend my afternoon writing than with a cup of hot cocoa...and made with milk, too. Two bars came in the box, one milk chocolate, the other dark chocolate. You just fill a cup with 8 oz. of hot milk, put the hot chocolate on a stick in the cup and stir for a couple minutes until you get the chocolate-i-ness of your desire. Step 4? Enjoy.

Jet-Puffed Vanilla Mallow Bits:
Miniature marshmallows. I would say you can't go wrong, but I don't eat them unless they are in a Krispy Bar. But...I have two little critters who love them, and will be enjoying them in their own cups of hot cocoa. Mind you, not my cocoa on a stick. Sorry - not sharing! They will have cocoa, too, and loaded with the mallow bits. Ok, wait...I just tried them, and I might have to have an occasional handful.  They are actually tasty, sweet and a little bit crunchy. I give in.

Think Thin Bars:
PopSugar labeled these as special extras in the box. I received three bars: ThinkThin Crunch, caramel chocolate dipped mixed nuts bar; ThinkThin High Protein Bar, creamy peanut butter; and ThinkThin Divine, a dark chocolate coconut bar. I can't try one right now because I am eating the mallow bits, but I am sure they are good. They look better than some of those natural raw bars, which I think are disgusting.

Also in the box: a voucher for Casetagram for instagram and facebook photos which I won't use and a coupon for $1.00 off two ThinkThin bars.

Final thoughts: A lot - and I mean a lot - of people have been complaining about the ball being in the box, also complaining about the watch. You know, you can't please everyone and it is their business on how they run their business and what they see trending, so it's a chance you take.  If you hate it..unsubscribe.


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Deleting the naughty...with Quarterly Co. #BVH01

One of the subscription boxes I have eagerly anticipated (since early October if you can believe it) was the Quarterly Co. one, curated by contributor Joel Johnson. I think the main purpose of this box is to create an experience, with their contributors being some of the most interesting, intellectual people who are active in the creative community right now.

It finally arrived and I couldn't be more intrigued and giddy.

In a quote from the description of the box, direct from Quarterly Co's website:
"What can I expect to receive from Joel?Do you like old cashews and spark plugs? Because if I trusted my own judgment, that’s what I’d give you four times a year. Fortunately for you, my Quarterly is guided by the (figurative) spirit of my grandma, Vivian, who didn’t quite raise me but certainly refined me. I’ll be exploring the life she lived and the lessons she learned, passing on things that remind me of her. I hope my mailings will make you feel as comforted and inspired as she made me.

If you enjoy good smells, quiet mornings (about to erupt with the screams of ornery children), and a worldly sense of style filtered through post-Depression hillbilly pragmatism, this box is for you."

Inside was a beautifully written letter, which, by request of Joel, I will not write about, talking about being a contributor and the contents. I have to write this review differently, it is just not like a product review. This truly is an experience, something that invoked childhood memories for people, including myself.

Upon opening, I felt like the box was made just for me, like a personal gift from someone who knew what I would find interesting and useful. The first item I took out was The Original Butter Bell Crock. I kid you not...I was just complaining yesterday that I was sick of not having something for my butter. It was rock hard for my sandwich yesterday, and I hate pulling it out to soften in ugly plastic. I was thrilled to see this, it will solve my problems, look cute, and match all my dishes. I love butter, I believe in butter.

The second item was a Jiffy Mix Recipes Booklet. Coupled with it was a third item, a box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix. The purpose of these two products was to help go a little deeper into the experience of Joel's grandmother. It reminds him of her and his childhood.

The final item was my second favorite, a Lodge Mini Cast Iron Skillet. I love it. It is the cutest, most heavy, most fun little pan I've ever seen. It is the perfect size to make an individual size corn muffin in the oven.  I am so excited to season this little guy and do a little baking with it. Again, all for the experience.

I am beside myself with anticipation for the next box, which unfortunately won't ship until March. Kudos, Joel Johnson, this was truly a warm, heartfelt package giving me a window into your world. Thank you.


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Deleting the naughty...with Love With Food January

January's Love With Food was the first box of the month to arrive.

I signed up for this one with a year subscription, which is working nicely for me. This box didn't have a packing slip or list this time. It was printed on both sides with the same art. But...one of the products is blank, and another has no information on what it's contents are. I will do my best to figure out what these products are!

David Rio San Francisco Tiger Spice Chai:
All you need to do is add water or milk for "a rich and creamy mixture of black tea and exotic spices." I am looking forward to trying it this weekend. I love chai, and we are supposed to get a big snow storm. This will go perfect with breakfast Friday morning or mid-morning snack on Saturday...I will update you.

GoGo Squeeze Applesauce on the Go:
Containing nothing but fruit, I got Apple Strawberry. This will be good, I know the kids will LOVE it. My only complaint? I wish we had gotten two because the kids are going to fight over who got more.

Turbana Plantain Chips:
A single serving sized bag of sliced plantain chips in Lightly Salted. A good source of fiber, the chips pack 8% of your daily allowance, no cholesterol and 5g of fat. They weren't bad, although, because they are a little sweet, I would have preferred them in a Lightly Sweetened flavor like honey or cinnamon. But, they will not go wasted, the kids liked them and I enjoyed a handful. I don't know that I would buy them in this flavor in the future.

Kyotofu Modern Japanese Desserts:
These were little flower shaped cookies in three different flavors, none of which I actually know because they weren't labeled other than the title above. I went to the website but it wouldn't load. So, there you go. Am I still game to try? You bet. The first one was green, crisp and sweet, and from what I could tell was either almond or pistachio flavored. The second was grayish, and it's almost like coffee, but maybe some other spice and pepper, sesame? The third is orange, yellow and I have no idea what the flavor is. In fact, they could all have been the same flavor and just colored differently, haha...who knows.  But, they were good and I liked them!

Biscotti di Suzy Almond Anise Biscotti:
This is the no label, no description item, but I found info for it on Love With Food's shopping page. I took a bite and it is good...but it is going to be better with the chai later. :)  It is pretty standard in taste. Good though, and not stale or "pre-packaged" tasting.

Chuao Chocolatier, Firecracker Chocopod:
Kudos to the inventor. What a weird candy, I loved it! I think a tray of these for a Fourth of July or New Year's party would be perfect. These little pods were a mixture of dark chocolate, chipotle and popping candy (poprocks!) and when you bite into them your mouth sizzles from the pops and the pepper, leaving a little burn in your mouth. Definitely worth trying.

NewTree Speculoos:
This is a tiny piece of chocolate in dark chocolate with Belgian biscuits and flax seeds. Tiny as it is, it packs a flavor punch. The dark chocolate is richly dark and the Belgian biscuit adds a bit of crunch. Loved it.

New Tree Cannelle:
This piece was milk chocolate with cinnamon and lime blossom extract. I do not know how to describe the flavors that mingle together...it is such a different experience, one to be savored, truly. It was really good, and would be perfect with a rich, dark coffee. These chocolates intrigue me, so I searched and found their website Newtree, and found lots of sexy flavors to broaden my chocolate horizons.


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Deleting the naughty...with Uh-oh! Another box!

The news is out, Yuzen, my favorite box, has gone quarterly. NOOOOOO! Oh, I'm devastated! Good news? This has opened a window of opportunity to try out another box on my radar. Enter Seasonsbox.  This is a new monthly focusing on pampering items and has a Yuzen/PopSugar feel to it. But different.  I am excited to try this. This box has options to skip, options for several different subscriptions, and also reveals the contents of the box on the home page, if you are the type that has to know. So beware, it's right there if you don't want to know.


It is a little spendy, but I dropped Conscious Box and am thinking I will drop beautybox 5, and contemplating birchbox. Why, you ask? Because let's face it...I am no beauty maven. I wear as little makeup as possible, but focus on skin care and am avoiding growing old. So, thus far, these boxes haven't done anything for low maintenance and wrinkle-free skin, even though I've filled out profiles. I have enjoyed new products, but I don't wear a lot of cosmetics, and don't have time to perfect the smoky eye.

I do, however, enjoy what are called "lifestyle" boxes, which have a little something for different aspects of life...beauty, food, home and style.  I am excited, and can't wait.

They are offering up a special right now until January 31 and it is a heck of a deal, adding up to almost $170 off the month to month with a 12 month commitment. It seems like a lot, but in the scheme of things, it is a great savings and because of the lifestyle promise, I am willing to give them a shot.

If you are too, I'd love it if you used my referral link below:
http://curebit.com/x/HSay8

UPDATE: OUT OF BUSINESS
 
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Deleting the naughty...with Goodies Co. December

Finally! December's Goodies Co. box arrived. So far, I am really enjoying what Walmart Labs has to offer. While I have seen many of the products that have come in two months already at the store, I don't always try them, so this has been fun.

Again, this box is $7/month and so far has been the best value for a food box out there. I think I like this box better than Love With Food, though I much more appreciate what LWF stands for by donating a meal per box purchased.

This month's theme is Naughty or Nice? It was made up of six samples; three of healthy choices and three of naughty indulgences. It's focus was trying to be healthy but allowing ourselves to let loose and indulge once in a while.

On to the contents:

Barefruit Cinnamon Apple Chips

Nice: I will admit, I wasn't too sure about these, but ended up pleasantly surprised. 100% natural, the only ingredients listed on the bag were apples and cinnamon. That's it! No added sugar or preservatives and fat, cholesterol and gluten free. And, the serving size guarantees one whole apple per bag. The chips are really, really good, and have a great crunch to them, still have the peeling on the slices and are super sweet. I would definitely buy these and am willing to try other chip flavors if they came out with them...can you imagine peach chips or pineapple chips?  Yum!

Effie's Homemade Oatcakes:
Naughty: Very naughty. These small little cakes, all buttery, crispy and flaky at the same time contained 9 grams of fat, lots of cholesterol and sugars. But, oh my...so amazingly delicious. They tasted like my mom's homemade Christmas cookies. I don't think I will ever enjoy some plain old oatmeal health bar ever again. I am going to chalk these up at sort of healthy...I mean...they contain wheat flour and rolled oats, right?

EatSmart by Snyder's of Hanover Naturals Garden Veggie Chips:
Nice: A single serving bag was packed full of a trio of chips made from potato, tomato and spinach. I liked this snack, it was satisfying when I got that craving for something salty...but I wish they were just a little saltier. I can get away with a little more sodium - no blood pressure problems here - so that would have put them higher on my list. I have bought these before, but it was veggies straws and my kids ate them up.

Rocky Mountain Popcorn in Cinnamon Sugar:
Nice: Natural air-popped popcorn dusted with real ingredients: cinnamon sugar and popcorn. Cotaining 10 grams of whole grains per serving this products pacts a whopping 10 grams of fat, but is still a better choice than a bag of microwaved movie theater butter popcorn. The popcorn itself was fluffy...slightly stale, but not much, because it was still melt in your mouth fresh. There was plenty of the dusting of the cinnamon sugar, and was really tasty. They reminded me of those county fair cinnamon sugar mini donuts, so if you are looking for something really naughty like those, this would actually be a good substitute to curb that craving.

World Table Chocolate Mint Cookie Thins:
Naughty: I have tried the lemon thins by this brand before, and loved them, so I was looking forward to trying these. I received a full size package, containing two packets of 14 cookies. Peanut said they were "Yummy!" I concur. The buttery, crispy cookie meshed perfectly with the layer of not too sweet chocolate mint on the bottom of the cookie. These were really quite delicious. All I need now is a hot cup of coffee to enjoy them with.

Sun Cups Sunflower Butter Milk Chocolate:
Naughty: Basically, a nut free take on the classic peanut butter cup. Personally, this was my least favorite product in the box.  I gave it a try, but sunflower butter is not my favorite flavor. So, with that said, I will comment on the positives: smooth - no graininess of real peanut butter cups; and the chocolate was really good. Sunflower butter just has a weird aftertaste to me, like something that got old and stale. But, if you have peanut allergies, you can still enjoy a spin on those delectable Reese's :)

Sun Cups Dark Chocolate Mint Cup:
Naughty: I ended up with one extra product, a mint cup. Even though I didn't like the sunflower cup, I was still game for the mint one. I am not sure what this one was filled with. I know it was peppermint, but it wasn't white and it was grainy, but I am guessing it was made with sunflower butter and peppermint flavoring. It tasted good, though. Not as yummy as a classic York Peppermint Patty, but still enjoyable. I give these a B+.  Since I received the extra naughty product, I must have been nice this year!

FUN Holiday box!!


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Deleting the naughty...with PopSugar Must Have December

My first PopSugar Must Have box has finally arrived!! I have been anticipating this one for 2 months. I will be honest, I wish I had known about this box long ago, when people were getting a lovely scarf, was jealous about that. So my hopes were high for something just as awesome.

This box is one of the bigger ones in size, and it was waiting for me at my doorstep when I got home the other day.

After I opened the box, their product sheets was actually a folded brochure with a decent amount of info about each product. They were divided into categories: Must Have Home, Food, Beauty, Fashion, Food and Tech.

Bodum Bistro Mugs:
The first thing I pulled out was a set of two double walled thermo-glass mugs. They aer specially designed with a breathable glass that keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold, without leaving a nasty ring on your table. I have a terrible time keeping my coffee hot because I consume liquids so slowly. So, of course, I had to try out my new mug with my new tea, to test out these magical insulating qualities. Verdict? No condensation on the outside, and after 20 minutes? My tea is still sipping hot. Love!

 
Tea Forte:
As noted above, a cup of the white ambrosia tea (white tea with floral notes of vanilla and island coconut) was the first thing I tried in my new bistro mug. I love the little tea pyramids...and my favorite thing about the? The wire tea leaf tag. It bends and stays put, so I curved it to attach to the rim of my mug. The pyramid stayed put and the little tag did not fall into the water, like it usually does for me. The sampler pack came with 10 different pyramid tea bags: Earl Gray, black currant, white ambrosia, white ginger pear, green mango peach, jasmine green, African solstice, chamomile citron, raspberry nectar and ginger lemongrass

Jaboneria Marianella Soap:

I received a full sized, thick bar of the Rejuvenating Face and Body Bar in Aura Elena. Containing essences of Oak Moss, Coconut and Mulberry the soap is made from colloidal oatmeal, argan oil, shea butter, glycerin, honey and vanilla bean seeds. It is designed to relieve dry skin, acne and skin irritation, anti-aging, rich in vitamins for moisturization, honey for antibacterial and antioxidant properties and the vanilla bean for exfoliation. It smells wonderful and again, I am so excited for bar soap!

Bogdon's Peppermint Poles:
Not a fan of candy canes, so I will be happy to share these for Christmas with the family. I will try them though, they are cute thin sticks of peppermint candy covered with dark chocolate. They are only 17 calories per stick, according to the box, so it will be a nice after dinner treat.


Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit:
Ok, first of all, love mini's. Secondly, how cool is this? It has everything you need for those "just in case" moments.This little bag contains a bandaid, Advil, breath freshener, double sided tape, safety pin, earring backs, deodorant towelette, nail polish remover pad, stain remover pad, clear elastic bands, sewing kit, floss, nail file, tampon, lip balm, mini hair spray and clear nail polish. Seriously cute. Love it!

GoSwype:
This little cloth is for wiping down those little electronic devices we put on our faces. I never thing about using them though. I get too busy and just go about my day, never thinking about germs and bacteria. I will try to remember to use these!

Rent the Runway:
I will probably not use this. Let's face it, I live in the great upper Midwest, and I don't have a lot of places to go. But for those who want to know, it is a $30 gift card  to use toward your first rental.


So, with that being said, this box was nice, not quite as fancy as others I have seen, but I will certainly get good use out of the mugs and the tea. I will throw the minimergency kit into my purse, along with the hot wheels cars, barrettes, pony tail holders, lotions and used Kleenexes. I will share my peppermint poles and lather up in my new soap.  Thanks PopSugar, I do like my December Must Haves!

If you are interested in this subscription service, please feel free to use my referral link:
 http://popsu.gr/GGw

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Deleting the naughty...with Yuzen December

The December Yuzen is here, it's here! I am still in love with this subscription service. Kudos to them for keeping the quality up. I love that the second you pull the box out of the mail bag you are enveloped with the scents of what awaits you inside.

And again, the contents were packaged so lovely, pretty paper and ribbon and mesh gift bags that I tucked away for gifting later.

This months message: Tis the season to be Zenful!
So, the contents were beauty products galore, for a holiday party or just needing personal downtime, it has what you need to get through the stressful holidays.



Spa Technologies Hydrating Laminaria Oil:
Scented with Ylang Ylang and Bitter Orange essential oils, Laminaria is seaweed oil. I first tried out the oil on my 4 year old daughter. She has eczema, and it is bothering her terribly right now with the dry, cold weather. She is so itchy and begged me to put her medicine on her, but this product says on the label "intense treatment for dry and sensitive skin...gentle and effective for skin rashes, psoriasis and eczema. After her bath tonight, I rubbed her down with it, put on her jammies and sent her to bed. I am anxious to see if it helped calm her skin a little in the next couple days of use. This product can also be used as an after sun moisturizer.


Ambre Blends Four Essences Natural Fragrances:
I love these! The cute little vials are filled with organic ingredients. The one vital oil that is in each is amber oil. Activated by body heat, they are long lasting and completely individual, reacting with your own body chemistry. The sampler pack contained one of each of their scents and the descriptions from their website follows:
Ambre: clean, euphoric, sensual
Unmasque: 13 oils, to ground you and allure others
Solace: vanilla, for comfort and attraction
Invoke: jasmine, sandalwood and rose, a kiss of spring

SpaRitual Nail Polish:
The hot little numbers arrived in a bright red hue "Hunk Of Burnin' Love" and a multi-tasking base and topcoat in one. DBP, Formaldehyde and Toluene Free and a high gloss UV protectant. Great for the holidays!

Tara Spa Therapy Stress Relieving Bath Salts:
Therapeutic salts to relax and release everyday stress and tension made from herbal extracts like velerian skullcap and hops, and essential oils ylang ylang, lavender and chamomile, sea minerals and electrolytes. Nothing artificial here, except the artificial reality I am trying to create, that I'm really alone at some exotic spa. Not two feet away from my kids who are tucked in bed.

Red Flower Candles:
We got to enjoy another treat from red flower this month, and this time we got a candle!  I am quickly falling in love with this brands products. The candle was Ocean, and a lovely aqua color. The candle is really little, but there is something delightful in the little glass jar it comes in, I can imagine using it for other things somehow, like shots or extravagant, rich, chocolate desserts.


Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Cleansing Bar:
Sea Buckthorn is touted as a "superfruit" used for centuries by Tibetans. Full of antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it is designed to get rid of pollutants and to renew and revitalize your skin. These bar soaps seem to be making a comeback, and I personally love that. They are so much better for your skin, so much better than the perfume filled store bought shower gels any day.

Missy J's Truffley Treats:
Out of everything in the box, this was the only thing that I truly didn't get excited about. They aren't terrible, but for me the mix of chocolate, lime and sea salt doesn't taste good to me. But, others may love them, it is entirely a personal thing. They are, however, wonderful for a healthier lifestyle, containing no dairy, wheat, refined sugar or caffeine. Like I said, they weren't awful, but they aren't something I would buy...maybe a different flavor.

Yuzen, you did it again, and I enjoyed, and am still enjoying the December box!


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Deleting the naughty...with Birchbox December

Birchbox arrived, it was a happy day for mail today. Two boxes on Saturday, great way to spend the weekend!

The December box had a new, festive design to it, spruced up for the holidays. It was like opening a little present.



I am very happy with this box, it seemed to fit my profile a little better this time around and contained 6 samples.

Miss Jessie's Original Pillow Soft Curls:
This light scented lotion is applied to damp, combed through hair. I used about the size of a silver dollar amount and scrunched it through, then blow dried with a diffuser. I liked the feel of it, not sticky or greasy. It held my curls nicely, but I still felt like there was frizz. So I still applied my Secret Weapon. But other than that, it is a nice product.

Nuxe Melting Cleansing Gel with Rose Petals:
Soap-free, the rose scented facial cleanser reminds me of that lotion my mother used to use when I was little, RoseMilk or something like that. It smells exactly like it, very nostalgic. It brings back memories and is calming for me. It removes dirt, oil and makeup.
 

Perfeckt Beauty Lash Perfection Gel:
I haven't tried this yet, but the product description states it is a multi-tasking primer, condition and mascara in one. It's a cute little tube with a full size brush inside.

theBalm Cosmetics:
This little cake blush cam in Hot Mama, a light, natural color. I liked it, gave my cheeks a nice and healthy looking glow. I would definitely use this to brighten up my face for casual everyday looks.

John Varvatos Artisan Eau de Toilette:
I passed this one on to my husband, so am awaiting the scent to waft my way one of these days. But on first smell when you open the vial, it is nice, clean and manly.


I liked this box, had some great products that fit my lifestyle and low maintenance needs. Great month!!

My referral link:  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=glbt8


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Deleting the naughty...with Conscious Box December

Happy Holidays! The boxes are arriving in full swing. This month's Conscious Box is packed full of interesting goodies.

The box is technically $12/month, but they charge a hefty $7.95 shipping fee. I pay less in shipping on most things I order online, so this s&h price bugs me. Conscious Box is actually on my chopping block, mostly because of shipping, but it hasn't been consistent for me either, even though this month was pretty good. I am undecided right now on another month.

 
18 Rabbits Gracious Granola:
I received a single serving size bag in Pecan, Almond and Maple. I am going to enjoy it for breakfast with skim milk tomorrow morning. 

Conscious Ink Manifestation Tattoo:
When I think of temporary tattoos, I think of cartoons or super heroes haphazardly applied to Monkey and Peanuts wrists and forearms. But the one I got, Gratitude, got my wheels turning. I am going to save this for a special night with the hubby, and make it fun, wink wink, and let the gratitude speak for itself.

Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips:
These are corn free, gluten free, non GMO and a great source of protein. Just the right amount of flavor and crunchiness. You can taste the bean for sure. My six year old said "Mmm, tastes like hummus."  First, I love that he knows what hummus is and second, love that he loves it.




Divine Milk Chocolate Bar with Heavenly Spiced Cookies:
This limited edition flavor was certainly heavenly. The chocolate was creamy and the cookie was like a little bite of gingerbread, very appropriate for the holidays. What I like about a richer, heavier flavored chocolate bar is the fact that I eat them much slower, savoring a square at a time. The chocolate is made from fair trade cocoa beans from Kuapa Kokoo in Ghana and their story is printed on the inside of the wrapper.

The GoodOnYa Bar in Peanut Butter Chocolate: 
I am sorry to say, but this was not good at all, in my opinion. It was bitter, gooey and just not for me. 

St. Claire's Organics Ginger Pastilles:
I don't know about you, but ginger candies are spicy to me. But, I love the properties ginger has as a digestif and tummy soother, and I would actually eat one of these after a really heavy or greasy meal. I used ginger tea when I had horrible morning sickness and a lemon ginger tea when I get the flu.

7th Heaven Moroccan Clay Gentle Exfoliating Masque:
Crushed apricot seed and argan shells added to Rhassoul Clay (Moroccan lava clay) gently exfoliates away dead cells to brighten and smooth your facial skin. Just rinse, exfoliate and wash.

Nurturme Dried Organic Baby Food in Sweet Banana:
One packet of this dried baby food mix is equal to a 2.5 oz jar. For older than 6 months it is recommended  mixing 2-3 packets. I didn't know about this stuff when I had babies. It would be convenient for traveling especially.  Since I don't have babies anymore, I will mix it up and give it a taste, maybe for a mid-morning snack!

Yogi Tea:I got two packets of tea, both of which are 100% natural, organic and caffeine free. one tea was Egyptian Licorice, warming and naturally spicy-sweet, the other Ginger, to improve digestion. I don't get excited about drinking ginger tea, but I do it anyway because it really does work to help those tummy troubles. As stated in the ginger candy review, I used ginger tea for my morning sickness.

LemiShine Dishwasher Additive:
This is a detergent additive to remove hard water spots on dishes. I have a water softener, so I don't necessarily need this, but I am giving it a try, because you can never get your dishes too clean in my opinion.

Playful Wash:This little packet of baby cleanser has a cute illustration from Eric Carle of the Hungry Caterpillar. Made with organic calendula and oat extract.

E Boost Daily Health Booster in Orange:
This is a single service packet of an orange flavored drink you just add water to. This one was for energy and immunity with a huge supply of vitamins. 1667% of RDA in fact of vitamin C, 250% of vitamin D and a whopping 41,667% of the RDA of vitamin B12.  I don't know about this extreme of a vitamin intake, I would worry it would make my stomach just burn...I can't decide if I should try it, but if I do, it will be in the morning after a little bit to eat, lol.

Raspberry Chocolate Almond Truebar:
I don't always get excited about these soft, cereal type bars. I like cookie dough, don't get me wrong, but I just don't enjoy the texture and mealiness of these, if that makes sense. But I tend to like the flavor, so I don't know how to get past the other stuff. So, I tried it. It really wasn't that bad. It was more like a soft granola bar rather than a fiber bar, a pleasant surprise. The almonds were practically whole and the chocolate chips were clearly visible with a hint of raspberry that wasn't overpowering.  Pretty good!

Eden Allure Pure Argon Oil from Morocco:
Can be used on the hair and the skin. For the skin, just dab a little and gently rub in until absorbed. For the hair, apply a small amount to the palm of your hand and smooth through before styling for softness and smoothing. I have used this before, and it's nice to have on hand.

Avalon Organics Lipbalm:
I received Soothing Vanilla Rosemary made with essential oils.  I loved the scent and the flavor and i would have never put rosemary with vanilla. But it works together nicely, like summer and gardening in a little tube.



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Deleting the naughty...with Love With Food December

It's holiday season and I am very much looking forward to the subscription boxes this month. Since I am fairly new to this, I haven't received any holiday boxes and I am hoping they all do a little something extra to make them "gifty".

The first to arrive in December: Love With Food. Let's get started.

479 Popcorn in Fleur de Sel (Sea Salt) Caramel:
Oh em goodness, this stuff is happiness in my mouth. Popcorn lightly coated with buttery caramel sprinkled with sea salt. Organic, gluten-free, or artificial flavors and preservatives. I am going to eat the rest when my children are not looking. They have other flavors you can find on their website such as Black Truffle and White Cheddar, Chipotle Caramel and Almonds, Ginger Sesame and Caramel, Pimentòn de La Vera, Madras Curry Coconut and Cashew, Vietnamese Cinnamon and Sugar and Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt. 

Candy Cane Truffles from Kara Chocolates:
This was the first thing I tried. The description said milk chocolate truffle with peppermint center topped with little bits of candy cane. As you can see by the photo, there wasn't really a center of peppermint, it was still chocolate. And, fortunately, or unfortunately, no candy cane bits were to be found. I didn't care. It was still delicious and since I am not actually a fan of canes, no big deal to me. These truffles reminded me of the old mint meltaways I used to sell as a kid for Campfire Girls. Loved them.

Hills Brothers Mocha Mint Cappuccino:
I am not a fan of mocha's or coffee flavors with mint, so I am not the best one to write about this product. I am afraid you are on your own.

Nunes Farms Honey Cinnamon Almonds:
These were pretty good. The nuts were crunchy, not soggy for being bagged. They were lightly salted which mixed nicely with the barely there honey sweetening and cinnamon flavor. I would have liked these more if there was more honey coating, but for the most part I enjoyed them. Plus, almonds are good for you so what's not to enjoy!

Taffy Town Holiday Salt Water Taffy:
 Four of these came in the box. The yellow was Eggnog and it definitely tasted like eggnog. Yum! The white was a Chocolate Rum I guess, but I didn't quite get that. More butterscotchy to me. The green was Spearmint. The pink was, well, I am not sure. A wild guess by Monkey was bubblegum. But I can't say I agree.  Oh well, they were all good! The kids kind of ate them up on me, so I only got a couple bites.

Big Chocolate Dipper Belgian Milk Chocolate Dipped Nutter Butter:
I was so-so on this treat. It tasted good, don't get me wrong, and my kids LOVED it. But this just isn't my kind of chocolate treat, so I took a couple bites and let the kids have the rest. It is wafer-like and covered with nicely flavored chocolate and crunchy bits that I can't quite figure out, not toffee, but something like it. It says it is toasted almonds, but I didn't get that.

Gingerbread Boy from Nikki's Cookies:
My grandpa used to make this molasses gingerbread type cookie cut out with a Spam can, then slathered with a thick white crackly frosting. They were so good. Aunt Sally's he called them. This cookie vaguely reminded me of those childhood Christmases when Grandpa would pull out a huge tupperware container full of the cookies and we would all eat them until they were gone. I like his better, but these were pretty tasty. Very strong ginger flavor, so they stick with you, and the white chocolate coated on the underside of the gingerbread boy was smooth and melty.

Madecasse Chocolate Tasting Square: 
I received two lovely squares of this chocolate, one 63% cocoa, the other milk chocolate. The slogan for this product is "made from bean to bar in Madagascar." It doesn't taste like Hershey's, it is very different, so if that is the kind of chocolate you prefer, you probably wouldn't like this. But, I like it very much. The 63% cocoa tasted very much like real cocoa, slightly sweet and dark. The milk chocolate one reminded me of homemade hot cocoa mix, I swear I could taste all the different notes of it; the milk or dairy aspect, the sweetness and the cocoa, all in its own layers. Very good stuff!

All in all, this was a cute box. It had a holiday feel the whole way through and had a little something for everyone in my family. My favorite? The Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn for sure, second but not by much was the Madecasse Chocolates.


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Deleting the naughty...with the Cravebox "Holiday Spruce Up" Box

The special "Holiday Spruce Up Box" from Cravebox arrived! I wasn't sure what to expect. I was hoping for stuff to just give me a holiday boost. Not so much.

Price: This one was a $13.00 box.

On to the contents:

Oxi Clean Dishwashing Booster:
While this isn't what I would consider a holiday spruce up item, I will certainly try it. I hear good things about Oxi Clean products in general so I am sure this won't disappoint.  This was one of two full size products in the box.

Tide Pods:
This is a little pod filled with a detergent, a stain remover and a brightener in one. You put the pod in first and then add the clothes. It says one pod can be used for most loads. I am guessing they mean not an oversized or an overly small load.

Bissell Stomp 'N Go Stain Lifting Pads:
This only contained one individual pad with Oxy formula, and with the Febreze scent Spring & Renewal. It says it can permanently remove fresh and set in stains. You just open it up, place it on the area, step on the pad and leave it for a half hour. I will report back the next time I have a mess to clean up.

Febreze Set and Refresh Air Freshener:
The tag line for this product is "Replace Your Cone". I got the scent New Zealand Springs. I don't mind it, but I wonder how long it will last, since it says it is great for small to medium sized rooms. You put the cartridge in the container, then move the container up or down to release the scent. No plugging in or batteries used.

This was all for the products included. The rest was a coupon for $2.00 of Biz and $1.00 off Mean Green Cleaner.

Verdict: I wasn't impressed with this box. None of these items are something I would use in a Holiday Spruce Up. So, I have to say thumbs down to this box. The rinse aid will be fine, but the rest are not something I would probably buy down the road.


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Deleting the naughty...with Goodies Co. November

My first Goodies Co. box by Walmart Labs arrived. This is a box that I signed up for while it was in Beta mode. The wait was long, I think I signed up in late September so it took a while to go through the process. I saw a news release that says Goodies Co. has now gone live and is taking subscribers. To sign up, I took a little quiz to find out what kind of a food person I was. I am an Explorer, and got a special badge on my profile.

My first impression?  It's a big box, about the same size as Cravebox. My second impression? I was shorted the delicious looking candy bar...Waah! I didn't get one!! There's a picture of it on the website! But then, I realized...I was an Explorer, so I suppose my box is different than the one shown because of my profile. I wasn't shorted a product, I was given a different one. And other products were different flavors. So in some respects I was disappointed, but in others, I realized that I have a bit more of an adventurous side and like to try something new. So, I am not sure what to think because I am truly bummed about a couple of things, and will mention why in the product review. My third impression? For being one of the first subscribers I received a really sturdy, simple farmer's market bag with the Goodies Co. logo on it. I use these bags constantly, so I appreciated the nice touch.

This month's box was focused on entertaining made simple, with products that are easy.

Oogie's Gourmet Popcorn:
Yay! I got the white cheddar flavor! This product also comes in others, like chili con queso and movie theater butter. All natural with no cholesterol, trans-fat or gluten, is Non GMO corn and whole grain. There is nothing not to love about this snack! My husband is a popcorn whisperer. He can make a batch of fresh popcorn popped on the stove in hot sauce, then add the perfect amount of salt to make it addictive, and no butter added, so no popcorn will ever be as good as that. But for a pre-package, pre-popped treat, this is a great substitute.

The Lazy Baker All Natural Cookie Mix:
I received the Brown Sugar Pecan Shortbread flavor. I think this sounds delicious! At first I was really jealous about not getting the candy bar everyone else seemed to get, but I am over it. The story behind this product is that as a little girl, the creator loved to bake with her grandma, but didn't like to do all the prep involved, so her grandma would get all the ingredients ready and she would say "Where's my Lazy Baker?" The little girl, Gina, comes running and just dumps all the ingredients in. These cookies will be perfect to make with Peanut...she loves to be in the kitchen with me but sometimes it is a real challenge because she's a very independent "I can do it myself" kind of girl. I can't wait to make these with her! All you have to add is softened butter. That's it. Put them in a muffin tin and you are done!

Flourless Bliss Pumpkin Souffle Mix:
All natural and gluten-free, this easy kit has everything you need to make a souffle, except an egg, half and half and butter. This wouldn't be a challenge for me since I usually have those three things on hand almost always, but just to be clear, it does not have everything you need. Other people got a chocolate souffle kit, which I would have preferred...but I need to keep in mind I am an Explorer, right?

Lotus Bakeries Smooth Biscoff Spread:
You know those little cookies you get on a flight instead of pretzels or peanuts? This is those...all ground up into a spread that tastes a little like caramel. It's not good for you at all, made of flour, sugar, oil, more sugar, oil and more sugar. But, for a decadent little treat, the suggestion of fruit slices, like apples, is slightly redeeming and a hit with the kiddos.

Bobbysue's Nuts:
I got the original flavor, a sweet and cinnamon taste with a nut mix of almonds, cashews and pecans. I really liked them, especially cashews. Not too full of sugar, but has enough and you can taste the cinnamon without it being overpowering. And what's even better, Bobbysue's has a mission, where a portion of every dollar goes toward building a shelter for homeless animals.

Bigelow Tea:
I received Eggnogg'n, a black and green tea blend made to taste like creamy eggnog. Ingredients besides the black and green tea include natural eggnog flavor and cinnamon. It's not bad. I added some half and half and was a nice afternoon treat on the wintry day!

American Vintage Wine Biscuits:
These are round melba-toast like little biscuits made with real wine. My package was white wine, shallot and cayenne flavor. They didn't come with a spread or a cheese, so not sure what to eat these with. I am going to try some Laughing Cow and see how that tastes. I will update.

Verdict: Not a bad box for the buck. I enjoyed almost all the products and so did my kids. Looking forward to the next one!

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Deleting the naughty...with Beauty Box 5 November

Yay! Beauty Box 5 day! This is my second box with this company. As I wrote in a previous blog, I wasn't all that interested in what I received in my first shipment. The items just didn't pertain to my lifestyle. So, I am super excited to see if the game has changed or if we are still lackluster.

This box is now in direct competition with Birchbox (also affectionately known by its long time subscribers as BB) for me, since my invitation and spot to subscribe came, and I will need to pick one or the other, for what my budget allows.

So, game on. Excite me, entice me and be useful to me, the winner gets my loyalty.

On to the contents:

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion:
I am very familiar with this product. I have used the gentle facial cleanser in the past, and I have many friends who swear by this product. I am not opposed to using it again, but am kind of a Clinique Facial Wash junkie right now.  What I love about Cetaphil is that is in the most widely lauded sensitive skin care product that I know. The lotion is no exception and I don't hesitate to use it on my 4 year old daughter who has been cursed with eczema. This is nice to use on the other parts of her skin that aren't affected by eczema, because I know it is gentle and fragrance free.

Envie De Nuef Eye Mask:
This little packet contains one platinum lineless eye mask. The description on the packet says it is a comprehensive eye treatment providing option nutrition and hydration. Containing colloidal platinum, peptides and squalane (whatever that is), it lifts wrinkles and fine lines, reduce puffiness and bags and lightens dark circles. I am very excited to try this, because my 40 year old face needs some lifting and reducing. I am going to try this after I wash and tone my face. It doesn't say the best time to do it, but bedtime works for me, as that is when I have more time to myself. A full size purchase of these rings in at a pricey $30 for 10, to be used once or twice a week.

Global Goddess Upgrade Complexion Face Primer:
I got two packets of this. You can use it alone or before makeup. I have freckles, wrinkles and some of those brown spots you get during pregnancy and I don't use a base foundation, so it would have to be a stand alone product that doesn't turn my face that white pasty look you can sometimes get with primer, but even out all those mild blemishes. It contains pearlescent pigments to brighten and create a glow. Containing vitamins A and E and licorice extract, it is supposed to nourish the skin giving it a silky finish, while antioxidants protect.

Swagger Eye Shadow:
I was the lucky recipient of an eyeshadow pot in what I can only guess is "Dirty Martini." The pot itself is not labeled but it is kind of brownish-bronze and very metallic looking. It goes on very dark so I would only use it on my lower lid line. I will use it though, mostly for nights out. It wouldn't be a day to day going to the office look for a conservative company.

Model Co Ultra Shine Lip Gloss:
This is a full size product in the color "Strip Tease."  I really like this color, it's soft, light and very natural, giving my lips the natural healthy color of just having well, you know...got a work out, as you can see. Please ignore my wrinkles. The gloss is smooth, went on easily and isn't sticky. It's also got a sweet little mirror on the side of the tube, which makes applying a fresh coast a breeze, and versatile in the little tiny going out on the town clutch with just the necessities.

Verdict: I was very excited to try all these products actually, especially the eye mask, so this was a good month for me. I wouldn't purchase any of these products, with the exception of the cetaphil without sampling first, so the box was a success.

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Deleting the naughty...with Birchbox November

The long awaited Birchbox has arrived! I am anxious to see what's inside, since reviews of Birchbox as a whole have been a mixed bag. They do things a bit differently than other sub boxes in that they have you fill out a beauty profile as to what kind of a makeup person you are, and then I guess they send out some 30 different boxes with different products in them to match your profile.

Price: $10/month and free shipping.

This month's box was about giving. Inside was a special box envelope that you fill with a little gift. There were options printed on the side you could check, Because and P.S. and there were cute sayings on it.

Here are the products I received in my very first box:

SoyJoy Snack Pack:
This is a baked whole soy and fruit bar in Cranberry. Advertised as moist and fruity, the bar is made with whole soy, real fruit, gluten free with 0g trans fats. The bar is ok. I wouldn't say it was all that moist, it seemed dry to me. The flavor was good, but I don't foresee myself going out and buying them voluntarily. 

Archipelago Pomegranate Body Soap:
This was a 1.8 oz sample size bar of a gentle triple-milled soap with white tea, cranberry and chamomile extracts and pomegranate to act as antioxidants. Pomegranate is said to repair cell damage and encourage collagen production. I like the scent, it is not fruity like you'd think, but soft and a bit floral, the white tea and chamomile stand out. Very gentle and rinses off nicely. I am old fashioned and I love to use the exotic bar soaps.

Model Co Fibre LashXtend Mascara:
This is the second Model Co product I received this month, getting the lip gloss in the Beauty Box 5 November box. This is another mascara on the market that creates the illusion of longer eyelashes with the tiny fibers mixed into the mascara. I received Extreme Black. I don't normally wear heavy mascara, but as I've gotten older my eyes need a little pick-me-up. I didn't think I would want to  use this as my everyday mascara, but I actually really like it. It didn't get all clumpy, went on smooth and provided enough length to still look natural for me with one coat. The black gave a nice line to my eyes that made them pop. Bonus? This also had a mirror on the side of the tube, just like the lip gloss. Another regular addition to my purse!

Mox Botanicals Lip Butter:
This little lip butter pot was in pomegranate and fig. Made in Portland, OR, this product contains avocado oil and shea butter. It smells really good, light and fruity, but has no flavor to it. Just natural. You can never have enough lip stuff, especially with the cold weather working its way in.

Lulu Organics Hair Powder:
I have never used a dry hair powder before. You take a dime sized amount and work it through the roots of your hair, then brush it through. This is supposed to lift day old hair and revive it. I got the scent lavender and clary sage. It smells really nice. I don't know if this product would work for me though. I have naturally curly hair, and if you know anything about curls, you can't really comb through that kind of hair. It turns to frizz and you look like a lion. But, for a quick oil absorber, then pop hair into a bun or pony, it would work well.

Verdict: I saw reviews of some of the other boxes that people got and I was happy with most of my products. But I will be honest, I was a little jealous and very disappointed that I didn't receive the Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture & Volume Spray, as that seems more of a fit for curly hair than dry powder, seriously...so I don't know that they actually read the profiles and match you with the products that fit you. So all in all, I will use 3 out of the 5 products. I didn't receive 6 like some. Come on BB, send me some Blandi!!

Referral link:  https://www.birchbox.com?raf=glbt8

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Deleting the naughty...with Cravebox Knorr "Ultimate Thanksgiving" November

Happy Thanksgiving!  I was the lucky recipient of the Knorr sponsored "Ultimate Thanksgiving" Cravebox. This company is currently going through some changes with how they are doing the boxes, and I am not sure if they are doing subscriptions anymore. I joined and was waitlisted, but then there were special edition boxes that you could sign up to win but still pay for, which I did.  If you are selected, they automatically charge your payment method whatever the rate is for that box, this one was $14. On to the products:

Knorr Homestyle Stock:
The product I received for this was the chicken flavored stock, and it was one of the little cups. I have used this product before and actually have some in my cupboard, and it does taste good. I add it to soups if I don't have a homemade broth in mind.  I have to be honest, though...For this being a box sponsored by Knorr, that is all you got from their label...one little tub of the broth, not even a whole package, which makes no sense to me because you wouldn't have enough to make a whole pot of soup with only one. 

Pillsbury Grands Biscuits:
There was a coupon for one free can of grands biscuits. Most people are familiar with these, so I won't go into detail. I personally like the buttery, flaky ones. You can peel apart the biscuit layer by layer, smothering it with butter. I like 'em!

DelMonte Whole Green Beans:
Canned green beans are canned green beans. I am one of those green bean casserole junkies, the cheesier and onion-ier (is that a word?) the better.

McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix:
I have never used a gravy mix. I am weird. I actually love the process of making gravy and I think I'm good at it. A person should be able to eat gravy as it's own side dish, or like soup. A woman I know has a great hot turkey sandwich recipe...after you take the turkey off the bone and its all pulled, add an packet of turkey gravy mix and a can of chicken broth, stir and voila, a thick juicy turkey sandwich that is already in gravy. So good. We eat it at church potlucks.

Duncan Hines Frosting and Flavor Mix-In:
I have seen these on the shelf at the store for a little while now. I am not opposed to using canned frosting, I use the chocolate kind. But I don't use a lot of artificially colored products. I think these would be fine if you used them, but the packet of strawberry shortcake flavor does contain Red #40 and Blue #2.  I avoid Red #40 as much as possible because I personally think it's just plain bad for you. I wish companies would stop using food coloring all together or use natural coloring. My kids don't care what color something is, they just want it to taste good...at least my kids anyway.

Brookside Dark Chocolate Covered Pomegranate:
I think these are the star of the box. I absolutely LOVE these. They remind me of one of the chocolates in Brach's Bridge Mix, the one that the inside is a jelly? Do you know which one I mean? I am kind of leaning toward not sharing these or putting them in the snack bowl for Thanksgiving.  Is that wrong?

Verdict: The box is ok. I think Knorr could have sold themselves better, from a marketing standpoint. But those little chocolate bits...5 stars! I was notified that I won a Holiday Spruce Up Cravebox, coming shortly so I am stoked about that...not about cleaning my house.


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Deleting the naughty...with Conscious Box November

My first actual Conscious Box, outside of the Super Magical Mystery Box, has finally arrived.

A monthly subscription to this is $12.00 plus $7.95 shipping for a total cost of $19.95.

The theme of this months box is "Express Appreciation, focusing on giving thanks for everything both big and small, and find way to express your appreciation..." Also, noted by posts on Facebook, it is Conscious Box's one year anniversary and the promise of an extra special box.

I was a little unsure of this one, mostly because the mystery box contained very few items that were of interest to me or my lifestyle. I am a mom of two kids, and a box full of workout energy boost sport drinks and protein shakes doesn't do a thing for me or my lifestyle, so I was disappointed. I was hoping this one would be a lot better. On to the products:

Lush Nuts:
This package was .8 oz of handcrafted, sweetly coated peanuts in Dark Cocoa Chili. With no preservatives or artificial flavors the ingredients were few and simple, peanuts, sugar, dark cocoa, chili and sea salt. I don't typically like chili flavors mixed with sweet, so this will be a taste adventure for me. Pretty tasty! They were crunchy on the outside, like a hard candy shell of cocoa, you could taste real cocoa. Th peanut inside was big, and lightly salted, and the chili spice lingered a little but wasn't painful or overpowering. I was thinking it would be an odd combination, but I get the appeal of mole, the Mexican flavor, now. Hubby, who loves all things crunch and spicy, ate the majority of these and loved them.

Justin's Organic Peanut Butter Cups:
This is the first thing I tried. I love peanut butter cups, so my husband and I were both anxious to try them. The package contained 2 cups. They were pretty good, the chocolate is harder than other name brand pb cups, and had a real cocoa taste. The peanut butter inside was very good too, it wasn't oily and more natural tasting. I buy peanut butter that is JUST peanut butter, with no added sugars, just peanuts so I like the flavor of the real stuff. I enjoyed them. My husband preferred the peanut butter more than the chocolate and the kids, of course, loved them, irregardless of what brand these were.

L'Ecuyer's Gourmet Caveman Rub
I am excited to try this product. Ingredients are ancho chili pepper, sea salt, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, oregano, white pepper and cayenne pepper. There is a recipe on the inside to give an idea for how to use this, but it is for potatoes. Frankly, I am not going to waste this mix on potatoes, and we are planning to rub a nice, fatty chuck eye steak with it and whip up some fresh pico de gallo and guacamole for fajitas of some sort. YUM! I wanted to get this review posted so I will update.
 
SweetLeaf Sweat Drops Sweetener:
I received the Vanilla Creme flavor. Sweet Drops is a sugar free stevia based sweetener. You add 5 drops to 8 oz of liquid, such as coffee, tea, smoothies, protein shakes or any recipe. I don't know how you would use this in recipes necessarily as a sugar substitute, but I can see it in quick breads and using it instead of vanilla sometimes. I am a purist, and don't sweeten any drinks. I like my ice tea plain and my coffee natural with a touch of cream, so I would never use this. But my husband is going to love it and so would my father-in-law. It's all theirs and I hope they enjoy it.

Simply Organic:
I received a jar of minced onions. I have used these before and they are great in a pinch. I sometimes throw it into a recipe that needs quick cooking. I usually chop up the organic onions I get from our CSA and freeze them raw in gallon size bags and tend to run out before I get fresh ones. It will come in handy for quick stuff like burgers and meatloaf, etc.

Bloomers:
I received a package of Organic Snow Peas. I love peas, and have grown them in my garden before with some success, as long as I can keep the rabbits away. My kids love going out to the garden and eating right from the vine, whether it be grape tomatoes, peas, strawberries or whatever I planted that year. This will be fun to do with the kids. Obviously, since it is November and nearly freezing here, we will not be planting til spring, so if I remember to update, I will. :)

Freekeh Grains:
The description on the package is really interesting. "Freekeh is a process which means to rub, in Arabic. Freekeh was created by accident nearly 2,000 years ago when a middle eastern village was attacked and their crop of young green wheat was set ablaze. The crafty villagers rubbed off the chaff and cooked it up."  Loaded with protein and fiber, this low-fat ancient grain is as easy to cook as rice. Use just like any grain - soups, pilafs, salads or just about anything else. I like quinoa, so I think this will be good stuff!

Pamela’s Baking & Pancake Mix:
A wheat-free, gluten-free pancake mix made from brown rice flour, white rice flour, buttermilk, almond meal and other starches. This is not a complete mix and needs egg, water and oil added to it, but not much so it is an easy enough recipe.


Organic India Tulsi Tea:
I have never heard of this brand and I am excited to try it. I had to look up what Tulsi is, because it is not referred to as tea leaves, so to speak, but it steeped like a tea. The Tulsi leaves are called holy basil in the west, and a principal herb of Ayurveda health. It is referred to as the incomparable one. It is supposed to reduce stress, support the immune system, balance metabolism, aid digestion and uplift mood. The first package is Original Caffeine-Free and the second is Tulsi Green tea, a blend of tulsi and green tea, and is caffeinated. It is ok to add sweetener but is best consumed without milk.
 
Teeccino:
Description: Non-acidic and containing the prebiotic inulin, Teeccino rebalances the negative effects of coffee. Made from organic carob, barley chicory, ramon seeds and natural coffee flavor, this product claims to deliver the same enjoyment of coffee without the caffeine and acidity. The large package I received is Maya Chocolate, a lush dark roast with velvet chocolate and a hint of chili heat. This one you can brew in your coffee pot, just like coffee. The other two packages were French Roast and Hazelnut, and these are in "tee bags", and you steep them in hot water just like tea. I have to say, I could not get into these. I opened one up and the smell alone turned me off. This isn't my thing. But kudos to those who like them, I am sure it is way healthier!

BONUS ITEM! Avalon Organics Lip Balm or Rare Hawaiian Organic White Honey:
I, for some reason, did not receive either one of these bonus items. I don't know what the rules were for the item, but I am disappointed, as I would have like one of these two products more than any item I got in the box this month.

I am going to see if customer service responds, and give this box one more month. I think 3 boxes is a fair shake. I know that some people say you shouldn't complain and that it's a mixed bag with these, but quite honestly, this box costs a little more. While it is only $12, you still pay shipping, and at $7.95, I expect all my items to be in the box if I am paying the same price for shipping as everyone else. These aren't just free samples, I am paying for them, so I don't think it is wrong to expect the same items and such as everyone else. That's all folks!

Update: Customer service got back to me and told me the people who got the bonus items were those who were active on their facebook, liked their page, etc.  I've written about them twice, free publicity on pinterest, etc. Oh well, I'm new. :)

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