FabKids August 2013

Rating: Like It!!!
Cost: $39.95/month

I received my trial outfit from FabKids that I ordered with the coupon in my Citrus Lane box. I knew what outfit I was getting, because I picked it out. But it's still a surprise to see the packaging and I really enjoy that! It came in a cute pink box with the FabKids logo. The inside of the box was even better. Cute pink stars everywhere!

Below is what I received:

The clothes were packaged in plastic and there wasn't any tissue paper or any other filler (not that it is necessary for clothing) But it does make the package feel a little more special. I always think of whether I would send these subscriptions as a gift, and packaging is very important to me in that respect.

The dress was very cute! The black and white stripes are a little dizzying, but I think it will be fine. The material is soft and feels comfy for my daughter, but I was hoping there would be a little more stretch. There is also a cute red zipper down the back. It doesn't fit her now, because she is quite small for her age, but I'm hoping it will fit in the winter or next spring. She's going to love twirling around in this dress!

The blue leggings are a very nice color and feel extremely comfy. I love putting her in really soft and comfortable clothes she can play in, that still look stylish. So, this outfit is perfect! I can't wait until it fits her.

The red headband is a cute accessory with the outfit, but I think it might irritate her when she wears it. I tend to get a headache when I wear those types of headbands, so I probably won't put it on her and expect her to wear it all day.

I liked the quality of these pieces and would consider trying it out for a few months if the items fit my daughter now. It is a little pricey if she never ends up fitting into the clothes. 

Have you tried FabKids? What do you think???

Birchbox August 2013

Rating: Love it!!!!
Cost: $10/month

I'm new to Birchbox and August was my first box! Birchbox provides samples of beauty items each month and then you are able to buy full size products in their online shop. I was very excited to try this box, because my beauty routine could really use some sprucing up!

I wasn't sure what to expect. The shipping seemed to take awhile, but it arrived the day it was projected to, so I wasn't disappointed. The box was quite small, but I didn't expect it to be large. Everything was nicely packaged in a brown Birchbox box with pink tissue paper. (I really liked the zigzag line detail on the inside of the box)

Below is what I received.

The theme for the August box was Finishing School. Enclosed was a card explaining the theme and on the back was the samples I received and the full size product costs. (Very nice touch!) A couple items came in a smaller blue Birchbox box. It made the box more interesting to open! (A surprise within a surprise)

The first item that caught my eye was nail polish. I received Birchbox + Color Club Nail Polish in Reign in Spain. It's a really fun and bright coral color and the pictures do not do it justice! It's bright like a highlighter and I'm really into anything coral right now, so this was the perfect product for me. Plus I always love a new nail polish! It painted on nicely and had great coverage, so it didn't need multiple coats. I'll be wearing this for awhile to test it out!

One of the items in the smaller Birchbox blue box was a sample of Coola SPF 45 Sport Sunscreen - Mango. It's sweat-proof and water resistant and I've never tried a mango scented sunscreen before, so I'm very interested to take a whiff of it! I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to this weekend. I'll let you know how I like it.

I really liked this sunscreen. The scent was fantastic, reminded me of umbrella drinks and beautiful sandy beaches! It also was a good consistency and blended in well without leaving a white film. It worked well on a hot day. My only complaint is that the sample was only one application. I would have liked it to be a couple, so I could try it more than once before deciding to purchase.

The other sample included in the smaller Birchbox blue box was Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Cream SPF 45+. Frankly, when I saw this I was very nervous to try it. All the BB creams I've tried in the past felt heavy on my skin and I ended up taking them off within an hour. (I'm not really a foundation kind of girl) I also didn't see a color for this sample, and I was worried it would be too dark for my skin tone, because I am very pale. I squeezed a bit on my finger and it looked very dark, but I decided to give it a whirl! I blended it all over my face and expected to see a distinct line, but there was none. And it felt very light, like I wasn't wearing anything on my face at all. My skin is also quite oily, so I expected it to bother my skin. I checked my face mid day and it still looked really nice. It still felt like I had nothing on my skin and it wasn't oily looking. Perfection! I wore it the entire day and never felt like I was wearing any make-up. My skin looked like my skin, just a little better. I'm going to try this entire sample to see how I feel, but I sense my first purchase coming on!!!

The next sample was Jasmine Seven Fresh Feet Wipes. I've never seen or heard of anything like this. Wipes for your feet! I was ready to try them! They had a very nice peppermint scent, which was refreshing. So, I wiped my feet and that was it. They worked well and my feet felt clean and refreshed, but no miracles occurred with one use. (Haha) I think they'd be nice to use after a day at the beach or a day on your feet. They were interesting, but probably not something I would purchase for myself.

The final product I'm very excited to try. It's Uniq One Hair Treatment, a leave in treatment with 10 benefits for smoother, shinier, and healthier hair. I currently use It's a 10 Miracle Hair Treatment, which sounds very similar. I'm anxious to see how the two compare, but I haven't had the chance to try it yet. (Routine got in the way and I sprayed my normal stuff in my hair after showering)

This is not for me. The first turn off was the scent. It was horrible! Two things came to mind when I sprayed it. The scent of perm solution and the very strong, unattractive perfume old women wear. I almost washed my hair immediately because I couldn't stand the smell, but I decided to give it a try. I have fine hair and this product was too heavy for my hair. It made it look greasy and gross. I did not notice any of the benefits it promised, but it may work better on thicker hair. I will be sticking with It's a 10 Miracle Hair Treatment, but I'm happy I had the chance to try this.

I am very happy with the samples I received! The one product I was nervous to try, may end up being one of my favorites. That's exactly what I was hoping for by subscribing to this box. It will allow me to try products that I wouldn't normally pick for myself and I hopefully will end up with some SPECTACULAR additions to my beauty routine! I'm looking forward to the September box already!

Do you get Birchbox? What products have you loved??? 

Citrus Lane August 2013

Rating: Lifer!!!!!

Cost $25/month

My 14 month old daughter's Citrus Lane box came yesterday! I was so excited to see this month's box, because it was a back to school theme. Even though my little one is not close to going to school yet, last year's back to school box was my favorite, so I couldn't wait to see this years. It definitely didn't disappoint. 

The picture below shows what we received in our August Citrus Lane Box.

This month my daughter was so excited to see the Crocodile Creek playground ball that was included. It is a 5" rubber ball that's pink with a super cute pony print! My daughter immediately pulled it out of the box and started rolling it around the living room and giggled at it. So cute! The toys she receives from her Citrus Lane boxes are always her favorites, and she plays with them more than anything else. 

To go along with the ball, we received a bowling ball activity. The pins are labeled 1, 2, 3 on one side, and A, B, C on the other side. We are going to have fun trying to knock them down with the ball. She laughs so hard when things fall over, so this will be a very fun game for her!

The next item was All Natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes from CleanWell. These are perfect, because we all know how messy a 14 month old can be. I'm sure we'll put these to the test and the orange vanilla scent is very nice!

We also received Mighty Shield Bug Repellent Lotion from Episencial. I can't wait to try this! Bugs love baby's soft delicate skin, so I'm hoping this will really ward them off. She loves the outdoors, so this was a fun product to see included in our box!

The next product was Adhesive Bandages from Ouchies Jr. We received the Olivia the pig designs, which are completely adorable! I'm hoping we don't need to use these often, but when we do maybe they'll make it hurt a bit less for her. And they're 100% latex free, which I'm excited about!

We received the book Octopus Opposites from Barefoot Books. My daughter loves looking at books! (Usually holding them upside down) This one is so cute with bright colored pictures and the pages are really thick, so it is perfect for her age. I have a feeling this may be her new favorite book!

There was also a special offer included in the box for a free trial offer from FabKids, which is a clothing subscription for children. As a Citrus Lane subscriber we received a code for a free outfit! ($39.95 value) FabKids starts at size 2T and goes up to a size 12. My daughter is still a bit small, but will probably fit in 2T in the winter or spring, so I decided to check out the website to see if I could find something that she might be able to wear later. (If not my niece was going to get a free outfit) But when I checked out the website there were so many cute outfits and I couldn't resist! I purchased an outfit for my little one, that we will save for later. I posted the picture of what I chose below. I'll do the review in a separate post once we receive it. (I wish the dress I chose for her came in my size) So cute!

I loved EVERYTHING in this box! We continue to receive amazing products month after month that always get so much use. I can't wait to see next month's box!!!

Use the below link to save $10 on your subscription to Citrus Lane

https://www.citruslane.com/invitedby/citrus.lane.608542

What are your thoughts about Citrus Lane? Please comment below...

Golden Tote July 2013

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $49 or $149/month

My Golden Tote for July finally arrived. I was a bit disappointed with the shipping process this month. I received an email after I thought my purchase had shipped asking if I minded if they shipped it without the tote because they were waiting on an order of them. I was hoping to get my tote before I left for vacation, so I told them they could ship it. They shipped it shortly after, but it didn't come before I left for vacation. But it did give me something to look forward to when I came home from vacation!

I ordered the $149 tote this month and I won't show you the packaging because all the items were packaged in a brown box, since I didn't receive the tote bag. Here is the first item I chose.

The Chevron dress by Collective Concepts is my favorite item in the box. This fits perfect and is exactly what I was hoping for. I can't wait to wear it! Below is the style card that was included showing how to wear the dress 4 ways.

The next item I chose was the Eiffel Tower blouse by Under Skies. This blouse has really nice gold buttons on the shoulders and wrists and an elastic waistband, which makes it looks pulled together without having to tuck it in. It drapes very nicely and the print is black and red, which looks very classic.

Below is the style card that was included showing how to wear the blouse 4 ways.

The next item I received was a tank by Collective Concepts. I really like the fit of this! I wasn't too sure about the print because it is a bit colorful, but I think it will fit into my wardrobe nicely and look adorable with skinny jeans and flats.

The next item is a light grey sweater by Under Skies with an open weave. I think this will transition easily into fall. It has a nice easy fit and is very comfortable!

I received a blue patterned t-shirt by Puella. This shirt has a very easy fit and was comfortable when I put it on. I can't wait to wear it with a flirty skirt! I really like when Puella items are included as surprise items. They are always my favorite pieces in the tote!

The next item I received was a black skirt with a blue/orange waistband detail by Potter's Pot. And this is the first piece from everything I have received from Golden Tote that I wasn't crazy about. It fits great, but it is just not my style. When I had it on I felt like another person and wasn't sure how I would style it or where I would ever wear it. Only disliking 1 item from all the totes I've ordered is not bad at all. And I was able to find a forum on Makeup Talk that you can trade Golden Tote items with others. Check it out here if you're interested http://www.makeuptalk.com/t/137162/golden-tote-trade-list I have the below skirt listed in a size small for trade if you have anything from Golden Tote you weren't crazy about and would like to trade.

The below bobby pins by bando were my extra item for being one of the first 75 customers to order the July tote. They are super cute!

As usual I am very pleased with my Golden Tote! In August the website has made some changes to their sales. Instead of holding week long sales once a month they are holding month long sales and plan on posting new picks for the totes early in the month. The next tote sale will start Sept 3rd. So there is still time to order if you like what I received! But sizes are limited and items have been selling out quickly.

Have you shopped Golden Tote? What do you think?

Popbasic Serendipity (August 2013 Collection)

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $70

My Popbasic Serendipity Micro Collection arrived and I was so excited to open it! I already knew what I would be receiving, so the surprise factor wasn't there, but I was anxious to check out the quality and fit of the items. The box it was shipped in was so adorable! I love the Popbasic logo and the box has their logo on top and stripes of colors on the sides. Also, the shipping was much quicker than I expected. They ship USPS and I received my package to the East Coast from the West Coast in 2-3 days.

Here's what I received in the box:

The packaging and little extras made me so happy when I opened the box. The dress was packaged in plastic and the bracelets were all inside a black pouch with the Popbasic logo sticking out the top. So cute! There was a style card with suggestions of different ways to wear the dress and accessories. There was also a handwritten note and some Popbasic logo stickers. I LOVE them!!! Below is a closer look at the items:

The Basic Little Black Dress is adorable. I was worried about the sizing because I thought it might run very small, but I ordered my regular size and it fit perfect! It is a very easy dress to wear and can be dressed up or down based on the occasion. All items are the Popbasic brand and I wasn't sure what the quality would be, but it seems like a very well made dress. It has pockets, which I love! For some reason I always tend to buy dresses with pockets. (You never know when you're going to want to stash some cash, but don't feel like carrying anything with you.)

The Rose Gold Bangle is very pretty. I love rose gold, so I was very happy that this was included in the collection. It is nice quality and it will be getting a lot of wear, because it goes with EVERYTHING!

The Forget Me Knot Bracelets are AMAZING! I really, really like them all. Two are white rope and two are tan rope. They are adjustable with an extension chain. I have small wrists and they fit perfect on the smallest link. I'm looking forward to wearing these alone or together every day for the rest of the summer!

The surprise gift was a Protect your Pumps product. These are adhesive sheets to use on the bottom of your shoes to protect the soles from scuff marks, scratches, dirt & grime, and wear & tear. I think this product warrants the purchase of new Christian Louboutins to try them out!!! 

I also had to show the adorable Popbasic stickers included! They are a small size and I want to put them on everything! They really made me smile when they fell out of the envelope with the handwritten note.

I am very happy with everything in this collection and the attention to detail of the packaging. It felt like a special present as I opened everything up! I will definitely be purchasing from Popbasic in the future. The Popbasic Serendipity Micro Collection is still available, but I believe they have sold out in size medium and large. They do have extra small and small available. The sale ends when it is sold out!!!

Have you tried Popbasic? What are your thoughts?

Umba Box August 2013

Rating: Not for Me!
Cost: $25/month

My August Umba Box arrived and the box was white this month instead of brown and slightly larger than the previous two months. I was excited to see what was inside! The picture below shows what I received.

Here's a closer look at what I got. The first item was a notebook from Purple Pear Designs. It has a nice black and red chevron pattern on the front and back cover and plain white paper inside. It is a fairly thin notebook. I'm not sure what I will use it for, but I'm sure I'll find a use or maybe I'll gift it to someone who has a need for it. 

The other item in the box was a key chain from Heartfelt. The key chain has 3 trees stamped into the metal. It is a nice quality key chain, but I really only carry my car key, so I don't have a need for a key chain. I will have to find another use for this! I looked at this artist's website and she has some really amazing jewelry and most of it can be customized. Some of my favorites were the sweet pea necklace and broken heart bracelet. She also has decor and wedding items, such as cake toppers. So cute!!! I might be purchasing some gifts from her in the future!

This box was a bit underwhelming to me. I don't think I will be renewing my Umba Box subscription. I'm happy I found some new websites to shop from and great gifts for some people that are normally hard to buy for, so it was worth a try!

What do you think about Umba Box? 

Umba Box Contest

The Coasters I won from the Umba Box Contest came in the mail yesterday! I was so excited to open them!!! At first glance they were packaged nicely, like the monthly Umba Box subscription. 

I thought the coasters would be all different patterns and colors like the picture that was posted on Facebook, but they were all the same. So, I received 10 orange patterned letterpress coasters. They are nice, but I really liked the blue and green patterned coasters in the picture. I can't complain because I won them and I'm very excited about that!!! Just thought the picture was a bit misleading. They are nice quality coasters and I'm not sure if I will keep them for myself or gift them. The orange does not really go with my decor, unfortunately.

Have you won anything from subscription boxes? What are your thoughts?

Popbasic August 2013

My next addiction is going to be Popbasic. I just stumbled upon them by reading other blogs and love their concept. It's not a subscription, but they offer a 3 piece micro collection sale monthly. You are not locked into buying each month, but I expect to be purchasing most months.

The newest micro collection called Serendipity is coming soon (probably opening next week, according to their Facebook page). I'm really looking forward to it. Leading up to the sale they post preview pictures on their social media sites and a video showcasing the products you'll receive. It's usually one basic item you can wear with everything and then a few accessories or other clothing pieces as pop items! For August they are offering a little black dress. You always need a little black dress that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion!

I LOVE this dress! Looks super easy to wear and comfy. I'm worried it may be a bit short, but leggings or tights will fix that! The bracelets are the other items included in the limited edition micro collection for August. I'll show close up pictures below. The price of this micro collection has not been disclosed yet, but the collections are between $50-$100. They also provide worldwide shipping for free!

I am so excited about the rope bracelets, especially the knot one! And rose gold is one of my favorite metals, so the bangle is sure to be a favorite! I love the versatility of all the items you would receive. I could see myself wearing these bracelets alone, together, and with EVERYTHING! If you opt to purchase, you will receive the three-piece micro collection with a beauty or lifestyle surprise. The reviews I've read of past collections sound great, so I'm definitely going to try this collection! Hopefully it doesn't sell out of my size before I'm able to purchase, since they don't announce exactly when the sale will start ahead of time.

Has anyone purchased past collections from Popbasic? What did you think?

Golden Tote July 2013

The Golden Tote sale for July started July 22 and I could not resist this month. I know I said I wanted the Puella Swing Dress that I received in a spoiler email last month, and this item was offered for July. But I loved EVERYTHING that you could choose from! The most difficult part was only choosing 2 items. And buying the $49 tote this month was not an option, because I fell in LOVE with the below dress and completely NEEDED it!!! It was only offered in the $149 tote.

I was so worried the above dress would sell out that I woke up at midnight PST when the sale opened to make sure I could get it in my size before it was gone. So I set my alarm (it was 3AM, where I am) when the sale started and I quickly added this dress to my tote. The next item I chose was the below blouse with a cute Eiffel Tower print! LOVE IT!!!

Then on July 22nd, when the Pacific Coast is just waking up (noonish where I am) the Golden Tote Facebook site announced that the first 75 customers would receive a super cute bobbi pin set. So...it totally made it worth it to wake up at 3AM to buy my tote, because I was one of the first 75 customers! Yay!!!!

I'm so excited to get this tote (more excited than any other month's before), because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the items I chose!!! My tote should arrive soon and I will review the products above and all the extras as soon as I get it! They extended this sale and also received replenishment in the above items, so they are still available if you NEED them like I did! Buy it soon though, I'm not sure when they will be ending this month's sale. If you do miss the sale you can also buy these items, plus other really great pieces and jewelry in their boutique!

What do you LOVE about Golden Tote? Leave your comments below...