Quilty Box November 2013

Rating: Like It!!!
Cost: $38.95/month plus $5.95 shipping

I bought my mother a 3 month subscription to Quilty Box for Christmas and I will be posting what she receives. The November theme was time and I had no idea what to expect. This is what she got. (I didn't see a sheet with everything that was enclosed, so I'll do my best to tell you what was in it)

The fabric this month made sense with the theme of time. It was a 2014 calendar fabric and there was also fabric included for another project to make a zippered pouch. Both were very nice quality.

Also included was thread with six different colors. It matches the projects very nicely.

Sweet Dreams 100% Cotton Stuffing was included that is needed to complete the projects.

The extra item was adorable magnets. This picture is horrible (sorry). One says Keep Calm and Quilt On, one says Press to Impress, and one says Get Quilty. They are so cute and I'm sure any quilter would love them!

There were three different size zippers in magenta, white, and turquoise included. I loved the colors of these!

These are clips to help with holding the binding for sewing. They can be used instead of pins. My mom thinks these will come in very handy for all her sewing projects and she can't wait to try them out. I think this was her favorite item included in the box!

There is a pattern for zippered pouches and pin cushions included. I believe the fabric included coordinates with this pattern, but I'm not positive.

Also, there was batting included. It feels nice.

My mother was so excited when she received this box that she called me right away to rave about everything that was in it! This box is great because it includes everything you need to make the projects. I will post pictures of the final projects when they are completed. Everything seemed like it was great quality and would make completing the projects easy.

What do you think of Quilty Box?

Stitch Fix #3 November 2013

Rating: Like It!!!
Cost: $20 styling fee + retail price of items you keep

My Stitch Fix #3 arrived yesterday. I couldn't wait to see what was inside. I had provided lots of feedback on my previous fixes and also provided my Pinterest link, so they could better understand my style. I was hoping it would be my favorite box yet and the first look was promising. I liked the blue theme I was seeing.

41 Hawthorn Multi-Colored Bees Strand Necklace
Retail Price $36

I loved this necklace. The colors, the length, the fact that it was a statement necklace in a bee pattern. Everything was perfect, except the price! It did not seem like it should cost $36 and if it was cheaper I definitely would have kept it. Or if I didn't like anything else in the fix, I would have kept it, so I didn't lose out on my $20 styling fee. I think it would have fit nicely into my wardrobe and I may regret not keeping this piece.

Sent Back

Collective Concepts Rilo Printed Front Pocket Blouse
Retail Price $68

I loved this blouse. I wish it would have been a different color/pattern other than black and white, but the fit was perfect! And I loved the versatility of the sleeves. They can be worn rolled up or down as a full length sleeve. This will be a shirt I can wear any season and I thought it was a bit pricey, but worth it! It also looks great with pants or skirts!!!

Keeper

Leota Fiore Box Pleated Skirt
Retail Price $88

I wanted to love this skirt. The color was great and the style was perfect, but it was too big on me. The length was also a bit awkward because it hit right at my knees. I felt a bit dowdy in it and it just wasn't for me. I was happy I didn't fall in love with it when I saw the price too!

Sent Back

Margaret M Emer High Waisted Cropped Trouser
Retail Price $98

These were all wrong for me. They're a trouser material in black. They were a bit tight and I could barely get them over my hips to try them on. And cropped pants for our cold winters just don't work (even with boots). I would freeze. Plus when I did have these on they looked like tight leggings, and felt all wrong. I could not be comfortable wearing these. And again when I saw the price I was happy I didn't love them!

Sent Back

Lily Imelda Zig-Zag Wrap Dress
Retail Price $108

This dress fit okay and I did like the color/pattern, but it did not feel worth $108. I prefer long sleeves instead of 3/4 for winter dresses and this felt like a very lightweight material. I also received a black wrap dress in my first fix that I loved and it felt like a much higher quality dress for around the same price. The pattern on the seams did not line up on this dress and it really bothered me. This just wasn't for me!

Sent Back

This fix was at a higher price point than I would have liked. If I bought the entire fix it would have cost about $300 after the 25% discount you get for keeping all 5 items. I would have loved this fix if everything fit properly, because I think this is the first fix I received where I could have mixed and matched pieces. There was a color scheme and it looked like they really took my past feedback and Pinterest page into account. I'm skipping a few months (to try to save money) and scheduled my next fix for the beginning of February.

What do you love about Stitch Fix?

*If you use my links in this post I'll get a small referral credit. Thank you! 

Golden Tote November 2013

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

My November Golden Tote arrived today and I was excited to see what was inside, but also nervous because I had seen some spoiler pictures that showed a sweater I really didn't want to find in my tote. I thought for sure I would get the "ugly sweater". Plus, I wasn't too happy about my last couple totes, so I wasn't being very optimistic. I splurged for the $149 tote this month and I'm happy I did.

The first item I chose for my tote was the sequin blazer by Potter's Pot. It's just what I needed for holiday dressing. I can wear it with dresses, pants, and jeans. I can't wait to start wearing it. I love that it has long sleeves, but isn't too heavy to wear inside. I'm already styling outfits in my head.

The second item I chose (and my favorite thing in this tote) was the floral shift dress by Honey Punch. This dress fits perfect. I love long sleeved dresses, because they are so easy to look polished. All it needs is some tights and ankle boots to look great! I think I'll be wearing this dress for Thanksgiving dinner with the family!

I really liked the style cards included for both my picks. I want to style the sequin blazer how it's shown. I love it!!!

And here are my surprise items. I was happy to receive the spoiler lace dress they said would be included in some $149 totes. The lace dress is by In Clover, which according to the note in my Golden Tote box is their new label (I love getting pieces by their label Puella in my Golden Totes also). This dress didn't look awful not belted, but will look better with a belt. I definitely have a weakness for dresses. I love them all!!!!

The next item was a sweater by Lumiere. It's blue and gray and soft and slouchy! This will be a great addition to my winter wardrobe. I was so happy to see this sweater instead of some of the other sweaters people received this month. I was definitely lucky this month!

I also received a 3/4 sleeve blouse by Peach Love Cream. I wasn't too sure about the pattern of this shirt, but I think with a cardigan I'll love it. It fits nice, so I'm happy with it.

The last item was a long sleeve shirt by Renee C. This is super soft and casual. I think I might live in this shirt this winter. I didn't want to take it off because it was so comfy. I might also try to style this with a skirt, so I can get away wearing it to work!

I was very happy with my November Golden Tote. I know I will wear every piece I received. And I'm always very excited when I receive more than one dress! I wish they had more bottoms either to pick for totes or as surprise items, but sizing is probably a little more difficult. I'm so happy I decided to order this month, because this tote was well worth the price!!!

What'd you get in your Golden Tote?

Thursday Thoughts

I'm linking up with Jen from Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for Thursday Thoughts.

I made it through another week of not looking at any spoilers of the Popsugar Neiman Marcus Special Edition Box (and not opening the box at my house). I hope I can make it until Christmas! Next week I am expecting Golden Tote and Stitch Fix, so I'm hoping that will keep me busy, so I'm not tempted to peek at what's in the Popsugar NM box. 

I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving next week. Yummy food and hanging out with family. Yay! Plus a very short work week!!!

Who's planning on going shopping Black Friday?!? I usually go and probably will this year too. Just not sure what I'm looking for. I still have a lot of Christmas shopping to do, so I need to figure out what I still need to buy. And hopefully I'll get some good deals! It really seems like a lot of stores have some great sales going on early this year. Love that!

If you don't already subscribe to Citrus Lane for your little one, now is the time to subscribe. They have the "Best Deals of 2013" going on now. A monthly subscription is regularly $25 for 4-5 items each month (toys, books, feeding, and care products). Right now you can purchase a 3-month subscription for $56 + free shipping ($18.67/month), 6-month subscription for $105 + free shipping ($17.50/month), 12-month subscription for $196 + free shipping ($16.33/month). This deal is also for current subscribers, and additional months purchased will be added onto your current subscription. New customers can subscribe today by clicking here (and save an extra $10). These deals will not last long!!!

Use the code CANTSTOP to save $5 on your subscription to Quilty Box (valid through 12/15). I purchased a subscription for my mom for Christmas and she loves it! They recently added an option that you can click on from the subscribe page on their website if you want to order a non recurring gift subscription, which is perfect for the holidays!!!

Use the code CANTSTOP5 to save $5 off your subscription to Sparaj (valid through 12/31). I love this subscription for gifting! The presentation is AMAZING and the spa products will be welcomed by anyone who deserves a little pampering!!!

What are your Thursday Thoughts?

Popsugar Must Have November 2013

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

My Popsugar Must Have November box came today, finally!!! I feel like I was the very last person to receive the November box and I looked at spoilers and couldn't wait to see everything in person. Here's what I got:

The item I was most excited to see was the Michael Stars Wrap. I received the black/gray one, which I love! It is super soft and I like this color combo because it will go with so much in my wardrobe. I'm not sure I saw any other color variation in this scarf on other reviews I've read. Did anyone receive a different color?

I also received the Illume Candle in Nice. I love the vanilla scent and the adorable label! I really want to buy the Naughty scent to have the set to burn together. I definitely would have been happy with either scent!

I received the Lands' End Single Canvas Wine Tote in red. This is a very nice quality wine tote and I'm trying to think of different ways I can use it. Did anyone get a different color? I think all the reviews I saw received red also.

The Maison de Monaco Strawberry & Blackcurrant Cream Preserves look yummy! I can't wait to try it. I think I'll be having toast or a bagel with this in the morning!!!

I received The Soap & Paper Factory Roland Pine Shea Butter Soap. I love everything from this company! The scent of this soap is refreshing and I can't wait to try it. It's going directly in the shower.

I also can't wait to try the Absolute! Nail Polish Remover Pads. I received the peach scent! I feel like I always need nail polish remover at the most inconvenient times, so these will be a welcome addition to my bag. I love the convenient size, which is no larger than a tin of mints.

I'm undecided about the special extra Barefruit Crunchy Sea Salt Caramel Apple Chips. I love salted caramel and apples, so I thought I would love these. I ate most of them while writing this review and though they are not bad I'm not sure the flavor is something I would crave. I like that they're a healthy, gluten free treat and they are definitely something I would have picked up to try on my own.

There was also a Canvas Pop Gift Card included, which I am looking forward to using. I'm just not sure for what yet.

Popsugar Must Have is my most favorite subscription box. I love everything I received and will use it all! I'm already looking forward to seeing what the December box has in it!!!

What do you love about Popsugar Must Have? What?!? You're not a subscriber, sign up here today, so you don't miss out on the next box!

Citrus Lane November 2013

Rating: Lifer!!!!!
Cost: $25/month

My 17 month old daughter's Citrus Lane box came the other day and this month I went spoiler free, so I had no idea what to expect. My daughter saw the box as soon as we got home and sat by the box until we could open it together! We always have so much fun opening this box every month. Below is what we received in this month's box:

The first item in the box was a Tug Boat from Green Toys. We have a few items by Green Toys and my daughter loves them. This boat was definitely a hit. She loves bath toys and this one scoops water and she can pour it out the spout in front. So cute!!!

The next item was Zootensils from Skip Hop. We also own quite a few items from Skip Hop and love them! My daughter loves feeding herself and these utensils are the perfect size for her. Another great addition to this month's box!

We also received Reusable Snack Bags from Bumkins. These are great and will definitely be used every day for snacks. Plus the pattern on both are adorable! Love these!!!

The mom item included in this month's box was Lip Comfort from Purlisse. I go through so much hand cream and lip balm this time of year, so I was so happy to see this included in the box. I immediately had to try it and it felt rich and hydrating, and not slimy or sticky. I can't wait to keep using this and will probably want to buy more!

The last item included was Second Blends from Plum Organics. Unfortunately, this batch was part of the recall, so this pouch went straight in the garbage. This flavor is one of my daughter's favorites, so I know she would have loved it. The box was still worth the value to me and my daughter and we were happy we received notice about the pouch and Citrus Lane said they will provide a voucher or something to replace it.

There was also an offer to get 4 sets of address labels free plus free shipping with your order of $99+ from Tiny Prints. If anyone is planning on ordering holiday cards from this company or anything else and would like to use this offer please let me know and I can give you the coupon code (expires 1/15/14).

As usual, we loved our Citrus Lane box this month. My daughter always loves getting a new toy each month. And I love the great brands in the boxes. We always love everything and have been lucky to not receive items we already own, even though I know they'd make great gifts if we did.

What was your favorite item in Citrus Lane this month? Want to subscribe to Citrus Lane? Click here to subscribe today.

Thursday Thoughts

I'm linking up with Jen from Ramblings of a Suburban Mom for Thursday Thoughts.

I finally started my Christmas Shopping and I've made a list of most of the things that I still need to buy. So I feel very accomplished. But there are still a few people that I have no ideas for. What is your favorite gift you are giving this year? Or what do you hope you get?

I've been very good and have avoided Popsugar Must Have Neiman Marcus Box spoilers and reviews. I know my NM box arrived today (even though my regular monthly Popsugar Must Have box hasn't arrived yet), but I am waiting until Christmas morning to open the NM box. I'm trying to go spoiler free until then, which is truly torturous because I really want to know what's going to be in it. I keep asking my guy (who bought it for me) if he'll look at the reviews to "make sure" I'll like it, but he doesn't want to spoil the surprise. Guess I'll just have to wait!

I keep seeing so many great deals on subscriptions or gifts with purchases and it's making me want to buy EVERYTHING. I'm really trying to control myself and concentrate on getting my Christmas shopping done first.

I wish I could enjoy cooking. I've tried to cook a few things from The Can't Cook Book I received in October's Popsugar Must Have Box and they came out decent and edible, but I just don't want to cook after I long day at work. I'm not sure that will ever change. And with the holidays coming the last thing I want to do is cook, but I'm looking forward to eating all the yummy food!!! I do love to eat and appreciate everyone's hard work of preparing the food!

I received an email today from ThredUp saying they received my bag. I forgot I sent in some clothes to try to get credit for Stitch Fix (they included a ThredUp bag in my October fix). I really have a lot to clean out, so I might be sending more. Not sure why I haven't done it sooner. 

What's on your mind today?

Birchbox November 2013

Rating: Like It!!!
Cost: $10/month

I received my November Birchbox yesterday and this month's theme was More Good. More thanks, more giving, more thoughtfulness, more samples, and of course more pumpkin pie and stuffing. I had checked out the Birchbox spoiler video to see what types of products would be in this month's box and was very excited to see what I was getting. I was hoping for chocolate (especially the chocolate covered pretzels) and Tocca hand cream.

Here's what I received:

The first item was Color Club Nail Polish in Top Shelf. This was a very nice neutral color with a bit of shimmer, that will be perfect for the holidays! I've received Color Club nail polish in a previous Birchbox and was pleased with it. It went on smooth and dried quickly, which I love.

The next item was my favorite in the box! Pop Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Flowering Fuchsia looked so bright and a bit scary in the tube, but was subtle and very pretty on. I really liked the applicator, which is much easier than trying to apply the lip gloss through a hole in the top of the tube. Also, I think this is a full size product, but I'm not positive. If not, it's a very generous sample size, which I love! The best part of this lip gloss is the minty, tingly feeling when you put it on. That's my favorite!!!

The next item was my least favorite of my box. Tiossan Body Cream in Femme was a very small sample that is only one application. The scent was definitely not for me, slightly perfumey, but also woodsy. It's hard to explain, but I wasn't a fan. The cream sank in nicely and made my skin soft, but I wouldn't buy this scent. I was hoping the Tocca hand cream would be in my box and this just didn't compare, unfortunately.

Another item included was Vasanti BrightenUp! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator. You could feel the grainy texture as you smoothed this on your face, so I knew it would be a great exfoliator. I didn't see any miracle happen after one application, but I'm looking forward to trying this a few more times to see what I think of it. The sample size was generous, so I will know if it's something I want to purchase.

The last item included in my box was the lifestyle extra Ahmad Tea London assorted teas. I received Raspberry Indulgence Black Tea, English Black Tea, and Jasmine Green Tea. I tried the Raspberry Indulgence already and enjoyed it. It's not too sweet and fruity, just a hint of raspberry, which I prefer. I can't wait to try the other flavors. Though I didn't receive the chocolate covered pretzels as I had hoped, I do enjoy tea, so I was not disappointed by this treat.

All in all this box wasn't one of my favorites, but I do enjoy being able to sample these products before deciding to buy them. Besides the tea, I don't think I would have picked out any of these products for myself, so it's nice trying something different, even if I don't end up liking them.

What'd you get in your Birchbox this month? And if you're not subscribing, why not??? Sign up here today for only $10/month.