Golden Tote February 2014

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

My February Golden Tote finally arrived today. I was nervous and excited to see what I would get. I had been looking at what others received and I liked the surprise items in the $49 tote better than the $149 tote, which was kind of disappointing. I ordered the $149 tote in hopes of getting the navy swing dress Golden Tote released in a spoiler email.

With the $149 tote, you choose 2 items and get 4-5 extra surprise items included in your tote. And now there are so many trading forums to trade the items you don't end up liking or that don't fit, for items you love, so you really can't go wrong with this value. The first item I chose was the Bright & Breezy Wrap Cardigan in navy by Kerisma. It is a very light weight sweater that will be perfect for spring/summer. It fits very nice and drapes well. It does have some gold thread weaved through it, which takes me a bit out of my comfort zone. But the fit is so perfect that I can't wait to wear it!

The 2nd item I chose was the Chic Chevron Sweater by Renee C. I love this sweater, but it fits very large and I can not figure out a way to make this work on me. This sweater has such cute detailing that I had to show the back also. Too bad it doesn't fit me. Wah Wah Wah

Golden Tote also includes style cards for the items you chose. I love these ideas and would have really liked to style the chevron sweater exactly as it showed had the sweater fit me correctly.

The surprise item I was hoping would be in my tote was the navy swing dress by Priddy by Puella. And it was!!!! Yeah. When I saw it I knew the tote was worth it. It fits me perfectly and can be worn with or without a belt. And it has the cutest elbow pads. Love this!!!

I also received Puella black leggings. I was so happy these were in my tote. They fit amazing. When I saw them I thought they were going to be short on me, like cropped leggings, but they were long. Yay! They also have a really cute ruffle detail at the waist. These are perfect for me!

The next item I received was a floral blouse by In Clover. This fits great, but I'm not crazy about the print. I think I need to style this to see if I can make it work.

The final item in my tote was a black shirt by Under Skies with embroidery detail. This fits me really well, but is not my style. It's great for lounging around and casual days out and about. I'm not too sure about this one though. It is different than anything I own and is taking me out of my comfort zone a bit and I'm going to really try to make this one work on me (because it's super comfy).

I was happy with my tote this month. I only received one item that doesn't work for me and it was an item I picked for myself, so no fault of Golden Tote on that one. A few of the other items are taking me out of my comfort zone, but I think I need that sometimes!

What did you get in your Golden Tote?

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

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Citrus Lane February 2014

Rating: Lifer!!!!!

Cost: $29/month

My 20 month old daughter's Citrus Lane box came for February. As usual, we loved it! This box is always so much fun to open, because we never know what we'll find. I have noticed they do send products from the same companies often and many people have complained about duplicate items from past boxes. Luckily, this has not been the case with us, and I'm always so happy with the quality of everything we get! Here's what we got for February.

I love this Oogaa Silicone Bowl! We already have one in a different color (purple) and are glad to get another. My daughter loves feeding herself and these bowls cut down on the mess a little, because of the rim (except when she decides to dump the food out). 

We also received the Starlight Sailor Book from Barefoot Books. My daughter grabbed this right out of the box and wouldn't set it down. She cried when I took it for a second to snap the picture. This is a very substantial book and really cute! I think this was a great addition to this month's box and am always happy to get a book to add to our collection.

The Boon Dive Bath Appliques are great! I'm glad we received these, because we do not have these yet. But we do own many other Boon bath toys and love them. My daughter loved these, seriously, they kept her busy the entire bath time! She kept sticking them to the side of the tub and taking them down and putting them back up, taking them down, putting them back up, you get the idea. This was a total win for us. I didn't expect this would keep her so busy. Love these!!! They're her (and my) new favorite bath toy!

The last item in the box was Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Hand Cream. I was so happy to see this! I love Juice Beauty products and this hand cream smells amazing!!! This was a great mommy treat.

This was another great month, so of course we'll be continuing our subscription with Citrus Lane. What do you love about Citrus Lane?

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Birchbox February 2014

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

I received my February Birchbox yesterday and this month they teamed up with Us Weekly for the Step and Repeat box. The packaging was different this month, so I took some extra pictures.

Here is what was included in my box this month. I looked at my account so I knew what I would be getting this month, so there were no surprises when I opened the box.

I received Bain de Terre Passion Flower Color Preserving Shampoo. This shampoo smells great and works very well. Plus it's paraben free with a blend of argan and monoi oils, that's gentle for color treated hair. I was very happy this was included in my box. So far, I really like it.

I also received Bain de Terre Passion Flower Color Preserving Conditioner. I love when they include both the shampoo and conditioner as samples, so you can try both together to see the results. This smells amazing, like the shampoo! It also is paraben free and has argan and monoi oils. My hair felt nice and soft after one use.

The next sample I received was Caudalie S.O.S. Morning Eye Rescue. I love this! It glides on nice and sinks in well. There isn't a drastic improvement after a couple uses, but I do like how it feels on my skin, so I will continue using it.

I also received OPI Sheer Tints in I Can Teal You Like Me. I thought this would be my favorite item in the box, but I wasn't crazy about the color I received. It's quite dark for a tint, so it drastically changes the color of any nail polish you have as a base. I'm not sure what color nail polish I can wear this with, but I'll keep experimenting.

The beauty extra item I received was Harney & Sons Fine Teas in Paris and White Vanila Grapefruit. I'm excited to try these! I have used this brand of teas in the past and liked them, so I'm sure these will be great. I might make a cup of the Paris now, which is described as black teas with currant, caramel, and citrus. Doesn't that sound interesting?!?

I really liked the samples I received this month. I think the only spoiler product I saw that I didn't receive and would have liked to try was Ruby Wing color changing nail polish in Ride 'Em Cowgirl. It's a great gold sparkly polish that changes a red tone when you are outside. I think I'm going to have to purchase it! I love getting Birchbox each month, because there is always something included in my box that I can't wait to try.

What do you love about Birchbox?

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Popsugar Must Have February 2014

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

I think I am always the very last person to get my Popsugar Must Have box every month. So, I can't help but look at spoilers before it arrives. My thoughts of the February box from the spoiler pictures was meh. I keep tossing the idea in my head to cancel this subscription and try out Her Fashion Box (which is an Australian subscription similar to Popsugar, that just started shipping to the US). I prepaid for one more month of Popsugar, so I'll see how that goes before I make my decision. But I'm so addicted to Popsugar Must Have that I doubt I could cancel. Yup, I'm a lifer on this subscription!!!

Here's what I got in this month's box. It doesn't look like there was much variation in this month's boxes and I think all the reviews I saw had the same exact items as I did. Sometimes people will receive different colors or flavors of items.

The first item was Gorjana Brooks Jewelry Roll in Tulip and the item I was most excited to see in person. It's very nice quality, but I'm just not sure I'll remember to use it when I travel. I think I may keep it in my bag, so I see it when I'm packing. Surprisingly, I don't already own a jewelry roll, so I can't wait to use this. Definitely my favorite item in this box! This could probably be used for so many different things, but I can't think of any right now. Also, there was a $25 coupon for gorjana griffin that I don't think I'll be able to pass up using. I think I need a pretty new necklace or bracelet!

I'm excited to try the Nourish Organic Pure Hydrating Argan Face Serum. I've never tried any products from this brand before. I like the packaging and am hoping it works and smells as good as it looks. Although, I really doubt anything can beat the Malin + Goetz Detox Face Mask from last month's box. I'm completely in love with that stuff!

The K. Hall Designs Peony Travel Candle Tin smells great. Peony is one of my favorite flowers, so I was very excited to see this candle. Love this!

The next item was Model Co. Lip Pops Duo Lip Gloss and Lipstick. This is a great color, natural and not bright! I'm sure the gloss will be used more often than the lipstick, but I love that they are both there for whatever mood I'm in.

I loved the packaging on the Sugarwish Mini Red Cinnamon Hearts Candy! Seriously, it was really adorable! I'm ready to gift some candy from this company to someone right away. And there was a coupon included so I can! The best part is the person you purchase a gift for gets to choose the candy they want to receive from many different varieties. Love that! I really have a sweet tooth, so I never complain about getting candies in my boxes!!!

I also received NCLA Nail Polish in Rodeo Drive Royalty. I could not get a good picture of this to show the true color. My lighting really sucks! But it's a dark, deep red and I can't wait to try it!

And....the most talked about item included in this month's box was the beauty extra Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash. I agree with all the reviews, it felt out of place in this month's box, but it smells good and I'll try it. I think if they included this item in March's box, as a St Patrick themed item, everyone would have been fine with it. I think it was just out of place in a pink/red February box, plus it was one of the largest items in the box. But I'm fine with it and willing to try anything Popsugar includes in their box!

I liked all the items in this month's box, as I usually do and am already excited to see what they include in the March box! I was secretly hoping for a jewelry item in the February box, but I guess the gorjana griffin coupon will do, so I can buy myself something I know I'll love!

What do you hope to see in the March Popsugar Must Have box?!?

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

Thursday Thoughts

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

I don't know why all my packages get delivered on the same day. They all ship from different areas on different days and some get here quick and some sit in certain states for days, but they all end up on my doorstep on the same day. This month it's Friday! And also Valentine's Day, so it should be eventful for me. I love opening everything up, even if I have already looked at spoilers!!!

So, I need to rave for a minute about how great Wantable's customer service is. I was sooooo disappointed with my Wantable Intimates box for February. (I was really hoping for some cute nighties) Check out my review here, if you want to see what I got. I emailed Wantable customer service inquiring about returning my box, because I wasn't sure it would be as easy as they describe on the website. Well, it was that easy...click the return button in your account, print a label that they email to you, and send it back, all free, no questions asked! And they're sending me a replacement box, hopefully including items I suggested. So I'm happy! It should arrive Friday and I can't wait to see what I get. 

Now for a few tips from Wantable, and many of you probably already know this, but it was new to me. I noticed there is a place to review the items in your box on the Wantable website in your account. It shows up by the tracking  and where you would click to return a box. (Not sure how I overlooked this) I always heard others talk about how they could customize their boxes and make requests, but I wasn't sure how they were doing that. So, from now on I'm reviewing every item. Also, they said you can  request specific items and they will try to include them in your box. After you receive the notice that they're putting your box together for you and it will ship out shortly, you can email them with requests. I wish I would have known this sooner, because there is always something I'm hoping for (like when they add a new brand I need to try). 

And now...I have a great subscription box deal to share with all of you for a subscription box called Co-Ed Supply. This is a subscription box geared towards college students and sends care packages including all the essentials; healthy snacks, personal care items, and entertainment. With their #sharethelove campaign from now until February 28th, you can get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Use the code LOVECLASSIC to get 3  months of the Classic box for $30 (regularly $60). Use the code LOVEDELUXE to get 3 months of the Deluxe box for $52.50 (regularly $105). Both boxes also include free shipping. Subscribe here today.

But that's not all. For every subscription, Co-Ed Supply will contribute a portion of their profits to send care packages to foster youth in college through this fantastic foundation called Rise Above. Their goal is to send care packages to over 100 of these foster youth in college next month. Help them by subscribing today!

What are your thoughts?

Wantable Intimates February 2014

Rating: Not For Me!
Cost: $36/month

I received my February Wantable Intimates box today and I was so excited to open it! I was hoping for something cute, like all the adorable chemises I had seen in other reviews. It looked like the February boxes were a little more flirty than normal and I was really looking forward to that. Most of the reviews for Wantable Intimates I've seen came shipped in a black box, but mine have always been white. Any idea why this might be?!? Just curious...

Here is the first look.

I couldn't really see much at all. I will share with you the quote on the back of the 'Hello Again, Beauty!' insert. It was cute and I enjoy reading them.

So, now onto what was in my box. I need to start off by saying I looked at the order sheet enclosed and was very disappointed. I had changed my profile settings to try to receive more flirty pieces and was really hoping for lingerie for Valentine's Day. It didn't look like I was getting anything like that.

The first item was Alo Yoga V-Neck Tank in navy/pacific/white. Retail Price $21.00. Well, I don't work out or hang out at a gym or anything, so this is useless to me. Not exactly something I'll wear outside of the house or probably even around the house. Just totally not my style, at all. I'm sure some people may have loved this, but it's really not for me. I was already wondering what in my settings would have made them think I would wear something like this.

The next item was Look by M Solid Color Tights in deep blue. Retail Price $15.00. I have no idea what size these are or if these will even fit me because I couldn't find anything on the packaging. Plus, I already own similar colored tights and don't really need any more. Another dud for this box. It was really not looking promising.

I also received Icy Hot Sweet Dots Hipster Pink Glo/Excalibur. Retail Price $8.99. These were a little young for me and did not look or feel like quality panties. I've never heard of this brand, but I picture someone younger than me wearing these, maybe someone from age 18-22. Again, another miss for me. And by this time I had already decided that whatever the last item was it would not be worth it for me to keep this box because I will not use 3 out of the 4 items.

The last item I received was Betsey Johnson Intimates Sleep Shorts Houndstooth. Retail Price $29.00. I had seen other people had received these in previous boxes and they are the only item I kind of liked in my box this month. I wasn't crazy about them, but if I received them with other items I loved I would have kept them. They fit comfortable and are cute. They also have some rosette details on the sides and back pocket, which I like.

This box was a total miss for me and I will be returning it. I loved some of the reviews I've seen for other February boxes and there are some really great items you could have received in this month's box including Muk Luk boot socks and Kiby chemise or cami sets. I would have loved to see a beautiful cami set in my box or boot socks (I never received anything from the brand Muk Luks and everybody is raving about their products).

I've changed my settings and don't seem to get the items I'm hoping for in this box, so I'm going to cancel this subscription. I'm hoping another intimates subscription starts up soon, because I was really looking forward to a box like this. But everything I've received in my Wantable Intimates boxes doesn't seem worth it for the price I pay, so this box is out for me. I'll be happy to add another subscription box with the money I'm saving from this one. I'm thinking maybe Her Fashion Box, which just started shipping to the US, or maybe Fair Ivy to get some pretty jewelry pieces.

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I'm adding on to this post because I received my replacement February box after sending back the box reviewed above. I just wanted to share what I received. I had requested a few items I had seen others receive for February, so I was hoping for a box with exactly what I wanted. So, I received a black box this time. What is the difference between the white and black boxes, does anyone know?!?

I was surprised this box arrived in one piece. It was in bad shape and falling apart, but everything seemed fine inside, which was amazing. Here's what I got.

Wantable included a cute OOPS! note, which was very thoughtful. I love those inserts!

I was very surprised when I pulled out my order sheet and only saw 3 items listed. I've never received less than 4 pieces and have always seen reviews for 4-5 items. Not sure why I received less than the normal. I went back and looked at reviews that received the same or similar items and it didn't seem like my box was more expensive than others with 4 items, so that's a mystery to me. And it made me kind of sad, because I feel like I should have received a 4th item, even if it was an inexpensive pair of undies or socks.

The first item I received was something I requested, the Kiby's Mandy Slip. Retail Price $44.00. I thought this was adorable when I saw it in other reviews and wanted it for myself. I love the print! But it doesn't fit as well as I expected. It runs small and is much tighter than I prefer. I like when slips/chemises fit a little looser under the bodice, but that's just me and I'm sure most people would love the fit of this.

I had to do a close up to show the print and the lace detail. Love it!

I had also seen others receive Rhonda Shear panties that I was jealous of, so I requested something by Rhonda Shear in this box. And I received my favorite item from this box, which was these lacy red panties. Retail Price $22.90. These fit really flirty and adorable, and were exactly what I was hoping for in a February Valentine's box. These have really cute bow details too. Love these so much!!!

The last item I requested was something from Muk Luks, because I hadn't received anything from the brand yet and people were raving about their products. They sent me the Muk Luks Aloe Socks, which I haven't tried yet, but am really looking forward to. Retail Price $10.00. My feet could really use some added moisture through the winter months. I had mentioned the Muk Luks boot socks everyone was receiving and was really hoping to get them, or the adorable tights I seen some people receive. But I'm sure I'll love these socks too!

Wantable definitely listened to my request and sent me a box with exactly what I wanted, which I'm very happy about. I was hoping for a 4th item, and I'm not sure why I didn't get one, but I'm much happier with the pieces in this box!

*This subscription was purchased and financed by me, unless noted otherwise. Posts may contain referral links and I totally appreciate it when you use them!

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