Birchbox December 2013

Rating: Like It!!!

Cost: $10/month

I received my December Birchbox and I already knew what would be inside because I had checked my account. This month's theme was Holiday 2013. The packaging was very festive this month! Here's what I got.

Birchbox always includes an information card telling the theme and the products included.

The first item I received was Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle. This spray is a leave in conditioner that you spray onto damp hair before styling. It locks in color, protects from heat damage, and adds silkiness. I've tried the shampoo and conditioner from this brand in a previous box and loved it! And as expected, I also love this spray. It made my hair very soft and manageable and actually added volume. I have a hard time finding products that add volume to my fine, limp hair, so I am very happy about this. Plus the scent is my favorite! I will be purchasing every product by Beauty Protector!!!

The next item was La Fresh Travel Lite Makeup Remover Wipes. These are biodegradable, vitamin E packed wipes that erase all traces of makeup without drying. I can't wait to try these. Last night would have been the perfect opportunity, because I fell asleep on the couch while watching a movie without washing my face, but instead of using these I ended up going to bed without taking my makeup off. Whoops. These will come in handy for nights like that though.

I also received LAQA & Co Fat Lip Pencil. I believe I received the Ring of Fire color. I couldn't find the color on the packaging, but it looks closest to that color. It's megawatt color and lip nourishing vitamin E with an easy to wield crayon applicator. This color is a bit too bright for my liking, but I'm going to try to pull it off over the holidays! I do love how easy it is to apply and the texture of it.

The item I was most excited to try was The Honest Company Organic Healing Balm. Use on irritated skin, eczema, minor cuts and scrapes, or anywhere that needs hydration. I've tried other products from The Honest Company and I was sure I would love this! It was a bit greasy when I first put it on, but it moisturized my hands very nicely. The scent was soft and nice. The sample size was generous, so I'm happy I get to try it for awhile before deciding to buy.

The lifestyle extra included was Twistband Metallic Hair Tie. I received the silver sparkle color. Use it to dress up a low key pony, or wear on your wrist for extra shimmer. I own Twistbands already and wear them a lot. This will be a nice color to add to my collection!

I was very happy with my Birchbox this month. I will use everything! I also loved the packaging this month. It made it a little more exciting to open the box!

What did you get in your Birchbox this month? Click here to subscribe.

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

TravelBox Founders Edition December 2013

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $33 + $5.95 shipping

This was the Founders Edition of the TravelBox, which is a new subscription box that includes a curated mix of travel goods selected from around the world. They kindly sent me this box to review! I always love seeing how new subscriptions are packaged, because you never know what to expect. The box arrived yesterday and was blue with their logo on it, so it was easy to tell what it was.

And the best part is opening the box for the first look...

This box looked very neatly packaged with teal colored tissue paper and a silver seal. They also included an information card with all the items included and a small handwritten note. I love that! The information card was great and said what country the items were from and the retail value.

So, here's what was inside....

The first item was the Breffo Spiderpodium (UK). Retail Price $19.95. I had no idea what this was at first, but it's genius. It's for holding your phone, camera, ipod, etc anywhere and everywhere. I think this is going to come in very handy. And it's perfect for traveling to help with taking pictures! I took a picture of the back of the packaging, which shows some of the ways you can use it. I love it and I never would have found something like this on my own!

The next item was a Luxe City Guide (France). Retail Price $9.95. I'll be honest when I saw this on the information card I thought it'd be a pamphlet, with some pictures of famous sites. But this is so much better. First, it's so French looking with the black/white stripe and red print. Love it! And then it folds out like an accordion and has so much information about restaurants, shopping, etc. It even tells you how to say "I think I stepped in something nasty" in French. I couldn't stop looking at this guide and it made me want to plan a trip to France tout de suite!

The Dreams Essentials Sleep Mask (United States) was also included. Retail Price $10.95. This sleep mask is contoured to allow for maximum light blockage and would  be great for getting some sleep on a plane. There was also earplugs and a pouch included.

 My favorite item was the Lanolin Agg Eggwhite Facial Care (Sweden). Retail Price $4.00. This soap smells amazing! It smells like you just walked into a room of fresh cut flowers! It was created by the Royal Soapmakers to the Royal Swedish Family, and uses a traditional Swedish recipe of eggwhites, rose water, and lanolin. I can't wait to use this and feel like royalty!

The last item included was Guylian Artisanal Truffles (Belgium). Retail Price $1.09. These look delicious! They are Belgian chocolate filled with Hazelnut filling. Yummy!!!

I loved everything included in this box and thought everything would be very useful for traveling. It was a great box that included items from different countries. It's always fun when you get things you wouldn't be able to buy in the US! I think this box would be wonderful for anyone who loves to travel or just wants to try some products from around the world. If you're interested in subscribing to TravelBox use the code WELCOME to save 10% off your first box. 

What did you think of the Founder's Edition for TravelBox?

Disclosure: This complimentary box was received in exchange for my honest review. As always the opinions are my own!

Thursday Thoughts

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

I finally decorated the house for Christmas and put up a toddler friendly tree. It's a felt tree, with felt ornaments that stick to it, that my daughter can rearrange as she likes. And the presents will still go under the tree on the floor. I'm happy with it and it was an easy project to make! Now I just have to start wrapping presents...

I finally found a sippy cup for my daughter that she likes and it doesn't leak. I couldn't be happier. My daughter always finds a way to spill the "leak proof" cups. I have been unsuccessful (until now) in finding one she couldn't figure out. And the ones you need to bite to get the liquid out just didn't work for her. She'd get frustrated trying to drink out of them. So the winning sippy cup (in our house) is the Nuk Active Cup. It's cute, doesn't have extra inside pieces, isn't too round and difficult to hold (it's slightly larger than a bottle), and best of all doesn't leak!!! I'm in love!!!

I'm hoping a few of my subscription boxes that are in transit show up this week. I really want to see the Popsugar Must Have Special Edition Holiday for Him box. (I'm going to open it to check it out, even though it's a gift) And I'm excited to see my Birchbox this month. I peeked at what I'd be getting and I'm excited to try everything out, especially the Honest Co Hand Cream. I was hoping I'd get it when I watched the spoiler video!

Oh, and one more thing. I'm still spoiler free for the Popsugar Must Have Neiman Marcus box. I can't believe I've made it this far, so I'm sure I'll make it to Christmas now! I'd disappoint myself if I peeked. And because of that I'm so excited for Christmas this year. I can't wait to see what is in that box!!! And my daughter is going to be so much fun this year! She's going to love her Big Hugs Elmo. She doesn't talk much, but she does repetitively say Elmo whenever she sees him.

What are your Thursday Thoughts?

Popsugar Must Have December 2013

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

My Popsugar Must Have December box came today. It's always a surprise when this box shows up on my doorstep, because I don't get the shipping notice emails from them. I tried not to look at spoilers this month, but ended up looking, so I knew what was in this box. I was hoping for a box like last year's December box, because it looked amazing! This box was slightly underwhelming from the spoiler pictures, but I wanted to see everything in person to check it out for myself. Here's what was inside:

The must have fashion item included was a Lulu Frost for Popsugar Bracelet. I've never heard of this brand, but it's always nice to get something in a subscription box that was made just for them. At first look I wasn't crazy about this bracelet, but it's really growing on me. It's not like anything I own, which is nice. I like that it's gold and silver, and looks like a vintage piece you could have found in an antique store! I think I'll need to wear it a few times to see if I end up loving it!!!

The next item was Mixt Studio Holiday Gifting Set. This was my favorite thing in the box. I love great wrapping paper and this is different from anything I've seen! I can't wait to wrap some special gifts with this. I love that it came with tags and twine also!

I received ModelCo Fibre Lashxtend Black Mascara. And I needed mascara, so this couldn't have come at a better time! I can't wait to try it out. It promises clump-free, voluminous lashes! And it has a mirror on the side of the tube, which is very handy.

The next item was Govino Go Anywhere Flutes. I thought this would be my favorite item from the spoiler pictures, but in person they weren't my favorite. I thought they would be larger and I was excited there were 4 flutes included in the box, but they are small. (I guess I really like champagne and this size just won't cut it) And for some reason I really was expecting glass and they are not. They are plastic champagne flutes, with a little style. I'm not sure I'll be using these during the holidays, but I thought they'd be perfect for my toddler to use, since she loves to drink out of real cups and these are just her size! Each glass is slightly smaller than a dollar bill, as you can see below.

I can't wait to try the CC Made Caramel Corn. I love caramel corn and I'm keeping this for a treat for me! I received the classic artisanal flavor, but it looks like there are a few variations including toasted almond and pistachio nut. They all sound yummy to me!!!

I also received NCLA Peppermint Lane Nail Wraps. I can't wait to try these. I'm going to mix and match the stripes and polka dots to make a cute manicure for the holidays!

The special extra in this month's box was 2 bags of Ghiradelli Squares Chocolate. The first bag was Milk & Caramel squares and the second bag was a Holiday Edition with Eggnog, Peppermint Bark, and Pumpkin Spice Caramel. They all sound delicious! I'm debating whether to gift these or keep them for myself. Maybe I'll bring them to the office to share, so I'll be able to try them also!

I like everything included in the December Popsugar Must Have box, and will use everything I received. I was hoping for amazing boxes after the price of the subscription went up, but I feel like the boxes before were much better. I still love that you never know what you're going to get. It really could be anything! I'm already looking forward to January's box!!!

What was your favorite item you received from a Popsugar Must Have box? And if you don't subscribe, click here to sign up today!!!

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

Wantable Intimates December 2013

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $36/month

My December Wantable Intimates was on my doorstep today (2 days earlier than I was expecting it)!!! I've been looking at reviews for this subscription since it launched and really wanted to try it. I couldn't resist ordering when they announced their Cyber Monday deal (purchase a subscription and get your 2nd box free). For the Wantable Intimates subscription you fill out a profile with your sizes and likes and dislikes. I had quite a few items in my love category, so I wasn't sure what I would be getting in my box.

The box was small, and white and I couldn't wait to see what was inside. Here's a first look at the box.

I was so excited to see some color. Everything looked very interesting. The box also included a sheet with everything that was inside (similar to a packing slip). The first item you can see in the box is the Fleur't Bralet in Heather retail price $34. This is very soft and will be great for lounging around or sleeping in. It looked very small when I pulled it out of the box, but fits comfortably.

The next item was OnGossamer Bikini in Tangerine retail price $22. I was so happy to see these in my box. I've been wanting to try this brand and now I get to without paying $22 for one pair of panties. Yay! These are so comfy, plus I love the tangerine color with pink trim. They are perfect for me!

The next item was something I never thought would fit in this box. It was a Bella & Canvas Two-tone Raglan Hooded Sweatshirt in Baby Blue/Navy Blue retail price $38. When I pulled this out of the box it looked like it would be too big for me and I noticed they sent me a size medium instead of a size small (size S was printed on the packing sheet). So, it's a little large on me, but if it was the correct size I think it'd be great for lounging around in. It's a thin sweatshirt, perfect for wearing indoors! It looks quite wrinkled in the picture because it was crammed in the small box (sorry).

The last item I received and my favorite thing in the box was PACT Apricot Pointelle Ankle Sock retail price $10. It is sooooo soft and made from organic cotton. Plus the color is amazing! (The picture does not do them justice, it was taken at night, but I couldn't wait to try them on) I don't think I'm ever going to want to take these off. Who would have thought I could get so excited over socks.

I loved my December Wantable Intimates box and can't wait to see what I get next month! It was well worth the $36 I paid for this box. It had a total retail value of $104!!! I'm going to change my profile before next month ships to try to get some different items. I'd love some tights or leggings in my next box!

Do you subscribe to Wantable Intimates?

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

I'm updating this post, because I e-mailed Wantable and told them I had received the wrong size sweatshirt in my box. They quickly replied and said that it was their fault and they would send me something in place of the sweatshirt. They also said I could keep the sweatshirt and gift it to a friend! So, my sister is gladly taking the sweatshirt off my hands for me!!! And today I received a small Wantable box in the mail! I was so excited to see what was inside.

Inside the small Wantable box was Ozone Heather Tights in Bordeaux retail price $29. The sheet says show off your legs while staying warm with these chic tights! I love tights and wear them all the time, so I was so happy to see these. I thought I was going to get the sweatshirt in the size I needed, but I like the tights even better, so I'm very excited. They are soft and feel thick, so they'll be warm. The color is like nothing I own. They look black, but have a pinkish/purplish thread woven through them. These are great!!!

Their customer service was fast and courteous and sent a replacement item out right away. I had asked if I could return the sweatshirt, (since it was the wrong size) and they said they would send me something else and I didn't have to send the sweatshirt back. I was more than thrilled. I can't wait to see what they pick out for me for January!!!

Thursday Thoughts

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

I still haven’t peeked at any spoilers for the Popsugar Must Have Neiman Marcus box and now I think the temptation is over because it's a new month and I can’t wait to see what I get in this month’s boxes! And there are only a few weeks until Christmas!!!

I finally signed up for Wantable Intimates when they offered their Cyber Monday deal and my 2nd box is free! I’m so excited to see what I get in my first box and I should have it by Dec 9th. Woo Hoo!!!

I’m very proud of myself for skipping Stitch Fix, Popbasic, and Golden Tote this month (because my credit cards are a bit crazy with all the holiday shopping). These are the most expensive boxes that I usually buy each month, so I decided to skip them to save some money to buy for others! Hopefully I have a great Christmas because I’m being very good!!! Wink wink

I still need to decorate for Christmas, but I’m having a very difficult time deciding where I will put the tree and how to keep my toddler (1 1/2 yr old) away from it without using a gate (because we don’t have room for one). Does anyone have any creative ideas for me? We usually put up an artificial tree, but I’m open to any suggestions…

What are your Thursday Thoughts?

*The links for Popsugar Must Have, Stitch Fix, and Wantable Intimates provided above are referral links and I will receive a small credit if you subscribe using my links. Thank you!

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?