Sparaj November 2013

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $40/month

I received the November Sparaj box yesterday and this is the first one I've ever received, so it's always exciting to see the presentation of the box as well as what is included. I purchased this box as a gift, so I won't be reviewing the actual products (because I won't be using them), but I will tell you what I got!

I loved the presentation of this box. The box was white with a Sparaj stamp on it, so you could tell where it was from. It only took a couple days to arrive to the East Coast from CA and I always love that! Here's a first look when I opened the box. The tissue paper was color coordinated for the fall season and the leaf was a very nice touch. It looked pristine, as if it had not just traveled across the country. This is definitely the type of package I enjoy gifting!

Here's what was included in the box. It got even better when I flipped open the tissue paper to reveal the cutest little Sparaj tote bag wrapped up in clear cellophane with a nice green bow. There was also an information card included describing everything in the box! I almost felt guilty unwrapping everything, because I wasn't sure I could make it look as pretty as it was (since this is a gift).

The first item I saw in the bag was Coffee Tree Espresso Scrub. It promotes healthier, firmer, and more even-toned skin. It was in the cutest jar with a wooden top, that could be used for many things after the product is gone. I took a couple pictures because the tag was covering up how nice the jar was.

The next item I pulled out was Panpuri Come Clean Antioxidant Reparative Hand & Nail Cream. Who doesn't love a great hand cream? It contains jasmine, pomegranate, portulaca, and wild thai honey, so I think it will smell good. This will surely be a hit and sounds amazing! I was so tempted to open it up and try it immediately. It was very difficult to refrain myself.

The next item was contained in a nice red decorative box. I opened it up to find a fabric lined box and a Old Shanghai Facial Beauty Roller. It looked like it was made from a very nice jade stone, but the information card doesn't say what it was, so don't quote me on that. This is used to improve blood circulation and tighten pores and skin. Definitely not something you would normally buy for yourself, but I think it makes the perfect gift for someone that deserves a little pampering!

The last item included in the box was Gaya Relaxing Eye Pillow. You put it in the microwave for a few seconds and use it to relieve tension, headaches, migraine, and sinus pain. This will make another great gift! This was vacuum sealed, so I can't really tell what it will look like when it is opened, but it looked like it would be a very nice, large size. And it was a nice color green that coordinated with the facial roller (not sure if that was intentional). My favorite color is green, so I would have been thrilled to receive this box!

I'm hoping the person I'm gifting this box to loves it as much as I did. I think this is the perfect subscription box to send as a gift to someone that deserves a day of pampering! It's also the perfect box to gift, because it is never a recurring payment, you just select the amount of months you want and ship it where ever. I'm very pleased with the presentation and can't wait to see what the person getting this box thinks!

What are your thoughts on Sparaj? Have you tried it yet?

Thursday Thoughts

                                                            

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

I have to get started on my Christmas Shopping (because I feel really behind this year), and I want to buy everyone on my list subscription boxes, but keep buying them for myself instead. Ooops. Maybe I'll buy the Popsugar Special Edition Holiday for Him Box for my guy, since he already bought the Popsugar Special Edition Neiman Marcus Box for me (sorry the NM limited edition box is sold out). And we'll have a Holly Jolly Popsugar Christmas!!!



For all your crafty, quilter friends use the code CANTSTOP to save $5 on your subscription to Quilty Box (valid through 12/15). November's theme is Time and the first box was a hit. Check out my review here to see what I got. I'll also be posting pictures of the final products created from the contents of the box soon.



 I get so excited when I start seeing shipping notices for multiple subscriptions, but why do they all seem to arrive at the same time. I'd love it if I got them spread out throughout the whole month instead of all on one or two days. That's just me being silly though. When I see those packages sitting on my doorstep it makes my whole day!

I love watching my daughter grow and learn every day. She's so much fun at this age (16 months). My favorite memory this week was when I wore my Mimi necklace from the Popbasic Rubi Collection and when she saw it she said oooooooohhhhh and her eyes lit right up. I'm going to have a problem with her if she's already attracted to sparkly jewels, but I LOVE it!!!!

What are your Thursday Thoughts?

Quilty Box October 2013

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

My Quilty Box finally arrived! I think this is one of the boxes I was most looking forward to seeing this month. It's brand new and I had no idea what to expect (how big the box would be, what it would look like). I knew it would be arriving either yesterday or today and I was disappointed when I didn't see anything from Quilty Box sitting on my doorstep. But I did receive it today and the box fit in my mailbox. I was hoping it would be a larger box because of the price of this subscription, but I know good things come in small packages. And it was noticeably from Quilty Box in a white box, with their logo on top.

I really wanted to check this box out as a possible gift for my mother, because she loves quilting and could use some projects for the winter months ahead. I'd never seen any subscription like this before, so I was very happy when I came across this box. October's theme was Geometry (which could really be anything in terms of quilting, so I had no idea what to expect). This is the first look at the box.

There was a very nice sheet included in the box describing everything you receive for the month and also the retail price of each item and totaled for the box! It says this box has a retail value of $57.75, which is great! The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was the fabric. Minimalista by Art Gallery Fabrics Fat Eight Bundle. The fabric was perfect for me and definitely matched my style, but not really my mother's style (she likes primitive fabrics and is more traditional than modern) The fabrics actually made me want to try to make the projects myself!

The next item included was a Sidekick Ruler by Jaybird Quilts. It cuts diamonds, half triangles, and triangles without any complicated measurements or math. It looks like a helpful tool, especially for the projects included, but I'm glad it includes instructions because I'd have no clue how to use it. 

Rock Candy Table Topper Pattern by Jaybird Quilts was included. This pattern definitely looks like something my mother would make, so I think she'll be happy to test it out.

I also received Aurifil 50wt. Cotton Mako Thread in a yellow and gray color that coordinate with the fabric. I'm very happy about this, because it gives you what you need to make a completed project. And these look like quality thread (though I'm definitely no expert in quilting).

The "Basic" item for the month was Jeanna Kimball's Foxglove Cottage Sharps Needle Sampler. There are 4 different sizes included. And you can always use needles, right?

The next item was probably one of my favorite things included in the box. It's a Custom Fabric Label by Jennifer's Jewels. It's always great receiving handmade items and even better when it includes a tag with the crafter. These are so cute and personalized for the Quilty Box. And there is a code to order more at a discounted price!

I received an X Pin by Art School Dropout, which was a nice extra to the box. They call it their "Outside the Box" inspiration item for the month. They will be posting 10 creative ways to use these in your studio. It's cute!

The last item that wasn't really included in the box (but was sent in an email) was Geometric Paper Piecing Pattern by Art School Dropout. You can use it as the first block of a quilt, a potholder, or be creative and come up with your own idea. This designer will also be posting patterns for 11 more blocks, so it could be the beginning of a quilt. 

I'm very happy with this box. I love the fabric! I'm not sure if everyone received the same fabric this month, but if not I'm really happy I received what I did (even if it isn't my mother's style). Since I'm no quilter my mom is going to take over from here and make the projects using the contents of the box (and hopefully give me the final products) I'll update you on her thoughts. 

My mom was able to create 3 of the table toppers using the pattern included with the fabric from the box. I think they turned out great! And she loved this subscription box!!!

What do you think about Quilty Box? Will you be subscribing?

Stitch Fix #2 October 2013

Rating: Maybe, One More Try!!
Cost: $20 styling fee + retail price of items you keep

My Stitch Fix #2 arrived yesterday! I was so excited to see what my stylist sent me this time based on my feedback from my last fix. I was happy to see some color when I opened the box. There was also some patterns that looked interesting, so I couldn't wait to try everything on. Here's a look at what I received.

Bay to Baubles Cecilia Rectangle Gems Layering Necklace

Retail Price $32

I didn't really like this necklace nor do I really need another long necklace. The large stones kept flipping backwards as I was wearing it and I have a 1 year old daughter that would really pull on this, so I never wear necklaces anymore. The colors were different shades of blue that were nice and definitely colors I would wear. 

Sent Back

Kut from the Kloth Jonathan Corduroy Skinny Pant
Retail Price $78

I liked the tan color of these because they are versatile and will go with many items in my closet. They fit well and were comfortable. They are a tad tight, but I think they will loosen up with wear as most pants do. They are not uncomfortably tight, but if they shrink a bit they may be.

Undecided, what are your thoughts?

Mak Neptune Stripe & Colorblocked Cardigan
Retail Price: $48

This was the item I was most excited to try on when I first opened the box. But it didn't fit quite right. The sleeves were slightly too short and the sweater was a bit shorter than I like. The colorblocked pattern also just looked wrong on me. I guess an unsymmetrical pattern is just not for me.

Sent Back

Under Skies Finley Bell Sleeve Knit Sweater
Retail Price $68

I wasn't crazy about this sweater at first look, but I tried it on anyways. The neckline was large and it drooped down over my shoulder, which I wasn't crazy about. I hated the bell sleeves. And they were slightly short, so they looked even worse. (I don't have crazy long arms, so I'm not sure why nothing fit in the arms. I've never had that problem before.)

Sent Back

Sweet Rain Dally Knit Chevron Pencil Skirt
Retail Price $58

I loved the print on this skirt, but it was very long (below the knee). And very form fitting. I'm really not sure how I feel about it. I'm not sure what to wear it with besides solid colored sweaters or blouses for the fall/winter. The material was soft and it is very comfortable, but I'm not sure it is really my style.

Undecided, what are your thoughts?

I was hoping I would love at least one piece in this Stitch Fix, especially since I provided a lot of feedback from my last one. But I'm not sure I like any of them enough to keep anything. The two items I'm undecided about are the tan corduroy pants and the chevron pencil skirt. Can you please help me decide whether I should keep either of them? Please leave your comments below. And be honest!

Popbasic Rubi (October 2013 Collection)

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $78 Worldwide shipping is included

My Popbasic Rubi Collection arrived yesterday and I was so excited to see it! As you may remember from last month I was already waiting for this collection to launch, because I needed the Basic Grey Marl Dress! I'm so happy with the quality of these pieces. Here's what I received:

The Basic Grey Marl Dress is my favorite item from this collection (as the clothing pieces usually are). It has a cute exposed zipper in the back. The dress is super comfy and fits perfect! I'm already thinking about styling it with some cute purple tights, ankle boots, and a fun cardigan! The Latte Leather Belt is very nice. It fits great and has lots of holes, so you can wear it any way you like. Seeing this belt makes me regret not buying the Salut! Collection that included a Latte Leather Clutch, because I would have loved it!!! The pop item for this collection is the Mimi Necklace and I love the red color of this necklace. I'm already thinking of all sorts of ways to style it for the holidays. And will probably put it on with everything I wear!

This collection was everything I expected and I love every piece! I can't wait to wear them and am looking forward to styling all the pieces in many different ways. This collection is still available to purchase, so get yours before it sells out! I can't wait to see what they have in store for November.

Are you addicted to Popbasic like me? What do you love about it???

Popsugar Must Have October 2013

Rating: Love It!!!!
Cost: $35/month (increasing to $39.95 effective Nov 4, 2013)

When I saw the Popsugar Must Have box on my doorstep yesterday, I was very surprised! Partially, because my subscription was not supposed to start until November and because I never received an email from them saying that the box had shipped. I had already looked at some blog reviews to see what was in the October box (because I thought I wouldn't be getting it) so I knew what would be inside. But it's still fun to open a box that you have never received before to see how everything is packaged!!!

This box felt pretty heavy and looked very full when I opened it up. I think this is my new favorite subscription box....EVER!!!! It felt like I kept pulling more items out of the box and it was great how much was packed in there. The booklet telling everything included in the box was much larger than any other subscription box I've received before. I could tell I was getting my money's worth. No wonder they are upping the price to $39.95/month (effective Nov 4, 2013) It's definitely worth it and I will keep subscribing even with the price increase!!! Here's what I got:

A Must Have Food item included in this box was The Can't Cook Book: Recipes for the Absolutely Terrified! by Jessica Seinfeld. This cook book looks perfect for me! I hate cooking and I'm terrible at it! (The problem is I spend so much time cooking and the food that results is usually not edible, so I end up ordering out anyways) So, I never cook, unless I absolutely have to, which is usually never. I'm really going to try some recipes in this book and see how we like them. It even has pages that fold out further to give you more detail and pictures of exactly what you should be doing (I need that) I'm actually excited about trying to cook with this book!!! We'll see how it goes and maybe I'll post pictures.

A Must Have Beauty item included was NYX Cosmetics Liquid Liner and Smokey Shadow Palette. I love a smoky eye, and these colors look great! I'm excited to test out the different colors. I don't usually wear eye liner, but I may give this a try. Or I may gift this. I'm undecided. I'm so bad at drawing a straight and even line on my eyelid that I just gave up and wear shadow as liner instead. I do think liner looks great and makes eyes really pop, but I just haven't been able to master this technique. Maybe I'll give it another go.

The Must Have Fashion item included was Gorjana Charity Bali Bead Bracelet. If you purchase it on the Gorjana retail site, 100% of the proceeds goes to the charity Breast Cancer Connections. This bracelet is adorable! It's the perfect color for breast cancer awareness and I love how bright it is. It fits my wrist perfect and it's so dainty! (This runs quite tiny (7in) if you're thinking about ordering one)

The next Must Have Beauty product included was Julep for Popsugar Duo. I received a Julep nail polish in my September Citrus Lane box and was hoping that it was not the same color (I received Coco in Citrus Lane) I saw some reviews and they received Coco. But I received a nice blue/purple color (Millie) that I love and am looking forward to wearing immediately!!! And also a Julep top coat (Freedom). I really needed a new top coat, because the brand I am currently using I do not like at all. I'm interested to see how this one works!

The next Must Have Fashion item was Jane Tran Bobby Pins. These bobby pins look really nice and the colors are great (green, gray, and blue). But I'm not sure they'll work in my hair because it's very fine, but I'm going to try them. They may end up going to a friend!

Another Must Have Beauty item included was The Wet Brush. This brush is exactly what I need! I always brush my hair when it's wet and definitely use the wrong brush for it, so I was very happy to get this. I tried it on shampooed, but not conditioned wet hair and it worked amazing! Didn't pull, tug, or tear at all. I'm thinking I need to buy an extra one to put aside for when my daughter has enough hair to actually brush, because you know how fun it is to brush a child's wet hair. This would make it so much easier on their little scalps! 

The final Must Have Food item included in this box was The Crispery Halloween Crispycake. This yummy treat looked delicious and was! It was very large and perfect for sharing. We had it as a treat after dinner. 

The Special Extra included in the October box was $20 for Stitch Fix. My #2 Stitch Fix box will be here in a week or so and I'm looking forward to using this towards my purchase! Great addition to the box.  

I am very happy with this box and I'm already excited to see the Popsugar Must Have box for November! What do you love about Popsugar Must Have?

Citrus Lane October 2013

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

Citrus Lane is one of my favorite subscription boxes to open every month with my daughter! I always love the products they send and this month was no different. This review is for a 16 month old girl. The box this month was pink instead of yellow, as usual. In honor of two important causes, they created the bowstache. It's pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and shaped like a mustache to support Men's Health Awareness month in November. And there were cute mustache and ribbon cutouts on the box for your child to model!

This box included something for all the important parts of a baby's routine - Playtime, Bath time, and Bedtime. Here's a look at what we got this month:

The first item for playtime was a Toddler Tambourine from Hohner Kids. My daughter instantly loved this toy and was making music in no time. She loves instruments and we don't have a tambourine yet, so this fits into her collection perfectly!!!

The next item for bath time was Scrubble from Boon. They explain these bath toys as a cross between a squirter and a loofa. Your little one can fill it with water and squirt it out and also use the textured surface to scrub themselves clean. These look like a lot of fun! I think my daughter will love playing with these and squirting the water out. And I love that they come apart so they are easy to wash and dry! We can't wait to try them out. (My daughter was going to have a bath tonight, but she fell asleep earlier than usual, so we'll be trying them out tomorrow)

We also got a Bops from Good Boy Organics. (Snack time is a very important part of baby's routine also) They are baked organic potato snacks. She had these as a snack today and loved them!!! She loves all kinds of chips and these are healthy for her, so I didn't feel bad about her eating them. (I had to hide these from her when we opened the box, because she would have been begging for these)

The final item in the October box for bedtime was Babybug from Cricket Magazine. This is a really cute magazine and she liked looking at the pictures and hearing the stories and rhymes. This is a magazine aimed at children age 0-3. I think this is a perfect magazine for her age. It also came with a coupon for 3 months of digital copies. We will definitely put these to use.

Another month that I love every item from Citrus Lane! Oh, I also need to show you the add on that I ordered, because it goes with the pink theme of the box! (Citrus Lane sends emails to their subscribers of items they can add onto their box at a discounted price with no additional shipping costs and sometimes I just can't resist ordering) It's a Green Toys Pink Race Car. I love this and think she will really enjoy it too!!! What girl wouldn't want a pink race car?

Do you subscribe to Citrus Lane? What did you get in your box???