Bark Box: May 2013

This month's Bark Box came right on time, like always! If you're unfamilar with BarkBox, it's a monthly subscription box for your pooch! A month-to-month subscription is $29/month. They offer 3 month ($23/month) and 6 month ($19/month) subscriptions also. Obviously, the six month is the way to go if you want the box for less per month! I recommend using this referral link to get $5 off your first month. I wouldn't commit to 3 or 6 months until you try it out to make sure you love it!

Anywho, this is what came in my.. ahem.. Lucy's box this month.

This month's "theme" was about being outside and active!

The box included two of these Barkworthies Bully Sticks, but Lucy ate one before I could snap a picture! They retail for around $3-4 each.

Next up, we have the Grill-icious All Natural Beef Treats. I found these in chicken flavor on Amazon for $22. Whaaaaaaaat?! That's insanity. [Of course my dog would love these.]

Lucy also received some treats from Bocce's Bakery: Green Juice. These retail (on the Bocce's Bakery website) for $9.50.

Lastly, we have this Orbee-Tuff Produce toy with a 'treat spot'. Lucy is insanely obsessed with this. We happened to have the perfect size treats to fit inside! She keeps it right next to her in the doggie bed... even without treats in it! On Planet Dog, this retails for around $7.

Overall, this box was worth anywhere between $35-45, which is more than I paid for this box! (I only paid around $17 because I found a 3 month subscription on fab.com for a mere $49! WINNING.) Lucy must be honest and openly admit she liked last month's box just a little better. There seemed to be a greater "quantity". However, while there may have been more "stuff", the quality is never lacking... Bark on. 

If you're interested in trying out BarkBox, you can sign up here and save $5!

DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by BarkBox. I am not affiliated with BarkBox or any other  subscription service.  This review contains only my honest review of products I purchased.

NOTE: All BarkBoxlinks in this post are refferal links.

Goodies Co: May 2013

This month's Goodies Co box came right on time (not super late like last month!).  If you're unfamiliar with the Goodie Co., it's a $7/month subscription that sends out samples of food products. Their customer service is great, and your subscription may be cancelled at any time. You also have the option to temporarily halt your delivery (max 3 months). This subscription box is a Wal-Mart company. 

Moving on -- here's what was inside! (I love their packaging!)

Two samples of California Olive Oil.

Two packages of "Sour Power Straws". These essentially remind me of sour punch straws.
The mister got these -- as he loves all things "gummy bear-ish".

Moroccan Mint Tea -- not my thing.

Beanitos Restaurant Style White Bean and Sea Salt Chips and a jar of Bronco Bob's Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce. (I will be using the sauce to marinade some pork chops! Yum!)

 

Super Seesz Sea Salt Pumpkin Seeds. I tried them -- wasn't really a fan. That's probably because  my favorite part of eating pumpkin seeds is getting them out of the shell.

 

Zico Coconut Water. . . Yuck. Sorry, I'm just not a fan.

Last up, a Wholly Guacamole chip clip (win!) and a coupon for a FREE box of Wholly Guacamole packets!

Overall, the customer service is great and the boxes come filled with quite a few things to sample. This is my second box, and I decided to cancel for the time being. While it's only $7, I found nothing that I really liked. And what I did find, I can't seem to locate in my grocery store. The #1 reason I cancelled is this: I found products that I liked and was willing to purchase. I was willing to buy them from the Goodies Co. website since I couldn't find them in the store, but unless I spent $40 I would have to pay shipping. In my personal opinion, I shouldn't have to pay shipping for a product you just featured in my CURRENT MONTH box.

I have been a long time Wal-Mart stock holder, so I wanted to love this! But for now, I don't.

DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by Goodies Co. I am not affiliated with Goodies Co or any other subscription service.  This review contains only my honest review of products I purchased.

 

Ipsy: May 2013 Spring Fling [Bag #2]

Yes, I got two Ipsy bags this month. Do not judge. If you're wondering what came in my first bag, you can read about it here.

If you're unfamiliar with Ipsy, it's a monthly beauty subscription for $10/month. 4-5 deluxe size samples come in a custom Ipsy makeup bag! It can be cancelled at any time. You can sign up here.

Inside this Ipsy bag was (from L to R):

Full-size Mirabella Lip Sheer in Posy (Retail $22)
Yaby Concealer in Honey (Retail $5)
Zoya Nail Polish (Retail $8)
Pacifica Rollerball in Tahitian Gardenia (Retail $12)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel [Pretty sure this is full size.] (Full Size Retail $22)

Overall, the monetary value of this bag is close to $70. Again, if you're interested in joining Ipsy, you can sign up here.

DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by Ipsy. I am not affiliated with Ipsy or any other beauty subscription.  This review contains only my honest review of products I purchased.

NOTE: All Ipsy links in this post are refferal links.

The Twistband: May 2013

If you read my last post about Twistband, you would've learned that I was completely and totally obsessed. The same holds true a month later. For the last month, the only hair tie I have used is Twistband. 

Twistband offers a monthly subscription box, the Twistband Club, filled with hairties and/or headbands. It's $10.00 a month for a 3, 6, or 12 month subscription. A month or so ago, I landed a six month sub for half off. Dang it, I wish I'd purchased 12 months! 

This is what my May 2013 delivery looked like:

My May package contained the Maria Skinny Hair Tie Set ($10.00). I adore that this has fabulous neons for summer and simple neutrals for every day wear. Let me also say that I love that these are "skinny". I like to have a hairtie with me all the time, but wearing one of the regular ones on my arm is just too much. These skinny ones are just right (especially the nude one!)

I also got a chevron headband ($12.00 for 3) that I completely adore. The minute it showed up, it was in my hair. It's also already packed for my upcoming trip to Six Flags. 

Overall, the monetary value of this box was $14. Considering I only paid $5 for the box, I'd say that's a win! If I had paid $10 for the box, it's still a win, just not such an awesome one. Unless I could find this "deal" or a deal of some sort, I'd probably just buy $10-$15 worth of hairties when I needed them rather than have them send monthly.

Also, if you've never heard of Twistband, you should definitely check them out. Their customer service is incredible.... and I'm hard to please.

DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by Twistband. I am not affiliated with Twistband in any way.  This independent review contains only an honest opinion of products I purchased.

Birchbox: May 2013 [Beauty Diaries, Box #2]

This is my second Birchbox of the month! (Yes, admittedly I have a problem.) Again, the theme was "Beauty Diaries". If you're unfamiliar with Birchbox, it's a monthly beauty subscription service. You receive 4-6 samples of beauty products chosen for you based on a profile you complete. (I'm still not quite sure I'm going to drink that kool-aid...) Anyhow, the service is $10/month and can be cancelled anytime. I have found quite a few products I wouldn't have found otherwise. The best part about Birchbox is their points system. You receive 10 points per review (so roughly $5 in points per month) and 100 points is a free $10 to use in their store. Points are good for 365 days, so you can spend them as soon as you get them or save them up for something big! It's a great way to get higher end products at a great price. 

 

This is what was inside my box immediately after opening...

First up, we have the CoTZ Natural Skin Tone SPF 40. This is a relatively small sample, so it will be going into either my purse or a travel bag. I can't lie, I do like that the packaging has the Birchbox logo on it. But that's neither here nor there. The product is, in fact, flesh toned and went on very smooth. Definitely not a heavy product. The full size retails for $20, thus making this samples monetary value around $1.50. 

"Finally, a SPF without any greasy residue. This tinted lotion dries to a sheer matte finish."

The next thing I opened up was the FusionBeauty LipFusion Infatuation Lip Fattener. I did give it a whirl. It's not nearly as sticky as other plumping glosses (but a little too sticky for my preference, anyway). It also didn't give that insane tingle like my lips were going to fall off. I'll keep it around, but wouldn't purchase again. The full size retails for $29, thus making this sample worth around $13.00. 

"This gloss is made with Amplifat technology that subtly plumps lips."

I was pretty happy to see this beauty in my box. Although I've already received this sample on my other account, I welcome it. I purchased the full size immediately after I ran out of my original sample. This product makes my hair so soft (without making it oily) and helps me get a brush through it when it's wet! Wait, have I mentioned I love this stuff?! This is great for my travel bag! Now I won't have to lug around the full size. Yipeee!!! 

The full size retails for $22, thus making this sample worth around $5.00. 

"Great for all hair types, this nourishing elixir locks in color, adds shine, and instantly detangles."

This product is new to me: LAFACE Laboratories Proteger Age Defying Primer. I'm not a huge fan of the packaging, looks cheap. I also wasn't a fan of the size of the sample, but I've changed my mind. For what little it takes to cover my entire face, this is a very generous sample. This will last me at minimum two weeks. I've used it every day for the past four days, and it's been added to my "to purchase with Birchbox Points list". My make up stays put, my skin looks smooth, and it feels like silk when I put it on! The full size retails for $65, thus making this sample worth around $3.00. 

"This unscented, skin-perfecting primer delivers serious moisture and helps foundation stay put."

Last up, Tweezerman Matchbox Itty Bitty Nail Files. This same as a beauty extra this month. This is full size and retails for around $5.00. These are perfect to throw in your purse! 

"Keep these cute minifiles in your purse to fix mani mishaps."

If you've read any of my previous posts, I like to keep up with the monetary value inside each box. Value is a very subjective term. If I won't use it, it really has no value. Lucky for me, I'll use everything in this box (even the sticky-ish lipgloss on occasion). Overall the value was somewhere between $25-$30, so I definitely got my $10 worth -- and I found an awesome new product!!

 

If you find Birchbox interesting or intriguing, you should definitely sign up and give it a whirl. Hey, what's $10 to find some awesome new products you wouldn't find otherwise?  

DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by Birchbox. I am not affiliated with Birchbox or any other beauty subscription.  This review contains only my honest review of products I purchased.

NOTE: All Birchbox links in this post are referral links.  

Birchbox: May 2013 [Beauty Diaries, Box #1]

This month's Birchbox is one of my favorites! The theme was "Beauty Diaries". I knew they would be putting some waterproof Cargo blush in some of the boxes this month, but I thought sure I couldn't be lucky enough to get one. Wrong! The Birchbox gods were smiling on me! 

If you're unfamiliar with Birchbox, it's a monthly beauty subscription service. You receive 4-6 samples of beauty products chosen for you based on a profile you complete. (I'm still not quite sure I'm going to drink that kool-aid...) Anyhow, the service is $10/month and can be cancelled anytime. I have found quite a few products I wouldn't have found otherwise. The best part about Birchbox is their points system. You receive 10 points per review (so roughly $5 in points per month) and 100 points is a free $10 to use in their store. Points are good for 365 days, so you can spend them as soon as you get them or save them up for something big! It's a great way to get higher end products at a great price.

Anyhow, I'm sure now you want to know what I got!

First up is the Kerastase Bain Chroma Captive Cleanse. Basically a shampoo for color treated hair. The full size is $39.00, thus making this sample worth about $5.00.

"The first step in Kerastase's targeted 3-step system, this gentle shampoo is designed to boost color treated and dry strands. Bonus: built-in UV filters keep highlights from fading."

Next up, Coola Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face. Full size retails for $32, thus making this sample worth around $4.00. 

"This mineral sunblock is infused with organic antiaging ingredients like evening primrose extract and borage seed oil."

Pretty sure this will find a permanent home in my purse! 

From what I gather, I'm one of the few people who actually enjoy getting fragrance samples in my box. This one, Folle de Joie eau de parfum by Joie, is awesome! I'm not big on florals, so that's why I love this. It's the perfect mix of florals and fruits. Buzz kill is that the full size retails for $98.00. This sample is worth around $1.75. 

"For its debut scent, the chic fashion brand created this carefree mix of mandarin, rose, and sandalwood."

My favorite part of this box: Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Los Cabos! It's the perfect coral shade. It's very smooth and will hopefully live up to my expectation of being water resistant. The full size retails for $26. I'm super pumped about this for summer! I couldn't find the weight of the full size, so I assigned this a value of $5.

"This waterproof pigment stays put and gives skin a gorgeous flush."

Lastly, the Birchbox find! This is a Pilot ink pen. What more is there to say? It's a pen. Am I disappointed (like some people) that I got a pen in my box? Heck.No. Who doesn't always need new pens... and this one writes teal. Not mad, at all. Even more happy that there's a $1 off coupon on the back.

If you've read any of my previous posts, I like to keep up with the monetary value inside each box. Value is a very subjective term. If I won't use it, it really has no value. Lucky for me, I'll use everything in this box. Overall the value was somewhere between $17-$20.

If you're interested in signing up for a Birchbox, it's a $10 monthly beauty subscription. The points system they offer is nothing short of awesome.

DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by Birchbox. I am not affiliated with Birchbox or any other beauty subscription.  This review contains only my honest review of products I purchased.

NOTE: All Birchbox links in this post are referral links.  

Ipsy: May 2013 [Spring Fling]

This month's Ipsy theme was "Spring Fling". If you're unfamiliar with Ipsy, it's a monthly beauty subscription for $10/month. 4-5 deluxe size samples come in a custom Ipsy makeup bag! It can be cancelled at any time.

This is a quick glimpse of everything that came in my bag this month!

I received what some call a full size juice Beauty Reflecting gloss. I believe it's actually half the size of the one on their website (.28 fl oz). Regardless, it's totally awesome, and I plan on buying more! It's not sticky (which is why I normally don't do "gloss"). Full size is $15.

I received a Yaby concealer in Buff. Meh. I assigned it a value of $1, but I've since found it's worth around $5.

Next up, Zoya nail polish. I heart Zoya. This color is in Piaf from the Spring 2013 collection. Retail $8.

The next two items are from Pacifica. I actually like Pacifica products so the lotion will definitely get used. It sells for $7 on their company website.

The rollerball I received (retail $12) is in the Island Vanilla scent. I'm not a huge fan of vanilla, so this will probably be given to someone else. I hear a ton of people talking about loving it, it's just not for me.

All in all, this months bag was worth between $35-$40, and I only paid $10 for the bag! (Sidebar: a discussion was had today on the subjectivity of the word "value". A product may retail for $50, but if I won't use it, it really has no value to me.) I calculate the dollar value of my boxes just to make sure I'm at least breaking even.

If you're interested in signing up for Ipsy, it's a $10 monthly beauty subscription offering 4-5 full or deluxe size samples (plus a makeup bag!) and can be cancelled anytime!

DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by Ipsy. I am not affiliated with Ipsy or any other beauty subscription.  This review contains only my honest review of products I purchased.

NOTE: All Ipsy links in this post are refferal links. 

The Goodies Co: April 2013

If you're unfamiliar with The Goodies Co monthly subscription box, I'm here to educate you. It's a monthly subscription box (a "Taster's Box") filled with 5-8 trial size samples of food products. The box is $7 a month and can be cancelled at any time or suspended. You are required to request an invitation. Mine took about four days to come in. 

However, I did not pay for this box. It was given to me free to try out the box. I believe they're supposed to ship mid-month, but this didn't come until the end of the month. 

I originally got an email saying I'd been charged the $7, then immediately got a correction email saying that was not accurate information. Then I received an email saying the shipment would be delayed. 

All-in-all, I wanted my box, but I was happy with the customer service. I was kept informed of the progress and a post I made on their Facebook page was responded to within the hour.

Moving on -- Here's the goodies! The box was sturdy and pretty adorbs. 

The box contained a Wai Lana Herb and Garlic chips, Angie's Sweet & Salty popcorn, Green Giant Sweet Potato Chips, Lady Walton's White Chocolate Amaretto Cookie, and Yellow Cheddar Gluten Free Cheese Sauce Mix, and a Zone Cookie Dough Protein Bar.  

My favorite was by far the Angie's Sweet and Salty popcorn. 

My second favorite was the Sweet Potato chips. They reminded me of Sun Chips! I already tried to find them in the grocery store, to no avail. Wahhhh.

So far, I think the box is worth $7 a month. Thus, I'm paying for a box this month! My only qualm is that in order to get free shipping on the products you order from the online store, you have to spend $40 (shipping is $5).

DISCLAIMER: This product review was not solicited by The Goodie Co. I am not affiliated with The Goodie Co or any other subscription service.  This review is an honest opinion of products I received with a first subscription box free of charge.

My Saving Grace: JR Watkins

Ever crawl into bed, get good and comfy, the room is the perfect level of quiet... Then all of a sudden you move your bare feet, and the sound of your heels on the sheets is sounds like you're dragging sand paper across the sheets?? Ever had an itch on your calf and use your dry, cracked heels to scratch it? Yea, me either.

I've never really had trouble with dry, cracked heels. At one point in my life, I was even told I should be a foot model. Recently, though, I've had the driest feet on the planet. And with spring on the horizon, I went into freak out mode. I guess I could've gone to get a pedicure, but with my friend recently having two toenails removed from a bad trip to the nail salon, it wasn't an option. That's a different story for a different day.

I was perusing the Birchbox store and found something I thought I would like to try. J.R. Watkins peppermint scented Foot Repair Salve. $9.00. Four days later it was in my mailbox. I couldn't wait to try it, so that night I did exactly what it said. Apply, sleep in socks, have soft feet. I've tried a few other things that didn't work like they said they would. THIS ACTUALLY WORKED!!

I rarely write any type of dedicated product review, but I feel compelled to share this fabulous find with the world. I have been using this product about five nights a week for the past three weeks, and it is now one of my favorite parts of my nighttime regimen. My feet are softer and smoother than they've been in a really long time. If you have dry feet, or even if you don't, this product is amazingly amazing... My new saving grace.

 

If you're interested in purchasing, I know it's available in the Birchbox store, amazon, and the JR Watkins website. I also know that Target carries the brand, so they may have it there! Either way, I've not seen it for any more than $9.00!

On top of all that awesomeness, the product is Made in America! You're welcome!