Sneak Peak for Popsugar's next Special Edition box

Looks like the next PopSugar Special Edition Box is going to be a Neiman Marcus box!!! The special edition boxes seem to never disappoint, so I am excited! I'll be keeping a look out for the announcement to order soon! Usually the special edition boxes are $100 but they haven't announced the price yet. 

From their FAQ:
Lisa Sugar and Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus’ Fashion Director, will curate an exciting Limited Edition box full of fabulous, on-trend fashion and beauty items, and more Neiman Marcus favorites that we will deliver to your door. This Limited Edition box targets women ages 18-40 and features full-size products and premium items, including tried-and-true classics, celebrity favorites, and brands consumers have yet to discover.


Q: When can I expect my Neiman Marcus Must Have box?
Your Neiman Marcus Must Have box will arrive mid-November or as otherwise indicated in your account. Your account settings will initially display that your box is "processing" after you are billed. When your box ships out, the "processing" message on your account settings will update to reflect your tracking information. Your Neiman Marcus Must Have box should arrive an estimated 5-10 business days after it ships. You will also receive an email with a tracking number so you can follow your package's progress.

FancyBox Kelly Rowland

FancyBox revealed that Kelly Rowland will now have a box with them. This is an awesome addition and I am definitely interested. Seeing how disappointing POPsugar was this month and they want to raise the cost, I may switch over.

**side note** what is up with the promo pics? nothing screams luxury fun items like an abandoned warehouse with cement and pipes...

-K

Popsugar Must Have Box October 2013 Review

Our boxes arrived today. We got identical boxes, with the exception of a slightly different color Julep nail polish.

Today we received our Popsugar's Must Have Box. Below is a review of the items. 

Crispery Halloween Crispycake-$3.95 Value

A: I saw this Crispery Halloween Crispycake and had to try it. Immediately.  After a couple bites, I suddenly remembered I was planning to take pictures before I ate my box. This is what happened with the 1st Monthly Escape box I received, I ate everything before I could take pictures and then didn't end up doing an update. But, I have to tell you, this crispy cake was Fantastic!! My favorite thing in this box.

K: I loved this treat. I starting eating it right away. One of the highlights of the box. 

The Can't Cook Cookbook by Jessica Seinfield- $16.79 Value

A: I am happy with this cookbook. I like collecting cookbooks and different recipes, but I tend to only actually use them sporadically. I have zipped through it and was able to find a couple recipes that I would like to try, AND they seemed pretty easy to follow. That last part is important to someone like me, which is someone who does not generally enjoy cooking anything.

K: I love collecting cookbooks so I was very excited when I saw this! Easy, approachable recipes that I will be trying this week. 

The Wet Brush Hair Detangling Brush-$7.95 Value

A:This brush says you can brush your hair with it. Nuff said.

K: This is suppose to be a brush specifically for wet hair. It looks like a cheap brush from a dollar store. 

Jane Tran Bobby Pins- $12 Value

A: Bobby Pins. My initial reaction is, I don't get it. But these are kinda pretty and I'm willing to try them. I was not able to find these exact ones on the website, but I found some others that I wish they had sent instead.

K: Sparkle bobby pins... Not sure if ill wear them. Kinda feels like something I would have worn 20 years ago when I was a kid in the 90's.

NYX Brown Liquid Eyeliner- about $7 Value

A: This is NYX Liquid Brown Liner. I'm a little disappointed to see this brand in this box, but I am thrilled to see brown eyeliner, which is something I wear often. I will try this out.

K: I hate brown liner I'm a black liner girl. Also was not happy to see NYX in the box it's a cheap drugstore brand. I would have liked to see a prestige brand like Stila that they had in the past.

NYX- Smokey Shadow Pallete- about $7 Value 

A: I will most likely not be trying this. I will put it in the give away box. I already own Naked eye shadow and that seems to be the best for creating the smokey eye look.

K: I looked at the ingredients and it had two different parabens listed so I will not be using this.  While I'm irritated it's NYX  Many other people are reporting its pretty pigmented. 

Gorjana Charity Bali Bead Bracelet in Pink- $45 Value 

A: This is the Gorjana Charity Bali Bead Bracelet. I think the bracelet is very pretty, and I especially love that it supports charity. Great timing for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

K: I love this bracelet. It's neon bright pink and so cute! It's very small though, but it fits my small wrist perfectly! It is my second favorite item from the box. I Would not have ever paid $45 for it though! I am also glad proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

$20 off coupon for Stitchfix

A: We received a coupon for $20 off for Stitchfix. I have not tried Stitchfix yet, but I am signed up to receive a box next month, so I was happy to see this. I will be posting a review then of course. If you are not aware of Stitchfix, you can can click my link here. I believe I get credit for a referral.

K: I do not count a coupon towards box value because you have to spend money to use it. Seeing how I don't use Stitchfix I think i'll be giving this to mom.  

 

Julep Nail Polish ($14 value) and Freedom Top Coat ($18

A: And the final item was Julep nail polish. I have not tried this brand yet, but my daughter really likes it. The color I got was a dark blue named Millie, and a topcoat. I'm not too sure of the Millie color, so I might end up giving away instead.

K: I received the dark navy color, named Char, that I LOVE. I love Julep nail polish and I am in their Maven subscription program. I love that they are “4-free” and do not contain formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, or DBP. 

The Verdict:
A: I liked the Crispery rice cake the best. There are a couple items that I will try, like the brown eye liner and the cookbook. But I am unlikely to use the other items. I am not convinced I will continue with this since I'm not convinced this was a good value. I do know there aren't any items I would have spent money on in a store, and there are NO items I will start buying in the future. I was hoping for items that were new, or different, or unusual, or useful. Other than the rice crispy treat, I don't feel this box accomplished that.

K: I am definitely disappointed with this box. I loved the cookbook, nail polish, and bracelet but I felt like everything else were items randomly picked out in the checkout line of a drugstore. I wouldn't have gone out of my way to purchase any of the items. With subscription boxes I look forward to receiving new luxury items but felt everything was lackluster. Popsugar has had really great boxes in the past but seems to be degrading in the last few months and they are raising the prices but not raising the box value. The only way for current subscribers to lock in the price is to get the 3, 6, or 12 month plans which is BS. I will see how next month goes. Hopefully it improves or I will be cancelling soon.

Review of BeeKings Pumpkin Pie Lip Balm Review

What I'm raving about this week!

BeeKings Pumpkin Pie High Lip Balm

Fall is here and you know what that means….Pumpkin! My favorite time of year marked with pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin ice cream, you name it and it comes in the festive flavor and that is why I was so excited when I found BeeKings bees wax pumpkin pie lip balm ($3.97+ $1.95 S+H). 

 

When I was at the Everett Home Show they had a booth set up and I quickly purchased it while catching up to the family. However I knew I had to get more and found them on Etsy once I got home. This lip balm is all natural and paraben free which I love and it goes on super smooth. The smell is great and not artificial smelling like many other lip balms which is because they use essential oils to scent it. I love finding great products that support local small businesses. I just ordered their Honey Vanilla and Coconut Lime lip balms too. I was also eyeing their Coconut Lime Deodorant ($8.00 + $3.50 S+H) and will probably be purchasing in the near future.

`K

-K

Smith Brothers Farms Delivery

We recently started a milk delivery service, Smith Brothers. I just heard about them less than a year ago, and have been thinking of trying it. So, we finally just signed up at a tradeshow last week. Our service started a couple days later. The milk is good. I haven't tried it personally, but my daughter is pretty picky and she says it is good. What I really liked, was that they deliver more than just milk. Our order consisted of Simply juice, both orange and Lemonade. We also got bread products. The Harvest grain bread is from Alki bakery, and is phenomenal. We also got both the pumpkin cream cheese muffins, and the Lemon Citrus Sweet Bread,  and they were fabulous.

I was very impressed when I woke up the day of our delivery, to find our new box out on the porch and our order was already here. I love that I can wake up and put it away before I leave for work. The only downside I have found is the website is a little confusing. I have saved my order, and then I find it's not really saved, and resorts back to the weekly standing order. I'm going to keep working with it, maybe I'm missing something? We'll see.

-A

Smart Living Steam Mop Plus Review

I've have finally gotten a steam mop! I bought the Smart Living Steam Mop Plus at a tradeshow. Other than my salesman, upping the price TWICE, it was an easy decision. I was interested, and watched the demo. The couple next to me told me they attended the tradeshow specifically to buy the mop.

Now that I have had a chance to use the steam mop, I gotta say, I'm lovin it! I have never used a steam mop before, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but it really made mopping fun! the Smart Living Steam Mop even comes with an attachment so you can run it on carpets. So, I even "mopped" the mats that are in front of the stove and the sink. They turned out great. But really, I have peace of mind knowing everything has been cleaned. I love that it's a steam and that I feel like any germs are disappearing. You can indeed hear (and see) when it's warmed up and begins creating steam, although it is not overly noisy.

I also bought the hand held steamer. I won't receive it for a couple weeks, because they did not have it on hand at the trade show. But I will post an update once it gets here. I'm looking forward to trying it on my curtains and to help clean my microwave. I'll let you know how that turns out!

UPDATE: I just wanted to post a quick update on the hand held steamer. SAVE YOUR MONEY! It does not get anywhere 450°F that the salesman told me it would. In fact, I'm able to comfortably place my hand directly in front of the steam, and it feels nothing more than barely warm. My face steamer works better than this! I was hoping this would help clean my microwave easier, with the spilled food, but it does not. I still have to soak the glass turn table. It does NOT take the wrinkles out of my curtains. So, my advice, the steam mop, good, other accessories, waste of money.

-A

Review of Fancy Box Jennifer Love Hewitt September 2013

My September Jennifer Love Hewitt Box Fancy Box finally came! I feel like once you get the shipping confirmation emails it takes forever for boxes to arrive! When I was first discovering subscription boxes I was really drawn to her box because she picks fun items that match my personality. I liked P!nk's box too, but it's just too vulgar for my taste. The Jennifer Love Hewitt Box Fancy Box includes at least $80+ worth of products hand picked by J. Love herself. Each month cost $39 + $7.95 shipping. The one thing that drives me crazy is that they FancyBox charges for shipping! All of my other subscription boxes do not.

This is the box. I think that it is annoying that all the other celebrity boxes have their own custom shipping boxes except for J. Love and hers is just as popular as the others. Please Fancy work on this stat!

This months box was inspired by J. Loves favorite drink...the Cosmopolitan! I do think it's strange that she is 9 months pregnant, but maybe shes stocking up! Also not sure about how I'd feel if I didn't drink. 

These are the info cards that describe each item and why J. Love picked it!

Talk it Up Drink Masters – Value $10
These drink markers are fun! I don't know when I'll ever use them because I never throw parties but if I did these would be fun conversation starters. 

Core Bamboo Mixology Bar Board – Value $15
I love this bar board. I love that its bamboo. Also has the cosmo recipe printed on the front.

Final Touch Glass Cocktail Shaker -Value $25
I was excited for this one!! We have this horrible martini shaker at home that is all metal and I can never get it apart once I use it! But this lid on this one easily comes on and off. Also I LOVE that it has different classic martini recipes printed on it and has a measuring scale.

Cosmopotian R-evolution Mixology Set – Value $29
I had never seen this before but its too cool! I'm a science nerd and this feeds into my inner nerd! I am very excited to use this!!! There are three different concoctions; cranberry foam, citrus caviar, and cosmopolitan bubbles.

The Verdict:

This box was Ah-mazing!!! Couldn't have picked a better theme for my first box. I paid $39 + $7.98 for shipping and received $79 worth of fun products that I wouldn't have discovered on my own. I love the mixology set and the cocktail shaker the most! I would have purchased them separately if I discovered them and did not receive them in a box. I could have lived without the conversation starters just because I'll most likely never use them. I am very excited for my next box! 

-K

GlossyBox September 2013 Review

My September GlossyBox finally arrived today!!! It is very late, this is already October 5th! I have heard that is an ongoing issue with this company. But, since this was my first GlossyBox, I was really excited to see it. Finally!

I love the box this comes in!!

The card was really a nice touch, loved it!!

They have a card that tells you about the items!

First look at the box

This was my favorite item! I have been wanting to try this, and I am so happy to see the full size.

Be a Bombshell eyeliner, in onyx. I really wanted to try this also, and I probably would not have if it had not come in this box.

This is the BCBGMAZARIA perfume. I hate perfume, so I will not be using this at all. My daughter wanted it, but I'm not sure yet if she'll really use it.

Sorry this isn't such a good picture, but I'll tell you about it. This is a makeup corrector pen. I'm super excited to try this, because

I have heard that this was going to be a really cheap eye lash curler. But, I think it's ok. Normally, I do not like eye lash curlers, and have not used one since I'm going to try it anyway.

So, all in all, I did like my Glossy Box. I am disappointed with the late shipment, mostly because this seems to be an on-going issue with this company. This is normally a sign of an unstable company. I am going to keep my subscription for a few more months to see how it goes.

-A