Plated

I tried Plated a year ago and wasn't impressed with my meals at all. They didn't taste that great and I had frustration with the recipes not giving enough details in the instructions. However I recently came across their intro special and decided to give it another shot. I ended up paying $24 for two meals for two, which is cheaper than paying to go out for two nights. Last time I tried Plated it wasn't a subscription service however, that has changed and you are required to enroll but you can skip any weeks and can cancel at anytime. Typically the meals are $12 a plate and you are required to purchase four plates.

The first meal I picked was Thai Peanut Curry with Sticky Rice

Words and pictures cannot describe how amazing this meal was. Seriously I think my favorite meal I have made. My boyfriend was a little weirded out about the idea of a subscription service and wasn't really sure how it would arrive however, after I cooked this meal he was looking at the future menus and picked out our next Plated adventure. He couldn't stop raving about this meal! It was extremely easy to make, and the instructions were clear and concise. I am horrible about eating greens but I finished off my bowl! I really hope they bring this recipe back in the future, or at least offer other curries that are up to par with this!

The second meal I tried was Vietnamese Caramel Fish with Vermincelli and Bok Choy




Unfortunately I had to make this during the week so I prepared this meal solo. Overall it was pretty good....but not as good as the curry. The noodles were easy to make. The fish was a bit of an adventure as it all fell apart in the pan. I felt like overall it was pretty easy to prepare and had great taste. I would try to prepare this again on my own once I get searing down a little better.

Overall I am very happy with Plated and will continue to order from them. I love cooking but as a busy full time graduate student, full time employee, and mother to a fur baby it is very difficult to plan out fancy meals and run to the stores to collect all of the exotic ingredients and plated takes away the stress of finding fun healthy meals and having to track down ingredients by having everything delivered right to my door step. I also really enjoy that these meals are on the healthier side and is exposing me to healthy meals that I can make again in the future. I absolutely love that they include the recipe card so you can recreate it at home again. Cooking with my Bf is more fun and cheaper than having to go out to eat and this will become apart of our weekend routine. If you are interested in Plated you can sign up here.

-K

Lilee Beauty Box - Jewelry Gift 2015

Lilee Beauty Box is a lifestyle box that includes known and unique brands. From scarves, tea, jewelry and makeup items. I've only gotten one box, but it was pretty cute. They sent out a jewelry item for subscribers that had used a promo code to sign up for in December. I did not get my box until January. The jewelry item came separate than the box shipment, and it also included a 2nd jewelry piece that was missing from the December box.

 These are supposed to be $50 each, but I do not believe they are worth that. I do like the color and shapes of these pieces, but they aren't for me. I will be swapping as I do not wear this type of statement jewelry.
`A

Golden Tote Mystery Bag February 2015 Review

Golden Tote is monthly subscription service. They offer a $49 bag that includes 3 items and you can select one of those, or 5-7 items for $149 where you get to select 2 of those items. They had their mystery tote sale for $60. The Mystery Tote is a grab bag of clothing from this year's Golden Tote sales. Each Mystery Tote will come with four clothing items for only $60. Included in each tote is one past chosen item, one Puella item (it's a new, exclusive surprise), and two additional past surprise items.

The Mystery Tote did not include an info card, and I'm not looking for links on here either since I can't find all the items. I'll just give you brand names and my impressions.

I received four items. They were neatly stacked and banded together inside the tote bag.

 

Puella Swing Tee - I really liked the material, Really liked it! I love soft t-shirts. The A-line style was also a hit. Unfortunately, it was just slightly too small in the arms. I wasn't too crazy about the stripes either. I will be swapping this, but that is not because of the quality.

Ellison Romper - This is super cute. I don't think it's right for this time of year, but maybe that's just because all I can see is winter right now. I would probably feel different about this if it showed up in the Spring/Summer months.

Cut and Sew Swing Dress - This looks amazing with a belt. Amazing. But that's a look I cannot pull off. Even though it's not my style does not mean I don't still love it, it just means I won't be wearing it. But I wish I could because this material is so super soft and quality.

Miss Love Sweater - This does not describe me at all. I think this is better suited for my grandmother. The material is stiff and polyester, and just does not feel comfortable. The only thing I like about this is the boxy shape.

The value was definitely there for this tote, but I won't be keeping anything from this selection. I'm not unhappy with the tote though, these items just aren't a match for me. I checked the website today and there are still totes available for sizes small and x-small.
`A

Popsugar Must Have Box February 2015 Review

PopSugar Must Have Box- $39.99/monthly. Use the code REFER5 to get $5 off.  One of the most popular subscription boxes. Hand selected full sized premium items in beauty, fashion, home, fitness, and food.

Chuao Chocolatier Ravishing Rocky Road Bar - $6 Finally! The snack this month is back to being a treat, rather than healthy food. Just what I have been waiting for. So, naturally, I've already ripped into this. This is amazing quality chocolate. There are whole mini marshmallows and whole almonds. I LOVED it!

http://www.sallybeauty.com/fingerpaints/SBS-806174,default,pd.html $5.50 I'm very happy to see a nail polish included, and especially a red nail polish, which are my favorites. There was also a coupon included this month for Buy one get one Free.

Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush- in true love Full Size $26. I had a trial size of this from the Advent calendar I got in December. I like this stuff and I'm happy to see a full size version of it. We do not get blush very often in sub boxes, so it's a treat when that happens. But even better, it's a color I can use.

BaubleBar Mini Arrow Pendant Necklace - $32 I LOVE this necklace. Will be great for layering, and I have been on the lookout for more gold pieces lately.

Figs & Rouge 100% Natural Lip Balm in Wild Cherry - $8 I'm wondering if there were different flavors sent out on this, but I'm loving my flavor. I'm not overly thrilled about the type of lipbalms that come in a tin like this, I do not like using my fingers for lipbalm. But this tin is super cute.

ACME Party Box Company Bamboo Heart Cutting Board & Cheese Knife - $32 This is really cute. I do have plenty of cutting boards, so I'm not so sure I'll be keeping this, but it really is cute.

U.S. Apothecary Rose Water Bubble Bath - Full Size $30 I am thrilled to see bubble bath included, and I think it's a great addition to a February box. I cannot use this due to the Rosewater, but that doesn't mean I'm disappointed with it.

I think this month was a great curation, great for February, and I'm very happy with the box.
`A

 

Cypress & 5th Grab Bag February 2015 Review

We recently heard about Cypress & 5th. They are a monthly subscription box for fashion. They are not brand new, but still fairly new. How it works is you are charged $74.95 each month. You visit your "dressing room" and pick out two or three items. You do have the option to skip the month, which is great. Each apparel piece comes with a “How to Style” suggestion card with styling options such as: shoes, handbags, accessories and pairing ideas. I have been wanting to but was just waiting for something to come along to grab my attention. They offered a grab bag special, and I signed up for one immediately. Seriously, within minutes of hearing about it. The cost was $89, but we had a coupon code and paid $75.95. We do not have links or prices today because we were unable to find the exact items online. But I'll do my best to describe things.

Bumble Bee Gold Earrings - Are these not the cutest? Seriously! These are too cute! I don't really wear animal jewelery, or prints, but these are so super cute. K is getting these for sure and I'm looking forward to seeing them on her. Even though she isn't home to claim them, I'm putting them aside for her when she visits after finals. I'm posting a stock photo next to my own because my pic really doesn't do them justice.

blu pepper grey/white sweater -  Love. This is definitely my favorite item. I love a nice sweater, and I especially love sweaters with personality. I had to show you the back, the criss-cross detail. Also, it is slightly longer in the bag which makes it great to pair with leggings.

Mine top - I LOVE this also! This is very lightweight, will be perfect for my next trip to the Caribbean. It's made of a Rayon/Polyester blend, but feels more like linen. The netting on the top makes it breezy. I love the tie in the middle. I can see pairing this with white skinny jeans. I didn't get a pic of the back, but the back is banded at the waist and fits perfectly.

Timing T-shirt - This is very soft jersey Tee shirt at the top and then moves into a Rayon material. Also light weight and good for summer. What I love about this is the contrast of patterns. What I don't love is that I would prefer the entire thing to be either the soft t-shirt, or a rayon top. This looks cool, but when it's on it feels like it can't make up it's mind on what it wants to be. Also, it's just a little big on me and the length is too long for me to wear comfortably.

Umgee USA dress - Ooooh, I really love this! This is a dress but looks like a sleeveless top and skirt. I cannot wear mini skirts this short, but I so wish I could keep this. This felt so great on, I totally felt like I was 21 again getting ready to go to a club. I'm not kidding, I looked in the mirror and started mentally picking out the jewelry and heels to pair it with. This dress looks stiff, but it's actually really stretchy and comfortable. I cannot wear skirts this short anymore, but it did briefly take me back to the days when I could totally rock this!

Verdict - Great value! I like the clothes, I like the styles. Even though I can't keep everything, this was definitely good value. The rest will be swapped on MSA. I've already ordered another grab bag and looking forward to reviewing that one for you as well.
`A

Quarterly Co Warehouse Sale

Past boxes from only $25 - Limited Time Only



Little Lace Box January 2015 Review

I got my Little Lace Box this morning just as I was leaving for work. I was tempted to stay and open it, but well, that wouldn't be right. So, I spent all day staying off email and blog sites because I did not want any spoilers on this one!
Little Lace Box has quickly become one of my favorite boxes. They are managing to find the coolest and most unique items anyone can think of. The theme this month was "The Dining Car". I knew this meant vintage and I would love this box. I was not wrong.

It was tough to decide which pic to lead with. The first look in the box? or the Teapot? Which is just too cute!

This months box came in a big long box. When I first opened it up, all I saw was white peanuts. Now, I just happened to have been wishing I had some of these packing peanuts, so I wasn't disappointed to see this, lol. The box included the Red Little Lace Box, and another box. After I brushed some peanuts away, I saw the pic and I had to get to this first.

Siena Tea Collection Tea For one - $29.99 You get extra pics because it's just too cute. And I don't even drink tea! The box it's kept is in also super cute.

Downtown Abbey Classic Edwardian Hair Jewelry Bobby Pin Set - $21.99 I was totally hoping for something from the Downtown Abbey Jewelry Collection. I was pretty much expecting it once I heard the theme vintage. I am currently collect DA jewelry pieces, and LOVING the line. I cannot find this exact item online, so I'm sending a link to my favorite store to get DA pieces from.

 

Capital Bee Raw Hand Cut Holly Honeycomb - $7 This was a bonus item. This honey jar has an actual honeycomb inside. I tried to show you in the pics, I hope it came through. It's pretty cool looking.

Lucy B Roll-On Perfume Oil in Royal Water Lotus and Vanilla Musk - $16.99. This came in different scents. My scent was Vanilla. This does not smell like vanilla, maybe has a hint of it, otherwise has a flowery smell. Which of course, does not work for me. That's why swap was invented. ;)

Beekman 1802 Authentic Hand-forged Britannia Fruit Spoon - $19.99 This spoon is just beautiful. It came in a box, rolled in paper. It had a little info card that explained about it. I had to take extra pics just to show you some of the detail. I can picture an afternoon of tea, with this spoon used for the fruit bowl, maybe some cucumber sandwiches. I can envision the setting. It's made of the same pewter-type alloy used to make the "Oscar" statuettes. the mold is an actual late 18th century spoon mold that was found in the back of an abandoned shop on the ground of the Beekman Mansion. The detail is just amazing.

Royal Apothic  Holland Park Bubble Cream - $18.99. Basically, this is a bath gel. Love the packaging! I don't know if there were different flavors sent out, but I would love to try the Lemoncello.

How to be a lady by Candace Simpson Giles - $16.99 Here is a description of the book " Naturally, you know women who are kind and intelligent, witty and resourceful; but a lady is an altogether different variety of female. She’s mindful of the effect she has on those around her, and she’s careful not to let her words or appearance betray her true intentions. How to Be a Lady is a charming reminder of what it takes to be an exemplary woman—someone who knows how to breeze through an awkward conversation with poise, or delicately sidestep the beauty salon gossip".  I think there is a time and a place for this, but even I don't want to be her all the time! I breezed through the book, there are some good tips for younger girls who maybe have not yet given much thought to certain issues, such as "always be honest with your doctor", "never show up to a party as or with an uninvited guest" and "only date those who respect your decision to say No". It's a random book of advice. Most of it's obvious. And the rest tells you when to remove the salad plates.

 

Little Lace Box is $39.99/month and this box had a value of approx $135. This is definitely one of my favorite subscription boxes! I know I said it earlier, but they are managing to find the coolest and most unique items. This month was super fun and I can't wait to see what they have in store next month.
`A