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Monday, September 30, 2013

Taste Guru Unboxing


 
Taste Guru was offering a discount code so I jumped on it! Their philosophy is to "introduce great gluten-free products to people of all sorts living gluten free. Whether you’re new to the diet or have been gluten-free for a long time, we think you will love the amazing foods we find each month. And with an ever-growing list of Taste Guru’s selections, your recipe book will be bigger than ever!"
 
I'm personally not gluten-free but am always looked to try new snacks out!
 
 

 
Toufayan Gluten Free Wraps
Butter Popcorn
cooksimple tamale pie
Viviana Sweet Potato Fettuccine
Smoked Salmon Chowder
Glutino Apple Breakfast Bar
 
 
Everything in this box looks good and is something that I would actually eat! I can't wait to dig in!! Nom nom nom!

The Honest Co Trial

The Honest Co is co-founded by Jessica Alba (whom I've always loved) - the goal of this company is to "relieve you of a few tasks by delivering the best family essentials to your doorstep – to simplify your life and bring more delight to every day. Our dream is to re-define the "family brand" and create something – with you – that's better for all families, everywhere."
 
They're offering trial kits of their products for $5.95 (shipping only) - I decided to try their diaper and everyday essential packages!
 
Their diapers are super cute with fun designs like peacock feathers and hearts! The everyday essential comes with deluxe samples of the healing balm, hand soap, face & body lotion, laundry detergent, and shampoo & body wash! 
 


Saturday, September 21, 2013

Citrus Lane Box Review - September

Darn you Facebook ads . . . you offer a coupon code to Citrus Lane and I caved!

Citrus Lane : care packages tailored to your little one! You tell them your baby's age and you'll get a monthly box filled with things for them (and sometimes a treat for yourself!) $25 / month w/ free shipping (if you sign up for 6-month, the price drops to $21 / month)


In a Charley Harper designed box (how cute!), I received the following:

- Charley Harper 123s (she loves books and really wanted to eat this one too!)
- Hug & Hide Stroller Toy from Skip Hop (we have tons of Skip Hop products so I was excited to see this)
- Playful Wash from Episencial
- Diaper Rash Ointment from Dr Smith's (sample size that you can throw in your diaper bag)
- Nail Polish from Julep (you know I love Julep already!)

Overall I loved the box I received - I feel like you get good value and there's some great things that my baby and I will enjoy! I'll definitely be continuing this box subscription for now!


Nature Box Review - September

Another box that I just got in the mail!

Nature Box : healthy snacks delivered to you! 5 full-sized packages for $19.95 / month with free shipping.


Mmmm, I'm a total snack queen, so the idea behind this box is perfect for me! I got the "discovery" package meaning that you can't select your snacks but if you continue your subscription, you can select the items yourself!

I received santa fe corn stix (tomato, green pepper and onion-flavored crips), sweet blueberry almonds, teriyaki twists (rice crackers w/ soy and a pinch of paprika), cocoa waffle wafers, and cherry berry bonanza (dried cranberries, cherries, and blueberries).

The packaging is great and I love that they're resealable pouches! I was envisioning the cocoa waffle wafers to be waffle-like cookies covered in chocolate but they're actually chocolate waffle wafers (like the name suggests)! They're very likely sweetened w/ cocoa and is very light tasting.

To me, the subscription pricing is a little pricey so I ended up cancelling my subscription after using my 50% first box coupon code (you have to call them to cancel). But I definitely did enjoy my box!


Conscious Box Review - September


Unfortunately, I've been getting in to subscription boxes lately. Something about a "mystery" box and discovering new products is very enticing to me, especially with all the free box coupons out there to try them out!

Conscious Box - discover the healthiest and most eco-friendly products every month
($19.95 / month w/ free shipping)


I received the following:

Mountain Red Deer Velvet Capsules
Gastro Dietary Supplement
K-Pax Energy Supplements x 5
Liquid Collagen Supplement
Kids Natural Calm Multi and Coupon Code

African Black Soap
Correctiv Facial One Step Complete Natural Skincare Sample

Nepali Tea Traders Ama Dablam White Tea
Sleepytime Kids Herbal Tea

Aquatowel
BioBag Sandwich Bag

BOPS Sea Salt Flavored Crisp

All About Trees Sticker and Coupon Code
SustainableKidz Coupon Code
Razor Care Company Coupon Code

There were an exorbitant amount of dietary supplements (which I don't take especially since I'm nursing!), the beauty samples were small and not enticing, the tea was ok, aquatowel and sandwich bag (really?!), and a lot of advertisement! The only thing that was "good" in this box was the BOPS potato chips which ended up not being all that tasty anyways!

Needless to say I promptly cancelled my subscription (you can do it via email at least). Luckily this was a "free" box (I had to pay $10 for shipping) but it's definitely filled with things I don't use and can't even give away!!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Review: Befine Warming Clay Mask

I've been getting in to face masks recently and tried Befine products when they were on HauteLook. I got the warming clay mask to try out.
 
From the website:
 
Warming Clay Mask provides an energizing detox for your skin. It's self-warming formula heats on contact as the natural clay works to purify and refine. Packed with powerful anti oxidants, enzymes and humectants, Warming clay Mask soothes as it infuse your skin with ingredients to nourish and protect.

Benefits: Deep Cleans and detoxifies, leaving skin fresh and radiant. Hydrates so skin looks smoother and softer.
Gives skin a boost of age fighting anti oxidants. Helps stabilize free radicals to keep skin looking young.
Help make-up go on and stay on better.(This is natural benefit of any mask) smoothies and heals the skin

An Instant Facial Detox That Heals Your Skin!

Use twice weekly for skin that is beautifully radiant and soft to the touch. Apply to clean, damp skin avoiding the delicate eye area. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, remove with the Be fine Gentle Cleanser. Follow with Toner and appropriate moisturizer.
 
Review:
 
The product is very hard to squeeze out because it's so thick! I usually moisten my face and then slowly spread the product on to my face a section at a time. If you don't moisten your face enough, the product does not have the warming effect. The product is somewhat grainy and pretty hard to spread as well. I leave it on for ~5 minutes (didn't really feel anything) and once I rinse it off, it leaves a really thick residue layer that I do not enjoy. It doesn't feel like my skin is any different and I really don't like the layer that it leaves behind. I've tried using a toner afterwards but the residue remains until the next day. 

Monday, August 19, 2013

First Impressions: Tieks by Gavrieli

I must not be in the know since I've been holed up with the baby ~ but as soon as I re-entered back in to the working world, everyone has been talking about Tieks by Gavrieli! I have to stand for most of my working day and am an avid flats wearer so was definitely intrigued by these shoes!

Tieks \\, noun. The most versatile designer flats in the world. Made of the finest Italian leathers and designed to fold and fit in a purse. Wearable all day, every day.

 
Tieks is an online only bou-tiek so it makes ordering a little bit difficult since you can't try or even see before you buy. The sizes come in whole sizes only so if you're in-between, you're advised to order up. According to their website, they run true to size. One of the hardest parts about ordering Tieks (besides the price ~ ranges $165-$295!) is deciding which color to go with!!
 
I decided to go with Ballerina Pink and Metallic Pewter since they're a fairly neutral color. 

 
Ordering: It's a pretty simple process going through their website!
 
Shipping: The website says 2-4 day shipping (especially since we're both on the West Coast). However, my order took about 2 weeks to arrive. I had to contact them to ask where my package was and was told there was a delay with their shipping department.
 
Packaging: I'm a sucker for beautiful packing and Tieks brings it up a notch with their "Tiffany-Blue" like boxes. The flower is perfect for my little one to wear as a headband! I've heard that many people get a handwritten note with their order but I did not. I did order several pairs for my coworkers as well so maybe I lost out on that extra personal touch because of my large order.
 
Customer Service: They're also known for their customer service and when corresponding with them, it really felt like I was conversing with a friend since their emails are also filled with emoticons! Nice touch! When my package arrived, I was missing one item and they were able to resolve it in a reasonable amount of time.
 
1st Impressions: I tried on the ballerina pink shoes first and was definitely impressed by the quality. The leather was buttery soft and the soles were nice and thick and looks like they'll last! They were fairly comfortable when I tried them on with no major pinching or rubbing. I did notice that the leather is pretty thin in that you can see where your toes are in the shoe. If you look closely at the picture above, you can tell where my toes are! Not a huge fan of that look but it's definitely more obvious with the lighter color flats. I do like the fact that there is little to no toe cleavage!
 
1st Day: I was not so smart when it came to wearing my Tieks for the first day . . . I was rushing to get dressed for work in the morning and thought since my Tieks were pretty comfy when I tried them on at home, I'll go ahead and wear them to work! I put on my metallic pewter pair and instantly noticed that this pair did not feel like my pink pair! The pewter pair had thicker leather (you can't see your toes as visibly in the shoe) so it wasn't as soft. The backs also pinched a little but I ignored it and thought I'd be able to stretch them out during the day.
 
Unfortunately they didn't quite stretch out that fast and although they did dig in to my feet a little, they did not leave blisters. I was still able to walk in them (which can't be said for other flats sometimes!) but they did leave my feet feeling tired at the end of the day. Also, is there a secret to refolding the flats? I guess you'll probably want to wipe down the soles prior or else you'd be touching the bottom of your shoes!
 
Lesson learned that all Tieks are not made equal! Some may need more of a breaking in time than others but hopefully once they are broken in, they'll be more comfortable!