May Bulu Box Review

The Box: Bulu Box

The Cost: $10/month (less with a longer subscription)

The Goods: Choose between Weight Loss or Regular options and you'll get 4-5 health and nutrition product samples. You can also earn points to spend in their shop by reviewing the samples you receive. 

Bulu Box's information card also includes a place for you to log your thoughts on each sample

Smarty Pants Gummy Vitamins: ($.83)  These are for kids but J actually ate them anyway.  He's 27 going on 6 anyway.  He said that they tasted okay, but he was a little annoyed that you had to eat all four for one day's serving.

Skratch Labs Excercise Hydration Mix: ($1.95)  J has gotten this from Runnerbox before.  It's not his favorite drink mix, but he does like it.

Vivioptal Women Multivitamin: ($2.28)  I didn't take these since they aren't vegetarian.  They're pretty massive, even for multivitamins.

Youtheory Collagen Advanced: ($.21) These are also not vegetarian-friendly.  The directions say to take three tablets twice a day, which seems like a LOT to me.

Advancemint Happy Hour: ($4.98) You're supposed to chew two tablets for every three drinks you have.  I usually only have one drink now a days, so I don't really have much of a need for these.

BioXgenic Nature's Desire: ($1)  These are supposed to "help increase female desire and libido by elevating mood and relieving stress."   

Ridgecrest Herbals Migraine Relief: ($2.40)  I, unfortunately, do get migraines on occasion.  I'm sure that I'll be glad to have these the next time I get one.

Total Value: $13.65

So...I won't use the majority of the products I received.  I do get 70 points (worth $7) if I review all of them on the Bulu Box website, which increases the value slightly.

Disclaimer: This post contains referral and/or affiliate links.

Thursday Thoughts

This week I'm doing the linkup that Jennifer hosts over on Ramblings of a Suburban Mom.

- My sample of Beyonce's perfume came from PinchMe yesterday but the vial shattered in transit. I set the package down on my couch before realizing this and now the couch smells rather strongly of Rise.  I guess there are worse things it could smell like!

- I saw over on The Impulsive Buy that Oreo is coming out with a Reese's flavor.  I need this in my life.  Like, now.  I'll even brave Walmart for them.

- I finally finished House of Leaves and let me just say...whoa.  It's easily the most unique reading experience I've ever had.  After finishing, I spent a couple hours Googling various aspects of the book.  Awesome on so many levels.

- You can really learn a lot about humanity by selling things on Ebay.  I've had some of the most bizzare/rude/hilarious interactions with buyers.  Most recently, someone wanted to buy a few of my auctions for the starting price and come to my house to pick them up.  Ummm, this ain't Craigslist, lady.

-I FINALLY made an appointment to get my hair cut this weekend!  I haven't gone since October.  I'm like 99% sure I'll wind up only getting a trim, but we all know going to the salon is about the hour-long break from real life more so than the actual cut.

- Lastly, if you haven't entered my Blogiversary Giveaway yet, you should go do that now! <3

Disclaimer: This post may contain referral and/or affiliate links.

May Golden Tote Review

The Box: Golden Tote

The Price: $49 or $149 (plus shipping)

The Goods:  For the $49 tote, you select one item from their monthly curated clothing selection and they choose 1-2 additional pieces to send you for up to a $200 value.  For the $149 option, you select 2 and they choose 3-5 for you for up to a $600 value.  (I went for the $149 tote this month.)

 Super B Easy Embroidered Maxi: ($40)  This is one of the items that I chose.  I almost didn't go for it because I tend to avoid strapless things, but I'm really glad that I got it.  It's quite comfortable and I love the color.

Side note: Stella supervised all of these photos from atop the pool table.  Cutest. Director. Ever.

Miss Love Cotton Crocheted Top: This is the other item I chose.  I was a little surprised by how sheer it is, but it'll be cute over a bandeau or a bikini.

I really like the back detailing.  I *have* to remember to put sunscreen on when wearing this top, though.  That'd be one hell of an interesting burn pattern.

Under Skies Leopard Halter:  This top is really sheer, but it's one of my favorite items from the bag.  I don't have any tops in a similar cut and I think it's surprisingly flattering.

Priddy by Puella Dress:  I can't make my mind up about this dress.  J's reaction to it was "Meh."  It's not awful, but I certainly wouldn't have bought it for myself.  I tried it belted and it didn't quite look right that way either.  Side note: this photo sort of makes me look like I have short hair and it makes me want to go get my hair chopped off.

Renee C Dolman Sleeve Top:  Apparently this is J's favorite outfit of the bunch.  It sort of makes me think of the 80's/early 90's, but I think I like it.

Naked Zebra Dress:  Most of Naked Zebra's dresses are around $70, so the value of this one is probably up around that.  I love this dress.  So, so much.  It's just begging to be worn to the beach.  Who's up for a roadtrip?!

I couldn't find most of these items online so I don't have an entirely accurate idea of the value, but I feel like I got my money's worth this month.  I will probably wear everything at least once and I'll certainly wear the crap out of the coral dress.  Most of these pieces actually make me excited for summer - which says a lot!

Disclaimer: This post contains referral and/or affiliate links.

May Vegan Presence Review

The Box: Vegan Presence

The Cost: $20/month

The Goods: 3-5 vegan goodies with at least one full sized product.

As always, everything was adorably (and sustainably) packaged

Brew Leaf Teas: ($6.99 each)  The green bag is a Yerba Mate blend.  I love Yerba cold, but I've never had it hot so I look forward to trying it out.  I'm going to pass the Decaf tea on to my grandmother.

Green Daffodil Lip Balm - Berry: ($4.25)  This lip balm smells delicious and SPF is always a plus in lip balm.  It's really creamy and lasts a long time - though it doesn't seem to moisturize much. 

Gourmet Body Treats Raw Finishing Powder: ($31) Okay. So.  Don't judge me.  I totally thought that "Gourmet Body Treats" was going to wind up being an edible body powder line.  (It isn't, obviously.)  I haven't used this powder yet, but the pink pot it's in is SO cute so I'm sold on it either way.

Perrenial Soaps - Coffee: ($5)  I didn't notice this having much of a smell but that might change once I actually unwrap it.  I went through a phase when I was obsessed with handcrafted soaps, so my standards are pretty high.  I can't wait to see if this one lives up to them!

Total Value: $54.23

The value this month was much higher than that of last month, but I think I liked last month's assortment a bit better.  Next month is the LAST Vegan Presence shipment, so order before June 6 if you want to try it out!

May Popsugar Must Have Review

The Box: Popsugar Must Have

The Cost: $39.95/month

The Goods: Hand-picked food, fashion, beauty, home, and/or fitness items.

Kerry Cassill Eyemask: ($24)  J sometimes goes to bed when I do but then stays up reading or sketching with the light on.  This eyemask doesn't totally block out light, but every little bit helps!

Tone It Up! One Day Fat Blast: ($8) Eh.  If I'm going to do a workout like this, I'm going to use Xbox fitness.  I'm a little surprised that they sent out a dvd that is a few years old, though.

Citrus Zinger: ($16.99) YES! I have wanted one of these!  The insert had several suggestions for what you can infuse into your water, so I think a trip to Sprouts for fruits is in my near future.

Smell Bent St. Tropez Dispenser: ($45)  I went back and forth on this scent and finally settled on not liking it.  It's a bit too floral for my personal tastes.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Lacquer - Pool Boy: ($10)  I've somehow managed to break pretty much all of my nails recently, so I haven't swatched this yet.  It's a new brand to my collection and I have high hopes for it.

Hi I'm Skinny Sticks - Sweet Onion: ($2.99)  I'm always a little dubious when it comes to low fat snacks.  I was pleasantly surprised by these!  The flavor is somewhere between Funyuns and Sunchips.  They're really quite good.

Total Value: $106.98

This month was one of my least favorites in a while.  The highest priced item, the perfume wasn't my type so that kind of brings the box down considerably for me personally.  Still, I'm stoked about my new water bottle.

Disclaimer: This post contains referral and/or affiliate links.

Friday Favorites Blogiversary GIVEAWAY!

I've been blogging here for an entire year!  To celebrate, I've decided to give away a few of my favorite things.  Here's what you'll win:

$20 gift card to Stitch Fix: I adore the convenience of Stitch Fix - and the fact that the stylists sometimes push me out of my comfort zones.  This will cover the 'styling fee' so even if you don't fall in love with anything they send, you won't be out anything!

Desiderio Chocolates Gourmellows: Vegan marshmallows, topped with rich chocolate truffle goodness, all covered in vegan chocolate.  Best. Ever.

Ready Player One: If you like gaming and/or the 80's, you'll love this book.  I like this book so much that I have the audiobook (which is narrated by Wil Wheaton) AND the paper book.  I'm giving away the hardcover book.

Espionage Cosmetics Nail Wraps: Espionage has an epic assortment of geeky nail wraps.  You'll win the Missing Piece wraps, which are the Tetris themed style.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: By entering, you agree to Terms and Conditions in the Rafflecopter widget.  This post contains referral and/or affiliate links.  This giveaway is not sponsored or endorsed by any of the feature brands.

May Ipsy Glam Bag Review - Fresh Picks

The Box: Ipsy

The Price: $10

The Goods: 4-5 full and deluxe-sample sized beauty products chosen based on your beauty profile.

May's theme was Fresh Picks.  I love the bag this month!

Pacifica Eye Shadow Duo - Celestial & Opal: ($4)  I love Pacifica, but I'm over nude and bronze shadows.  I have way more than I will ever use!

Pur~lisse Pur~Moist Moisturizer: ($16.50)  I've long been on a quest to find the perfect facial moisturizer.  Since the full size of this is not exactly cheap, I'm sure this will wind up being the one.

Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub: ($16.25)  I received a microdermabrasion product last month too and I haven't even used that one yet.  This one has a nice, clean smell which I really like though.

Hang Ten Classic Sport Sunscreen: ($2.16)  Hang Ten is a line from Coola, which I already love.  This particular sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes so it will be perfect to carry in my bag to the pool.

Hey Honey Take It Off Mask: ($7) When I first saw that I was getting a face mask I wasn't too excited, but the more I read about this brand and product the more interested I get.  Plus, I don't think I have any peel-off masks at the moment.

Total Value: $45.91

I think that this is the most skincare I've ever received in one Ipsy bag.  I can't complain too much, though looking at some of the other options for this month I have to wonder about their match system.  It seems like a few of the items line up with my preferences more so than some of what I received.  On the upside, ALL of my products this month are cruelty free! Yay!

Disclaimer: This post contains referral and/or affiliate links. 

May Wantable Intimates Review

The Box: Wantable Intimates

The Cost: $36 with subscription, $40 one time purchase

The Goods: Intimate essentials chosen based on your preferences.

Ozone Socks Victorian Bird Socks: ($10.40)  At first these made me think of Christmas for some reason.  I really like the colors in them, but I wish it wasn't so hard to tell that there are birds on these.

Miel Mimi Coral Bandeau: ($24.50)  I tend to prefer bandeaus that are a bit more lined, but this one is super comfy so I'll definitely get a lot of wear out of it around the house.

Honeydew Striped 2 Piece Set: ($38)  Wantable said that this set runs small so they sent a size up.  I think I would have been better off with my usual size - the tank fits like a dress!  The material is super soft, though.

Total Value: $72.90

I didn't *love* any of the items that I received this month.  (The pajama set probably would have been a hit if it had fit better.)  I went ahead and cancelled my Intimates subscription and plan on giving the Accessories box a go next month.  

Disclaimer: This post contains referral/affiliate links.

April PantiChic Review

The Subscription: PantiChic

The Cost: $9/month - save $1 off any subscription with referral code 1CV7RPZH6902. 

The Goods: Two pairs of undies.  You can choose thongs only, boyshorts only, or a mix of both.

Black Boyshorts: I love boyshorts!  I tend to wear them as loungewear - a perk of working from home. ;)

Rosica Bikini: Ehhh...these aren't really my style.  It also looked like there was originally a bow on the front, but it was missing.

This was my final PantiChic delivery, and probably my least favorite of the three.  That said, I'm not at all unsatisfied with my subscription.  I won't be resubbing, though...I'm nearly to the point of needing a new dresser.