Amatuer Traveler Book Review - Anvil of God

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to review another book for the Amatuer Traveler web site. A dense but good read. Just a warning though, it's the first in a series.
The full review is here

http://amateurtraveler.com/anvil-god-book-one-carolingian-chronicles-j-boyce-gleason/

Birchbox - March 2013

I'm still on the fence about Birchbox. There are so many great subscription boxes around these days, this one may not make the cut. In its favor is the fact that they offer some great skin care items and they have a great points system. Against it has been some rather small samples as of late and more makeup than I need. But on to the samples!

 Three different scents of Caldrea lotion. I really liked all three of these. All were nice light scents and made my skin feel great. The other item is a nail file with a floral pattern. It's an ok nail file.

 The Make makeup remover works really well. It doesn't have a heavy oily feel like some makeup removers do. I hate lipstick samples like this. They always seem to break off after two or three uses. It's a shame because I really like the color and the way it feels. I've only used it once so it's still in one piece.

This dry shampoo might be one of the worst I've tried. My hair actually felt more dirty after using it. Most but not all of the white powder shook out of my hair the way it was supposed to. It left an odd residue on my hair that just felt weird and icky.

Seasons Box February 2013

February was like Christmas for me thanks to all the deals on subscription boxes I've gotten lately. This resulted in an overlap of boxes this month. What to open first... Let's start with one of the new ones.

Seasons Box may be my new favorite subscription box! Current price per box is $34.90 (with shipping) and all items are full size, eco friendly items. There are discounts if you get a longer subscription. Just a heads up, they are in Canada so if your credit card is so inclined you may get hit with a foreign transaction fee. I got in on an introductory deal and found out I had a card that didn't charge a fee so I was sold! This service is a little different in that  before they begin shipping each month you receive an email showing what is in the upcoming box. It's also listed on their website.

February's theme was Love Yourself. First off, I love the packaging! It's like getting a present in the mail each month. I didn't get a picture but the box was tied with a bow. A pink bow was to hard to resist for my toddler and she had it half off the box before I had the camera in my hand.

The first item is the Kaia Naturals Bamboo Cleansing Cloths. Cleansing cloths are a staple for me so this is great. And these are alcohol free, which is great to see. The container they come in is so much better than the ones that come in the package with a sticker to hold it closed. And it's still small enough to be portable.

I love salt scrubs, so yeah! My daughter loves smelling this one and I have to agree. It smells just like sugar cookies. This company states that there items are handmade in small batches. Yeah! Check out there site http://bambuearth.com/collections/skincare The sugar cookie is sold out right now but it's still listed.

I have only used rose water a handful of times and I've never been overly impressed. That changed with this. The Dream Organics rose water has a wonderful light scent and feels great on my skin. It's really refreshing.

No February box is complete without chocolate! And fair trade chocolate makes it even better. Ok, I admit if it was dark chocolate that would have made it even better still. Galerie Au Chocolat is based in Montreal and even has fair trade fondue!

This box was a great mix of full size items that I will enjoy using. A great value even at the regular price.

PopSugar Must Have Box - January 2013

From what I've seen PopSugar has taken a lot of criticism for it's boxes the last few months. I can't say I agree with that sentiment. I'm still really happy with the boxes I've received. Of course I didn't order the Luxury boxes and it seems a lot of disappointment stems from those boxes. Having seen the pictures of the contents I would probably agree with that. That being said, if PopSugar goes back to focusing on the monthly Must have boxes, I think many people will be much happier.
I thought the January box was a nice mix of things we look for in January. New Years Resolutions often mean starting a new work out regimen. And for those of us in colder climates, we need something to warm us up.

The Stability Ball covers the resolution part just fine. The box included a card with six different exercises to do using the ball. What you can't see from the picture is that it also includes an air pump to blow up the ball. You may not think that's a big deal but plenty of them do not come with one or worse are made to blown up by mouth. By the time I finish that, I'm not so inclined to work out anymore. I've only gotten to use the ball briefly as my 2 1/2 year old daughter has claimed it as her own since shortly after it was inflated. But it's held up really well!

As for warming you up on a cold January day, what's better than hot chocolate? Um... hot chocolate with marshmallows! I'm sipping on the milk chocolate variety as I type this. I tend toward dark chocolate but figured I'd start with the milk. it's a really good quality chocolate (especially for milk!) It's at least comparable to a Dove bar. It melted really nicely in my almond milk and went well with the little mallow bits that were also included in the box. I just found out that these are available on Amazon. Unfortunately the shipping is three times the cost of the pop. I guess I'll have to savor that dark chocolate one.

First, I apologize for the quality of this picture, the bars just didn't want to cooperate and smile pretty. The Think Thin bars were all delicious. And that's saying a lot since one had coconut in it. Coconut and I have not gotten a long for years. The Divine bar had such a good chocolate taste to it that I almost didn't notice the coconut! The only negative is that the peanut butter bar was to many calories for a snack but not enough to be a meal replacement. I guess I could have paired it with fruit and made it breakfast... 

  

The Epicuren Discovery Lip Balm is a nice addition to a winter box. I can never have enough lip balm, especially in the winter. It does contain tea tree oil, which I personally don't have a problem with but I know plenty of people who do. I like the texture. The last item is pure fun. here's a better picture Timebomb. I only wish I had video to post. it's got a hidden button that causes this multicolor LED light show. Cheezy? Probably. Infinitely amusing to a toddler? You bet! Some of the criticism is that this is not a professions persons watch. But isn't that what weekends are for? It's fun and at least I didn't get pink.

 

 Overall I'm happy with the PopSugar Must Have box for January. I got a reduced rate for my three month subscription but this value is still way higher than full price. And I'll use all of these items. Well done PopSugar!

Crave Box - Big Game Party Box

I still have mixed feelings about all the changes Cravebox has made to their service lately but the last couple boxes were pretty good. This latest was sponsored by Zatarain's and was called their "Big Game Cravebox." I realize that the Superbowl is in New Orleans this year but I'm not sure that this box hit it's mark as a "Big Game" box.. Don't get me wrong, I love Zatarain's Jambalaya and have for years. It's a great convenience meal. But I don't think I would serve it for a Superbowl part. Maybe if I were more into theme parties than football that would change my mind. (Actually I also love theme parties but not for football games.) 

On to the box contents! I got a free upgrade to a party size box so I got two of everything in the box, though only one is pictured.

First off was the Creole Mustard. I should mention that I don't know that much about Creole food so I can't speak to authenticity. Judging by the ingredients this is pretty much a typical brown mustard. And that's not a bad thing! The Creole seasoning is a nice blend of spices that I'm anxious to try. And no cumin! As cumin doesn't like members of this household, this is a good thing.

 

 I've been wanting to try the Red Beans & Rice for awhile now. I love red beans and rice! And in a box, it can't get any easier.

 Last but not least, they included the Family size of the Jambalaya Mix! An excuse to invite people over to help me eat it. :-) I've always used sausage as the mix in but I think it's time I try something else. As long as my sister isn't coming, perhaps shrimp would be a good choice. Or ham...

Overall this box was a good value since I got doubles of everything included. If I forget this was supposed to be a big game box, it's a great box of items I can't wait to try. Just not at my Superbowl party.

Birchbox - January 2013

I'm still not sure about Birchbox. It started off really great but lately there have been more sample packets than deluxe size samples. The products are still excellent and I don't get to much make up. And of course I haven't seen any other subscription box with the ability to get points that equal cash just for reviewing what they send you.

www.birchbox.com 

$10 per month

On with the show for January!

First up Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve face cream. These were the packet type samples but each one held about 2 applications. Which is good and bad. I got 4 days use but had to get creative in propping the packet up so the remaining product in the open packet would still be there the next day. 

As for the product, I really liked the texture of this. It definitely hydrated without feeling greasy. There is a slight scent to this. It's almost like cucumber but not quite.

I was supposed to get the Lashem Serum and instead got this little mascara. I did send an email to let them know about the mix up and they are sending me the serum as well!
I don't know if it's because it's such a tiny container and brush or if it's the product but I had a tough time getting this on without clumps on my eyelashes. Not that impressed by this one. But I'm willing to admit that it felt awkward using such a tiny brush.

This Hot Mama is a pinky peach blush that's also an eye shadow. I tried it both ways and, at least for me it makes a much better eyeshadow. It's just a little to pink on my cheeks. I only applied a little bit and it was to pink for me. It didn't want to blend very well on my cheeks either. As an eye shadow it went on great!

Harvey Prince Skinny Chic came in a little sample spray bottle. I love when the samples come this way. Much less chance of spilling. They mention apple in the description and boy are they not kidding. It's appley but in a good way. Not a sickeningly sweet way. Nice crisp scent.

Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo Warning, when they say this stuff is concentrated BELIEVE THEM. Who reads directions on shampoo bottles? Not me. So I poured out the usual amount and it seemed a bit sticky. Which was weird. Uh-oh is this shampoo? Yep, that's what the bottle says. Emulsify in your hands? huh. Ok let's try that. Holy cow! It doubled in mass! So I'll definitely get multiple washes out of the rest of the bottle. Lesson Learned. LOL And not much scent to it either. Yeah!

Birchbox - September Review

Birchbox was my first subscription find. Some criticize this one for many sample size items. At a cost of $10 and some full size items it's well worth the price. Plus you can review the items on the web site to gain points which can be redeemed for purchase of full size items. I love the skin care items I've received over the last few months since I started this subscription. So what's in the box?

I admit this one looked a little disappointing at first but let's take a closer look.

 I have really liked other products from the Boscia brand and this one does not disappoint. It has a great feel to it and doesn't dry out my already dry skin. Definitely use with a sponge if you don't have a separate exfoliation.

 These are make up brush covers. They are well made but I don't wear much make up so I don't have all the fancy brushed that go with that. So I"m not sure what I'll use these for. Any suggestions?

 I am now in love with BB! This is the second brand that I've tried. This one goes on with a nice sheer finish. I always worry about tinted stuff because I'm so fair skinned (READ: PALE) but it blends really nicely and evens out my skin tone quite a bit.

 These Twistband hair ties are popping up everywhere! I'm glad I didn't buy one yet because after I got this one I got 3 more in another subscription box. It's a good hair tie. I have a lot of hair and it holds it pretty well. The only problem I had with it is that after a few hours it started to slide down my hair. I have this problem a lot and have started buying the no slip grip ties. On the positive side, when I pulled it out it didn't take any of my hair with it. Yeah!

 I don't polish my nails often but this is a pretty enough color that I might start. It went on really well and looked pretty good even before I added the second coat. Not a bad quality when you might have to stop mid polish to chase a toddler!

The only negative is that I wish there were more of these in the box. Great scent and nice feel. They are not cleanser but meant to be used as a sort of pick me up through out the day. I don't know how that would go over if you wear make up but as I often don't I loved the feel.

Sprig - September review

 I decided to try the Sprig box in "mini snacker" September. The only regret I have is that I want this one every month now! What a wonderful mix of healthier snacks.

Unfortunately it's a little out of my price range right now. They are officially at the top of my wish list and I am watching for any deals to get another one. So what did I get? A majority of the products were single serving size, which was perfect for me to take to work as a between meal snack.

I tried these first because I had seen them in a store and was curious. Wow! These YogaVive apple chips were delicious. It was like eating little apple slices. I almost forgot they were dried.

These Shagbark Seed and Mill Tortilla chips were excellent. I didn't have that oily residue on my hands after eating them that you get from some chips. They went well with my favorite Trader Joe's salsa.

Disclaimer: I do not like coconut. Long story, but I don't like the flavor or the texture. That said, I thought I would pass on this bar. But I decided to go ahead and give it a shot. The Rise Blueberry Coconut bar surprised me. Unlike many coconut flavored things in my past, this was not a heavy coconut flavor. I actually liked this. I'm anxious to try one in a flavor I would choose for myself.

A cookie that has some redeeming qualities? I'm in! This really did taste like a cookie. So much so that after letting my 2 year old try it I had to hide the rest :-) http://www.kookiekarma.com/

I'm not sure what I expected from these before I tried them but I was surprised. The flavor was delicious. The texture wasn't quite a cracker but definitely not a chip. We had to ration these at my house. Fortunately this was the one package that was larger than single serving. I don't see how to order more at their web site http://www.realandwonderful.com/ but I'll keep checking!

I'd love to tell you how much I enjoyed this but I only got a bite and the rest was snatched and promptly eaten by 2 year old miss picky pants. A shame there was only one small fruit strip. I guess that's a ringing endorsement. I tasted apples but no sweet potatoes.http://nakededgesnacks.com/

This may have been my least favorite. Given the name Bumble Bar, I guess I expected more of a honey flavor. And of course the lemon that is on the label. While these flavors were there they were overwhelmed by the sesame seeds flavor and texture. I enjoyed it but it's not my first choice.

This is the only one I didn't get to try yet. It's still at home so I'll update when I do. I'm intrigued by the sites (http://simplesquares.com/) promise that it's never cooked or baked. I've tried some raw foods in the past and have been very happy with them.

As for Sprig, as I said, I would recommend it for anyone looking for some healthier snack options. This was the mini-snacker size but there are 2 other (larger) sizes available at their web site.