December 2014 POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review, My Thoughts

 Wow, it's been awhile since I've done one of these!!!

I had to take a break from this subscription for financial reasons, but it's Christmas, so I thought I'd spoil myself with a Popsugar box.  Plus, I was going through Popsugar withdrawals.  No joke.  I really was!  So I was delighted today to find my December Must Have Popsugar box delivered, just in time for Christmas.

POPSUGAR Must Have is a monthly subscription lifestyle box for gals.  The cost is $39.95 a month, free shipping, but it's cheaper when you subscribe with a 3, 6, or 12 months subscription.  On any month you can receive goodies for home, a book, fitness, snack, makeup, pampering, fashion, etc.  You never know what you're going to get, only that it will be fun and worth around $100, give or take a little.

 

Coupon code REFER5 saves you $5!

 The first look.

 Each month Popsugar provides a really nice pamphlet describing each item.

 Williams-Sonoma Cupcake Mix in Vanilla Bean, $14.95.

I've been inside Williams-Sonoma many times, there's one close to where I live, to look through all the pretty kitchen supplies and look at cooking goodies.  I've always wanted to buy and try out a mix, but they're incredibly expensive.  Example, this mix is $15 for 12 cupcakes!  I'm so very excited to try this cupcake mix.

 Smashbox Be Legendary Long-Wear Lip Lacquer, $24.

This color is dark!  But after blotting, this color turned out really nice.  I'm a sucker for lip gloss, haven't worn lipstick in ages, but the problem with gloss is that it fades quickly.  I put this color on a couple hours ago, and you can still see it, which is nice.

 SPUN by Subtle Luxury Speckled Metallic Scarf, $62.

This scarf is gorgeous!  This scarf is also available online in Pink, but I'm glad we got the grey, as it goes with more outfits and has a feeling of sophistication.  The specks of gold is so much nicer in person.  With all the nice scarfs I've gotten from Popsugar, I really need to learn how to wear them!  Thank goodness for YouTube.

 Sparklepop Sydney Necklace, $42.

Another item that's so much more gorgeous in person.  The chain is really long, which is a nice style, but I prefer shorter chains.  Thankfully the chain is long enough to easily wrap it twice for a layered look.  Oh, and the chain is 18K gold-plated!  And the crystal is so beautiful and brilliant.

 Canvas Dauville Platinum Bowl, $29.

This is a really nice, chic bowl.  I love the metallic.  Just the right size for a small snack or to hold jewelry, which you can tell from the picture with my rings.  I think the mirror like reflection is really fun.

Knot & Bow Parcel Tags, $4.

Parcel tags, just in time to wrap presents!  Actually, I'm thinking of using these for my scrapbooking.

I love this box!  This is tied right right up there with the November 2013 box, which remains my favorite, so I'm so glad I splurged and got this December box :0)

Free Download to David Archuleta's Beautiful song "Glorious," Meet the Mormons, and LDS General Conference

A few days ago David Archuleta released his latest single "Glorious" from the documentary coming to theaters October 10th entitled Meet the Mormons.

This song is absolutely beautiful.

When I love a song it goes on repeat, and I literally had it repeating for an hour last night right before going to bed.  This song actually kept me up to 1 am!  I just lay there, listening, letting the words seep into my heart.

And you can get a free download!

Just go to the link www.meetthemormons.com/glorious to get download information.

It's really easy.

From Facebook: "Meet the Mormons is a feature-length documentary that tells the stories of six members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from around the world. The film will appear in theaters across the United States beginning on October 10th, 2014. Our goal with this production is to help people understand our faith in a more complete way and to see how the gospel of Jesus Christ leads Church members in their lives. All net proceeds from the film will go to charity."

I'm going to see it this Friday.  I'm really quite excited, and I think it's really cool that net proceeds are going to charity.

The Meet the Mormons Website has good information if you're interested in the film, and here's a list of theaters this documentary will be played in.

And if you don't want to wait till October 10th to "Meet the Mormons," our 184th Semiannual General Conference is about to start!  Literally, in less then an hour.

General Conference is such a big deal!  Well, I'm always super excited for it when it comes every April and October.  And all my LDS Facebook friends get excited, too.  It seems, without fail, a couple weeks leading up to conference my facebook wall becomes filled with quotes, general conference reminders, articles talking about the best way to get the most out of conference, etc.  And then twitter and facebook explodes when conference is on, everyone sharing favorite quotes, feelings, and lessons learned.

And what's an LDS General conference?

It's when all the Latter-Day Saints in the World, aka Mormons, gather together to receive counsel, guidance, and inspiration from our Prophet, Apostles, and other Church Leaders.  And this Conference, FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME, leaders from other parts of the World who don't speak English as a native language can give their talks in their Native language.  I'm So Excited!!  (I wonder if Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who's an Apostle, will speak German.  Everyone's wondering that.)

Conference is Today and Tomorrow, Oct. 4th & 5th, in 5 sessions.

(UPDATED FOR 2015)

October 3, 2015

Saturday Morning: 10 AM MST

Saturday Afternoon: 2 PM MST

General Priesthood Meeting: 6 PM MST

October 4, 2015

Sunday Morning: 10 AM MST

Sunday Afternoon: 2 PM MST

Each session is 2 hours.

And anyone can watch.

You don't have to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

There's so many ways to watch.

Here's all the different ways to watch live.

And if you miss it, there's various ways you can still see our Conference.  It's available on YouTube in just a day, and 1-14 days on lds.org and 2-14 days on the Gospel Library App in 80 languages.  (English, Spanish, and Portuguese are the first languages available.)

I'm going to be watching on TV, all sessions and programs in between are scheduled to tape.

Just a few more minutes :0)

Salt Lake Comic Con Day 1

What do I so far think of the 2014 Salt Lake Comic Con?

Not much.

It's 4 PM.

I'm still in line.

Literally.

So I might as well write about it . . .

Last April during the SLC Comic Con Fan X, I thought it was insane walking directly into the entry room around 2 PM first day Thursday, only to be greeted by a huge wrap around line.

This year?  We got here around 1:30 PM and the line was wrapping around the block, on the outside, around the Utah Symphony building.

Last April there was a second entry next to Energy Solutions, so we thought we would try to go there, but it's closed this year.  Only one entry.

So then my Mom called my Dad who was having lunch at City Creek what he was planning, and he heard that the Megaplex at the Gateway was doing registration thanks to the Con film fest.  A long walk later we discovered that that offer was only available on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A long walk back we joined my Dad and brother Steven, who have been in line since 1:45 PM.

And now we're in that giant room, finally, the registration room, and it's nothing but chaos.  No direction.  Lines everywhere splitting off every which way.  Surround sound confusion and complaining.

At 4:19 I'm still not sure we're where we're supposed to be.

None of the volunteers know what is going on.

I found out, via Facebook, that the Cary Elwes forum was at 3:00.  That was one of the events I would have liked to attend.

Oh well.

At least I can now see the taunting glimmer of lights passed the reception entrance, as I inch along.

When I first saw the line at 1:30 I guessed it would take 3 hours.

I might have been generous.

(4:33, far from entering, still in line.)

Terrible management and planning.

(Blogger wouldn't let me post this blog post while I was in the building.  It's 8:49, and my feet are tired.  Last time I didn't get to look at any booths, so I took that opportunity today, since no panels sounded particularly interesting.

BTW, the Hobbit booth is AWESOME.  Can I say how excited I am to finally see the end to the Hobbit trilogy?  Ex-ci-ted.

And the Evermore booth is fun this year.  FYI, if there's a unique small junk item you wouldn't mind getting rid of, you can trade it for a really cool Evermore Park coin, as long as the trader guy doesn't already have it.

And the Evermore Park booth is right next to a super fun LEGO booth.

And one last point, I finally got into the Con at 5:30, nearly a 4 hr. wait.  It took them almost 8 minutes to give us 7 wrist bands.  When we left after 8:00, there was still a super long line inside the registration room.  I feel bad for those people.  A long wait just for a wrist band.)

August 2014 POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review with Spoilers, My Thoughts

 I got my POPSUGAR Must Have Box today!

I was a little nervous because the box shipped out of New York this month.  The box typically ships from Gilroy CA, land of Garlic, which only takes 4-5 days to get to me here in Utah.  (As a note, I've driven through Gilroy a couple times, and it really does smell like garlic!  You know you're in Gilroy when you can smell it.  Honestly, it's pretty funny.)  Anywho, this package only took a week!  So I'm really happy about that.  (Shipping is free, and ships FedEx Smart Post.)

POPSUGAR Must Have is a monthly subscription lifestyle box for gals.  The cost is $39.95 a month, free shipping, but it's cheaper when you subscribe with a 3, 6, or 12 months subscription.  On any month you can receive goodies for home, a book, fitness, snack, makeup, pampering, fashion, etc.  You never know what you're going to get, only that it will be fun and worth around $100, give or take a little.

Coupon code REFER5 saves you $5!

 The reveal.

 The pamphlet that's included every month, detailing the products selected.

 Lollia At Last Perfumed Shower Gel, valued at $22.

"Soft and simply captivating. A light floral celebration of powdery rice flower perfectly paired with lovely, southern magnolias and demure mimosa."

Last Spring Lollia did a give away where they gave 10 POPSUGAR subscribers a nice assortment of bath products.  Alas, I didn't win, but I was hoping we'd get a Lollia product to try.  I'm excited to try this new scent "At Least," but at the moment I'm having mixed feelings about it.  The fragrance hints at white musk, which I'm not a fan.  If the 1920's had a smell, it would probably be this.  But that's my initial thought, so I'll have to try it out a few times before forming a concrete opinion.  Still, it's nice to finally get to try a Lollia product. 

 This is the Special Extra for our box.

thinkThin Brownie Crunch High Protein Bar, valued at $1.99.

This bar has a nice, dark chocolate taste. 

Also, this bar has 0 grams of sugar because Maltitol is the sweet substitute, which is a sugar alcohol.  You do have to be be careful with maltitol because too much can cause cramps or the runs.  Sees candies uses maltitol for their sugar free chocolates.  Go here to read more about maltitol to see if it's right for you.

 Kendra Scott Elle Earrings in Slate, valued at $52.

At first when I saw spoilers for this box I wasn't too crazy about these earrings, but now that I have them in person, I like them a lot.  The style isn't at all typical to what I normally wear, but it's nice and classic, and the slate color will go with everything.

The Mason Jar Cookie Company, valued at $12.

 This isn't a Mason Jar, it's a pouch.  I was a little tripped out for a moment.  But I love the idea, and all I have to add is butter and an egg (vanilla optional).  I found a fantastic blog post listing tricks for the perfect cookie, and I'm thinking about making the dough this Saturday, and chilling for 24 hrs. to bake on Sunday.  This will be fun :0)

 Goodbyn Purple Mean and Dipper Set, valued at $8.

At the moment I don't really need this bento like lunch set, but the quality is really good, and I'm really glad we got purple.  I'll find a use for it.  Maybe pre-planning meals will be good.

 Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lip, exclusive POPSUGAR shade, valued at $22.

I'd never heard of Bit Beauty before, but I know a lot of people on the forum I visit were quite excited for this product.  The lip gloss is made with "nourishing strawberry, coconut, and avocado oils."  And though the color in the tube seems really bright, when I put it on the color was a very pretty pink.  I'm a lip gloss addict!  This will be my new favorite :0)

This lip gloss was also created to celebrate POPSUGAR's 2nd B-day.

And last but not least . . .

Paddywax Ocean Tide + Sea Salt Mini Jar Candle, valued at $10.

I love the smell of this candle!  It's so fresh.  And the glass jar is really cute, which just so happens to be one of my favorite colors.

All totaled up this box, which I paid $36 for because I bought a 3 month subscription, has a value of $128.  Not bad at all.  Plus I was introduced to new brands and companies, which is always fun.

Yuzen Summer 2014 Box Review and Spoilers

Yuzen, which delivers 4 times a year, corresponding with the 4 seasons: Spring (February), Summer (May), Autumn (August), and Winter (November).  It's $33 a box, and the theme is all about bringing a little Zen to your life.  The site states, "Each box has the very best Eco-conscious products to nourish the body and soul."  

"Each box includes high-quality natural and organic personal care products, healthy snacks, and lifestyle items carefully chosen from about 6 companies."  It's mainly filled with deluxe sample sizes, which are smaller then the original size, but big enough to try and use.  Sometimes there's full size items, too!!

 Beautiful packaging, as always.

 The reveal!

 Each box comes with an info card detailing why they choose each item, and a coupon code to use if you want to order more.

 The seven items we received.

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Ultimate Lask and Brow Serum, valued at $62.50

I can't believe this is full size!!  Incredible value.  I haven't tried this yet, but I really need to, because I'm curious.  And I love how it's natural.  I once won a bottle of Latisse, but choose not to try it because it can permanently stain the skin.  This will be good.

 Sencha Naturals Pink Dragonfruit Mints, valued at $3.

I didn't try these because they have green tea, so I gave them to my aunt.  I bet they were wonderful, though.

 Hugo Naturals Handcrafted Soap, Vanilla & Sweet Orange, valued at $3.99.

"Our soaps are truly special: a hand-crafted blend of all-natural essential oils and botanical extracts that gently clean and deeply condition skin. Creamy lather and the rich scent of natural Vanilla and Sweet Orange extract create a luxurious experience in bath or shower. Proudly made in the USA by Hugo Naturals."

I love the smell of this soap, and that they use essential oils.

Shamanuti Seaweed Toner, valued at $10.

"Skin loves this delicious nutrient and mineral rich toner. It adjusts pH and refines the pores. It will nourish and hydrate the skin while removing any residual make-up or cleanser."

I'm a diehard Clinique 3 system follower, but I'm super excited to try this out.

Kerstin Florian Lavender Body Spray, valued at $12.

Oh my goodness, I love, love, LOVE this!!  It smells so good, and I love the moisturizing feel it give the skin.

Kneipp Balancing Lavender Herbal Bath, valued at $5.50.

Another wonderful lavender product.  Have I ever mentioned how much I love lavender?  I love it.  Haven't tried this yet because I've been saving this for a special day.

Aromaflage Botanical Fragrance & Insect Repellent, valued at $4.

This sample is Soooooo Small!  Not large enough to try out, and I did, on my Idaho cabin trip, in which I was feasted upon by mosquitoes, so I turned to DEET for protection.  If I was able to get a good spritz the results may have been different.  Like the smell.

July 2014 Your Bijoux Box Review with Spoilers

 Your Bijoux Box is a Jewelry Subscription monthly box, costing $35 with free shipping.  Ships to the USA and Canada.

And this is the anniversary box with 4 pieces instead 3 :0)

 The big reveal!

  Each box comes with an info card talking about each piece, why it was selected, and some styling options.  The Your Bijoux Box Blog also has some styling tips.

 Tropical Firecracker Necklace

This was the spoiler necklace for this month, and I love it!  Unfortunately it arrived damaged.  I emailed them this morning, and usually I hear within a few hours, but haven't heard back.  Hopefully they can send a replacement, because I already have an outfit I want to wear with this necklace.

 Fiji Drops

I love these earrings, simple and elegant.

 Daisy Adair Collar

This is my favorite piece in the box.  I can imagine this looking beautiful with a lace top.  Heh, unfortunately I don't have one, so I'll keep a look out :0)

Pretty Parfait Earrings

This months birthday gift.  Simple in a beautiful mint green.  These will look nice with the Daisy Adair Collar.

June 2014 Your Bijoux Box Review with Spoilers

 Your Bijoux Box is a Jewelry Subscription monthly box, costing $35 with free shipping.  Ships to the USA and Canada.

You can read my review of the April 2014 Your Bijoux Box here to see past contents.  

 

Another beautiful box.

 Each box comes with an info card talking about each piece, why it was selected, and some styling options.  The Your Bijoux Box Blog also has some styling tips.  Love their classic style.

 Camille Coral Necklace

 My favorite jewelry piece in the box!

I love the soft coral color and beautiful rhinestone accents.

Adeline Pearl Collar

 This piece was the spoiler for the Jun box released last May.  For some reason I thought the pearl pieces would be smaller, but I was surprised by the size!  A good surprise, mind :0)

 Gigi Earrings

I love of design of these earnings.  They remind me of Renaissance Royalty.  I'm going to have fun styling this pair.

Overall another wonderful box!

The July box is now on sale, and since it's their Birthday month, one year old, the July Your Bijoux Box is going to have 4 pieces instead of the typical 3!!!!  So excited.  And they've already released a spoiler.  Can't wait!