December 2015 POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review and Thoughts

 This has been a crazy month!  I love the Holidays, but I'm so excited for 2016, which is only a few hours away.  Crazy sauce.  I also got my box just before Christmas, so they were sent a little late this year.  Honestly, though, I'm a little lukewarm about this months Popsugar Must Have box.  My Mom got her box a couple days after I got mine, and having seen my box contents, her box sat on the counter top a few more days until she finally opened it.  Maybe this box will improve with time.

 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.

 The information.

 LUV AJ The Rose Gold Ombre Bracelet, $65

The spoilers leading up to us getting this box hinted at a jewelry item. It seems the last couple December boxes had a little bling, and I loved 2013's bracelet, which I converted into a gorgeous necklace, and the 2014 crystal necklace.  I'm disappointed with this 2015 bracelet.  The clasp is cheap, and it's not my style.  The three tone metal choice is interesting though, but seems like it was trying to please everyone, though if it was a solid color this bracelet would probably be even more boring.

I'll give it a try.  It's modern, and I tend to go for simple and pretty, which is probably why I'm not too stoked about this.  It does look better on, and it has a nice weight to it.  It's not worth no $65, though.

 Stowaway Creme Lipstick Trio – Value $30

These are really cute and the small size is handy.  I never use full size lipsticks, anyway.  The colors are really nice.  This is the first time I've tried this brand and I'm impressed.  Easily my favorite item in the box.

 Nima Oberoi Lunares Geo Stopper, $24

This was one of those items where I thought, "hmmm, what do I do with this?"  I go to one of those specialty olive oil places, and I was hoping this quark top would fit one of those bottles, but it doesn't.  It has a nice weight to it, and it looks all modern fancy, but I have no use for it at all. 

 Meri Meri Sliver Stars on White Glitter Tape, $4

I used this tape to wrap Christmas gifts with, and I didn't care to much for it.  I would have loved if the silver stars were on transparent tape.  That would have been really cute!

 My Cup of Cake Classic Belgian Chocolate, Value $6

I'm making this tonight as my final 2015 treat!  I'm going on a 3 month no processed sugar purge (which I've done before and was successful, but fell back into bad habits, but I still allow myself wheat, beans, dairy, and potatoes/carrots, just no cupcakes, cookies, ice -cream, etc.)  So, I hope this is good!!!  I'll report tomorrow how it went.

 Swing Design Nova Blue Mist Jewelry Box, $36

This is a nice little box.  It's a Must Have exclusive, and it's well made.  I really like the color.  I've been thinking about retiring my jewelry tree, because it's looking like a whispering willow (side note: I always thought it was "whisping willow"!  Thank you internet.)  My only complaint is that there's no compartment/sections for organization.  But it's still a nice box that will get used.

 It's made with a soft blue leatherette and suede interior.

Tiny Prints Gift Tag Stickers, Special Extra Item

This was our special item, and nothing about it seems special.  I did use them on my gifts, because it was handy, but I wish it had color, or better yet gold embossed!  That would have been cute.

So, we'll see how next month goes.

I LOVED last month, November!!  But there's still nice items in this box.  It's natural not all items, every month, is going to work for me.  It's a surprise subscription box after all, and everyone has different likes and dislikes.  Par for the course.

 

Novermber 2015 POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review

 I LOVE this box!!  :0)

 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.

Now to the goodies.

 the reveal.

 The information for each items.

 Deepa Gurnani, Katie Crystal Headband, $56.

"100% cotton, woven with glass crystal, chain stone and elastic."

I love this item.  I love headbands, and this is the most beautiful headband I've ever owned.  Perfect for the Season and dressing up a little, or even when I'm more casual and still want a little sparkle.  The band is comfortable and stays nicely in place.

100% Cotton, Woven with Glass Crystal, Chain Stone, and Elastic. - See more at: http://deepagurnani.com/hair-accessories/katie-791.html#sthash.s2SZqGV4.dpuf

100% Cotton, Woven with Glass Crystal, Chain Stone, and Elastic. - See more at: http://deepagurnani.com/hair-accessories/katie-791.html#sthash.s2SZqGV4.dpuf

100% Cotton, Woven with Glass Crystal, Chain Stone, and Elastic. - See more at: http://deepagurnani.com/hair-accessories/katie-791.html#sthash.s2SZqGV4.dpuf

100% Cotton, Woven with Glass Crystal, Chain Stone, and Elastic. - See more at: http://deepagurnani.com/hair-accessories/katie-791.html#sthash.s2SZqGV4.dpuf

 Capri Blue, Mercury Jewel Box in Rain, $18.95.

What a nice fresh scent.  It's Autumn, and candle scents are warmer this time of year, but it's nice having a scent that's floral and soft in such a pretty box.  I'm not a huge fan of Gardenia, but I like this.  My pine scented infuser is just going to have to wait.

 Tarte Cosmetics, Beauty & the Box Eye Shadow, $22, colors may vary.

This eye palate is part of Tarte's Fall line, and it's so much fun getting it before these shadows are available to the public.  I love the softness of the purple/pink tones.  I've never used their shadows, but I've been using their mascara, and I love it, so this will be fun to try.

 Gramr Gratitude Co., Exclusive Thanksgiving Postcard Pack, $10.

POSTCARDS!!!  Being the Postcrossing addict I am, this is exciting. I always send Utah tourist postcards, so it will be fun sending Thanksgiving postcards to a few people.  I just registered to send 19 postcards to 15 + different countries yesterday, so I'm sending these off on Monday.

 West Emory, Bingo Set, $20.

What a fun item to include in the box.  We've never gotten a game before, and I actually don't have a bingo game.  The cardboard is nice and sturdy.  This is a really nice set.  It will be fun to play this with the fam. when we get together.

I still need to unwrap Star Trek Catan . . .

Terrapin Ridge Farms, Pecan Honey Mustard, $7.50.

 This is a fun food item.  I don't know what to do with it, but I will look up recipes and figure something out.  A nice change from getting a baking mix or sugar snack.

Overall a fun box!  I like the variety, and it's very Autumn :0)

October 2015 POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review

 Alas, once again my Mother received her box before I did, which means they put priority with monthly subscribers over gift subscribers.  I am still patiently waiting for my box.

 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.

 The reveal!

 The little pamphlet thingy.

 Savvy Sleepers, Luxury Satin Pillowcase, $36.

We only get one pillow case, but it "prevents sleep wrinkles, reduces hair breakage."  Can't complain about that.  I've heard of the benefits of sleeping with silk pillowcases, but not with satin, so this will be fun to try out.  I've always slept with cotton pillow cases, but at my age wrinkles is starting to become a "thing," so any help is welcomed in this area.

 Richer Poorer Hope Slipper Socks, $15.

Fuzzy socks!!  For the last few years Popsugar groupies on the forums have been wanting fuzzy socks in an Autumny/Wintery box, so I hope everyone is happy about this.  Myself?  You can't survive snowy weather without fuzzy socks, and you can never have too many, either.

 Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling, $25.

I like Mindy Kaling, but I haven't read anything she's written, and I honestly don't know what this book is really about, besides the fact that it's not a novel, but I'm curious.  I've seen it at Costco, and even though my Mom has a copy I'm not reading the first page until I have my own copy in my hands.  This my be the first Popsugar book I actually read.

 The Honest Company, Sea Salt + Sugar Body Scrub, $17.

It's been a while since I've used a sugar scrub, so this will be good to try.  I like the smell, all nice and warm.

 Easy, Tiger, Brown Paper Liquor Bag Set, $8.

I'm glad this item was only $8, because it's going right into the trash, literally.

 Belgian Boys, De Stroopwafel, $1.59.

I love dutch style waffles, and the caramel/Cinnamon combo is quite nice.  A yummy snack for once!  I think the snack from the last two months accidentally got thrown away.

SPECIAL EXTRA

 It's a 10, Miracle Leave-In Product, $11.96 (For a Full Size Bottle).

We got a spray in conditioner a few months ago that I've been enjoying, but this is a nice travel size, plus this company "is a proud partner of Right Action For Women, helping provide advanced cancer screening to women," which is perfect for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Gift cards and discounts.

This is a so-so box for me, but there are good items, and perfect for a cozy October.

Day 1: Odyssey of the Mind Worlds 2015

I can't believe it's that time of year again.  Where has the time gone?  It seems like only yesterday I was in Iowa helping out with the 2014 World Odyssey of the Mind finals.  And here we are in 2015, Michigan, a whole 3 days of crazy creative compitions, celebrating the love of thinking outside the box.

I love this program and what it encourages children to do: think, create, learn, teamwork, ingenuity, perseverance, etc.

And for the next three days children young and old will be creating and performing a years worth of hard work.

The opening ceremonies just took place.  It's so much fun seeing all the crazy hats, seeing where all the kids are from, and seeing their excitement.

So here's to the next three days!

I'll try not to have too much fun :0)

April 2015 POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review

 "Spring, Simplicity, Markets, Outdoors"

These words were the inspiration for the April 2015 Popsugar Must Have Box.

Popsugar Must Have hit it out of the park this months.  I love this box; it's my favorite box in quite a long time.  Well curated, and it feels like a spring, April box.  Luxurious, too.  I'm going to actually use everything here!

This box only has 5 items, instead of the usual 6, and because if this there feels like something is missing.  Maybe a yummy snack?  But overall a successful box.

 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.
 

The April box is sold out, but the May box is currently on sale.  If you like this box you can sign up and click the "wait list" box for the April box, but it's not a guarantee at all that you will receive it.  Coupon code MUSTHAVE5 saves you $5!

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

 Produce Candles Rhubarb Spring Candle, $20.

This is an all natural soy wax candle, crafted in Charleston, South Carolina.  The scent is wonderfully soft and sweet, but not in a sickeningly sweet way.  I burned this candle last night, and am currently burning it, and I love it.  A really lovely candle that smells like Spring.

 And Popsugar took such care packaging this candle for safe travel.

 Flip + Tumble Reusable Bag, $12

If you go to their site there are so many color variations that are fun.

I like this navy and grey combo.

 The ball opens up into a bag, so you can take it to the grocery store or a farmers market.

When you open up the bag, the pouch that you stuff the bag into doubles as a pocket.  After I had opened it all up I was intimidated, but it was super easy and fast stuffing the bag into a ball.  The ball is the perfect size to carry anywhere.  This bag can hold up to 35 pounds and is well made.

 Dabney Lee Umbrella, $20

An umbrella!!  Too bad I didn't receive this box a day earlier, because it rained all Wednesday, and I don't have an umbrella.  This umbrella is so well made and sturdy.  And it has an auto open and close!!!  My favorite feature of any umbrella.

 The shape of this umbrella is really cute, and I like the little ruffle on the top.

 One Love Organics Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum, $39

 This is the luxury item of the box.  It's so light on the skin, and the smell is warm and springy.  I'm not a huge gardenia fan, but I love this.  The trick, now, is to not use it all up super fast!

"With each decadent mist, Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum intensely nourishes, hydrates and promotes firmer, smoother and more supple skin. This formula features clinically proven Antileukine 6®, an antioxidant powerhouse, to help defend against environmental stressors and elemental dryness. Ultra-light and easily absorbed, Gardenia + Tea Body Serum can be used alone or layered with your favorite sunscreen or lotion for an intensely hydrating treatment.  100% of the total ingredients are from natural origin 21.7% of the total ingredients are from organic farming Natural and Organic Cosmetics certified by Ecocert Greenlife according to Ecocert Standard available at http://cosmetics.ecocert.com"

 Potting Shed Creations, Garden in a Bag Organic Basil, $10

The food item this month is one in which we grow.

 Honestly, I'm a little nervous about growing this basil, as my windowsill doesn't get enough direct sunlight during the day, but I'll give it a go.  I love basil, especially with mozzarella/cream cheese and tomato, sitting happily on a cracker.

I will admit that I'm a little bummed about not having an immediate snack to eat.  This is the first month Popsugar hasn't had a treat/food item, granting you don't kill the basil.

Special Extra

Mott 50 $25 Gift Card Code

I'm not a big fan of gift cards in Sub boxes.  I do like the clothes on the site, and the idea of having shirts and whatnot with UVA and UVB protection.  Even with the gift card their clothes are still a little steep for my wallet.  I am thinking about that baseball cap.  The gift card doesn't cover shipping and tax.  Each card has a unique code.

We also got a Flip & Tumble 20% off coupon and a Produce Candles 35% off coupon.

These are the Hints and Spoilers for the May 2015 Popsugar Must Have Box: Colorful, California Sun, Glowing Skin, Fresh Flowers.

I'm not so sure about this necklace.  It looks cute, but this style typically works well on only small chested women.  We'll see.  I'm curious.

The May box is currently on sale.  Use coupon code MUSTHAVE5 to save $5!