February Golden Tote

Fashion is not my strong point.  I would consider my style as preppy funky.  When I found out at about Golden Tote, a monthly purchase of one item with 1-2 grab bag items or a purchase of 2 items with 4-6 grab bag items.  The items you 'purchase' are picked out by you and then you take a style quiz.  The grab bag items chosen for you are based on your own personal preferences.  The window to order your tote opens only for a week - it starts on the first Monday of the month.  Their popularity sky rocketed in February and their servers crashed due to the overwhelming amout of unexpected customers.  They gave a 10% discount to those who purchased a tote.  

After seeing others peoples unvailings of their tote, I was wondering where my box was.  Coustomer service was nice to work with, the box came in three days.  Inside my box was this great bag full of six items.  D opened the box with me, while asking me, "How do you know your going to like what's inside?"

The first item I pulled out was the a Priddy dress by Puella.  They included this dress in all of the $149 totes.  This dress complements my style.  I saw how others used a belt to help synch in the bagginess of the dress.

The first item I chose was this white eyelet shirt by Under Skies.  "This looks like you," was D's first response to this beautiful shirt.  Since this was one of the items they were showcasing this month, they send a style card with it.  I am going to take them up on their suggestions.

 

A chevron white and black sweater by Reneec. was my second chosen item. I paired it with my fourth item, black leggings by Puella.  The leggings have a foldable ledge on the top with some fringe, like yoga pants.  

 

This hand woven shirt by inclover can be dressed up or worn casually.  The sleeves are my favorite.

My hidden gem, a sheer floral blouse by inclover.  First thought while still in the bag: scarf.  When it did not unfold as a scarf would, the realization that it was a shirt sunked in.  I personally would never pick this out, too flowery for my taste.  The style and cute was what drew me into the shirt.  I was so proud of it, I wore it to work this morning.  Three compliments/comments were made.

Unpacking Impression: It takes a leap of fate to purchase this tote, but I am glad I made it.  Leaving one's own personal style in the hands of another is scary, however it is also nice to know that my quiz and comments were translatable to the amazing stylists at Golden Tote.  I believe that this will be a reoccurring event.  As my friend told me today, you don't really go shopping, the hard part of picking out what you like has been taken out of the situation, you just reap the benefits. 

February Escape Monthly and coupons

 Island fever sets in every couple of months, and the want for culture, a variety of food options  and trying new things sets in. As traveling costs increase, the amount of trips have been decreasing.  When I found a 20% coupon to try this box! I could not say no, especially when the theme was one of my favorite east coast states: New York.

The box left Oregon on Tuesday and made it to Hawaii by Friday.  Without seeing any spoilers, I was so excited to open this heavy and smelly box.

As I brought the box into the house, I was amazed how heavy it was.  I believe it was four pounds.  There was an aroma coming from the box, first thought: soap.  Here is a view if what I found when I opened the box.

                                          

 At first glance, I found the soap I smelled.  It was exciting to see a variety of food and farmer market like goods inside.  I didn't want to cheat and look at the brochure until after I opened all the different items.  The first item I checked out was the soap, as I unpacked the box I found a great card with a description of the hand made soap.  The smell is potent but will make a great soap for the hubby.

Next up was the food products.  D and I love going to farmer markets and try local artesian treats.  The short bread taxi treats will be consumed on a hike sometime soon.  The West African Peanut Brittle was opened right away and consumed over the weekend.  I was impressed by the smoothness of the brittle and how easy it was to eat one piece after another.  D and I both are looking forward to open up the maple syrup and peanut butter combination.  Ice cream is in the freezer waiting to be topped with the fourth item, hot fudge sauce.

  

The next item was a white box.  I was unsure what to expect in the box.  I was excited to see that they are cherry and chocolate chip shortbread cookies.  D's response to me was, "One set for me and one set for you."  

A cream bag with a small candle inside was at the bottom of the box.  The candle has a very relaxing scent of Green Tea Lemongrass.  This will be placed in my over night bag for one of my trips to help cancel out the smell of a hotel room.

The last major item was a tour book of New York City.  This book tempted me to change my travel plans in May to make a weekday visit to the Big Apple.

  Here is the box in its entirety.  I never took an individual picytre if the classic I <3 NYC

Unpacking Impression: I was looking forward to this box, for I can live vicariously each month through it a and save money for our first house.  D and I could not believe all the goodies that were discovered here.  Each month, one lucky subscriber gets a free trip to the destination of the month.  One Friday, the company sent out an excluse for a vacation in the Adirondacks for three days, plus deals on the items in the box.  I am excited, I was able to use a coupon that will give me 20% off for life of the subscription.  Next month is the Emerald Isle - Ireland.

Coupons-  In the past couple of days I have found two coupons to use.  1) plum district has your first box for 50% off - $25.  2). Use the code irelandescape to receive 20% off your membership.  I believe this is for new members only.

February's Wantable Intimate box

This is one of my favorite boxes to wait for each month.  I appreciate that there is a questionaire asking for your preferences in style, color and needs.  You can update each month.

I was excited to such a varity stuffed in the box.  

The first two items are panties.  The black one is QT Intimates - Bikini Black with heart.  Nice and sexy for their flirty February theme.  Wantable has been showcasing their new designer for this box this month - Rhonda Shears.  I was hoping to get one of her items.  I did, a Sweet Cupcake lace Trim Panty on smoke.  

I love wearing leggings, especially on these cool mornings of a whopping 65F.  (It's cold for this Big Island girl).  These are from Look by M in Olive.

When I feel inspired,I will wear this on my next excercise adventure.  The performance tank made by Alo Yoga will be great for walking and yoga.

 At the bottom of my stuffed box, I found these socks.  I was excited to see these.  Soxxy ankle socks have grips at the top of the socks that make them cling on to stay in place.

Unpacking Impression: I am really impressed that this box comes so quickly to me from Wisconscon - five days.  I will wear everything in this box.  This monthly subscription is $36, and the entire retail price for the five items is $74.90.  

February Splendies

Who wants to talk about their 'unmentionables'?  I do!  

Looking over the different variety of subscription boxes, I found A monthly subscription for $12 for three panties.  

The package came in a white plastic envelope.  Opening up the package, a packaged wrapped in pink tissue paper.  Opening the tissue paper , I found three cute panties.

Here is a closer look:

Unpacking Impressions: These three panties are adorable.  I was able to save four dollars by using SPLEDIES.  They suggested to size up, I did not but I will this next month to see what the differences are.

February PopSugar Must Have Box

After seeing a couple of reviews and unboxings on blogs and YouTube I decided to give it a whirl.  I ordered this at the end of January.  The boxed was shipped on the 5th and I was able to get it on the 18th three days earlier than Fedex expected.

I could not wait to see that enjoy symbol!

Without peeking at the card, I opened the tissue paper to reveal the nicely packaged goods.

After opening each item up, I was able to see the Must Haves if the month.

Must Have Fashion: Gorjana Brooks Jewlery Roll -  The roll has three compartments to place items inside so they don't get all jumbled together.  I am off to Maui next weekend, I know this will be used.  They also included a 25$ gift certificate.

Must Have Fashion:  Nourish Organic Pure Hydradting Aragan Face Serum -  The peach and rosehip fragrance is nice.  Will use this before bed.

Must Have Home: K Hall Designs Travel Candle (peony scent) -  This will also be traveling with me to Maui next weekend.  

Must Have Beauty: ModelCo Lip Pops Duo Lip Gloss and Lipstick - This item went into my purse right away.  I have always liked lip gloss, but sometimes feel that it needs that extra umph.  Since my wedding*, I look for these two in ones.  The gloss has a nice fruity smell.

Must Have Beauty:  NCLA Rodeo Drive Royalty Nail Polish - Nice Valentine vexin color.  

Must Have Food:  Sugarwish Mini Red Cinnamon Hearts- The packaging was very thought out.  I was excited to open up the box and try some hearts.  There was also a 20% coupon in the box for Sugarwish.

Special Extra :  Dial Viatmin Boost Body Wash -  This bottle was handed to the hubby.  I didn't want him to feel left out when he saw the box.  Although there were comments that this was not the usual caliber of goods found in this box, I like that it was a useful item that any household would use.  

Unpacking Impressions: Due to spoilers on some of the blogs I follow, I already knew what was in the box.  However, this was my first box and I didn't want to be swayed before trying out the items myself.  Overall, I think for the price of 19.95 ( I found a half off coupon), this box was worth it.  The usual price is 39.95 and promise to have goods over 100 dollars.  This box retailed for $120.  I just subscribed for another 6 months as a way to save 25 dollars.  

* I was introduced to tints and gloss for my wedding, when I wanted only one thing to put in a small bag under the table at the reception.  Since then I only buy 2 in 1.

I purchased this box.  The reviews and comments are my own opinion and views. 

Wacky Wednesday

Trying on the stylish Lola Sunglasses from Wantable box.

Julep Cupid Mystery Box and extras

After receiving my welcome box from Julep, I wanted to use my 20% off coupon that was burning in my pocket.  Some of the daily blogs that I check out daily kept announcing their enthusiasm over the Julep Cupid Mystery Box, my curiosity about me and I checked out their website.  The Cupid Venus box caught my eye, the mani box.  The 20% coupon could not be used so I thought some add ones wouldn't hurt.

A large undecirated box was waiting for me when I came home today.  I am so impressed how quickly these boxes ship - the order went in on Sunday and arrived today from Seattle.  The black box held the contents of the Mystery Venus mani box and the pink box had the extras I splurged on.  I love how they used pink tissue paper for the mystery box.

The Cupic Mystery Box - Venus was an amazing box to open.  It was full of goodies, at least seventy-five dollars worth.  There was a nice nail file on the tip of the package.  The second item was a Freedom Topcoat, stating that it "goes on like a polish, performs like a gel."  Supper excited, I really like getting gel nails - they do not chip and look like they were just done after three weeks.  I received another Mighty Nail and Cuticsl Serum.  A bottle of Rock Star hand crème; this will find a home in my desk when I need a pick me up on a long day.  The last four items were Valentine inspired polishes: Bette, Venus, Madison, and America. 

The pink box opening was a mini surprise for me too.  This box was 20% the total after using y welcome coupon.  I purchased the February Bombshell box - 2 polishes and a dusty taupe eye shimmer.  The polishes are Judi, which at first I thought was black but turns out to be a nice dark purple, and Kristen, a silver blue glitter.  As I was in the spirit of surprise, I had to through in the extra Cupid add-on - three more polishes: Angela, Stefani, and Kennedy.   

Unpacking Impression:  This entire box was an impulse buy, but I think it is worth it.  I will try some of the polishes out tomorrow when I update my mani and pedi.  I accede try order two mystery boxes, I was going back and forth with purchasing it.  I didn't realize my mistake until the next morning, I ordered late the night before, and emailed coustomer survive for assistance.  They responded immediately that my message was important and they will get right with me.  Late that day, I noticed an email that my box was shipped.  The next day, I received a letter from Julep saying that they normally wouldn't accept a return however due to the circumstances I may return it.  I thought that was very nice of them.  I figured I could give it away as a valentine's gift to a friend who has been really helping me out lately.  

Here is pick of my mystery stash this month:

All of this for 39.98 plus free shipping.

I am not receiving any compensation for this review.  It is my own personal beliefs. 

Unpacking the Julep by Maven Welcome Box

I wanted to save some money, rather than go to the Salon monthly, I will be doing my own manis and pedis again, like in college.  I read great reviews about Julep and watched some YouTube unboxing videos  supporting them.  When I saw that their welcome box was only the cost of shipping, $3.99, the finger was already on the purchase button.

I ordered this box on Super Bowl Sunday and it arrived to me by Wednesday.  I was amazed how quickly this was sent out.  I found this cute box in my mailbox.  I took a style survey and was classified with Classic with a Twist.  

The following polishes, Myrtle and Zora.  Myrtle is a nice red, sorry I am not more specific I am a novice to this and don't want to make more of a full of more self than I already am.  I thought Zora was too chalky and thick, however I like the creamy pink color.  

Here is the entire Welcome Box contents: Myrtle, Zora, sponges and Mighty Nail and Cuticle serum.

Unpacking impressions: This was a cute box and the 50% coupon inside the box for the next purchase was a surprise.  I tried the polishes and like the and use the serum twice daily.  This subscription is $19 per month for $40 of products depending on your style preference.  The website says you can change your preference around the 20th of the month when they reveal the choice for the  month and you can send your box to a friend for your month.  They use to give the option to skip a month, but now you can only every six months. Sounds like something you would want to try, use the code FREEBOX to get you first box.

I am not receiving any compensation for this review.  It is my own personal beliefs. 

February Wantable Accessory Unpacking

This is the box that started that entire subscription ordering frenzy a month ago.  I was so excited when this box was found outside my front door.  The first thing I did was grab my iPad to take pictures because I knew this would be my first box opening on my blog!

The box came in less than a week to Hawaii from Wisconsin!  Amazing costumer service, they send out an email that the box has been created and then another with the tracking number.  On the day of arrival, they send another one telling you to get ready to party because the box arrived.

Opening the box, a cute note and foam.

Removing the foam, reveals 4 bags!  One is a sunglasses bag!  I am so excited.  They now have these nice black bags where they placed the different pieces inside each one.  Last month it was in plastic baggies.  This month they brought in spring runway favorites.

Lola Sunglasses: I love sunglasses.  These are cute cat shape glasses.  The flowers are a little too much for me.  When my husband saw them, he was like oh look, these come off, proceeds to remove all of them leaving the glue showing.  The next day he says, fixed!   

The Dara Necklace: A little giggle came out of me when I opened the pouch for this necklace.  At first I was like, this is not me at all, but then a friend came over and saw it on me and she was like that complements you.  This will be a very statement necklace for me.  They made a suggestion to wear it with a black flowing shirt.  I can't wait to hear the reactions for this one, the rocker girl in me can come out and play.

TrixiBelle Necklace: This was my favorite piece.  It is a little heavier than I would perfer, but still like the look.

Linna Bracelet: This is a sweet accessory for Valentine's Day.  I received a heart ring last month, I will pair these together for Friday.  

Unpacking Impressions: Overall, I like the box.  I was attracted to this subscription company because you have the opportunity to place your loves, likes and dislikes.  I feel like I need to get out of my comfort zone, this definitely assists me to do so.  The retail price for the four items add up to $77, and I only paid 36$.

I am not receiving any compensation for this review.  It is my own personal beliefs. 

It Begins with a Resolution

The end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 came so quickly.  The chance to sit down and create a list of proposed visions to conquer for the new year was never created by the first.  Ideas, pictures of new adventures and snippets of conversations of inspiration jumbled around while coming home from the holidays.  The usual suspects came to play: teaching, sleep, family and a new obsession - subscription box reviews.

Put things in the universe and see it come true.  In the next 48 weeks, my future accomplishments:

• Start a blog to "unbox" subscription boxes and share teaching ideas
• Finish a 5k and 10k
• Pass my third Praxis II content exam - High School Math
• National boards or masters program, which ever comes first or combine
• Travel to the mainland with my husband to celebrate two couples amazing days 
• Visit the grandparents in California and Texas 
• Visit my parents somewhere around the world (destination undetermined)
• Infuse two new things in my curriculum
• See the sun more often...
• Organize my life into a doable routine

Now that it is out there, the first step is done.

Next, charge onward!

Oh, where to start...


Jessica