First THREE Conscious Boxes for FREE!! Coupon Code!!!

OMG...

What?! 

THREE FREE CONSCIOUS BOXES?! 

I have not subscribed in awhile, because I've been busy with work, family & friends,... AND GETTING INTO A NURSING PROGRAM!! [*more on that later!! :)] 

Anyway, I just noticed I'm not getting as many goodies in the mail and realized I have let my subscriptions end without renewing! In turn, I have been neglecting this blog to the MAX!! 

How can I help y'all get good deals, if I'm not keeping up with this thing?! 

Plus, it's my b-day month so I feel like I deserve to treat myself a little ;) 

So, I'm getting back into it and found this GEM!!

Use Code: "THREEFREE" at checkout!

Aahh! I miss Conscious Boxes! I've had some really great boxes in the past; I'm still using products from them months later! Unfortunately, I've had to cut back on spending even more since finding out I got into the Nursing program. But hopefully I can use this code! I hope you all can use it too!! :)

If you know of other codes, it would be very much appreciated!! Just post 'em below! :)

Yay to even more broke life, lol! Gotta love the challenges!! :P

-xo, T

Birchbox Review [March 2014]!

March Birchbox Contents! -- Very late and quick post!

Yay, Birchbox! If you've read my other posts about their box, you know how much I like receiving it. This month was no exception... :) The value ALWAYS exceeds the $10 they charge for it every month. Looooove!

Ok, this post is a bit incomplete but I just saw the charge on my bank statement for Birchbox so I'm expecting April box soon and need to put this up now! Sorry so late, as usual lately... I've been so busy with helping out family, bf, friends that I have not had a minute to myself, lol! 

Anyway, I may update this later tonight, but this is all for now ;)

EDIT: Still haven't received my April Birchbox :( 
But I did use another one of last months product -- see below for review!

I spy something full-size!!

Air Repair: Rescue Balm [All-Purpose Skin Salve & Lip Balm] - $? 

I haven't tried this out yet, would've been perfect in December when I went to LA... It was much drier than where I live; my lips where dried to the max! However, for some reason the skin on my nose gets really dry so I'll try a lil dab on it and see how it goes.

EDIT: I tried this on my dry nose (the bridge of my nose gets dry for some reason... I have a really bad habit of squeezing out my pores (I know, I know...) and I'm thinking that's why. Anyway, it didn't work overnight, but after a few applications I think it's helping. I also put it on my lips and it made them look nice and full! I really liked it for the lips! Matte, but full! 

Curly Hair Solutions: Curl Keeper Total Control for Frizzy Hair 

Actually, I haven't tried most of these yet because I want to save them for a time when I'm going out and actually feel like getting dressed up, lol! 

Pop Beauty: Stain Stay in Peach

I've used this a few times. Stays put for a LONG time, nice color but not for everyone. Great quality stain!

Ok, more later!!

xo, -T

February Birchbox Review (+Coupon Code)!!

Oops! I thought I posted this February Birchbox review and I just received my March box, lol! Oh well, that one is coming up shortly! I was out of town and came home to a bunch of boxes... always a fun time :D

The February Birchbox was curated by Us Weekly, I guess? I don't read celebrity gossip stuff so this partnership wasn't exciting to me, but I don't care because the contents of the box were great!

  

Benefit: It's Potent Eye Cream (for dark circles & fine lines) [3.0g] - ~$7 value

**Full Size Benefit product purchase = Free POREfessional pore minimizing primer with code at checkout: "POREfessional"**

I love Benefit's packaging and have used their products before. I've always been fairly pleased with their quality too. I started using this eye cream the night I received the box. I like how it feels on my skin. A little goes a long way with this cream. Just dab and smooth around your eyes, it feels like it tightens up your skin slightly after application but not so much so that it feels weird. After a few seconds it seems to absorb. As far as the de-darkening and smoothing fine lines... I'm not sure if I see a difference yet, I think there may be a little bit of an improvement but not drastic. 

Serge Normant: Dry Conditioner Spray [1.2 oz/ 34g] - $9.38 value 

Yay! A dry conditioner to go with my dry shampoo! Btw, I purchased a full size dry shampoo that I sampled through a previous Birchbox. Their sample trick is totally working :P 

I used this dry conditioner after the dry shampoo once last week and it seemed to work fine. I just put my hair up in a bun so I'm not too sure. Also, my hair has been thinning out since I started college about a decade ago so I'm a little careful to not use products that weigh down my hair or that accelerates the greasiness factor haha.

Juicy Couture: Couture La La Malibu Perfume [.05 fl oz/ 1.5 mL] - ~$2 value

I'm not a huge perfume user but I do enjoy getting these little samples as an introduction into the world of scents! This Juicy Couture scent reminds me of Spring or Summer. My sense of smell isn't fantastic so I can't get too specific with the different smells hahah. It's light though, not offensive and young-ish I think.

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W3LL PEOPLE: Universalist Multi-Use Color Stick in #8 Dusty Rose - ~$3? value

I really like this color stick! It took me a little bit to get the spreading technique down for using it as blush. The color is perfect for me, a slightly dark pink. I use it for eyeshadow, blush, and lip color. It really is universal, lol. I may have to purchase this one when my sample is finished! Oh, and it smells nice too:)

Extra Sample! Benefit: Big Easy Complexion Corrector [sample card] - ~$0 

(I put not value because it's so tiny, probably worth less than 50cents haha idk)

**The PROMO CODE: "POREfessional" applies to this product too**

I have yet to try this out. I'm waiting for a day when concealer alone won't cover up my breakouts :P

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Total February Birchbox Value: ~$21

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Oh Birchbox, always doing it right ;) Seems like the boxes just keep getting better! I'm really bad about putting up pics of the products on my skin, but I'll try to start doing that so you have a better idea about what the products look like on and the different consistencies.

What did you get in your Feb Birchbox? 

-xo, T

Spicy Subscriptions February 2014 Review! (+Coupon Codes!) [NSFW]

**NSFW**

("Adult" themed Subscription Box)

------------

Got my 1st Spicy Subscriptions Box the week of V-day

Ordered: Deluxe Spice Box (used coupon code to get almost $15 off of $34.95)!

What is it?: Adult-themed subscription box with sex toys, lubes, games, adult/sex-themed etc.

Cost: $24.95 - $34.95/mth (3 box options)

**[Coupon Codes at bottom of post! $5 of 1st box or $10 off a 4-month subscription]**

(Nice! Free 2 day shipping!)

It felt pretty light.

So far, looking good and neatly packaged...

Ok... random plastic piece (lower right)? and oh great! "Sexy" card games... Not looking too much like a "Deluxe" box...

Price list... SUPER inflated. The items were definitely not worth what Spicy put on this card.
**(For each item the "value" price I put down is the cheapest price I was able to find online)**

Ok, the idea of relationship tip cards is kinda cute. Common sense type of things, but they can be easy to forget as well. Reminders are always nice :)

 

Pipedream Le Reve: Silicone Sensual - ~$25 value (Spicy Price: $49.95)

You can all guess what this is! :P I'm not a seasoned "toy" user so I had to google instructions lol and I'm still not too clear hahah, I'm such a noob when it comes to this haha!

Hmm... I found it online for MUCH cheaper than it's listed on this price list!

Quality: Nice, seems fairly well-made. The only "nice"/well-made/worth-anything piece in this box.

Verdict: If I was a regular buyer of products like these, this would probably be an item I would've considered; but at the price I found online... I never would've paid over $50 for this thing!

 

31 Sexual Favors: For Him - ~$7 value (Spicy Price List: $9.99)

LOL!! "Wrestle naked with him."?! Ummm, no thanks!! LOL! I'd want to be in PERFECT shape to be rolling around WRESTLING naked! Maybe "wrestling" is code for "sex" Hahaha!

Quality: the container's wrapping was already starting to peel off, and the cards look old and a bit worn out like they've been used before (ew!).

Verdict: No... Will save to give as a gag gift at a bachelorette party or something.

 

Let's Fool Around: Foreplay Game - ~$8 value (Spicy Price: $11.99)

Mannn, if anything these card games are a good laugh LOL! "Lick everything you can for 20 minutes?!?! What do they mean by "everything"? Does it include furniture? LOL...
Can you imagine how DRY your mouth and tongue would be after just licking stuff for 20 mins?! That seems super unpleasant... 20 minutes?! Geez...

And "demonstrate your make-out abilities"? HAHAHA so good...

Quality: much nicer quality than the 31 Favors... card game. But, still I would never spend $12 on this.

Verdict: [again] definitely No... Will also save to give as a gag gift at a bachelorette party or something.

Some other hilarious cards (from memory): "Show off your sluttiest dance moves", "Try to entrance your partner as if you were a vampire" WOW...

Sinful Sensations: Warming Massage Lotion (1 fl. oz.) [Rich Vanilla] - ~$2.99 (Spicy Price: $6.99)

Ok... seriously? This TINY and definitely not worth $7! When I looked it up, it looks like its part of a sample of 4 or so little bottles. Maybe THEN it would've been worth $6.99! It also looks like it's part of the samples that came with their shipment of the "toy" they included in this box; by some company named Pipedream...

Quality: Haven't even opened this yet; not sure if I will.

Verdict: [again] a No... and further disappointment.

Pipedream Promotional Pen: ~$0.01 value (Spicy Price: $6)

To the say the least, wow... I, and seems like quite a few others, emailed Spicy Subscriptions about this. I received a generic response, judging by responses others also received. It basically said, "sorry, sub boxes are a gamble and hope you liked the next one you spend your hard earned money on! haha!"... Ok?

----------------------------------
February Spicy Subscriptions Deluxe Box Total Est. Value: ~$43

Ok, so the value adds up to more than I paid for the box, but I'm still not happy with it at all. Such a bad intro to Spicy Subscriptions, and it was the Valentine's Day box too! Geez... I would NEVER pay more than a couple dollars for those card games, maybe 25 cents for the oil sample, and wouldn't even accept the free pen sample, lol! Personally, the most I would've paid for this box is maybe $15.

More problems... during Feb I repeatedly tried to log into my account to cancel. I always got an error message, and had to go onto their FB page to see that others were having the same prob and not getting it solved. The company didn't seem to start doing anything about this issue until after we were all charged for the March box! I finally got a response to my email at the end of the 2nd or 3rd business day (which was their max for replying to inquiries, as stated in their FAQ). Below is the 1st response about the box contents and what they told me about not being able to log in to skip the March box...

1st correspondence:

My email:

Their response:

Wow, tricky tricky wording. Nicole seems to be a seasoned PR pro :P Sooo... even though on the website it says Deluxe boxes are supposed to include: 

I didn't receive the "deluxe accessory," I would never count that ugly pen as a sample. So, missing are: deluxe item, and at least 1 other sample. Yea, it's not a huge deal... it's just hte way the company handled the situation, the fact that they overly inflated their price list, skirted around issues by avoiding communication, then wording their responses in ways that don't take responsibility for their actions, etc. 

Anyway, here is my email about not being able to log in to deal with my account.

Their response:

Not. Acceptable. At. All... Oh and I was over-charged for the freaking box as well. I'm finishing up the longest complaint email ever... I'll post the response I receive. Ultimately, I asked for a refund for the recent charge (and not get the box, obviously) and for the account to be cancelled. We'll see what happens...

I should note that, I've read lots of great and satisfied reviews of the company, so althoguh I''ve and some others haven't had a great experience with them, yours may be different!

If you're still interested in trying it out for yourself you can use my link (if they haven't cancelled it, yet lol!) to get $5 off your 1st box: here and use code "5off"

--OR--

Get $10 off a 4-month subscription with code " SPICYMARCH"

Did any of you get the Spicy box? What experience have you had with them? I'm providing links, because my communication is not over with them, so it may still turn out well but we'll see...

I'm done ranting now! :P

-xo, T

JULEP - Clearance Sale (+FREE box code)!!

Totally checking out what's available at the Julep sale after work tonight! Sales over 65% off are awesome! Even more awesome if it's for great quality nail polish! Currently, Julep is my fav nail polish co. so I'm pretty excited about this sale:) 

I'm even more excited about their new polish brush coming out in March, I believe. It lets you paint with your "bad" hand easily. Perfect for people who have a hard time painting both hands on your own. (AKA = ME! :P)

Btw, sorry to delays in reviews! I lost my phone at the beginning of a trip out of state last weekend, so with it went many of the posts I had set up :( I'll try to re-do them, but may be brief. 

Get your 1st Maven Box for FREE: Use this Code at checkout "FREEBOX"

Reviews Coming Up:

*Spicy Subscription - Feb 2014

* Cult Cosmetics - 2 "pennypolish" boxes

*List of Subscription Boxes with Coupon Codes! (this is gonna be a good one!)

'Til then!

-xo, T

Win it Wednesday at Whimsey Box! Prize is DIY Wire Wrap Necklace Kit!!

Don't forget to enter @whimseybox #winitwednesday contest! Prize = awesome wire wrapped necklace #DIY kit! http://t.co/f0WkXRbtS7

— Broke Life (@BrokeLifeBlog) February 6, 2014

Click @BrokeLifeBlog to follow me on Twitter! 

Sometimes I post stuff on there that doesn't end up here because I get distracted/busy/etc etc etc... 

You know how it goes! ;)

xo, T

Kaufmann Mercantile $500 Valentine Giftcard Contest!

I HAD to post this! I LOOVE this shop! Kaufman Mercantile... they sell a nice curated mix of very well designed products (function & aesthetics), and they're based in one of my fav cities... NYC! 

You do have to make a purchase though, which sucks, but it is SO easy to find something you like from their selection! And the prices are fairly reasonable for most items; which is KEY! ;) Towards the end of the post is a pic of one item I'm going to purchase that's actually under $10, and made of brass! Brass is pricey! My bf recently bought a thin brass rod that was ~1.5 ft long and it cost over $20 at Home Depot!!

I sort of wanted to be selfish and not add more competition to this contest buuuut, I'm feeling nice today and want that shop to get more business, since I love love love their selection ;) Love promoting the smaller/independent business, since I was one myself a couple yrs ago and know what the struggles can be like. Fortunately, Kaufmann Merc. seems to be doing fine ;)

This is the I'm going to finally buy this keyring I've been wanting for like 6 months. It's only $10, but it keeps getting sold out!

(**just fyi: Kaufmann Mercantile doesn't know I'm promoting their business and I'm not getting any compensation. I really do just love the look of their site and especially their product selection/merchandising/etc.**)

Ok, back to my To Do List... Ugh....

Oh, and I'll be posting my February Julep Maven review soon, so check back for that ;)

xo, T