2022 UPDATE!! Bespoke Post, Allture, & Fabfitfun

Wow! It's been some years since I was on here! Last time I made a post, I was in my last semester of nurisng school. Now I'm SIX years into being a nurse and trying to get out of it LOL. Especially with covid, I have realized it's extremely important to follow your true dreams, which, for me, has always been interior design! So, now I'm working part time at the hospital and creating an interior design business on my off days :) 

I was feeling nostalgic so I checked this old blog out and thought I would give a little update on the subscriptions I'm still using :). 

Bespoke Post, is #1. Definitely the best consistently and hands down best value. I still shop there throughout the year and highly recommend it. I buy a ton of gifts from them for other people too. I'm just floored by the quality of most of the items I've received. These are actually good deals. The items are usually sold on their marketplace later on for much more, so you know you're getting a deal by getting the box. I just looked at my order page and I've made 52 orders since I discovered them in 2013!! That definitely says something! Use my link for $20 off!

Up until recently, I had been subscribing to Alltrue (CauseBox), which ended up going under and they took everyone's money. So, theyre not recommended obviously... If you were scammed by them, call your bank! Mine was able to get me some of my money back. 

Fabfitfun: This one is good too, I have gotten some really good deals through them. BUT, they can be hit or miss like all the subscription boxes. I had some trouble with them at the beginning of my subscription but they were accommodating and helped get me to a resolution that felt ok with me. I don't think I had problems after that, but it did seem like I was getting all the lower value options. I don't know if I got on a sh*tlist or something? Anyway, I'm not suscrbiing to them at the moment because we bought a house and became house poor and then this crazy inflation that has at least doubled all our bills... but I would like to restart it when I'm financially able to again :). Use my link to get $10 off if you want to give it a try!

Other than that, I found the subscription boxes were more scammy than good deals. You really have to spend more to get better products, no one is giving stuff away. They are all businesses that need to pay their employees and themselves, they're not benevolent organizations trying to give people free quality items lol. That said, the two I mentioned above, are the best ones I've experienced, and if you've read my posts, you know I've experienced a lot of them. In the future, I woud like to try the Rachel Zoe box, which seems higher quality, but its pretty pricey. Have any of you tried it? What do you think?

If I get time later, I'm going to put together a list of the places I shop now. I'm very much into sustainable, clean products and would love to get other people on board too! They are good for you and for the environment. 

Signing off for now!!

xo, T

Birchbox July 2014 Review

Whoops! I never posted this!! I've been so busy with nursing school! :D It's sooo time consuming!! My house is still a complete mess and FILLED with unpacked boxes from moving in almost a MONTH ago :( 

Anyway, if anyone cares to see what was in past Birchboxes this one is from July 2014! 

A FREE subscription to Women's Health! Cooool :) 

Update: I sent in the card right after I got the box and received my first issue this month (September)

Number 4™ Super Comb Prep & Protect

It's a nice product and I would've loved it when I was younger and used more heat tools on my hair (and had fuller/thicker hair), but it kinda just seems to weigh it down. I don't color my hair or use heat tools on it ever. I have split ends and its thinning. This product is prob not for me :( It's a nice product and I would've loved it when I was younger and used more heat tools on my hair (and had fuller/thicker hair), but it kinda just seems to weigh it down. I don't color my hair or use heat tools on it ever. I have split ends and its thinning. This product is prob not for me :( 

Supergoop!® Daily Correct CC Cream ​SPF 35+

I have been wanting to try this CC Cream so was excited to get it in my box. It worked well to cover up flaws without being too foundation-like. However, it was still pretty thick and I ended up mixing it with my tinted moisturizer to thin it out. I have smile lines so thick makeup settles in there and makes them more noticeable; so I tend to avoid heavy face makeup.

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner

Blehh to silver eyeliner!! Looks disgusting on me, and I get flashbacks of bad makeup days in middle school...

The consistency was great though... I wish it had come in black!!! :( I would've used it everyday!

SmartyPants All-in-One Gummy Vitamins for Adults

I like this taste, but don't like receiving food or vitamins in my box. The sample size is puny too, not even a serving size worth. All bad things aside, the taste is good and it makes taking vitamins more of a treat than a chore. Sounds cheesy lol

Harvey Prince Hello Body Cream

It's a nice smelling lotion that works fairly well to moisturize the skin. It's not super greasy and seems to absorb pretty quickly. My skin is a bit dry though.

No totals for this BirchBox because it's so late and I have limited time, lol! I'll update it if I total it up later. I'm a nerd and actually enjoy doing things like that soooo... it might happen :P

xo,

T

Birchbox December 2013 Review! **UPDATED**

Got my December Birchbox this week! Yayy:) 

There were some pretty great products in it! More Argan oil stuff, some bath stuff made of salt from the Great Salt Lake, nail polish, etc. Check it outtt ;) I'm excited to give them a try (except that birchbox logo thing for your phone. I don't get it. why would I put that on my phone?)

Chuao Chocolatier Chocolate Bars:I have yet to try this delicious looking chocolate! It got lost in my huge purse somewhere, lol. Maybe I'll save it for during my flight in a couple days :)

Color Club® Cocktail Hour Collection:This is a nice neutral color, I'll probably give it away though. I'm not really into frost nail polishes.

Nelson j Beverly Hills Argan Oil 7 Non-Foaming Shampoo (the little bottle next to the thin white one):

I tried this shampoo last weekend before going to a wedding, and was a little nervous it wasn't going to wash my hair well enough. I'm not used to non-lathering shampoos… Well, it worked and it worked pretty well! I also didn't even need to use conditioner afterward! Also, my hair wasn't as flat as it normally would be in cold weather. Maybe it was just a good hair day? Ooor… Maybe it was the shampoo ;)

ARCONA Magic White Ice (the thin white tube):

I prefer thicker consistencies for face lotions. This one was pretty thin, like watery. It was nice though, did the job fairly well. Maybe not as hydrating as I would like either. I imagine this would be a really good face lotion for people with oily skin. Maybe good for me in the summer ;). I'll save it for when it heats up even more here in a couple months.

Salt of the Earth Aroma Bath Salt - White Ginger & Salt of the Earth Whipped Body Crème:

I'm excited to try out the bath salt and body lotion. They gave really good sized samples for those, I even considered giving them as gifts lol!

I'll update this post with details by tomorrow hopefully!

Well, I've had more exciting Birchboxes, but this one was pretty good! I'd like to get more makeup items, like the Chella Highlighter that was in the November Birchbox! I still use that every day! :)

I didn't add up the value of this box, but if you're curious to know, just post a comment and I'll add it all up for you ;)

What did you get in your Birchbox?

-xo, T

Birchbox Limited Edition Snow Day Box Review!

Birchbox Limited Edition Snow Day Box 2013!

I was excited about this one! I was able to use my Birchbox points to get $10 off! You accumulate by making purchases (includes the monthly box) and doing reviews on their website for products you purchased from them or received in your Birchboxes. 

(*I included a screenshot of my checkout page at the bottom of this post)

Extras!!: I also used a promo code that was on their website for a free face scrub (free with $25 purchase - find these deals on the left side of the screen under the category "Birchbox Bonus Shop") AND I got to add on the Mystery Sample Pack for free (you can purchase it for $10 or get it free with $35 purchase)!

A packing list along with some neat little cards: Scrabble tips and "Home Spa Day" tips, which was just giving suggestions on using all the items from the box.

Travel Size Scrabble: Birchbox Edition - $36

Three Tarts: Cinnamon Marshmallow (2 pcs) - $2.20 (10 ct. = $11)

Askinosie Chocolate: Single Origin Non-Alkalized Cocoa Powder (40g) - $3.23 (130g = $10.50)

I love playing Scrabble and mini versions of things so this is perfect! It's housed in a nice sturdy box (more sturdy than what board games usually come in) and seems to have enough pieces for 2 players. Can't wait to play this with the BF instead of Words with Friends ;)

I haven't tried the marshmallows or cocoa powder yet but I'm sure they're both delicious ;)

Here's the game w/ all the pcs out.

Happy Socks (1 pair) - $10

MALIN+GOETZ: travel candle (Cannabis) - $13.40 (9oz candle = $52)

I really like the pattern on the socks and they're really soft! However, I don't really show off my socks so I'm thinking of giving them as part of a Christmas gift to a friend who does.

The candle is really nice, and no it doesn't smell like marijuana lol. It smells more forest and nice soap. Looove! But, I do have allergies and a slight cold right now so it may actually smell completely different.

Mox Botanicals: [Travel Size] Matcha & Clementine Body Soak (.50oz) - $4.47 (4.25oz = $38)

Chantecaille: Flower Infused Cleansing Milk (0.27oz) - $5.08 (3.4oz = $64)

Chantecaille: Jasmine & Lily Healing Mask (0.17oz) - $7.90 (1.7oz = $79)

Out of these 3 I've only tried the Cleansing Milk. It worked well as a gentle facial cleanser. I didn't break out from it and it didn't dry out my skin. I normally don't wash my face everyday because I'll break out and dry out. I guess my skin has become "sensitive" in the recent years. The scent was very light too, but pleasant. Anyway, I don't think I would spend $64 on face wash though. Well, I definitely wouldn't right now, but who knows later on? 

L'Occitane: Shea Butter Hand Cream (10ml) - $1.82 (5.2oz = $28)

I've bought this hand cream before so it was nice to get a little one to carry in my bag. It's a little thicker than lotions I usually use but it does absorb pretty fast and was a hand saver (get it? :P) during bitter winters on the east coast. Tip: a little goes a looong way, I still have a tube from 3 yrs ago!

Jonathan Adler: Fireplace Matches in Purple Flame (50ct.) - $10

The packaging is pretty cute! Especially for a box a matches! If I still had my antique oven that required lighting with a match these would've been perfect! Perhaps I'll take them on my next camping trip instead… I mean "glamping" trip?!

S.W. Basics Organic Lip Balm: Cinnamon (0.15oz) - $3.75 (4 tube variety pack = $15)

This lip balm is pretty good! The cinnamon flavor also has cardamom. It should be labelled Cardamom flavor instead of cinnamon bc it definitely overpowers any other scent and flavor. It's not bad though. I would've preferred more cinnamon or just a different flavor all together lol. I'd like to try the Peppermint one. 

One thing I really like about this lip balm is that it doesn't leave any medicinal weird metallic-like after taste, as do Chapstick brand and others like it. 

I don't know if I'm allergic or something, but Chapsticks will dry out my throat or something… strange. That's why I usually carry little tubs of Bag Balm concoctions I mix up to use as a balm instead (*later on I'll post a how-to).

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

The following items were all additional free samples (the face scrub was the bonus item for spending $25. The last two were from the mystery pack that's $10 or free with $35 purchase).

Derma e: Refining Vit A & Glycolic Scrub with Vit C & Vit E (4oz): $12.75

I actually used this on my legs before shaving and it seemed to do what it's supposed to! Reminds me of St. Ives Apricot Scrub but not as rough and I like the smell a little more. I was surprised that they sent a full-size version and not a little sample since it was a free gift! What a deal! ;)

Ruffino Nail Polish: Fox Hunt (0.17 fl.oz) - $8 (comes in a set of 3 = $24)

Violet Oasis: 100% Organic Moroccan Argan Oil (4ml) - $2.66 (60mL = $39.95)

I received a Ruffino nail polish in my October Birchbox and really did not like the color. But I do like this one! And the quality is actually pretty good. Dries as fast, if not faster, than my Julep nail polishes!

I was actually recently admiring a friend's hair… M;)… who told me she uses Argan oil on it! Definitely trying it out on that soon! I did try it on my face already and it was wild! My skin instantly looked smoother. Seriously. 

Snow Day Box = $97.85
+ Free Derma e Exfoliant $12.75
+ Free [Pick 2] Sample Pack $10.66
=$121.26

Here's that screenshot I promised:

Whaat?! Crazy deal for only $29! Once again the people at Birchbox impress:) Love it!

So as you see above, the Snow Day box is actually $39, but I used my Birchbox points to get a $10 discount. You accumulate the points by doing reviews on their website, which you can only do on things you receive in the monthly Birchbox and I think on stuff you buy from their shop. I'll have to double check on that one.

-xo, T

Rocks Box Review! (October 2013)

My first Rocks Box! I signed up for the free month trial and I received my first box a few weeks later. (I used the Coupon Code: FBROCKS to get the free month, I don't know if it still works. If it doesn't you can click on my link to get $10 off your 1st box! Hey, better than nothing! It seems like many of these boxes will have free promos until they get popular then they switch to just discounts… sucks, but oh well… it makes sense)… 

Anyway, Rocks Box, is basically a jewelry rental subscription. I think it's good for people who like to discover new designers, don't care to keep things for long (aka: chronic throw/give awayers, lol), or for those who like to wear jewelry that's a little more pricey but can't afford to buy it at the moment.

This is the Rocks Box description:

"RocksBox is a membership-based jewelry styling service. Members pay a flat rate of $19/month, $100/six months, or $180 /year to trial unlimited designer jewelry, sent in sets of three at a time."

I liked 2 out of  3 in this jewelry set, but it didn't really fit with my style exactly so I sent it back the next day. But seriously, I was surprised that I even liked anything in the first box. This is a stylist service, so they learn about what you like as you give them feedback, so I wasn't expecting to like much in the 1st box, because I guess... I'm really specific, lol. But I DID like things! I just didn't like really specific things, like: necklace chain length, the size of the pendant and earrings, etc. (I included some pics of the jewelry on me, so you can get an idea about what they look like on).

However, I filled out my comment card (they include a card for you to send back with your box so the stylists can be more successful or accurate when they are picking out things that you like)… and I just got notification that my 2nd Rocks Box, is on the way! 

I was able to get a preview and am already excited to see what they look like on! Seems like they really read and took my comments into account when picking out the new pieces… I don't know why they wouldn't though, lol, it's a business and they're trying to sell stuff, so that would be the way to do it! Pick out stuff people want to buy! 

Anyway, I noticed that they even typed up my comments for the first jewelry box in the comments sections for my "Past Sets" in my Account. I appreciated that part a lot; one less thing I have to do! ;)

Well, here's my first Rocks Box! Druzies, nature inspired themes! I looove the theme!! 

(At the bottom I included a screenshot of my comment page, so you can get an idea about what it's like):

Def not my style, but it looked like a really good quality bracelet! I can think of lots of friends who would like this, unfortunately I can't afford to buy it for them :( One day!

I liked these earrings a lot, but not enough to buy them. I would've LOVED them if they were about half the size! Just my preference though! (sry pics are fuzzy! I took them with my phone)

When I saw this necklace I was actually sort of hoping it would work for me, lol, even though I prob shouldn't spend so much on jewelry right now (it was priced at ~$62)! 

It was too large for my taste but it was really well made and even had an adorable little charm for it's brand tag. It resembles some vintage charm necklaces I sold once in my old shop (the head profile charm but bigger…)

Lol, they typed out EXACTLY what I wrote on my comment sheet (the sheet I sent back with the box). It's great though, I really liked that! Sometimes, it's a pain to log in and type it out when there's so much else going on in life. I often prefer to write things out on paper.

(p.s. - please keep in mind my comments above, in the picture, are my personal preferences for what I think looks good on my skin coloring, body type/height/weight, and preference. I think all the pieces were attractive, but just not for my style and body). :)

-xo, T