Penny December Blackbox by Cult Cosmetics) Review (+Exclusive FREE SHIP Coupon Code & $0.01 Box)!!

Just received a Cult Blackbox! 

It's my 1st one; I took advantage of their Penny Box deal right after Christmas. 

I'd been wanting to try it out since Ive had such a great experience with Julep. 

This box was the December Blackbox:

So far I've tried out only the grey polish. It's a fairly dark grey. I had to put on a couple of coats of polish on most of my nails, the first coat was hard to get on evenly without multiple coats. I was a little disappointed with that, guess I've become spoiled with the high quality polishes I've bought from Julep. Oh we'll, hopefully it's just the grey. 

If I remember, I'll post an update here about the quality of the red and gold polishes:)

Despite my not too great first impression after using the grey, I do think Cult's Blackbox can be a pretty good deal if you take advantage of all the awesome sales they offer! I was able to use the code twice so total I'm receiving 6 polishes with 2 tools for $10.02 (each box was $0.01 +$5 for S&H), such an awesome deal! So awesome I'm definitely purchasing a full price box in the near future (then probably more after that, lol) as a thanks for the awesome sales ;)

*note: I used the code in 2 different transactions. I used it once right after the code was released, then I think about a week later when I received an email promoting the code. I used the same login info too so I assume if there we're restrictions they would've cancelled it, right?* 

Their Penny Blackbox sale is STILL happening!! I think it's only for a specific box they recently put together, but still great colors! Click pic below to go to their FB pg for more info, or just click here to go directly to the sale on their website -- remember to type in the coupon code at checkout! PENNYPOLISH

Check back for review updates and a post about the 2nd penny Blackbox I mentioned above. Should be here this week!! 

I received this Free Shipping directly from Cult Cosmetics who gave me the green light to share it with my wonderful readers, yay! Enjoy;)

*btw: not sure if the free ship works with the Penny Sale - I honestly completely forgot about it! :(

Enter Code: freeship4u at check out!

Have a wonderful night!

-xo, T

Unboxing/review of 2nd Rocks Box!

I definitely liked the 2nd box better than the first! The chain was still REALLY short, even afer I indicated that I prefer long necklaces. They really did pay attention to what I wrote about liking nature themes though! Too bad they were either too big or too small... Im hoping the 3rd box will be just right ;)

-xo, T

Huge Sale at Julep!!

Yay! Awesome sale at Julep!!

I checked out the polishes available and there is A LOT!! Great prices too, like $2.99 for a really great quality polish. Nice!! 

The sale ends on 12/31/2013, so hurry up and pick up your favorite colors at a steep discount! 

Also, if you haven't tried the monthly service, you can try it for free with this coupon code: FREEBOX (type in at checkout). I think you pay a couple dollars for shipping but you get 2-3 polishes and some other nail or beauty product.

I love it, I wasn't really into painting my nails before but once I used these I don't mind changing colors every week, the polish dries SUPER fast!

-xo, T

Conscious Box [Gluten Free] December 2013 Review!

Just got my Conscious Box (Gluten Free) in the mail today!! This has been a great week for mail goodies! :)

I love this Larabar flavor! I eat these regularly because I'm GF and ALWAYS running around busy. My local grocery doesn't have this flavor though so it was exciting to get it in this month's box!

I first tried this peanut butter when I was living in NYC, it was at their restaurant… I bought the White Chocolate PB flavor and… well, I'm not a huge fan of PB but this jar was finished surprisingly quickly… Maybe it's best that I stay away from this one :P

Yay! I love receiving bath/cosmetic products!! I'll update with some product reviews after I try these out!

One can never have too many wet wipes! I ALWAYS carry some around. Some make fun, but they're also always the ones who ask for one lol!

And a couple more things I'll probably try very soon! 

I'll follow up with reviews and total value of this months box! I'll also put up some coupon codes for you! 

What did you receive in your December Conscious Box? Which version do you subscribe to?

Note: Conscious Box has 3 versions (Classic, Vegan, & Gluten Free). 

Price: $19.95/ month (this includes shipping) 

I've subscribed with discounts always though. Last time, I used a coupon that took maybe half off a 3-month subscription. Good deal! I'll re-check the details and keep my eyes peeled for more coupon codes! I think this may have been my last month, eek!

-xo, T

Taste Guru November 2013 Review!

**Ooops! I forgot to post this! I actually just received a 3rd box! I'll post that one today as well ;)**

What?? Why did I already get a 2nd Taste Guru box? I just got my 1st one from my 2-month trial order  a week or so ago this month… I will email them about this one. If it's a mistake and I get some freebies, that's fine with me! ;) I'd be a little sad if the 2-month trial meant 2 boxes at once because I kind of like having it spread out… like getting presents every month randomly, lol. But whatever, food is food any time right?

And this food is delicious!

Like coupons! Deals! ;)

Perfect timing for Thanksgiving!

**Update: We used this in our turkey and you never would have guessed it was GF!! Yum!**

Omg… this was SO good! I was hesitant at first actually… but shouldn't have been because this stuff is delicious!! I am definitely buying more! Tastes something like nature valley granola bites but better!

I love gluten free pasta! Makes me not so sad about not being able to eat pasta anymore haha! Tastes pretty much the same! Well… not always, but good enough and I don't feel sick afterwards anymore! :)

Can't wait to try this!! Waiting until the BF comes to visit, he's GF too so we will definitely chomp down on some waffles this weekend!

**Update: we tried this and it was pretty good, it was really hard to make waffles with it though. Like it was extra sticky or maybe our waffle iron is just too old lol!**

These tastes almost exactly like Chicharones, but are made of lentils… enough said. 

These will probably be DELICIOUS!! Can't wait to try them, waiting for the weekend!

-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

12 Days of Gift Giving with Julep!! Day 3!

Well, I'm getting a little of a late start with these promo offers!! Sorry! I had family visiting and now finals week is here. Eeek!! Anyway, Julep is having 12 days of deals for holiday shopping. They're on Day 3 of their promos, but I'm pretty sure you can still get them.

2-For-1 Holiday Duos. Get two duos of your choice from our holiday sets for the price of one. That's 4 polishes for $20! 

Coupon Code: "2FOR1HOLIDAY"

Active from: Ends at 11:59pm PT

There are some really good deals coming up the next couple days, so check back for those!

-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

Review of November 2013 Taste Guru Box (+Coupon Code for 2 Mths for $24! Save $44!)

My 1st Taste Guru Gluten Free Box! 

I signed up for the 2 months for $24 promo :) 

This is the link I found for the deal from some website… I don't remember which one sorry! I just saved the link: Taste Guru 2 months for $24 (Basically you're just paying for the shipping for the two boxes). 

Regularly the box costs $34/mth but the price lowers with longer subscriptions. A little pricey, but they give you full size items, and well specialty Gluten Free foods are pretty expensive compared to non-GF foods. 

Anyway, here are pictures and info!

Glutino "Frosted Sensible Beginnings" Cereal (11.0 oz): $6.99

This cereal was SOO goood! Like Frosted Flakes but BETTER and it stayed crunchy for a really long time in the milk… Always a good thing ;) Pretty sure I'm going to buy this cereal again.

Dang Toasted Coconut Chips (1.43 oz): $2.85

I've gotten these in a couple of few subscription boxes and am always happy when I do! I've even purchased them at the grocery! Any time I get someone to try these they are pleasantly surprised; even people who don't like coconut has liked these chips!

Hummuz Crisps: Roasted Red Pepper - $0.43 ($3.49 for 11oz bag)

You can get these at Abes Market, which always has good deals! If you sign up for their newsletter you  get a 15% off coupon! And they have no minimum for Free Shipping!

I had actually bought a bag of these in the Olive Tapenade flavor before I received these. I loved the olive one, but didn't like this flavor as much.

That's it. Apple + Cherry Fruit Bar - $1.67 

(12 pack box = $19.99)

You can try all 6 of their fruit bar flavors for $8.99!

This had a clean simple fruit flavor. Nothing too exciting but I might buy again for snacks if I find a deal.

Bakery on Main Oatmeal: Traditional Flavor (1 - 1.75oz packet) - $1.00 

(Box of 6 packets for $5.99)

Fiona's Natural Foods: Almond Millet (12 oz bag): ~$4.99

(Sold Out at Abe's Market but a different flavor was priced at $4.99)

Alpine Avocado Vinaigrette (oz) - $7-7.50
 (Made by a small company in Colorado… it seems like you can only buy multiple bottles at once on their website… $37.50 for 5 bottles and $56 for 8 bottles).
I'm excited to try this vinaigrette! I looove avocado!

So, was this box worth $12? I think so! Would it have been worth $34?

Totaled up this box has a value of $25.43

Hmmm… well, we also have to keep in mind the labor of the searching/gathering/putting together/etc and the shipping costs.
If S&H costs $12 normally the contents of the box should be around $22.
(*Note: If you subscribe it's included in the monthly price of the box but for the free trail you pay for it, I think that's fair)

So, yes! I guess it is worth it in terms of cost! However, I think it may be better for me to just go to the grocery store myself and spend $34 on random gluten free stuff to try instead of spending $12 on S&H instead of actual product. I think if I get any more of these it will have to be with coupons. They do give the option to purchase longer subscriptions at discounted rates but it's a bit much for a fairly broke student to spend all at once :P

These are their subscription options:
3 months: $34/mth = $102 up front
6 months: $29/mth = $174
12 months: $25/mth = $300

(with all subscription use Coupon Code 1FREE to get one more free month. Or use that other websites referral link to get 2 months for free ($12 S&H = $24 up front for those 1st two months). I could only find the link for this deal via other people referral links, I'm thinking they have some sort of affiliate program or something and only those people got the link.

Well, I guess I'll make my decision about subscribing after I get my 2nd trial box!

-xo, T