Bespoke Post - Seared Review + 30% off COUPON!!

Bespoke Post - "Seared" Review
EDITED on June 1, 2016 -- Bespoke Post Coupon Code!!

Hi! It has been a SUPER long time since I have posted! This past semester of nursing school was a killer!! I was at school literally 6 days/wk, clinicals on weekends as well. Ugh... One more semester left though! :D

Anyway, I just thought I would post about the Bespoke Post "Seared" box. We got one each for my Dad and my bf's Mom for Christmas. They both loved it and are super excited to use it. Sorry, I had to use the Bespoke Post picture because I forgot to take pics of the items that came. I got to see the contents of my Dad's box and it was exactly as pictured and super nice quality. Bespoke Post never fails in that regard! 

Bespoke and Birchbox are my favorites (and regulars) in terms of subscription boxes. I don't get Bespoke Post as often as Birchbox because of cost, but once I'm working full-time, that may change! ;) Seriously though, if you're new to subscription boxes, I would def try Bespoke and Birchbox first. (Get 30% off your 1st Bespoke Post Box with code "RESCUE" and get 50% off your 1st Birchbox with my link!)

Happy New Year!! Hope you enjoyed the holidays! :)

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)

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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?

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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

January 2014 Birchbox Review!

Got my Birchbox last week! Always excited about this one :) From what I've seen on other blogs, it looks like everyone got a slightly different box, some better than others of course. Mine was pretty good for my "beauty lifestyle" I guess you could call it. I have a VERY low maintenance daily routine and play with products on the weekends or when I have some real free time (usually my "free" time is filled with my many projects/chores/errands/favors for others/etc...). 

Anyway, back to my point of the box matching my routine pretty well...

My daily makeup consists of:

*Neutrogena Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30

*Some sort of blush (stain, cream, powder -- depending on how much time I have and where I am applying it -- stain (need mirror & good lighting), cream (good for rushing/on-the-go/at the stop light... i know, i know... dangerous but at least I'm at a light and not doing it while driving! :P)

*Concealer (I've switched out my old L'Oreal one for the Chella highlighter stick I got in a past Birchbox)

*Lip Balm/Gloss/Stain

*Mascara (2-step kind)

The contents of my box included many things that I'll defintiely use! Cheek stain, dry shampoo (!!), tinted face lotion w/ SPF, tea, and body lotion! See the goods below :) ...

Origins: Smart Plants CC SPF 20 Skin Complexion Corrector - $4.25 value

Yay another tinted moisturizer! This one has SPF 20 though... I prefer higher (as I mentioned earlier, my Neutrogena one has SPF 30).

When I 1st tried this I mixed it with my current tinted cream because I thought it was going to be too light, but I recently tried it alone and it totally blended in AND didn't make me look more pale at all! I do like it to be a tiny bit darker than my color though (like my Neutrogena lotion), sort of gives a "glow" but doesn't look like too dark foundation. Also, it's about twice as much than my current one and has less SPF so I don't know if this will be a long term use thing for me. 

Verdict: 

Good: blends well (even though it looked too light), has SPF, not too heavy/not too light

Bad: not enough SPF, expensive, not tinted enough

Whish: Body Butter [Pomegranate] (20mL) -$3.20 value

My Mom was visiting when I received this box and she fell in LOVE with this lotion. If I hadn't as well I would've given it to her lol! I'm going to keep this in mind for when present giving time comes around again; she would love a full size bottle I'm sure ;) The scent was more like passionfruit (according to my Mom) but still delicious smelling

Verdict: 

Good: Absorbed quickly, , and it was a medium consistency -- not too watery, not too thick, great scent

Bad: None from me!

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk - $6.50 value

I LOVED this sample! I try to not wash my hair often because it tends to get really dry and also it takes awhile to dry and I'm always running around busy lol, just being honest here! 

Anyway, I have really dark brown hair and in the past used baby powder to soak up oil but hated the smell. I was preparing to make a DIY dry shampoo w/ cocoa powder & what not when I got my Birchbox with this gem in it! 

I've used it a couple times already (I got the box a few weeks ago fyi :P) and it works GREAT for me! Just a few sprays, let it sit for a couple mins, brush it out and you're good to go! I've only used it before putting my hair up in a bun though, so I'm not sure how well it works if you want to wear your hair down.

Verdict:

Good: does what it should and does it well! No visible residue, nice light scent.

Bad: Slightly pricey, but def worth it for me!

  

Benefit: Benetint (2.5mL) - $6 value

I used to use this in Highschool & part of early college -- before I really started paying for my own things lol - Benetint is like $30 for a bottle!! So, I was happy to add this to my makeup bag again, and it's a sample so it's tiny (adorable) and fits so well in my little makeup bag!

However, I need to get more practice using this stain as I've clearly forgotten how. Whenever I use it I just look splotchy. I'll discover my old technique again soon! ;)

FYI skin type (for makeup review): My skin is mixed hardcore = italian/german/brazilian mix/english [i.e. can get very pale in winter, can tan well but doesn't last long, can burn too, slightly yellow skin tone, combination skin - but more dry than oily, at least in the winter lol]

Verdict: 

Most of the good & bad are sort of interchangeable... It's watery (good/bad based on your preference), it last a LONG time (good if applied well/bad if you're a noob like me and make it look splotchy).

More Good: nice light scent, great light natural looking stain for lips

More Bad: Pricey, takes some practice to apply.

Ahmad Tea Sampler: Mint, English, Apricot (3 bags) - $0.53 value

Tea is always nice to have around :) No bad aspects here! Unless it was either tea or another beauty product; I'd prefer more product less tea in that case, bc I can go buy my own specific tea that I like.

Birchbox also included these resolution cards, kind of a waste of paper I think. I barely looked at them. What are we supposed to do with them? I don't get it lol. I mean I know there are some good suggestions, but did they really need to print out this huge thing on nice cardstock to just be recycled or thrown out?

Total: $20.48 value (not including S&H, etc.)

What did you get in YOUR Birchbox?! I'm curious! 

Now, I'm going to go out and enjoy what's left of my "snow day" in S.E. Texas :P

xo, T

P.S. If you're interested in signing up for Birchbox, I'd be SUPER appreciative and thankful if you use my referral link:) As you may know from my profile, I'm currently applying to a Nursing program so funds are extremely limited. Getting some referral points will totally help keep my reviews going! I enjoy doing this because I know how hard it is to get real HONEST reviews of products. I'm so sick of reading paid reviews, etc etc so that's not what I do here. I keep it real :) 

Thank you ladies & gents <3

Taste Guru December 2013 Review!

Wowow, holiday season was nuts this year. Busy to the max! Trying to catch up on posts now, hope it's not too outdated! Well, anyway it gave me some time to try a bunch of the stuff out so I can post reviews as well! Yay ;)

This one is for the December 2013 Taste Guru (Gluten Free) Box. They send you full size and samples of gluten free food/drink products. I originally signed up with a 2-for-1 coupon and somehow ended up receiving 3 boxes! Mistake? Treat!!

Yum! I've tried this before from the Taste Guru Nov 2013 box (Cherry flavor); blueberry was delicious as well!
FruitChia Bar: Blueberry Blast - $1.99

I haven't tried this out yet but we have pizza sauce and toppings list ready to make a pizza soon!
At the Table Together: GF Easy Make Pizza Dough - $1.68 value

Mediterranean Snacks: Baked Lentil Chips (Parmesan Garlic) - $0.76
Average lentil chips. Good, but nothing that would make me buy this one over a different brand.

Southern Mint Herbal Tea - $0.62 value (the link is for a shop that also has an Ebates cash back deal;)

Gorge Delights: Just Fruit Bar (Apple Cherry) - $2.10 value

The Just Fruit bar was delicious! Just sweet enough and the right mix of fruit flavors. I'd buy it again.

Oven Baked Organics: GF Pancake Mix - $4 (*their shop is having a sale right now! Orig Price: $5)
Food Should Taste Good: Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips - $1.33

Fiona's Natural Foods: GF Cranberry Flax Granola - $4.99

This box's total base value (not counting S&H, etc.): $17.47
This was a great deal for me since I think I got it on accident or it was still part of that 2 for 1 or 3 for 1 deal I signed up for awhile back... Buuuut... if I had paid $39 for the box (which is their one time price - price goes down the more months you sign up for), I would've been a bit disappointed. It will be cheaper for me to browse online GF food stores or my local grocery.