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Petit Vour Review and Unboxing

2013-05-22T19:42:00.002-04:00

I'm really excited to bring to you a new subscription box called Petit Vour -- I was asked to review their first box and I jumped at the chance. The reason why I'm so excited about this subscription is because they only feature cruelty-free brands!

Petit Vour costs $15 a month and is available to the 48 contiguous states (they don't ship to APO or FPO boxes). You can also purchase a three month subscription for $43 or six months for $82. Both of these options are one-time charges. The only added fee is for residents of Texas; you'll have to pay tax (I feel your pain, Texans--I have to pay NYS tax on some of the other services I subscribe to). Currently you have to request an invite to join, and since I received this box to review I am not sure how long the wait period is on becoming a member. I do know that once you are able to purchase a subscription you fill out a beauty profile so that Petit Vour can tailor products to your preferences.

I really liked the branding on their box. Rabbits are my favorite animals, so I really like the theme they have going here. They also have "Be Bold, Be Kind" written on the other side of the box, which I didn't take a picture of. I really like that because I think it definitely sums up what they're all about!

The first item I noticed when I opened the box was the nail polish, because I love nail polish! I thought it was a Scotch Naturals polish but it ended up being a different brand (not that that's a disappointment). The box contained five items total, most of which were sample-sized. I believe the nail polish is full-sized.

So here's what was in the May Petit Vour box!

Acure 100% Organic Hair Care - This shampoo and conditioner set is vegan, fair-trade certified, and Leaping Bunny certified, all three of which I love. I'm not sure what the volume of these samples is because there is no measurement written on the bottle, but they're a good size for sampling. The informational card says that Acure uses "cutting-edge plant stem cell technology." I'm definitely curious to see how my hair reacts to this.
Misa Three-Free Nail Lacquer - I'm not sure if everyone got the same shade, but mine is a pretty pink called "First Kiss." It's a .5 oz bottle, which is the standard size for nail polishes, so I'm fairly certain that this is full-sized. It has a slightly fuchsia sheen, so I think it's going to look really nice for summer.
Tsi-La 100% Natural Organic Eau de Parfum - I think the name of this is "Fiori D'Arancio." I'm not the biggest fan of perfume samples, but I'm willing to give them a try. This one has notes of orange blossoms, tangerines, and neroli flowers, with vanilla orchids and honey. Based on that description I thought I was going to love it, but it's just okay to me.
Odacite 10-Day Skin Treatment - The products weren't actually in the box, but we were provided with a gift certificate with a coupon code to order them. The certificate is good for a skin consultation via email, personalized skin routine, and seven freshly made products. What a great deal!
Go Raw 100% Organic Spirulina Energy Bar - I've had spirulina products before, maybe even the Go Raw brand (I don't entirely remember), and I do like them. I'm going to take this to work tomorrow to have as a snack

Learn more about Petit Vour and request an invite to join
Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest

Bottom Line: Overall I am very impressed with Petit Vour! I'm going to support any company that's cruelty-free, and the ones featured in this box are even better because a lot of them are vegan, organic, and/or fair trade certified as well. I think this box is an excellent option for any beauty enthusiast, and is a great introduction to how wonderful cruelty-free beauty can be for those who might not be as familiar with it.

*Disclaimer: I received a box from Petit Vour to facilitate my review. I was not monetarily compensated and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

May Daily Dose of Green Review

2013-05-21T20:37:00.002-04:00

It's Daily Dose of Green time! May's box was another fun one. I wanted to film an unboxing video but I think I'm going to put that on hold for a little while because it's so much extra work. It just takes too long to actually upload them to YouTube, and I prefer to write anyway.

May's box was somewhat themed toward Mother's Day, with "products to put yourself first," focusing on skincare. I'm all for that because I love getting beauty products. Usually Daily Dose of Green doesn't contain all beauty and skincare, so if you're looking for a more varied lifestyle box don't worry--you can see my past reviews for an idea of what the boxes have contained (what I'm trying to get at is that there's usually more of a variety).

Here's the array for this month. I haven't used many of the items yet because I have a pretty big collection of skincare items to try already (that's not to say I don't welcome more!), but here are my thoughts regardless.

7th Heaven Moroccan Clay Gentle Exfoliating Masque - I haven't used this yet but I am definitely looking forward to doing so. 7th Heaven has affordable masques that are great quality, and I love clay masques like this one because I have oily skin.
Health Warrior Chia Bar in Chocolate Peanut Butter - I really wanted to like this because I thought the flavor sounded yummy, but it wasn't for me. It tasted strongly of chia seeds, which I know is right in the name, but I expected a little bit more of a chocolate and peanut butter flavor, too.
Be Natural Organics Aloe Leaf Lotion - I haven't used this lotion yet, either, but Be Natural Organics products have been in my DDOG boxes before and I've really liked them. This lotion sounds extra soothing because of the aloe vera, and will be good for summertime.
Bee Organic Bee Soft Body Butter - There is no scent listed on these but they're made with cocoa butter, so I think they're going to be great. I keep meaning to use it after a shower but I habitually reach for my other body butter that I usually use. I'm going to make a special effort to remember this tomorrow.

Aletheia Skin Care Green Tea + Papaya MicroExfoliant - This is an "antioxidant infused scrub" with papaya to help minimize pores. I exfoliate once a week, so I'm going to use this one on my next go around.
Aletheia Skin Care Tea Tree Face Wash - The tea tree oil in this works to reduce redness, inflammation, and balance oil production. The sample will probably provide a two week supply, which should be enough for me to see if it has a positive impact on my skin. Those with normal to dry skin received the Grapefruit Face Wash in their boxes (members fill out a profile to specify such information upon joining).
Bloomin Paper High Heel Shoe - This is a little seed-embedded card and it's so cute! I love seed papers. I have a few stored away that I haven't planted yet, but I'll get to them someday!
By Valenti Organics Dark Raw Chocolate Bar Soap - This was an extra profile product and I'm so glad I got it! I love soaps and I love chocolate, and I especially love certified organic soaps like this one. It's also vegan and cruelty-free and smells amazing!
Essence of Vali Sleep - I think this was also supposed to be a profile product but I didn't receive an extra card with information about it. Either way, it was another fantastic pick for me because I love aromatherapy and my favorite type is anything for stress relief or sleep. This contains essences of lavender flowers, cedarwood, marjoram leaves and ylang ylang. I've been placing a few drops on my temples, under my nose, and onto my pillowcase at night and it really does help me drift off to sleep.

Visit Daily Dose of Green to learn more and sign up! It costs $15 a month or $165 a year (one month free).
Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter

Bottom Line: This was one of my favorite Daily Dose of Green boxes yet because I love getting beauty products! I really like this box because they do a great job of sending me products that are really geared toward my lifestyle, especially the profile products that they pick for me.

*Disclaimer: I purchased this box and was not asked to review it.

RocksBox Review (Box #2)

2013-05-17T20:24:00.001-04:00

I never ended up filming an unboxing video for my second RocksBox, but I'm here with a blog review. I've been really excited about receiving my boxes because I've recently gotten more into jewelry and accessorizing, and getting a surprise of three high-end pieces in the mail is a lot of fun. If you're new to RocksBox, you can learn more about it at my post for my first box.

I've received three boxes so far (review for my third one is upcoming, I've just fallen a bit behind on non-sponsored posts), and I have yet to receive one where I loved all three pieces. I haven't hated all of the pieces either, though, so that's a good thing. I modified my style profile recently, so maybe my selections will be better for my fourth box. I've left feedback on the items I've gotten so far, so that will help them narrow things down for me as well.

My first piece is this Benatar Statement Necklace by CC Skye, which I absolutely loved! When I opened the box it was the first thing that caught my eye, and I said an emphatic "oooh, pretty!" out loud. Dangly statement necklaces are definitely my style. This one retails for $220, which is way more than I would ever pay for something like this, so it was fun to be able to wear it around. It was of substantial weight, too, so you can tell it wasn't a cheaper piece from Forever 21 (I love my Forever 21 jewelry, just making a comparison there!). I would have loved to have purchased this, but it was just too far out of my price range, even with the membership discount.

Next up is the Infinity II Ring by Gorjana, which I also loved. It's a nice, dainty ring, and I just thought that the design was really cool. I wasn't able to wear it, because as you can see from the photo above it was too small for my finger. It retails for $40, and was only $28 with the membership discount. I would have bought this one, too, if it had fit.

My last item was this pair of earrings, the Two Stone Drop Earrings in Ruby Black by Margaret Elizabeth. These retail for $115, which I don't understand. Druses aren't particularly expensive, at least I didn't think so, and the reddish gems weren't made of anything special, either. I like the silhouette of these, just not the stones. I realized that druzy jewelry is not for me.

Visit RocksBox to learn more and sign up for a membership ($19/month for unlimited shipments). I'm not sure if this code has expired, but try using FABB for 50% off your first three months.
Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Bottom Line: Even though I really liked two out of my three pieces, I was only able to wear the necklace because the ring didn't fit. But despite that, I'm still having such a fun time with RocksBox and I can't wait to see what they send next!

*Disclaimer: I received a six month RocksBox membership for free through the iFabbo shop. I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own. Some links in this post are referral links.

Iwilla Remedy Review

2013-05-13T20:39:00.000-04:00

I'm always on the hunt for new natural products to try, so when I was approached by Tami of Iwilla Remedy to host a review I was more than excited to! Iwlla Remedy is run out of Brooklyn by Tami and Selima, and their mission is to share what they've learned about natural products and wellness with the world.

The I Love My Armpits natural deodorant by Iwilla Remedy is an awesome replacement for your non-natural deodorant or antiperspirant! I've been using the unscented deodorant for two weeks now and I have to say, it works just as well as the other antiperspirants I've used in the past (including brands like Secret, which I used before I made the switch to cruelty-free). I even used I Love My Armpits last Saturday when I ran a 5K, and it definitely stood up to the test! The ingredient list is as follows: Fractionated coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, castor oil, arrow root powder, brown rice flour, bentonite clay, sea clay, and neem seed oil.

I can't rave about this deodorant enough! I think that anyone who is looking for an all-natural option will really enjoy this one. I chose unscented, but if you want a scent with yours iWilla Remedy offers six scents: Baby Powder, Citrus Pearl, Floral Fields, Herbaceous Woods, and Spicy Lemon. They all retail for $10, which may seem a bit steep, but consider that these are hand-made with truly natural ingredients that are much better for your body (and just as effective as the synthetic stuff!).

I was also able to try Iwilla Remedy's Wellness Body Oil in "Relax, Relate, Release." I wanted to give this scent a try because I love aromatherapy products and anything to help me de-stress is more than welcomed. I like to dab a little bit on my pillowcase and under my nose before bed, and it really does help me drift off to sleep. Even if aromatherapy doesn't have a strong affect on you, I think you can still enjoy this due to its moisturizing benefits. The directions say to "rub a small amount onto pressure points, solar plexus, temples, and stiff muscles to relieve pain or tension," but you could use this wherever you wanted. The ingredients are sweet almond oil, essential oils of bergamot, roman chamomile, ylang ylang, vetiver, cinnamon, lavender, mandarin, and patchouli. I pick up on the patchouli the most, but overall the blend is wonderfully soothing. The body oils retail for $7.50.

View Iwilla Remedy's full line of products at their website
Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube

Bottom Line: I give Iwilla Remedy's I Love My Armpits and Wellness Body Oil two thumbs up! I'm so impressed by how well the deodorant holds up, and I love the scent of the body oil. Both products do exactly what they promise to do, and are truly all-natural and cruelty-free.

*Disclaimer: I received products free of charge to facilitate my review. I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

May Flicker Box Review (Inaugural Box)

2013-05-10T21:47:00.000-04:00

When I first heard about Flicker Box I knew I had to try it -- I am a huge candle hoarder! I have a whole drawer full of them. Flicker Box is a new start up run by Kristina out of Chicago, and each month you'll get a curated box of artisan candles. I'm really impressed by the first box!

My box arrived fairly quickly; I think the time between receiving my shipping notification and actually getting the box was only two or three days at most. All of the candles are made in the United States, and I'm going to assume that each month will feature a different theme. This month's theme was beeswax candles.

Flicker Box costs $32 a month, with options for three month ($96),six month ($165), and 12 month subscriptions ($300). Shipping is included in all of these rates. While they may seem expensive, consider that you're receiving four to five artisan, handmade candles. I know that the three-wicks at Bath & Body Works are $20 each, so hopefully that helps to put the price into perspective a bit.

The inaugural box contained five candles, seven if you count each of the tealights separately. The first brand I noticed on the informational card was one of my favorites, Big Dipper Wax Works, which I was first introduced to through Eco Emi. Here's a list of all of the brands that were featured:

Big Dipper Wax Works 1.7 oz Beeswax tin and 3.1 oz. Beeswax glass jar
Bluecorn Naturals 100% Pure Beeswax 2" pillar
OneHoney - Chicago Honey Co-Op Bear Hugging Hive
Scent From Nature 100% Pure Beeswax Tealights

Even though all of the candles were beeswax, I like that there was still a variety of forms included. Tealights are always useful, and the bear candle is absolutely adorable. I also like that the Big Dipper Wax Works candles are in containers. I would have liked to have gotten some scented candles, but I'm sure that Flicker Box will have plenty of those in months to come. If you're interested, you can use the coupon code "MOM15" through Sunday (May 12th) to take 15% off all prepaid subscriptions.

Bottom Line: I'm really impressed by Flicker Box and I think it's a fantastic choice for any candle lover. Even if you can only afford to do one month, it's definitely a nice treat!

*Disclaimer: I received a Flicker Box free of charge to facilitate my review. I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

Spicy Subscriptions "50 Shades of Grey" Giveaway

2013-05-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

I've reviewed Spicy Subscriptions quite a few times here (read my reviews), and I think they have been a pretty popular subscription with my readers (based on the sign-ups I've received through my referral coupon). I'm glad that so many people have found the reviews useful! If you've been wanting to try Spicy Subscriptions for yourself, here is a great chance -- they are running a giveaway for a 3-month subscription of their fabulous 50 Shades of Grey deluxe themed boxes!

Entering is really easy; just use the Rafflecopter form. The only required entry is that you "like" Spicy Subscriptions on Facebook, but the more entries you complete, the better your chances.

Even if you don't win, you can take advantage of these coupons that Spicy Subscriptions is generously offering:

"10off" on all monthly subscriptions (10% off first box)
"get1499" for Premium 4 month subscription ($14.99 for first box)
"get1999" for Deluxe 4 month subscription ($19.99 for first box)

This sweepstakes is open to US and Canadian residents aged 18+ and will end on 23 May 2013. See the terms and conditions in the Rafflecopter form for more information.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Silver Linings Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

2013-05-06T20:47:00.001-04:00

I love a pair of cute shoes (like many women do), but one thing I don't love is wearing tights or pantyhose. I used to go sockless when I wore heels and I ended up with that undesirable sweaty-foot stickiness by the end of the day. I don't wear heels as often as I used to--I've switched to flats--and I've since smartened up and bought those little footie socks to wear with them. But then when I learned about Silver Linings by Chu Shu New York I thought they sounded really interesting.

Jennifer Chu created Silver Linings after noticing the damage and discoloration that moisture build-up can lead to on shoe interiors when going sockless. These liners harness the power of silver to keep feet feeling fresh and absorb any unwanted odor. They can be used in both flats and heels and last for about 2-3 weeks (or 10-15 uses, depending on how often you wear your shoes).

The back of the packaging explains that Silver Linings are infused with Agion silver, "an EPA-registered and environmentally friendly technology that inhibits growth of bacterial odor." I wore my Silver Linings in my flats the past three days and they really do deliver on their promises. I found them to be comparable to my footie socks in absorbing moisture, but much better at absorbing odor. My feet didn't smell at all, nor did my shoes, which is obviously a welcome result!

Here's a photo of what the Silver Linings looked like inside of my flats. The undersides are a rubber-like material, kind of what you would expect on the bottom of a shower mat, to keep them from sliding around (photo below).

Bottom Line: I've really enjoyed using my Silver Linings so far and I think they definitely are effective at absorbing moisture and odor. If you're like me and you like going sockless (especially in the summertime!), I highly encourage you to check these out.

Visit the Silver Linings product page
Use coupon code SOLE20 for 20% off of your order!
Connect with Silver Linings on Facebook and Twitter

Are you interested in trying Silver Linings for yourself? They have generously provided two shoe liners for my readers to win! Enter using the Rafflecopter form after the "read more."

This sweepstakes is open to US and Canada residents aged 18+ only. It begins on 6 May 2013 and ends at 12:00 AM EST on 17 May 2013. Two winners will be chosen at random by this Rafflecopter widget and will be notified by email. The winners will have 48 hours to respond, or new winners will be chosen. All entries will be verified. I will be shipping the prize directly to the winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I received products to review from Chu Shu New York as a part of the BrandBacker program. I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

April Little Black Bag Review and Unboxing

2013-05-03T22:47:00.001-04:00

I bought two Little Black Bags this month and here's the first of them. I was so curious to see what the new system would be like, and like most users there were some things I liked and some I didn't. I'm not going to boycott the site or anything (obviously), and the pros here heavily outweigh the cons for me. I really like that the prices are more graduated now, so I can get a handbag for less than the original $49.95 price.

Since I actually got these items a while ago, I can't remember the exact names of the earrings. Anyway, I'm really happy with these items overall. The crossbody is adorable and just the type of bag I wanted for summer. I think this bag ended up costing me around $54 after tax and shipping, which was a bit cheaper than the previous price, which would equal around $60 for me. Here's the list of what I got:

Deux Lux Bowery B-Sides Mini Messenger
Lydell NYC Hexagon Drop Earrings
Spring Street Spice Market Earrings
BeFine Packette Box
Lemon Socks

The socks and packette box are bonus items, but they're pretty decent bonuses. I especially like the packette box. For a more in-depth review of my items, watch my unboxing video:

Overall, I do like the new LBB. I know there was a lot of commotion when they first changed to their new shipping and billing practices, but after it settled and I really analyzed the situation I think the changes are for the better. I still don't quite understand the point of the charging $9.99 a month to get $10 in credit, so I'm just going to skip each month and then just purchase a bag on its own when I feel like it. I know they advertised it as "getting free money," but a free $.12 a year isn't going to do much for me.

Aside from that, I like that the price of the bundles reflect the price of your first item, so you can pick a bag like the crossbody I got (retail value of $71) and pay somewhere around $50 after shipping, or you can pick a $24 necklace for something like $18 (this is an approximation, since I haven't picked an item that low to start with yet). The shipping increased by a dollar, but that doesn't bother me. The exchange policy was a bit wonky at first, but they did a good job of listening to customers and they've since implemented a much better system. The only thing I really don't care for is that they have shoes now. I'm not a shoe girl, and I wouldn't order them even if I was because I wear a size 5.5 (meaning shoes rarely fit me, even if they're marked as that size) and having them not fit and needing to return them is more of a hassle than I want to deal with.

Check out more photos of my items behind the "read more."

Spring Street earrings

Lydell NYC earrings

BeFine samples

Deux Lux Bowery B-Sides Mini Messenger in Teal

I love that this has built-in card slots!

*Disclaimer: I purchased this bag and was not asked to review it. I received no compensation and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

Sale on Dickinson's Witch Hazel Products!

2013-05-03T19:31:00.004-04:00

If you read my Influenster Sugar 'N Spice Voxbox post, you'll recall that my favorite item in the box was the Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes. The towelettes came with five $2 off coupons as well for any Dickinson's product, which I just used at my local Walgreens.

I snapped a quick iPhone photo, sorry for the quality!

I normally don't do posts like this, but I got such a great deal on these three products that I figured someone else out there might be interested as well. I bought two Foaming Facial Washes and one Pore Perfecting Toner for a total of $7.79! I used three of my coupons, which saved me $6, but even if you don't have the coupons from the Voxbox you can still basically get these products for free.

The face washes were marked down to $3.49 from $6.99, so I got them both for $1.49 each. The toner was regularly priced at $5.79, but it's a huge bottle (16 fl oz). All three had tags on them for a rebate offer, where Dickinson's will refund your entire purchase price if you send it along with the original receipt. You'll end up paying for the tax, but I still think this is an awesome deal.

Bottom Line: Witch hazel isn't for everyone, but I like Dickinson's because their products contain minimal ingredients and are cruelty-free. I hope you can find these products on sale at your Walgreens like I did!

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.

April PopSugar Must Have Review

2013-04-28T19:02:00.004-04:00

April's PopSugar Must Have box was more like a "PopSugar Don't Wants" to me. I signed up again because I had earned a free box from referring two people (thank you!), but I had to be an active member in order to claim it. I paid for this box, but I'll receive May's for free. I hope next month's is better, because this one was a total dud for me.

I received my first PopSugar Must have back in December, and that box was not great either (but it was better than April's). I was excited to sign up because the previous months had been fantastic, but I think I just have bad timing. I have looked at other peoples' reviews of the boxes in between, though, and I have to say I haven't been impressed. PopSugar Must Have costs $35 a month, so it's more expensive than many of the other services out there, but it also will contain at least $100 worth of merchandise.

Alter Eco Dark Quinoa Organic Chocolate - I'm all for organic and fair trade, and if you like dark chocolate I bet you'd love this bar. I, however, am not the biggest fan of dark chocolate so this was only so-so for me. It has a great flavor, it's just not a flavor I particularly care for. The quinoa was cool, though; it basically just tastes like little rice crunchies.
kai Perfume Oil - I hate this perfume because I don't like florals. It's too strong and I don't care for it, but if florals are your thing you might like this. The vial is so small though, which is why I feel like we got ripped off for this box (it doesn't matter to me that it retails for $48).
Shashi New Nugget Bracelet - My bracelet is cobalt, which is pretty, but my gripe with this one is that it doesn't lie smoothly. You can see in the first photo that it's bent into a triangle. I figured that it would smooth out when I put it on my wrist, but it doesn't, so you just end up with this weird, square-shaped type of thing.
Tatcha Aburatorigami Evening Blotting Papers - This is my favorite item in the box. I've used these many times before, and I was glad that I didn't have to go buy another package of blotting papers.
The Green Garmento All-in-One Bag - I could see where this would be handy, but I have no use for it. I suppose I might need it in the future if I travel or buy something that's actually nice enough to be dry cleaned.

A better picture of the kai perfume oil

The reason why I was so let down by this box was because even though the retail value did equal more than $100, it hardly seemed worth it. The perfume oil is a tiny bottle (it'd be considered sample-sized for most other services) but supposedly has a retail value of $48. I just felt like the items in April's box were really disappointing and I wasn't excited to receive any of them. Based on the comments on the April reveal post on the Must Have blog, a lot of people feel the same way I do.

Bottom Line: I really hope that PopSugar Must Have steps it up for May, or else it will be my last box for a long time! I think the idea is great, but their choice of items for the past few months has not been.

*Disclaimer: I purchased this box and was not asked to review it. I received no compensation and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

April Daily Dose of Green Review and Unboxing

2013-04-27T21:25:00.001-04:00

April's Daily Dose of Green was another great box. I have been consistently impressed with this subscription, so I'm so glad that I found it -- or rather, they found me. They send 8-10 eco-friendly lifestyle items for $15/month (shipping included), some of which are tailored to your interests via your user profile that you fill out once you become a member.

What I like best about this box is that they do a great job of sending a variety of products. There's a good mixture of beauty and skincare, food, cleaning products, etc. Here's what was in my April box:

Shaklee Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate
Eve Organics Beauty Bronzer/All Over Color in Beautiful
Moody Sisters Organic Skincare Hydrating Scrub
22 Days Nutrition Cherry Chocolate Bliss Energy Bar
22 Days Nutrition Plant Protein Powder in Chocolate
Essence of Vali (EOV) Massage Oil in Calm
Cleanwell Disinfectant Wipe
Poppy's Natural All Purpose Cleaning Powder in Peppermint
Rise Bar Breakfast Bar in Crunch Cashew Almond
Poppy's Natural Tub Teas in Camomile

Watch my unboxing video for my opinions on the products:

More photos after the "read more."

*Disclaimer: I purchased this box and was not asked to review it. I was not compensated in any way and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

Influenster Sugar 'N Spice Voxbox Review

2013-04-21T17:38:00.000-04:00

I was chosen to receive the "Sugar 'N Spice" Voxbox from Influenster, which was the second of two campaigns that they've had so far this year. I received my box in the beginning of March. If you're unfamiliar with Influenster, please check out my previous reviews by clicking here.

Influenster definitely stepped up their packaging with this box. Previous boxes had just been packaged in plain white boxes, so these orange ones were a fun change. It made me feel more like I was part of a program as opposed to just receiving a random box of stuff.

I hope that in the future I'm able to receive one of the badge-specific boxes (especially the "Eco" one), because more often than not my experience with Influenster has been that they include a lot of brands that are not cruelty-free. The reason I still choose to participate is because I'm hoping to receive the Eco box, and the more active you are within the community, the better your chances. I don't love the idea of using products that aren't cruelty-free, and their status as such is included in my reviews.

The Sugar 'N Spice Voxbox contained seven items total, only two of which I really enjoyed using.

Splenda Nectresse - I have never tried an artificial sweetener that I liked, and this one was no different. Apparently it's derived from Monk Fruit, but to me it just tasted exactly like Splenda. I just don't like that artificial taste (whether it be Splenda, stevia, etc.), so I'll be sticking with sugar.
Colgate Optic White Mouthwash, Toothpaste, and Toothbrush - This trio is supposed to help whiten teeth. I needed a new toothbrush so I was able to put that to good use, but I won't be using the mouthwash and toothpaste. The mouthwash tasted horrible, I can't really compare it to anything, it just was not good. I'm not using the toothpaste because I have sensitive teeth and whitening products are usually too harsh for them. Colgate is also not a cruelty-free company.
Vaseline Spray & Go Total Moisture - I tried this, but I don't like it. Aside from Vaseline being owned by Unilever (not cruelty-free), it was loaded with ingredients that I don't like to use (ammonium, parabens, and the like). I have a spray body oil from Deep Steep that I currently use, and I won't be replacing it with this. If natural ingredients aren't a concern for you, though, I do think that you would enjoy this product due to its ease of use.
Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes - This was my favorite product of the bunch. I've used Dickinson's Witch Hazel before, and I love that these towelettes only have three ingredients (witch hazel, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, and sodium benzoate) and are cruelty-free. I used these to remove my makeup after work and to relieve the oily feeling on my face, and they worked really well. I'll definitely be purchasing more in the future.
belVita Breakfast Biscuits - These were the other product that I really enjoyed. They were delicious and I'm going to see if I can grab some the next time I go grocery shopping.

Bottom Line: Overall this box had some hits and some misses, but I've come to expect that from Influenster. I think they did a great job of including a variety of products for this box, and you can't argue with a 100% free assortment of items to try.

*Disclaimer: I received this box from Influenster for free as part of their product review program. I was not monetarily compensated for my review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

Conscious Box Coupon - Get Your First Box for FREE!

2013-04-18T20:00:00.002-04:00

Every time I write about Conscious Box I start out the entry the same way -- I love them! Sorry to sound redundant, but they really are an amazing company and I love their subscription service. I was a member for over a year (I only cancelled because I wanted to cut back on my spending) and thoroughly enjoyed my boxes. You can view all of my reviews by clicking here.

Some of the loot from one of my previous boxes

If you want to give Conscious Box a try, they have generously created a coupon code that will allow you to get your first box for free! You will have to pay shipping, but trust me--it's well worth it. Use code "SECRETCODE" at checkout to score your free box. They have three options available: a vegan box, a gluten-free box, and their original box. The regular price for each subscription is $19.95 a month (shipping included).

If you can, please consider signing up through my affiliate link by clicking the banner below (thanks so much if you do)!

RocksBox Review and Unboxing (Box #1)

2013-04-16T20:55:00.000-04:00

I received a free six month membership to RocksBox from iFabbo (thanks iFabbo!) and I was super excited to get my first shipment. I'm not great at accessorizing, so the ability to try unlimited pieces through a service like this was very intriguing.

RocksBox costs $19 a month, but it operates a bit differently than traditional subscription services. With other subscriptions you pay the monthly fee in exchange for one box, but with RocksBox you can try as many jewelry pieces as you want! They send you an initial box after your first payment that contains three pieces, and then you can either keep those for up to 60 days, purchase the pieces at a discounted member rate (20% off retail), or send them back for a new set. I'm not so sure if I'll end up purchasing anything because a lot of the pieces are more expensive than what I prefer to spend on jewelry, but who knows. The best part for me is that I can try lots of different styles during my six month membership.

I was anxious to see what my first box would contain, and even though I ended up wearing only one of the three pieces, it still was a really fun experience (and I can't wait to receive more boxes!). The three pieces I received were:

Druzy Studs in Black by Margaret Elizabeth, $88
Bean Ring by Lucas Jack, $48
Cleo's Secret Necklace by Samantha Wills, $130

I loved the necklace, but the ring and earrings weren't my style. For a more in-depth review of the items, check out my unboxing video below.

My main question after receiving my first box was whether or not RocksBox recycled their pieces from member to member. In their FAQ I learned that yes, they do, but each piece is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before it's sent out to another person. I also learned that the membership fees cover insurance on the items, so any minor wear and tear will not be counted against you. If you severely damage or lose an item, though, you will be charged for it (completely understandable).

Bottom Line: I think RocksBox is so fun! Even though my membership is free for the time being, I still would pay the $19 a month otherwise. I love the idea of getting jewelry surprises, even if I don't get to keep them. Use promo code FABB for 50% off of your first three months of RocksBox by clicking here.

See more up-close photos of my jewelry after the "read more."

*Disclaimer: I received a six month RocksBox membership for free through the iFabbo shop. I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

Green Esthetics Argan Oil and Longer Lash Review

2013-04-15T16:08:00.002-04:00

I prefer to purchase organic and natural (really natural, not greenwashed) products whenever possible, and it can be difficult at times to find beauty and skincare that fit the bill. Green Esthetics offers plenty of options that are Leaping Bunny certified as cruelty-free. I got the chance to review two of their products: Longer Lash and their Argan Oil.

I'll start with Longer Lash, which is an "eyelash growth conditioning solution." I was interested in this product because I've always disliked my short, straight lashes. They don't curl well and if I had to choose my most disliked feature on my face, it would probably be my eyelashes (I know, it sounds really weird!). I have only been using this product for two days, so I can't comment on how well it works at the moment, but I plan to post before and after pictures after a month of use. A full-sized tube is 5 ml and retails for $69.95, and it promises to grow longer, thicker lashes in 4-6 weeks. To apply, you just brush it along the top of your lash line and let it dry before applying any makeup.

I think most people are familiar with Argan Oil, and this one from Green Esthetics is certified USDA Organic. It contains only virgin, cold-pressed argan oil and can be used on the nails, hair, and skin. I had previously only used argan oil on my hair, so I wanted to give it a try as a facial moisturizer. I have used oils as moisturizers in the past, but I'm not sure I would continue to use this oil. I applied very little but it still seemed to sit on my face a bit and didn't absorb entirely, so I will continue to use this on my hair instead. I love using argan oil in my hair because I heat style every day, and this makes it feel so smooth and soft regardless of the damage I inflict on it! A 15 ml bottle of this oil can be purchased from Green Esthetics for $16.95.

Bottom Line: If you're looking for a line of cruelty-free products that are organic and natural, Green Esthetics offers some great options. Along with the two products I've reviewed here, they also have teeth whitening and hair growth products available. The only downside to their website is that their home page is in English, but some of the sub pages are in Spanish, so it makes it a bit difficult to navigate if you aren't a Spanish speaker.

*Disclaimer: I received these products from Green Esthetics for free to facilitate my review. I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

Cargo Cosmetics The Mediterranean Kit Review and Swatches

2013-04-10T20:51:00.002-04:00

I decided to finally use my $10 credit at Rue La La and treat myself to something I really love: new makeup! I had never used Cargo Cosmetics before, so when they had the Mediterranean Kit on sale for only $19 I had to snatch it up, and I'm really glad that I did!

This kit retails for $34, so the price I got it at was a steal. I like getting kits like this, even though I don't really need them, because I like to try different types of products all at once (especially from a brand that's new to me). Here's what the kit includes:

Blush - Mendocino, .31 oz
Eye Shadow Duo, .12 oz
Better-Than-Waterproof Mascara, .33 oz
Swimmables Waterproof Eye Pencil - Teal, .028 oz
Lip Gloss - Morocco, .105 oz

My favorite item is definitely the Eye Shadow Duo. The shadows themselves don't have names, but it's a great brown and gold combination inside of the pan. My everyday makeup for work consists of those colors, which is one of the main reasons why I decided on this kit (Rue La La had a few up for sale).

I also really enjoy the Swimmables eyeliner. I've heard a lot of great things about them, so I was excited to finally try one out for myself. It definitely didn't disappoint - the color glides on incredibly smoothly and is nice and vibrant. I haven't actually worn it yet, though, so I can't comment on how long it stays on for.

The Mendocino Blush is absolutely gorgeous. At first I wasn't sure if I would like it since it's darker than what I usually use (The Balm's "Hot Mama,"), but I think it looks really flattering. I have medium skin with yellow undertones, and the little gold flecks in the blush really make it complimentary to my tone. I have to apply it with a light hand, though, because it is very pigmented.

As far as the Better-Than-Waterproof Mascara and the Morocco Lip Gloss, I could take them or leave them. The lip gloss is actually a really beautiful shade and I do enjoy it, I just don't get too excited about lip glosses in general. This one has a nice formula and doesn't feel sticky at all, which is nice. The mascara is probably my least favorite item. I'm picky about my mascaras, and this one doesn't really do much for my lashes. They're on the short side and tend to stick straight out, thanks to my Korean genes, so I need a mascara that adds more volume and length.

Bottom Line: I am so happy with this kit! All of the color products are wonderfully pigmented and really great quality. I would definitely recommend them to everyone. The cosmetic bag it all came in is an added bonus, and I adore the little dolphin charm on the zipper (you can see it clearly in the first photo of this post).

Check out more photos of the packaging behind the "read more."

*Disclaimer: I purchased this kit and was not asked to review it. I received no compensation for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

700 Followers Giveaway! [CLOSED]

2013-04-07T16:32:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I hosted a non-sponsored giveaway, so I'm holding one now to celebrate reaching 700 followers on Google Friend Connect! Thank you to everyone who visits my blog; I hope that you find my reviews helpful and entertaining.

Some of these prizes I purchased myself, others were received through sampling programs or were sent in exchange for FreeBeautyEvents.com posts. Regardless of how I received them, they are all unopened and unused. Not all of these brands are cruelty-free, but most of them are. Those that aren't are noted with an asterisk below. All of the retail values are approximate. The prize package contains:

imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails, $8
Sal Black Olive Botanical Mineral Bath Salts by Verdura Botanica, $4
Organic Vanilla Mint Lip Moisture Balm by Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques, $1.40
*The Stuff That Cupid Dips His Arrows In by Not Soap Radio, $1.60
Paris Amour Travel-Sized Body Wash by Bath & Body Works, $5
Lift & Resculpt Serum XK by Dr. Lewinn by Kinerase, $35
*Liquid Lip Shine in Nude York City by NYC New York Color, $2.49
Lip Shimmer in Fig by Burt's Bees, $5
Blush X3 Mineral Color in Desert Rose by Ferro Cosmetics, $17
Rosette Necklace by Seek First, $15
Lemon Body Wash by Dr. Hauschka, $.96
Ultimate Hydration by Mustela, $24
RevitaShape Anti-Cellulite Cream, $89.95

I only have one mandatory entry for this giveaway, and that is to be a follower of this blog on Google Friend Connect (it is a follower giveaway, after all). All other entries are optional. Enter using the Rafflecopter form after the "read more."

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents aged 18+ and will run from today, 7 April, until 12:00 AM EST on 7 May 2013. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This sweepstakes is open to residents of the US and Canada aged 18+ only. It begins on 7 April 2013 and ends at 12:00 AM EST on 7 May 2013. One winner will be chosen by random by this Rafflecopter widget and will be notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be chosen. All entries will be verified. I will be shipping the winner their prize directly. This sweepstakes is not endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

March Little Black Bag Review

2013-04-04T20:38:00.001-04:00

Ah, I've been so lazy about posting recently! Sorry about that. I had filmed an unboxing video for this Little Black Bag but I didn't like how it turned out and I didn't end up filming another, so a regular blog post will have to do.

The items I received in my March bag were excellent and this has been my favorite bag yet. Trading went really well and I was able to amass a total of five items, not including the two bonus products I got. The above photo is of my smaller items; my main item was the Pink Cosmo Studded Barrel Satchel ($65). It's the item that I opened with and I intended to break it down into a multi offer (which I did), but in the end I ended up trading for it again because it was really the only bag I wanted at the time.

I love this purse. It's pretty big--I imagined it would be the same size as the Street Level Basic Satchel I had gotten in my second January bag, but it's wider and longer. They had it available in a bunch of colors and I know the light blue one was pretty popular, but I love black bags and this one is perfect for me. I'm not too big into the studs trend, but I liked this one because the studs aren't too crazy. The faux leather is also really soft and I like how it's got those marks in it (I don't really know how to describe them, but you can see them best on the left side of the purse in the photo above) because it makes it look more like real leather. Overall, the bag seems really well made. I just hope none of the studs fall off, because I know that's been a problem with other Pink Cosmo bags.

The other items I received were:

'ZAD Owl Stud Earrings ($16) - These are so cute! I really like owls, and birds in general, but I wasn't sure if I was going to like these since they seem a bit more appropriate for a younger girl. I think I can still pull them off, though, because they're nice and small. My favorite part is that the eyes are made of pink rhinestones (you can see them better in the photos after the "read more").
Danielle Nicole Davina Mini Crossbody ($28) - This is the perfect little crossbody! I was really excited to get two bags in one LBB because it was the first time I've been able to do so. I know it only retailed for $28 and it isn't as big of a deal as getting two $80 purses, but I'm still really happy with it. It's definitely small and not very wide, but I'm going to use it over the summer for when I go to festivals, the zoo, etc. It's got enough room for my phone (iPhone), some chapstick, and my cards and cash (which I'll put in my Vera Bradley zip ID case).
Flea Market Girl Key Rope Bracelet ($12) - I love this bracelet! It's cute and dainty, which is my favorite type of jewelry. I got it on my last day of trading and was unsure about it because I was afraid the rope would be too thick, but it's perfect. The rope is super soft and the charm is adorable. It works well for layering.
All The Rage Stone Collar Drop Necklace ($22) - I stepped outside of my comfort zone with this one and I'm so glad I did. I think this necklace is so pretty, and a good first foray into statement jewelry for a person like me. I've only recently gotten into experimenting with accessories, and I like that this is versatile enough to wear to work or just out to lunch. I know it kind of looks like a bra in the photo above, but when I'm wearing it I don't think it conjures up that imagery as much.
FusionBeauty Illumifill Line Filling Luminizer (bonus item) - Everyone who opened a bag in the beginning of March got one of these. It's a full-sized item and retails for $49, but I can't imagine ever paying that much for it. I tried it and I don't like it -- the applicator is clunky and it stinks as a luminizer. I don't have any lines to worry about at the moment so I can't comment on how well it helps those, but it was barely visible as a highlighter. I don't recommend this product at all.
Vosges Haut Chocolat Peppermint Bar (bonus item) - I do recommend this one! I've always wanted to try Vosges, but I was never willing to pay $7 for a candy bar, so I was happy when I was offered this in a multi trade. It's delicious, but still not worth $7. You could definitely find a comparable chocolate for cheaper.

Bottom Line: I was so happy with this bag! It was a $49.95 bag, but that doesn't really matter now because they have the new system in place. But anyway, the overall retail value was $143, not including my bonus items, which is a pretty good haul I think.

More up-close photos of my items after the "read more."

'ZAD Owl Earrings

Flea Market Girl Key Rope Bracelet

All The Rage Stone Collar Drop Necklace

Danielle Nicole Davina Mini Crossbody

*Disclaimer: I purchased this myself and was not asked to review it. I received no compensation and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

March Indie Gift Box Review

2013-03-29T21:55:00.001-04:00

This review is really late because I'm lazy. I received the March Indie Gift Box during the first week of the month but I got behind on my reviews so I'm just getting to it now. This month's theme was "Squeaky Clean," and it contained all sorts of bath and body products. I knew I had to buy one when I found out the theme because I love handmade beauty and skincare!

I've only purchased one other Indie Gift Box, and it was the Holiday Box back in November. I was a bit displeased with it, but it was mostly my fault because I misunderstood how many items would be included in the box. The March box, however, was much better suited to my tastes.

This box cost me $25, including shipping (I think--it may have been slightly cheaper but I don't quite remember). It had five items total and one coupon.

Ballyhoo Bath Carnival Twilight Soap - I love handmade soaps! I hoard them. This one is so pretty and it smells wonderful. According to their Etsy shop, the scent is a duplicate of Twilight Woods by Bath & Body Works (a combo of berries, musk, mimosa flowers, apricots, oak, and juniper). I'm familiar with the B&BW scent, and I like this one much better.
Sweet Tea Apothecary Perfume - I received two cute little vials of "White Tea, Grapefruit, Saffron" and "Sandalwood, Honey, Saffron." I like the White Tea one better, but they both are very rich and true-to-scent.
Bungalow Bath and Body Lotion and Lip Balm - My lotion scent is "Pink Bubblegum" and the lip balm is "Pink Frosted Cupcake." The lotion is absolutely perfect--it smells exactly like a gumball. It reminds me of my grandpa; he used to have a gumball machine and would give one to my brother and I when we went to visit him. The lip balm is also wonderfully sweet and absorbs into the skin well.
Emily's Homestead Probiotic Deodorant - I had actually run out of deodorant when this packaged arrived, so it was perfect timing. Natural deodorants can be hit-or-miss, but I like this one. The main ingredients are cocoa butter, beeswax, and shea butter, along with a few others, and it's scented with essential oils of rosemary, peppermint, lavender, tea tree, and jasmine. The scent is nice and light and it worked well throughout the day for me.
Evitchka Face Scrubbies - I was so confused by these when I opened my box; I thought that they were mini-pot holders! I haven't used them yet, but I really like the idea because I'm sure they give a nice and gentle exfoliation. They're so pretty, though, that I almost don't want to ruin them!
Aura Sensory Coupon - The only coupon in the box is for 25% off at the shop. I took a quick look at their site and they do have quite a few natural bath and body items, so I may or may not put that to use.

I am much more pleased with this Indie Gift Box than I was with my previous one. The Holiday Box certainly wasn't bad, it just didn't suit my interests as well as this Squeaky Clean one did. What I also like about Indie Gift Box is you don't have to commit to a subscription--they have a certain number of boxes available, and if you want one it's just a one-time buy. Unfortunately, Erin (the owner) recently reported that Indie Gift Box will be closing after May, so if you want to give them a try, you have two months to do so! Unless, of course, someone else takes over--and I hope someone does, because it's a great way to highlight handmade products.

Check out more photos of my items after the "read more."

*Disclaimer: I purchased this box and was not asked to review it. I was not compensated in any way and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

March Spicy Subscriptions Review

2013-03-25T19:56:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who signed up for Spicy Subscriptions using my referral coupon after my last review, because I was able to get another box to review. Spicy Subscriptions is a really fun service that discreetly sends intimacy products to your door each month. They have two box options (more on that later), and the one I'm reviewing today is the Premium Spice Box.

*This is a mature post for adult intimacy products. If you wish to continue, please click "read more."

Before I get to the items, here's the breakdown on Spicy Subscriptions. The Premium Spice Box costs $24.95/month, and the Deluxe Spice Box is $34.95/month. Both options contain a curated collection of romance, intimacy, and beauty products hand-picked from the Spice Shop.

The Premium Box contains one flirty item (a toy of some sort, usually), 1-2 full-sized products, and 3.6 trial sized products.
The Deluxe Box contains one deluxe item, 1-2 full-sized products, one deluxe accessory, and 3-6 trial sized products.

March's Premium Box definitely had some interesting items!

Pipedream Products Vibrating Ring - Yes, this is exactly what you think it is. I used the Crazy Girl spray to cover a key word on the packaging because I just wasn't comfortable with displaying it on the blog, but...yes. That's what this is!
Crazy Girl Diva Pheromone Dust - I wasn't sure if I was going to like this at first because it's in the shade "Silver Vixen," and since my skin is medium with yellow undertones I wasn't sure if it would just make me look like a silvery robot. But it actually is just a light dusting of silver sparkle, and it smells really great (like vanilla).
Crazy Girl Oral Sex Gel in Cotton Candy - Flavored products are interesting to me because I'm always unsure about whether or not they'll taste like what they're supposed to. I sprayed a bit on my hand and this definitely smells and tastes like cotton candy!
O My International Clitoral Gel - This is a stimulating gel for women.
Sample Products - Masque Oral Strips in Mango, Empowered Product's Gun Oil, and System JO!

Bottom Line: The Spicy Subscriptions Premium Spice Box has consistently had a good mixture of items for adults. I like that they include beauty items as well as intimacy products. I think this is the perfect subscription for people like me, who are a little bit shy about purchasing items like these.

If you'd like to give Spicy Subscriptions a try, you can use my referral coupon code hot150 for 5% off of your first box.

*Disclaimer: I received this box for free through the Spicy Subscriptions referral program. I was not compensated for this review in any way and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

February Little Black Bag Unboxing and Review

2013-03-18T16:00:00.000-04:00

I purchased a $29.95 Little Black Bag for the month of February and was able to trade up to a handbag and two other items, which I think is pretty good for only three days of trading. I usually prefer the $49.95 option because you have a longer time to trade, but the fact that I've been able to get a handbag with all of my $29.95 purchases has made it worth it for me.

At first I wasn't sure if I loved the handbag I got. It looked really cute on the site, but when I got it in person I considered sending it back. But since LBB isn't always great with giving equally valued items for exchanges (meaning they might give me a bag similar in monetary value, but it's one of the sale items or just something that doesn't trade well at all), I decided to keep it. I figure I can always sell it on eBay in the future if I get sick of it. But anyway, here's the list of what I got:

Olivia and Joy Expose Hobo, retail is $88
Geranium Leaf Cuff, $14
Goose Creek Candle Co Pillar Candle in Burning Oak, $12

I know that for most LBBers this seems like a pretty measly haul, but I'm satisfied with it. I wouldn't be so thrilled to get only three items with a $49.95 bag, but I'd rather have one big item (a handbag) and a few smaller ones that I'll actually use than five or six jewelry items that I won't wear. I'm pretty picky about my jewelry and I don't often find a great amount of pieces on LBB that I like.

For a more in-depth look at my items, watch my unboxing video:

More photos of my items are available after the "read more."

*Disclaimer: I purchased this bag and was not asked to review it. I was not compensated for this review in any way.

Campbell's Go Soup Review

2013-03-17T13:28:00.004-04:00

I love soup, so when I was given the chance to review Campbell's Go Soup through the Smiley360 Bloggers program I was more than happy to. I was familiar with the product before this campaign, but it allowed me to try each flavor, which I hadn't done before.

The Go Soups come in six varieties, all of which can be seen above. What I like most about these soups is that they're so convenient. I was taking a pouch of the Spicy Chorizo & Pulled Chicken with Black Beans to work at least once a week, because I prefer to have a hot meal for lunch. All you have to do with these is tear the pouch a little bit and stick it in the microwave for about two and a half minutes. Then you just pour it into your bowl and go! The packaging was a great conversation starter for this mission, since people were always intrigued by my "soup in a bag."

My favorite of the bunch was the Chicken & Quinoa with Poblano Chilies, pictured above. As you can see from the photo, the ingredients are nice and hearty and look freshly-made. The taste is phenomenal -- no watered down, condensed stuff here! The hunks of chicken were big and plentiful, too. I like spicy foods (my other favorite of these soups is the Spicy Chorizo that I mentioned previously), and this one has just enough bite to be interesting. It's not too hot, though, so those who are more timid with their spice could still enjoy it.

Here's my breakdown of the other flavors:

Moroccan Style Chicken with Chickpeas - I didn't really care for this flavor, but it was more of a personal preference than anything else. It tasted slightly sweet, with another flavor in there that I can't quite describe because I'm not very familiar with Moroccan cooking. But if you like the flavors I'm sure you would like this, because it's a hearty soup and would be pretty filling, I think.
Spicy Chorizo & Pulled Chicken with Black Beans - I love this soup! This is the one I had been eating prior to this campaign, so I was already familiar with it. It's the spiciest of the bunch, and it has more chorizo in it than chicken (but a great amount of meat overall). It's thick and delicious and I could eat it every day!
Coconut Curry with Chicken & Shiitake Mushrooms - This was my least favorite of the bunch. I like curry, but not coconut and mushrooms. As with the Moroccan flavor, though, I think that if you do like those ingredients you would like this soup.

Creamy Red Pepper with Smoked Gouda - This is my third favorite of the bunch. It reminded me quite a bit of a creamy tomato soup, but with more bite because of the red peppers. There is a good balance of cheese flavor from the gouda. I think that this soup would be the most appropriate for people who don't like a lot of other add-ins in their soups. I also think it's great for dipping grilled cheese into!
Golden Lentil with Madras Curry - I'm kind of indifferent to this flavor. It was good, but nothing that really thrilled me. If you aren't a fan of lentils then this probably isn't your soup, but otherwise it had a strong lentil flavor and a little bit of curry mixed in.

Bottom Line: As a whole, I really enjoy the Campbell's Go Soups! Their flavors are full and rich, and you can't beat their convenient packaging. Which of these soups do you think you'd like best?

Learn more at the Campbell's Go Soup website
"Like" Campbell's Go Soup on Facebook
Complete the "Random Text From Last Night" Mad Libs for a $1 off coupon

*Disclaimer: I received these soups to review as part of the Smiley360.com Bloggers program. I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

EdenFantasys Review - Massage Candles and Body Souffles

2013-03-16T13:05:00.004-04:00

Some of you may be familiar with EdenFantasys, but for those who aren't they offer a wide variety of adult products and more. I have reviewed some of the beauty products available on their website before, and I have a general overview of their website here. I was given the opportunity to review more products that they have available, and I chose two of my favorite things -- body butter and candles!

First up is the Ono Pleasure Massage Candle in Red Mandarin & Shea Butter. I'm a total candle hoarder, and I chose to try this one because I've never tried a massage candle before. The way they work is that the waxes transform into a moisturizing body oil as you burn it, and you can then use the oils to moisturize the skin or for a massage. The scent of this candle in particular is very bright and citrus-y; I really enjoyed it. I wish that the scent was a little bit stronger while burning, but I suppose since the oils are meant to be used on the skin you wouldn't want it to be too strong.

The candle is about 3 inches wide, but I can't find a listing of the weight. The base is soy wax, and a full list of the ingredients is as follows: Glycine soja (soy) wax, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, perfume (benzyl benzoate, vanillin). When using the oils as a moisturizer, you have to work quickly so that it doesn't solidify into wax again, but it definitely can be done. I suggest letting the candle burn for a while so that you get a good amount of oil built up before using it for a massage. I will probably use this more often as a standard candle than for the oils.

The second product I chose to review was the Kama Sutra Body Souffle in Chocolate Creme Brulee. It smells amazing! The scent is very chocolate-y, and it reminds me of the Tutti Dolce products that Bath & Body Works used to carry. The texture is thicker than standard lotions but still silky and smooth (as one would expect with a body souffle), and it absorbs into the skin nice and quickly. The scent is fairly strong on the skin, so I wouldn't recommend this for people who like more subtle fragrance. Kama Sutra's products are cruelty-free, per the FAQ page on their website.

Bottom Line: I was happy with these two products and would definitely recommend them. EdenFantasys is an adult shop with sex toys and the like, but for those who are a bit more shy about those types of things, there are also G rated products like massage candles and beauty products.

*Disclaimer: I received these products for free to review from EdenFantasys. I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

March Daily Dose of Green Review

2013-03-12T17:00:00.000-04:00

I was once again impressed by my March Daily Dose of Green box. February's box had a lower quantity of items, but the value was very high ($64). While I appreciated the high quality, I do like to receive a good number of items so I was glad that March's box had a few more this time around.

Daily Dose of Green is an excellent lifestyle box that sends 5-8 green items to your door each month. What I've liked the most is that they've sent a good variety of items--not too much of any one thing. Here's what March had to offer:

Poppy's Naturally Clean - Lavender Dryer Pouches
Goody Good Stuff - Strawberry and Cream Gummies
Redmond Trading Co. Brands - Real Salt
Bare Body Soaps - Organic Green Tea & Lemongrass Soap
Eat Cleaner - Grab-n-Go Fruit and Vegetable Wipes
Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve Company - Coconut Milk Shampoo Bar
Jem Fruit (Margo's Nutz) - Southwest Almond Slices
Nardos Natural - Body Lotion
Pet Naturals of Vermont - Hairball Cat Treats

Please view my unboxing video for a more in-depth look at the products, plus a guest appearance from my cat!

Bottom Line: I am, once again, very pleased with my Daily Dose of Green box. I love that it's only $15 a month and that they send me lots of items I can work into my daily routine! Learn more and sign up here.

*Disclaimer: I purchased this and was not asked to review it. I was not compensated in any way and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

March Square Hue "O'Hue" Collection Review

2013-03-10T20:48:00.001-04:00

This post is coming a little late and I apologize for that; I've gotten a bit behind on my blogging but I'm queuing up some posts tonight to get back on track. I received my second Square Hue collection this month, but it's my first official shipment that I paid for since February's box was sent to me to review.

I was really excited for the O'Hue Collection because green is my favorite color, and I knew that they pretty much had to include some green shades for the St. Patrick's Day theme. I liked the colors this month, but I didn't love them as much as I was hoping to.

I was kind of hoping that the box would have more than one green shade, but I guess that would be redundant of them. I did like that they used the colors of the Irish flag (kind of), however; I didn't care for the titles of the polishes. I know that, for the most part, St. Patrick's Day just means drinking to most Americans. My nationality is South Korean but I was adopted into an Irish-American family, and one of my pet peeves is that it's just a day for people to drink and go crazy. That's not the only thing Irish people should be known for! Ah, sorry for the mini-rant -- back to the polishes.

What I do love about Square Hue's polishes is that their formula is just amazing. The brush is the perfect size and the polishes glide on incredibly smoothly. Right now I only have Patty's Pint swatched, which you can see below (left is with flash, right is without). It's a dark forest-green with hints of shimmer. Amber Lager is a copper shimmer, and Blond Ale is a light cream/gold shimmer. I would have liked to have had at least one matte in the collection, but I do love my shimmers, too.

Bottom Line: I'm still loving Square Hue's polishes and I think that for $21 a month this service is a steal. The polishes are high quality and also cruelty-free. Learn more and sign up by clicking here.

*Disclaimer: I purchased this and was not asked to review it. I received no compensation for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.