I received a box from Pawalla Box last month, but never got around to reviewing it. I wouldn’t say my lack of a review is because I’m lazy or even because I ran out of time. The box showed up at our door and the dogs immediately knew the box was for them. I couldn’t delay in opening it, and then once it was opened the dogs wanted contents immediately.

This month, however, I shut the door and didn’t let the dogs in until I’d taken photos of the items included. As you can tell,  Pawalla Box is HUGE. The box I received costs $38 per month ($28 if you subscribe for 6 months or more) and contains 7-9 full size products. A mini box is also available for $20.That box contains 4-5 full size products. While I obviously received the box for dogs, there’s also a Pawalla Box available for cats.

Here’s what I received in the June Pawalla Box:

YoPup Happy Belly Treats

Evanger’s Organics Cooked Chicken Dog Food

Nutrisca Turkey and Chickpea Stew

Fetch and Glow Ball

PushClean Pet Towelettes

Wigzi Stuff n Crunch Peanut Butter Flavored Dog Treats

Emerald Canine Duck Treats with Blueberry

I think it’s fair to say that Pawalla Box is an awesome box for fur babies. It’s not a sample box because all of the items are full-size, but it’s an excellent way to try out ne full size products. My dog, Bacon, is seriously the world’s pickiest eater. For years he would only eat one type of dog food and two types of treats. Thanks to Pawalla – and other dog subscription boxes - we have been able to find other treats and food products he enjoys. (Our other dog, Ginger, is not a remotely picky eater.) Since Pawalla Box has monthly options and one-off boxes, I recommend trying one box if you’re one of those people who picks up something for your dog or cat wherever you go. Getting a box for your pet is just as fun as getting a box for yourself!

Pawalla Box: A Giant Subscription Box for Dogs and Cats is a post from: Fantabulously Frugal.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that, I just like pieces I can wear over and over.

Here’s what I’ve found so far.

LOVE!

What I love most about this tasseled calypso tunic is it’s versatile enough to be worn not just once a year. And it’s machine washable. Folks, I’m lazy. Going to the dry cleaner is a chore. This will make or break a piece of clothing for me.

Since I’ll be at the beach for July 4th, this tunic is perfect. It’s light enough that I can throw it on over my bathing suit. Plus, I get cold easily, so I like that it’s 3/4 sleeved.

Plus I can pair this with a pair of denim shorts and my red Chuck Taylor’s and I’m all set.

What do you wear on the 4th of July? Do you wear red white and blue?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a (very) small commission if you click a link and purchase something.

Red White and Blue Style is a post from: Fantabulously Frugal.

With that being said, I’m smitten with the ASOS Botanical Print Shift Dress. I think it’s versatile enough to be worn again and again and again!

How perfect is this for a beach or garden wedding!

• Made from a soft woven fabric
• Crew neckline
• Bold floral print
• Slip underlay
• Regular fit

And you could totally wear it to work as it’s not too tight and not too revealing. LOVE!

Pair it with some simple jewelry and nude sandals and you’re set. The dress is bold enough that you don’t need to do too much to it. The colors just scream spring and summer, right?!

What do you think of the ASOS Botanical Print Shift Dress? Would you wear it to a wedding?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a (very) small commission if you click a link and purchase something.

Wedding Guest Dress for Less: Botanical Print Shift Dress is a post from: Fantabulously Frugal.

The theme of this month’s Birchbox is Wanderlust, which I think may also be a theme for my life. As soon as I return from one vacation I’m ready to go on another. If I were rich I would currently be taking a trip around the world.

But anyhow, back to this month’s Birchbox. I never got around to reviewing last month’s box and I wasn’t terribly impressed. This month’s box is pretty fab, though I’m obviously smitten with the theme of the box and therefore a bit biased.

Here’s what I received in the June Birchbox:

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser: I actually received this in the HauteLook Beauty Bag I got a month ago, although I haven’t yet gotten around to trying it out. The cleanser itself contains micro beads that exfoliate at the same time that you’re cleaning. It also has a delicious lemony scent.

“Moo in Manhattan” Color Club Nail Polish: According to the description this nail polish is in “neon pastel shades,” but I don’t think that’s what I received (thankfully). My nail polish seems to be pretty neutral so I’ll definitely be trying it out when I return from vacation.

LAQA & Co Lil’ Lip Duo: While the official description says lip duo, I only received one lip product (intentionally, I think?). I like the size of this lip pencil, and it has a really creamy texture. The color isn’t necessarily my favorite (it appears to be Birchbox pink), but it could be better when layered with other products. (Though it’s only one half of the duo, this could be considered a full size product.)

Nautical Twist Band: I love it when subscription boxes send out Twist Bands, and this one is particularly cute!

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk: I haven’t tried this dry shampoo and I’m excited to give it a go. I have crazy hair so really the only time I can use dry shampoo is when I have a blow out… which means it might be time for a blow out soon so I can see how this works.

These post cards weren’t listed on the description card, so I believe they’re just a freebie extra. If only I was visiting one of these places anytime soon!

All told, this is a pretty good Birchbox! It didn’t necessarily knock my socks off, but they did send products I’m looking forward to trying, and included a few new brands (Suki, LAQA).

Birchbox is a monthly beauty box that costs $10 per month. Boxes typically come with 4-5 deluxe beauty samples included.

Click here to check out Birchbox now!!

Birchbox Unboxing: June 2013 is a post from: Fantabulously Frugal.

The shop’s owner, Autumn, created the shop to tell a story.

My great-grandmother Iva-Jane taught me to sew when I was 8. I never forgot her or those first sewing lessons and the joy I had in creating something all on my own. My pieces are a story of love and a letter written to her.

I made my first wedding headpiece for my sister’s wedding four years ago. It took me six weeks to make it and many, many hours of trial and error. But, it was a labour of love and it was that trial and error process that helped me to perfect the methods I use today.

The second headpiece I made was for my own wedding, which I made using my grandmother’s veil, and a vintage pair of earrings from my husband’s grandmother. Walking down the aisle to meet my husband, I felt like I carried a piece of my grandmother’s story with me.

These first veils weren’t perfect, but they were so special, and they are what inspired me to create a store dedicated to making something beautiful and unique for that special day or just everyday.

I created every one of my handmade pieces to tell a story and every item is one of a kind, just like you. Have a special brooch? Your mother’s veil? I’d love to help you create your perfect love letter.

Don’t just tell your story… Wear your story.

Beautiful, right?!

This hits home with me, as I chopped up my both of my grandmother’s wedding dresses and wrapped them around my bouquet. I carried them down the aisle with me. I couldn’t have been happier.

It’s hard to choose favorites in Autumn’s shop.

This bridal hair flower is exquisite. I love the detailing of the “hand tooled silver wire branches, pink swarovski crystals and a blush pink ostrich feather.” Swoon.

This is the perfect accessory to any vintage wedding! Or, if you’re bridesmaids are wearing mint, how delightful would this mint headband be! LOVE!

And, if mint isn’t your thing, you can choose from an array of colors! Heck, go ahead and order one for each bridesmaid! They’ll love it I’m sure!

Lastly, this sash screams must have for a vintage wedding!

This grey, ribbon wedding sash with vintage cameo, book paper, feathers and pearls is sure to make you feel like you’re waiting for your Mr. Darcy at the end of the aisle!

Amazing.

Autumn was kind enough to answer some questions. Enjoy!

1. If a bride to be wanted to use her mother’s veil, would you be able to do a custom order for her? What would be required?

Absolutely! I love to incorporate anything a bride finds meaningful or special. I’ve had brides send me their mother’s veil, a special brooch or even just sewing initials on their piece. My goal is to help every bride create that piece that completes her look but that more importantly tells her story. To me, it’s all about those details that take something from ordinary to extra-ordinary. The best part about doing what I do is working with brides to create something totally unique for them!

If a bride was wanting something incorporated into her piece, she could contact me for a custom order and mail me the items that she’d like use.

2. What is your bestseller?

My bestseller is probably the simplest piece in my store! It’s a soft cream, vintage tulle and lace birdcage veil and it’s so delicate and feminine that I think it’s too hard to resist! Plus every veil has a one of kind vintage brooch at the top that can be in either gold or silver, so that means that every one of my veils is totally unique!
www.etsy.com/listing/121069009/birdcage-veil-cream-birdcage-veil-tulle?r…

3. What is your favorite item in your shop?

My new favourite item in my shop is probably this one: www.etsy.com/listing/150754344/silver-rhinestone-headband-bridal?ref=sho… And that is because it’s so simple and elegant and it makes you feel like a princess!

4. What has been your favorite custom order?

The best custom order I’ve had is a design I did for a bride that wanted both her Mother and her Mother-in-law’s wedding veils incorporated into one piece for her to wear on her special day. I loved that she took both sides of her new family and combined them into one special piece! ( I attached a photo of the piece I had made for her).

Thanks so much Autumn!

Etsy Monday: Letters to Jane is a post from: Fantabulously Frugal.

I am so excited that Lisa has asked me to write a guest post about my party planning. I am not a professional party planner but I consider myself an expert in throwing creative, fabulous, yet frugal parties.  One of the things that I love about being a guest at a party is a party favor. Whether the party is for kids or adults, everyone loves to take home a goodie or two. It’s a nice touch that leaves your guests thinking that you did not cheap out and also kept them in mind when you were planning.

• sarongs for the beach
• beachy bracelets
• baseball caps
• gourmet treats
• little beaded clutches
• cool watches for the teens and kids
• Cheap sunglasses for the teens and kids
• beach jewelry for the teens and kids
• lip balm and hand cream

1. Dollar store memo pads
2. Fashion Jewelry
3. T-shirts commemorating the event
4. Scarves, sarongs
5. Candy or other treats
6. A bottle of wine
7. A pretty bar of soap
8. Lip balm, nail polish, small tube or hand cream
9. A  pair of cheap sunglasses
10. A paperback book

Guest Post: Organza Bags Make Frugal Party Favors Look Fabulous! is a post from: Fantabulously Frugal.

I am pre-posting this, so unfortunately I cannot provide you with any details other than the sale is today, June 17! If you don’t see the sale at Julep, check out their Facebook event page for details.

Reminder: Julep Warehouse Sale Today is a post from: Fantabulously Frugal.

This whole outfit costs $106! LOVE

I’ve made my love of mint jeans known for quite some time. What have realized though is I wasn’t sure what to pair it with, until I decided to be bold and try it with blue!

It’s funny, but I never really seemed to pay too much attention to the concept of neutrals, warm and cool colors. I just assumed there were colors and then there was black, white and khaki that went with everything. Boy, have my eyes been opened! The idea of pairing color on color is new to me, but I’m in, hook, line and sinker!

I think this combination works well because both the blue and mint green are semi-neutrals, so they both compliment each other without being too overpowering. Plus you can mix and match any of these pieces for even more fun possibilities!

Blue and mint green. Who would have thought? I sure didn’t!

And those shoes. TO DIE FOR! Heck, I’d wear this outfit on more than just Fridays! And, to make it work appropriate, throw on a white cardigan and you’re set!

Casual Friday is so much fun, isn’t it?! What would you pair with mint green?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a (very) small commission if you click a link and purchase something.

Casual Friday on a Dime: Blue and Mint Green is a post from: Fantabulously Frugal.

As you all know, I’ve been on a bit of an alphabet cream kick lately. I’ve now tried BB, CC, and DD creams, with Revlon Photoready BB Cream being the latest cream in my arsenal. When it comes to makeup I am completely no-fuss. In fact, before the alphabet creams came along I didn’t use any type of color cream (foundation, etc.) on my face because I just didn’t like to take the time. Now that I’m getting a bit older, however, I’m finding these creams essential to cover up small blemishes and whatnot.

Revlon Photoready BB Cream is currently available in three shades: light, light/medium, and medium. I tried out the light cream, though in retrospect I wish I had tried the light/medium. Sometimes getting the shade right on these creams can be tough and I hope companies make a fuller range of colors one of these days. My friend Shaina is approximately 100% lighter than I am, yet “pale” BB Cream is always too dark for her, but the same cream is too light for me. This cream was a smidge too light for my face, but I was able to make it work. (After I return from vacation next week it will probably be a different story.) The product did go on smooth, and helped smooth out some blemishes although the coverage was a little lighter than I would have liked (this could have been because the color was too light, however). One of the primary things I like about these creams is that they contain SPF. Revlon Photoready BB Cream contains SPF 30, which is fantastic. I am all about all-in-one products!

While BB Cream doesn’t need to be applied on top of primer, I highly recommend using a stand-alone primer in addition to the cream. I’ve found that the BB Cream looks that much better when you use it in conjunction with a primer because it helps give you a smoother palette. The nice thing about primer is that since it’s a clear product it adds only about 2 seconds to your beauty routine because you don’t have to make sure the color is balanced or anything like that.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Rich Girl Red is a great introductory red. If you’re feeling a bit wary about going full bright cherry red, I definitely recommend this shade. The color is hard to describe because it’s more of a pinky red, but it’s not bright red nor is it overly pink. Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Fatal Apple is coming with me on vacation. I’m wearing the lip gloss in the photo to the left and I love it. This is a great color! It’s not super colorful, but you can definitely tell that it is on. I’m not normally a huge fan of lip gloss, but this one is truly fantastic because it provides just enough color and great shine.

Revlon believes there is more than one way for women to be seen. Revlon’s heritage as a color authority and its suite of innovative products inspires women around the world to express themselves through beauty each and every day.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Revlon Consumer Products via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Revlon Consumer Products.

Freshen Up Your Summer Look with Revlon BB Cream & Super Lustrous Lip Products is a post from: Fantabulously Frugal.

The PopSugar Must Have Box rarely disappoints, but some months are definitely better than others. This was one of the extra special months! I’ve decided that anytime they send a book in the box it’s going to be a great month.

This box costs $35 per month and is the box that is usually most likely to bring a smile to my face and make me think it’s my birthday.

Here’s what I received in the June PopSugar Must Have Box:

Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger ($14.76 via Amazon): Admittedly, I haven’t read the first book (though I loved the movie, of course), but I’m still excited to receive the sequel. Receiving this may prompt me to read the original next week while I’m on vacation.

Hard Candy Fitness: Addicted to Sweat 4 ($19.95): I was surprised to see this DVD, primarily because Madonna is attached to it and I thought Madonna was still following the Tracey Anderson method. Shows what I know. While I’ll definitely try this workout DVD, I’m a little perturbed that they sent disc 4 of 4. Disc 1 is the training DVD, which is definitely more my speed.

Project 7 Quench Mints ($1.79): I’ve never heard of these mints before, but the company behind them, Project 7, makes products that give back to charity in some way.  These specific mints help bring clean drinking water to communities in need.

Popcorn, Indiana Fit Popcorn: 40 calories for a serving of popcorn? I’m OK with that. I haven’t opened this bag but I’m intrigued by an onion and dijon flavor combination.

Juice Beauty Stem Cell Repair Moisturizer ($65): This is a HUGE thing of moisturizer! Apparently this product reduces fine lines and fights signs of aging. While the moisturizer is awesome, I’m most excited that they also sent along two different shades of CC Cream. Having tried BB, CC, and DD cream, CC is definitely my favorite and I use my Pur Minerals CC Cream nearly every day. I’m looking forward to trying another brand!

Gorjana Zuma Scarf ($62) + $25 Gorjana Gift Card: I would have been happy with just the items above, but getting this scarf AND the $25 gift card made this box extra special. I’m not normally a summer scarf wearer, but this one is super light weight and the colors are gorgeous. It’s definitely getting packed in my bag for vacation!

All told, this box had a retail value of about $188! Not bad, not bad at all! It’s boxes like this one that makes me REALLY love subscription boxes. These are products I probably never would have tried had I not received them in this box and that I’m happy to own. Per usual, the PopSugar Must Have Box rocks my socks.

June PopSugar Must Have Box: Another Great Box! is a post from: Fantabulously Frugal.