Month: August 2017

Love With Food June 2017

/ Prairielily / Leave a comment

Love With Food is a monthly subscription box that sends out organic, all-natural, or gluten free snacks.  They want to help you to “Snack smart and Do good.”  They donate a portion of their proceeds to organizations that help end child hunger.  They offer three box types but only two are available in Canada.  You can get the Deluxe box or the Gluten Free box, starting at $16.50 a month.  Shipping right now is $3.99 a month since they just opened up international shipping.  If you really like your coworkers they have an office box for $99.  You’ll get 16-20 snacks a month,  meals given to children, and points earned to redeem for boxes or snacks.  I love getting snacks in the mail and to find ones that won’t completely destroy my weight loss attempts is a good thing.  I’ve been watching this one for a while and was so glad they now ship to Canada.  Let’s open it up and see if the wait was worth it.

Well, this looks like an odd mix of items.  The box does feel heavier than it has other months so we’ll have to see what else is hiding in there.

There is a card in the box that tells you the theme for the month, You Got This and a little bit about why this works for June.

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FlapJacked Protein Smoothie With Greek Yogurt Mix

This is a vanilla bean flavoured mix that you add to a cup of milk.  I guess you can add this into a normal smoothie as well if you wanted to.  I haven’t been drinking many smoothies lately because I just had them too often and now cannot be arsed to make them anymore.  This doesn’t expire until September of 2018 though so I can keep it in the cupboard and on that day I need a smoothie I can whip it up.

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Janice & Melanie Original Cheese Straws

I’m pretty sure I’ve had these before and they are a salty delicious snack that I liked.  They say you should have them with wine and cheese and I can’t see the point to that.  They are quite rich but I’m good with that.

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Lance PB&J Toasty Crackers

This is a grape jelly and peanut butter sandwich made from crackers.  Why would someone market this and not just make it at home?  I get that it’s convenient but it’s so simple and cheap to just do.  You could even pop them into a ziplock bag and BOOM….portable. I don’t get it.

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Zouq Jubilee Mix

These are the kind of thing that I’m sure I won’t like because they are too spicy and then they become something I find delicious.  I just had a similar mix a few days ago and enjoyed it so I’m looking forward to this one now.

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iwon! Nutrition Protein Chips

These are sriracha flavoured so I will not eat them.  I don’t enjoy that flavour and the last time I had these chips in a flavour I did want to eat, I couldn’t get past the texture and taste of the chip itself.  I will give these to my Hubby and see if he’ll want them.

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Beanitos Baked White Bean Crunch

Someone, please explain to me why they make snacks that are mac & cheese flavoured?????  Who wants to have a chip thing that has that flavour?  Beyond that, these are a baked bean chip that has 4g of protein and no trans fats.

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Shine Organics Elevate Squeeze

This is another item I will not eat.  In no way do I want to squash out mush into my mouth.  All of this seems like a horrible idea.  This is just icky to me all around.

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Daelmans Stroopwafel

These make up for the stuff above.  I don’t warm them on my tea like you are supposed to, I just eat them as is.  They are chewy and gooey and wonderful and they sent me two!  Happy!

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Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps

I LOVE THESE!!!!!!!!  I buy them all the time, so getting a bag in any box makes my day.  They are the absolute best way to have a pretzel and I cannot say enough good things about them.  Buy these if you ever see them!!!

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Mediterra Bell Pepper & Green Olive Savory Bar

Well, this also sounds disgusting to me.  Sometimes I think people just make up blends of things, call them healthy, and hope people buy them because it might be good for you.  I have nothing to say about this bar.

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Divina Fig Spread

I have received a few of these before and I have no clue what to do with them.  Do I spread it on toast?  Mix it with something?  If anyone reading has any ideas I am open to them.  I do like the taste of figs so I want to try this but I really don’t know how.

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Angel Mints

These are a hard peppermint.  I was hoping that they would be chewy but they are in fact like those pastel pillow mints that everyone’s grandma always had.

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Minute Ready To Serve Brown Rice & Quinoa

I have never tried the ones of these with quinoa but I use the plain rice ones all the time.  These are great to make as an easy side dish when there are other things going on and you need to eat now.

I am so happy to be getting this box and finding snacks that are at least in the realm of better for me.  They have great shipping notices and the boxes come wrapped in plastic so no one can peek in and nab your snacks.  I only have a few boxes left and I still enjoy seeing what shows up.

 

 

Love With Food Deluxe May 2017

/ Prairielily / Leave a comment

Love With Food is a monthly subscription box that sends out organic, all-natural, or gluten free snacks.  They want to help you to “Snack smart and Do good.”  They donate a portion of their proceeds to organizations that help end child hunger.  They offer three box types but only two are available in Canada.  You can get the Deluxe box or the Gluten Free box, starting at $16.50 a month.  Shipping right now is $3.99 a month since they just opened up international shipping.  If you really like your coworkers they have an office box for $99.  You’ll get 16-20 snacks a month,  meals given to children, and points earned to redeem for boxes or snacks.  I love getting snacks in the mail and to find ones that won’t completely destroy my weight loss attempts is a good thing.  I’ve been watching this one for a while and was so glad they now ship to Canada.  Let’s open it up and see if the wait was worth it.

I feel so bad that I never get around to reviewing these boxes on time.  They really do ship on time and I take full blame for waiting to get them up on here.  The box was full as usual and I can see chips on top so that’s a good sign.

There are two cards in the box this month.  One is the normal one that tells us the theme, Savor Every Moment, and the other reminds you that Mother’s Day was in May.

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Glutino Gluten Free Pretzel Twists

Pretzels are one of my favourite snacks.  I do have a preference for the straight ones but curvy pretzels are better than no pretzels.  These ones are obviously gluten free and made with corn starch and potato starch.   The bag has 110 calories so a nice size for a snack.

Jackson’s Honest Sea Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips and Sweet Potato Chips

These are the chips I could see from opening the box.  They are fried in coconut oil, which somehow makes them healthier than a regular chip.  They are non-GMO and have some organic ingredients as well.

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La Panzanella Multigrain Croccantini

I think this is a cracker-type product.  They are low fat, cholesterol free, and vegan.  There are four thin crackers in the package and they do have salt in the ingredient list so I’m sure they will be tasty.

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Enlightened Garlic & Onion Roasted Broad Beans

Bean snacks can go either way for me.  Some of them are great and then the next ones I try are so horrible that I can’t get them out of my mouth fast enough.  I’m not sure how these ones will fall in that spectrum but I will give them a try.

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Dolcetto Petites Cookies & Cream Wafer Bites

These look delicious!  I can’t wait to try them and I hope they meet my expectations.  These are a bite sized cookie filled with vanilla cream filling.  Everything about this makes me want to eat them right now and forget about finishing this post.

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Yummi Bears Complete Multi-Vitamin

These are made for children and thankfully there are two of them in this package so I can give one to each kid.  These are sugar-free and have natural fruit flavours and colours.  There is also a coupon attached to the package, which is an easy way to get me to buy more of them.

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Lance Peanut Butter Bite Size Sandwich Cookies

The cheese version of this that is made by Ritz are things I can eat by the boxful.  I’ve never actually the peanut butter ones though,  These are gluten free and the peanut butter is real.  Shockingly, they actually say that there are partially engineered ingredients in them.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before.

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Bakery On Main Maple Multigrain Muffin Instant Oatmeal

With Fall and Winter coming, the need for oatmeal in the morning is growing.  Besides the oats, this also contains flax, chia, quinoa, and amaranth.   I don’t mind those things when they are added in like that.  This should be a good treat from the normal oatmeals that we have.

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Mandy’s Rich Chocolate Cookie Thins

There feels like there might be five cookies in this package.  They are dusted with a caramel sugar and according to the package the best thing you can eat.  Let’s face it, it’s a cookie and I’m going to eat them and that’s all that matters.

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Madegood Chocolate Banana Granola Bar

These are the smallest little granola bars ever.  They have the longest list of things they are free from that I have seen.  They are also made in a factory that has never touched anything that could be an allergen ever.  I could put these in the lunches for the girls but I think they will come to work with me so I avoid the cupcakes in the cafeteria.

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Wowbutter

I have a confession.  I hate these.  I have tried it before and think they taste nothing like peanut butter and I can’t stand them.  I can try to see if the girls will have them on toast I guess.  Ick.

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Banza Chickpea Pasta Mac And Cheese White Cheddar

I do not eat mac and cheese all that often.  My kids eat it every chance they can.   I think we can substitute this in with some hot dogs and not hear about it.  The only thing that will get questioned is why it’s white and not yellow.

I am so happy to be getting this box and finding snacks that are at least in the realm of better for me.  They have great shipping notices and the boxes come wrapped in plastic so no one can peek in and nab your snacks.  I only have a few boxes left and I still enjoy seeing what shows up.

 

 

 

Botanic + Terre July/August 2017

/ Prairielily / Leave a comment

Botanic + Terre is a bi-monthly box that ships out a Beauty box. This box used to be called Esthoria Box and had a beauty or home offering and now it is only the beauty.  They send out cruelty-free and natural products to encourage holistic care.  Boxes start at $44.99 bi-monthly and there are 3 and 6 box options as well.  I’ve had a bit of an issue with this box since it switched over but I think we have it straightened out now.  The customer service was good but unfortunately, I did not end up with the resolution I felt was right but we did come to a fair option.

The box arrived safely, though once again there is not an info card or any other form of me knowing what will be in here.  The packing shreds kept everything a secret in this first look.

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Yarok Feed Your Ends Leave-In Conditioner-$20.40

I had received a smaller bottle of this a while ago and really enjoyed it.  It works great as a leave-in conditioner and I enjoy the way it makes my hair feel.  It works well as a detangler and I can use it on my girls as well without worry.  This is a win in the box for me.

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Graydon Face Foam-$25.00

This foaming cleanser uses apple cider vinegar, bamboo, and willow bark to gently soothe and clean the skin.  I like foam cleansers, they are fun to pump out and then they always feel so soft and nice on the skin.  This one is good to use on any skin type and is unscented as well.

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Henne Luxury Lip Tint in Coral-$21.00

I got to choose the shade of this item that I wanted to receive.  I’m really happy with the one I chose.  It is a soft coral colour that gives my lips a slight shimmer and a hint of colour.  It feels great on my lips and I will be wearing this often this Fall.

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RMS Beauty The Ultimate Makeup Remover Wipe-$1.00 x 5

This is a new brand to me but I love makeup wipes and the fact that these are individual packets makes them better!  I don’t use a wipe every day so by the time I get to the end of a regular package of wipes they are getting dried out.  This cannot happen this way.  These are made with coconut oil and can be used on any skin type.  They are safe to use on just shaved skin and remove even waterproof makeup.

This is going to be my last box from them as they are not honouring the plan I signed up for.  They feel that since they discontinued the original box and that this one is a more expensive one that they took what was left from my purchase and converted it to this value.  That means that  I will not be able to get the 6 boxes I had expected.  I am not happy with this as there was no notification that they were discontinuing the House box and no notifications that my plan was being adjusted or switched to the Beauty Box.

Terra Bella Box August 2017

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Terra Bella Box is a monthly subscription that sends out 3 to 4 natural beauty products.  They also offer a Makeup version that has 3 items in it.  You can get a monthly plan or 3 and 6 month plans in either version.  Boxes start at $32.95 a month and there is a shipping fee to Canada.  That is way, way more than I want to pay for a box and so I had refrained from getting this one until I found it on 50% off for Mother’s Day.  I went with the standard box and they always ship out the Welcome Box as your first one so you get an idea of what you can expect from them and you can get your first one quickly.

The box had Customs fees added this time so I had to go to the post office to pick it up as I wasn’t home when they tried to deliver it.  It also appears that the jar in the top corner might have leaked a little.  Things are crunchy and stuck together so we’ll see what we find.

They have an info card that tells you what items are in the box, what their value is and a bit about them.  On the back is a notice that they are having a grab box sale.  There was also a card with the #terrabellabox and that’s all.

Your Tea Tea Face-$25.00

This is the item that leaked.  It is an exfoliator and cleanser that will give you a glowing complexion.  It seems to be made from actual tea leaves and looks like chewing tobacco, which is unpleasant.  It doesn’t smell that great either but I will begrudgingly give it a try.

The Bomb Gals Vegan Vanilla Lip Balm-$4.00

This is a nice feeling lip balm.  It has a soft vanilla scent that isn’t like melted ice cream.  I have way, way, way too many lip balms but I like getting more so this is okay.  I think this one will get used up sooner than some others as I really like it.

Maguey Weaves Natural Rose Pumice Stone-$4.00

My feet are going to love this!  The closer we get to Winter the more often I have to wear shoes and so my heels and the balls of my feet end up in bad shape.  Somehow I have yet to own one of these so I can see a foot bath with a scrub and soak and then rub this thing all over them.

Herbal Transdermal Papaya Enzyme Soft & Silky Mud Mask-$15.00

This surprised me as I rarely expect a mud mask to have texture.  I think this is because of the volcanic mud that they use in it, it feels like an exfoliator.  This mask is supposed to absorb impurities and slow skin aging.

Bambu Charcoal Bar Soap in Balance-$4.00

Charcoal soaps are made to draw out the bad stuff on your skin and leave you clean and soft.  This one is a handmade soap and uses organic bamboo.  I can’t wait to try it.

I had always thought the items I’d seen others getting were good and now that I’ve tried it I can be certain.  The value of this months box is $52.00, which would be good if I’d paid full price and is great with the deal I used.  I don’t normally purposefully seek out natural products but they do work great and it can’t be bad for me to use them.  This month was good for me, though I’m sad the big value item I may not use too much.

Geek At Heart August 2017

/ Prairielily / 1 Comment

Geek At Heart is a monthly subscription box that will send out 5-7 items based around a fandom theme.  They will send out a mix of home, beauty, and lifestyle products to make you feel the special connections to fandoms that are part of geek life.  They say they will focus on 2-3 fandoms per month that link to the theme that they pick.  You can go month to month for $24.95 or lock in for three months at a time for $23.65 per month.  Shipping to Canada was just over $20.00 for the three month period.  I am always wary when I order a geek or fandom box as the themes can vary into things I just don’t care about and then the box is wasted for me.  I decided to give this one a go as I am not receiving any geek boxes right now and I was feeling the lack.

The box this one arrives in is a wonderful purple colour.  There is a quote on one side and the brand on the lid.  Inside I found things well packed and safe on their journey from the US up to here.

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They do have an info card included and it mentions the theme, Sword & Sorcery, plus a list of the items that are included.  This month is a mix of Game of Thrones, Chronicles of Narnia, A Court Of Thorns And Roses, and Lord Of The Rings.  All of these are book series that I’ve enjoyed, though I tend to avoid the movie and TV productions of them.

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Lord Of The Rings Mug

This is a very pretty mug and it had extra bubble wrap around it to make sure it arrived in one piece.  It has a vinyl image applied to it and that will make it hand wash only.  I am always happy to get a new mug and this one will join the racks once I can get it soaped up.

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Lord Of The Rings Leaves Of Lorien Lemon Tea

This is a small bag of tea but should still give at least five cups worth.  It is a blend of green tea, lemon, lemongrass, lemon balm, and marigold flowers.  I have so much tea right now but at least this means I don’t have to buy any for a while.

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Chronicles Of Narnia Tea Strainer

Just to complete the things you’d need to make a cuppa, here is a strainer for that loose tea they shipped.  It has a couple of charms on the handle, one is a tiny book and the other is a glass bubble with part of a page from the book in it.  I do not have a strainer like this and am excited to give it a try.

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A Court Of Mist And Fury Galaxy Ring

This is one of the items that I don’t care much for.  Even if I was a huge fan of this book, this is one of those ring types that you just can’t wear in a regular situation.  Besides being huge it doesn’t tighten up enough to stay on my finger.  The girls will get it to play with and be happy.

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Chronicles Of Narnia Vanilla Mint Lip Balm

It is very very faint but there is the castle on the label of this balm.  The mint part tingles on the lips and blends well with the vanilla.  It feels smooth on my lips and I will add this to my collection and use it in turn.

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A COurt Of Mist And Fury Postcard Print

This is a great statement and I think this is one that will be framed and hung.  It is printed on thick paper and for shipping, it is wrapped in a protective plastic.  I am very happy with this print.

For my first box from them, I am impressed.  The covered the theme pretty well and the items are well crafted.  You can see that they take care to source quality items and the ones they make have the same level of care.  The only complaint that I have is that the info card is the same one they use for the people who got the shirt option, which doesn’t actually seem to be an option anymore, so it looks like I was missing an item even though I was aware that I didn’t choose that plan.  You can sign up for this box either on their website or find them on CrateJoy.

 

 

Bitchy Box TOM August 2017

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Bitchy Box is a TOM box with a difference.  They don’t provide feminine hygiene items, but instead items to help you get through that time of the month.  They will fill the box with a variety of sweet treats, salty snacks, and handpicked gifts.  They endeavor to make sure you don’t stab anyone while you are riding some fun hormonal shifts.  They have 3,6, or 12-month plans available, starting at $66.00, plus shipping to Canada.  I had seen some other people’s boxes from them and thought they looked fun so I’m trying them out.

The box was full right to the top.  Even after taking off the paper and getting in there I still couldn’t see what was going on.

They have an info card in the box.  On the front is the theme, Summer Cramp, and the list of items.  In the middle are a couple of recipes.  The back has all of their social media links, a message about one-off boxes, and a code to get a discount on wipes.

Harebrained “Kruel-Aid Ma’am” Period Panties-$12.00

These are one of the few pairs I didn’t really want to get.  They are still fun and I’ll wear them but there are so many other ones that I think are more fun.

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Cherry Flavoured  Kool-Aid Packet-$0.60

Just to keep the fun from the panties going, they threw in a Kool-Aid mix.  I haven’t had this in years and while I’m not sure that it’ll be as good as I remember I know the kids will enjoy the treat.

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“Unhappy Cramper” Period Relief Roller Ball Blend-$7.89

This is a little 1mL roller bottle of a blend of pure essential oils to help with your period.  You can rub it right onto your lower abdomen or onto your palms and them cup and smell them.  It contains lavender, clary sage, sweet fennel, geranium, copaiba, muscle mend (itself a blend), ginger, and cinnamon.  Every time I smell it, it gives me something different.  I don’t normally get cramps but it’s good to know that I’ve got it if I do need it.

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Wrap and Tie Fabric Bracelets With Compass Charm-$5.19

This is a group of recycled cotton fabric remnants that you wrap around your wrist, tie a knot, and leave there until the fall off.  It comes with a charm that you can add on if you want to or leave it off.  I like the idea of these but I’m not sure if I’ll wear them.  I’m concerned that even wearing them in the shower will still leave them smelly after a while.

Bitchin’ in the Kitchen Crampfire S’Mores Bar

This is a homemade version of a Golden Graham Bar.  It mixes graham cereal, marshmallow, and chocolate chips to make a delicious treat.  I’m eating this as soon as I finish writing this post!

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Cool Change Reusable Smoothie Straws-$2.99

I think these are great!  I love a fun straw and since these ones change colour they get to qualify.  It’s nice that they are reusable and dishwasher safe.  Each of the four colours changes to a different one once submerged into cold liquid.

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Detroit Style Garlic Parmesan Seasoned Pretzels-$5.00

I think after popcorn pretzels might be my favourite snack food.  These ones are seasoned and from the looks of what I can see in the bag, they have lots of flavour on them.  The website for them doesn’t say anything besides ‘Bold and Unique Seasonings”.

This month had another great selection of things.  I think that they really nailed the theme this month!  Everything in the box is made to make you feel better and less worked up about things that may go on for this time of the month.  The value this month is $33.67 plus the s’more bar.  That is just an okay value but I do like the items and am happy with what I received.

 

Sunday Mood Box August 2017

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Sunday Mood is a monthly box that includes a mix of indie brands, vegan beauty lines, all-natural bath & beauty products, handmade jewelry, cool niche household items, art, specialty teas, and healthy treats.  They offer to different sizes of box, a sample box that has 2-3 deluxe samples and 1 full-size item or the full-size box that contains 4-6 full-size products.  They are priced at $25 and $44 but do go down with longer plans.  Shipping to Canada is $10 per box.  This is another one I picked up on Mother’s Day for 50% off or I would never have given it a go.  There was an additional Customs charge when it arrived, so that is something to keep in mind if you order.

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This month there was no info card in the box with the items.  I guess they took it easy for the summer box.  There is an abundance of squiggles though, just to balance out the paper consumption.

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Superfood Health Warrior Coconut Chia Bar-$1.67

This little bar is dairy free, soy free, gluten free, and vegan.  I love coconut and am always looking for snacks that I can take to work to get me through the day.  This bar also is only 110 calories so it’s not as horrible for me as some other things I could be eating.

Fruity Beauty Shampoo & Cerberus Conditioner-$14.95 each

Holy cow! A beauty box actually sent out a shampoo and conditioner in the same box.  These are Canadian made, organic, with ethically sourced ingredients, and vegan.  The shampoo is a strengthening formula safe for all hair types.  The conditioner is great for dry hair and has three hydrating oils to add shine as well.

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Foxbrim Makeup Remover-$13.95

This remover contains a blend of four oils to clean, soften, and prevent breakouts.  It also moisturizes as you remove the makeup so you are not drying out your skin and stripping off the good parts that keep you looking young.  I have been finding that oils work well on my skin type and while I wouldn’t purchase them if I get them in a box I’m all for using them up.

I am happy with the box this month. Most of the items this month are great and I can’t wait to use them.  The value for this month is $45.52.  That is okay but I’d rather not have had the Customs fee on top.  With the discount I got I feel like the Queen of the world with this one.  I love it!!!  If you go to check it out they do have a code on their site that says will get you some type of a discount upon checkout.

 

Loves It Newfoundland Box July 2017

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Loves It is a box of Newfoundland sourced, hand crafted, home made items.  They are proudly sending out boxes of items they purchase from those local suppliers so that they can show off the greatness of their artists, crafters, and businesses.  They offer both a Standard or a Premium box and monthly or quarterly subscriptions.  Boxes start at $35.00 a month but do go down with longer plans.  There will be 4-7 items per box and they say they will range in value from $40-$75.  I am always on the lookout for Canadian boxes and so while I’m not from Newfoundland nor have I ever been there I was still interested in this box.

I think this box is no longer planning to ship out anything and that they sent all of their subscriber’s extra boxes to reduce any remaining stock.  This is all I can think of for why I’ve received so many extra boxes after my plan ended.  The website simply says they are not accepting any new orders at this time.

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Mirabella Tea Company Fogo Island Fog Black Tea

This is a loose-leaf tea blend that seems to be a type of London Fog taste.  I have a bit of a glut of tea at the moment but Fall and Winter are coming so maybe I’ll be having more that one cup a day.  My co-worker also bought an electric kettle for their office so I can have tea at work whenever I want as well.

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Newfoundland House Bottle Stopper

There was not a single bit of wording on this to let me know who made this or where it came from.  It is handpainted and very light so I’m not sure what the top is made of.  This will become a well used and enjoyed piece of art.

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St.John’s Soap Works Iceberg Bath Bomb

I’m not sure what an iceberg smells like but I hope these will be fantastic.  I love bath bombs and I don’t think you can ever have too many of them in line for use.  So far I’ve managed to keep the joy of them away from the girls but I don’t know how much longer that will hold out for.

East Coast Glow Port Rexton Brewing Beer Soap

This soap is made with iceberg water, beer, and a mix of oils.  It doesn’t smell like beer, which is probably a good thing 🙂  I enjoy the non-commercially produced soaps but I think this one might go to the Hubby as he may appreciate the beer part of it more than I do.

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Newfoundland Chocolate Company Extra Smooth Milk Chocolate Bar

This company has the best wrappers for their chocolate ever!  This one is of the row houses that are an iconic part of Newfoundland.  I never say no to more chocolate.

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Purity Bull’s Eyes

This is a type of candy I have never seen before.  They seem to be mostly sugar and molasses…..so that’s just sugar then.  I haven’t tried them yet but I think they can be saved until Xmas and be tossed into a festive dish for everyone to enjoy.

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Fog Off Clothing Co. Wristband

This is an item that I’ve received before and it’s just a piece of advertising for a company that seems to do great deeds for those less fortunate.  This will go straight to the girls to play with.

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Hello From Newfoundland Card by Angela Foss

This is also a duplicate but these cards are so beautiful that I do not mind at all.

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Seal Skin Necklace

I understand that many people would be horrified to receive this but I am not one of them.  I have no issues with fur or hunting, provided it is done humanely.  This is created by an Inuit person in Labrador and I like it.  I have never seen seal skin before in the flesh :~ It’s on a black string necklace.

There was actually one more item in the box that I missed until I went to recycle the boxes and papers.  It was wrapped up in the same tissue paper as it was laying on and I thought it was padding!  It is a little ceramic tumbler that says Skeet.  It is about the size of a shot glass but I’m not sure if that is what it is supposed to be or not.  I think I’ll use it for toothpicks!

I thought last month (and the month before, and the month before)were my last boxes from Loves It but I got these two.  As normal, I still never have any clue what to expect to be in it besides it all being from Newfoundland.  There is a good mix of products. I just wish for a few of the thing that they would tell me what or why it was included. Value is always hard for this box as I don’t always know where things are from. If you want to check them out click here to go to their site, though it was closed at the time of posting.

 

 

 

LoveLula Beauty Box July 2017

/ Prairielily / 2 Comments

LoveLula Beauty Box is a UK box that is filled with natural beauty products and brands without having to purchase the full sized versions first.  Individual boxes are $52.50 British Pounds a month or a yearly option of $210 British Pounds.  That price includes the shipping fee.  I have had great luck with the other British box I get so while the British exchange was down a bit I went ahead and got this one.

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Couple of longer items on the top of the box this month.  I couldn’t actually see anything else and the box felt light so I was beginning to get concerned that maybe things were missing.

They do include an info card in this box.  On the front is a code to get a discount on the brands in the box.  On the back is the list of the items and a little blurb about each one.

Madara Fine Line Minimising Cream-$22.68 20mL

I have received many items from this brand and I have never been disappointed in them.  This is a new line from them and is made to boost your skin and make it more radiant.  Unlike quite a few natural beauty products there is not an odd or unpleasant smell with this one.

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Lyonsleaf Marshmallow Facial Oil-$21.04 30mL

This oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids to boost, bolster, and help the skin.  It has a scent but it’s not offensive or strong.  I don’t know much about the marshmallow plant but this oil has no artificial colour or fragrance, no preservatives, and no petroleum derivatives.

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PHB Natural Mascara-$25.83

I love getting mascara in my boxes and I’m excited to try this one.  My stash is shrinking when it comes to mascara!  This one should lengthen, thicken, and volumize.  It is available in brown and black and this one is the black.

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John Masters Spearmint & Meadowsweet Shampoo-$9.72 60mL

I’m sure you’re tired of my complaints by now about getting only a shampoo in a box.  How can I judge whether I want to shell out for this type product if I have to try it with some random conditioner?  On the good side……this smells AMAZING!!!  It is a purifying shampoo, so removes build up on your hair and stimulates the scalp as it cleans.

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Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream SPF15-$2.82 3mL

I wish this was a bigger sample.  I love Bb creams and this seems like a nice one.  It has colour adaptive technology and gives a good finish that’s not too matte or too shiny.

The LoveLula box is always nice.  It is full of skincare products but that is mostly what they have on their site so it’s not a surprise.  This is my last box from them and while I won’t be renewing, I’ve been very happy with what they’ve sent out.  The value this time is $82.09 and there were two full sized items. I’m not always going to seek out natural products but everything I’ve tried has worked well and if I had a complaint, it would be that some of them have quite strong smells that I don’t particularity enjoy.

 

 

Earth Wax & Fire August 2017

/ Prairielily / Leave a comment

Earth Wax and Fire is an Israeli subscription that sends out an artisanal candle and a matching ceramic bowl.  You can get a month-to-month plan, or go for a 3,6, or12-month plan.  Plans start at $27.00 a month but go down with the longer ones.  Shipping to here was an additional $11.00 a month.  This normally would be above my comfort price but I signed up on Mother’s Day weekend and they had a 50% code for a 6-month plan.  That definitely made the decision easier.  I have a candle burning every evening so I am on the lookout for them always.  The pictures they have on their site were beautiful so I have hopes for this box.

The box once again came all the way from Isreal safely.

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They include cards that talk about what is in the box, other boxes you can order, and a personal note.  It’s a great touch and they give all the details on the items.

The candle this month is rose quartz in colour and smells like lavender.  It is very nice and they do remind you to remove the ribbon before you burn anything.  Lavender is one of my favourite smells and this makes me happy.

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The bowl this time is a Handmade Ceramic White Lace Bowl.  I think this might be my favourite one from them yet.  It is so pretty!  LIke the others, it is glazed and can be used for many things once it’s done being a candle dish.

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The little extras are a bag of treasures from the coast of Isreal near Apolonia.  There are shells, stones, and sea glass all mixed together.  I love the sea glass and it makes a nice addition to the rest of the items here.

I am so impressed with this box.  The level of detail provided and the care in selecting and packing it is first class.  They have reached out a few times to see what my choices would be and been polite and friendly each time.  I know this is a slightly higher priced subscription when it’s not on sale but I honestly believe it would be worth it.  You can currently save 10% off a plan using the code SAVE10 at checkout.