Gypsy Trading Company Snacks XL Snack Treasure Box Review and Coupon Code

Gyspy Trading Company Snacks is a new subscription box company that sends you international snacks each month.  They are based in the US and currently ship only to the continental USA.  They generously provided me with a box for review and a coupon code for new subscribers!  This review is for the XL Snack Treasure Box which is the larger box.

Currently, GTCS is specializing in snacks from the East but will be including goodies from Central and South America soon.  My box arrived in a flat rate USPS Priority Mail medium box.  It was pretty banged up but everything made it safely.  There is no information card but you can see a list of potential snacks on their website with the Snack Index.  They have a LOT of stuff.  If you like international snacks, you'll be amazed.

The Cost: $23/month non-recurring or $32/month non-recurring for the XL box ~ Includes shipping of $3.  Lower for longer subscriptions and shipping is free after the first month.

What You Get: Hand selected assortment of chips, candies, cookies and drinks, which varies every month. The regular Snack Treasure Chest contains 8-12 items and a drink, and the XL Snack Treasure Chest contains 15-20 items including 2 drinks.

Little Lace Box February 2015 Review and Coupon Code

Little Lace Box is a lifestyle and fashion subscription box.  This February 2015 is my first box so I was very excited about it.  It's hand-curated by three sisters with an eye for fashion and little luxuries. I have seen past reviews and been impressed with the eclectic contents.  There is usually a theme however they seem fairly loosely applied.  You really just never know what you'll end up with.  This months theme was "The Lovers, The Dreamers and Me."

This box comes with an informational page describing why they've chosen what they did.  It turns out that this month there were some issues with suppliers.  The winter storms in the East have caused problems for the box contributors so this box is apparently not what they had expected to send. It's definitely a stranger mix than I was expecting!

The Cost: $39.95/month

What You Get: Little Lace Box promises high-end, brand name beauty, lifestyle, and home product samples to treat yourself with.

Allure Sample Society March 2015 Spoiler!

The spoiler for the Allure Sample Society 2015 March  Box is by Benefit!  Love me my mascara.  I can't leave the house without it.  Why? Because I have short stubby lashes.

I don't know if this mascara is going to be more amazing than any other but I'm totally trying it!  I don't really like the rubbery type of wand but I'll find out when I get my box.

The Cost: $15/month

What You Get: Five deluxe-size beauty samples from a curated mix of skin, hair, and makeup products, as well as fragrance. You'll also receive $10 BeautyBar.com gift card to redeem on any $50 Beauty Bar purchase every month.

Sign up here and use code 5FORYOU to get $5 off your first box.

Also, if you use Ebates, you'll get 2% cashback on your purchases at Beauty Bar so make sure to activate it!  If you don't use Ebates and you shop online a lot, you should check it out.  The cashback adds up!

*affiliate links were used in this post.

I'm Taking a Trip to Germany! What Should I do There?

As many of you may have noticed, I have mentioned a few times that I will be going to Germany in May.  While I'm sure I'll experience "blog withdrawals" I am very excited about my trip!

Before I finalize all my details I thought I'd ask for some recommendations of what to do and see while we are there.

It will just be my husband and I and I do have some semblance of a plan.  Originally, I had planned to fly in to Frankfurt and drive down the Romantic Road, hit up Heidelberg, Rothenberg, Garmisch, Zurich, and leave from Munich but I've pared it down some since we will only be there ten days. Well, twelve counting days on the plane.

Loot Crate February 2015 Review and March 2015 Theme Announcement! Plus Save $3!

The February 2015 Loot Crate had a theme called "Play" and I was actually sort of nervous about whether I would like it or not.  Since the theme photo had a family playing a board game I was a little concerned that this box wouldn't be "gamer" enough for me.

Luckily, my fears were unfounded.  While I was actually hoping for a little Dungeons and Dragons or WarMachine awesomeness there wasn't any of that.  It was kiiind of a box of toys.  And I'm not averse to toys in the slightest.

The Cost: $13.37/month plus $6 shipping for a total of $19.37

What You Get: Awesome gamer/geek loot! Sometimes T-shirts (like this month!) Plenty of comment inducing collectibles to surround your computer desk with, all delivered right to your door. You don't even have to go out to get it! Well, except to the mailbox.

Urthbox February 2015 Classic Small Box Review and Giveaway ~ Snack Healthy!

Urthbox is a snack box subscription that sends primarly non-GMO, Organic and All Natural snacks each month.  This review is for the Small Classic box but they have several options, including a Mini box and a HUGE one for offices.

Since there are SO many box sizes and options, you should check out their website and see for yourself.  You can get Classic, Gluten-Free, Vegan and Healthy style boxes along with your size choices.

The Cost: $29.99/monthly ~ A six month subscription brings the cost down to $19/month.

What You Get: Classic, Gluten-Free, Vegan and Diet box options will send you foods, beverages, snacks and more that are NON-GMO, Organic and All Natural focused right to your door every month.  The Small box promises 8-10 full size items.

Pupjoy February 2015 Review ~ A New Subscription Box for Dogs plus Coupon Code!

Pupjoy is a new subscription box for dogs and focuses on providing high quality treats, toys and accessories for your pups.  This February 2015 box really impressed me.  I received well respected brands with wonderful backstories.  There is definitely an element of pride taken in these boxes.  If you want the very best for your dogs, you need to consider this subscription.

When I first encountered Pupjoy, I was immediately struck by the depth of the customization.  Not just for the size of your dog but also for the types of toys and the kinds of things you prefer to get in your box.  This box review is for Small Dogs.  I have two rat terriers that weigh about 15lbs each.

The Cost: $39/monthly, less with longer subscriptions

What You Get: A customized box with the healthiest treats with clear ingredient labeling, well-crafted toys and artisan accessories for the discerning pup and caring parent.

Ipsy March 2015 Spoiler!

Popsugar Must Have March 2015 Theme and Spoiler! Plus Enter my Popsugar Giveaway!

 The March 2015 Popsugar first spoiler has been released but earlier this month, we had a sneak peek into the theme!  Expect something citrus and refreshing and something to help you while traveling.  I have an idea that the spoiler below can be labeled "Renewal" if necessary, too :)

The Cost: $39.95

What You Get: Full size, premium products dealing with Home, Fashion, Fitness, Beauty and Food!

It's a One Year Blogiversary and a Popsugar Must Have Box Giveaway!

Bits and Boxes is turning one year old!  I had no idea when I started this blog that anyone would even read it.  I just was thinking it was a fun way to document my new subscription boxes and maybe get a few views or comments every once in awhile.

Instead, I've found great friends, fun readers and even more subscription boxes.  I'm not complaining either.  Those are all wonderful things!

All your views, comments and friendships have made this so much fun I just can't stop doing it.  I've had fun sharing my Korean beauty exploits with Memebox, showing off my snacking habits with Love With Food and OrangeGlad, prettying up my home with goodies from Popsugar and prancing in front of the TV with Fabfitfun workout DVDs!

Who Am I?

I feel like I'm generally a pretty relaxed, no nonsense type of reviewer.  I like getting a good deal and I love getting good skincare.  I am honest with a slight hint of riduculaise, I'm terrible with makeup but that doesn't stop me from using it or trying the smokey eye over and over with predictably awful results.  I still like socks, the fuzzier the better and I'll never say no to a good fantasy/science fiction book and a mug of tea.

I like to say I robbed the cradle when I married a handsome guy five years younger than myself.  He doesn't mind. He said that was okay, he robbed the grave.  Haha!!  I'm 37 and while we have no children, we do have two rat terriers who are lavished with subscription boxes of their own.  I have a garden that I've spent laborious hours in and am very proud of even though it's not looking quite like I want it to.

I have cool, combination skin with pink undertones.  I've got issues with redness that I'm working on fixing with my forays into skincare.  My hair is stick straight, long and quite thin. I hate getting hair product in my boxes but I'm realizing volumizing sprays can work wonders.  Dry shampoo hates me, no matter what I try.  I like to dye my hair dark shades of red and royal blue might be my favorite color.

I love subscription boxes and trying new things I find inside of them.  I'm an enabling type and love to get coupons to give everyone a deal on things I think are pretty great.  I'm an amateur ingredient fiend especially since I have an allergy to lavender so I'm constantly analyzing the products I receive. You'll find that I get really excited when I find something new with ingredients scientifically proven to have benefits.

But enough about me!!  I have a present for YOU!

In honor of my love for Popsugar, I am giving away TWO Popsugar boxes!!

One winner will receive the March 2015 Box (unless it sells out, then you'll get April).  Value: $40 UPDATE: March has sold out so now you'll get the April box! Waaah!!  Who can wait that long?!

One winner will receive the FEBRUARY 2015 Popsugar box!  I got an extra one just for this purpose! Value: $40  You can see the contents of the February box in my post here.

There will be two winners chosen and the boxes will randomly be awarded.  This particular giveaway is only available to the USA but International Readers keep watch for an upcoming giveaway that will include International shipping!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Void where prohibited.  This giveaway is sponsored solely by Bits and Boxes.    Be responsible when entering; all entries will be verified.  Please do not use giveaway accounts. Giveaway starts Mon, Feb 22 at 9am and ends March 5th at 11:59pm PST.  Unfortunately, I cannot be responsible for prizes getting lost in the mail but I will be really sad if that happens.  Winner must respond within 36 hours or a new winner will be chosen.  Winner must be willing to provide full name and shipping address in order to receive their prize.  Rules are subject to change without notice if I forgot something.

My First Bare Bliss Box Review! An Organic Beauty Subscription ~ February 2015

Bare Bliss Box focuses on giving the best organic beauty product found on the market.  They work only with proven brands that use the purest ingredients.  If you are looking for a natural and organic beauty box, this could be your answer.
Since this is my first box, I wasn't sure what to expect but I am pleasantly surprised by both the items themselves and the variety.  I purchased a six month subscription on GiltCity.com so I paid about $12 a box with shipping.

The Cost: $19.99/month

What You Get: A carefully curated box of organic, non-toxic, all-natural and cruelty free skincare and beauty products.

OuiPlease Dreaming of Normandie Spoilers! Ships Feb 28th!

I've collected as many OuiPlease Vol 1.2 Dreaming of Normandie Spoilers as possible here. Remember that there will be variations and you won't receive everything and not all designers will be represented in each box.

BRANDS:

‎Ozone‬- Socks or tights is my guess.

Charly James- Accessories, especially earrings.

Ripauste- This is the photo with the cheetah print bags.  I hope I get one of these.

Les Petites- The white cardigan in the photo is via Les Petites.  I'd love one of those!

Ipsy February 2015 Glambag Review

Ipsy is probably one of the most popular subscription boxes out there.   This is my February 2015 bag and it might be one of my favorites.  Ipsy sends a random assortment of products each month.  The variations are not as wide as they are for Birchbox but there are usually about twenty items available each month and you'll get five of them.

The ten dollar price point is one of the most attractive features of this subscription, along with the fact that you get a cute little makeup bag with each shipment.  There is a wait list but if you sign up as soon as you can, you'll be glad you did when you get off the wait list after two months of missing out.

The Cost: $10/month.

What You Get: Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products.

Barkbox February 2015 Mardi Gras Small Dog Box Review

The February 2015 Barkbox celebrates Mardi Gras.  I don't even know what Mardi Gras is here in Washington.  All I know is that beads are popular and women are scantily clad.  And there are parades.  Barkbox aims to educate me and reminded me that New Orleans is the epicenter of Mardi Gras partying and also has some distinct cultural culinary delights.

The Cost: $29.99/month, less with a longer subscription.

What You Get: Every month you will receive a box in the mail with four or more carefully selected products and presents for your dog – anything from toys, bones and all-natural treats to hygiene products and innovative new gadgets!

Boxycharm February 2015 Kisses from Boxy Review

The February 2015 Boxycharm started out looking amazing based on the spoilers.  Once I saw the nail polish, I knew I was going to find something to love.  Boxycharm is my main subscription box for makeup.  Most of my makeup seems to come from Boxycharm so I can't give it up even when there are some things I can't use.

The Cost: $21/month.

What You Get: Full size and luxury size beauty samples of the best beauty products from popular and chic brands. Anything from nail care and hair products to the top skin care and cosmetics.

Stick in a Box February 2015 Review ~ Who Knew Beef Jerky Could Be So Exotic?

Stick in a Box is a beef jerky subscription that sends new and interesting beef jerkies, slabs and sticks each month.  This review is for the February 2015 box and it might have some of the most strange jerky flavors yet.

The Cost: $35/month or less with a longer subscription

What You Get: At least 3 bags of jerky plus sticks and slabs from both name brands, and small batch companies, in traditional and out of this world flavors.

Beauteque Head to Toe PINK February 2015 Bag

The Beauteque Head to Toe bags are one time purchases, not a subscription.  This is the February 2015 review for the Pink themed bag.  I'm very impressed! It's a nice combination of skincare and makeup plus you know I love the focus on Asian beauty.  Not to mention the cute factor.

The other great thing about these Head to Toe bags is that they are partially customizable. There is usually an option or two that allow you a choice though the rest of the bag is a mystery. The ability to customize even a part of a mystery bag is valuable to me.  It means that no matter what, I know I will receive something I prefer.  This particular bag offers only the choice of color for one product but previous bags have allowed for more.  I hope as Beauteque grows, they'll continue this program.

This Head to Toe bag is $26 plus shipping.  Since Beauteque ships internationally, shipping varies from around $5 to around $9.  The bag is a bright fuschia and I love it!  Everything arrived packed inside this felted, cut-out bag.  It's made out of very thick felt and I think might be my favorite bag so far.

New Beauty Test Tube March 2015 Full Spoilers + Free Shipping!

The New Beauty Test Tube starts shipping next week!! Besides the products listed below, you will receive two extra mystery items.

The Cost: $29.95/bi-monthly plus $8.95 shipping.  Get Free Shipping with this link until Feb 28.

What You Get: You will receive a TestTube filled with deluxe and full-size products from the hottest beauty brands. Members will also receive a subscription to NewBeauty magazine, delivered quarterly.

Here is a look at the products in the upcoming TestTube:

Scentbird February 2015 ~ A Fragrance Subscription Plus Get 25% Off!

Scentbird is a really wonderful fragrance subscription.  Each month you will receive a perfume of your choice from your personalized profile.  Yes.  It's not a mystery.  You get to choose which perfumes you want sent to you and you can even specify which month you want them sent in!

That means you can choose springy, floral scents in April, May and June.  Summery, clean and beachy breeze scents during the warm months and sultry, spicy scents for Fall.  Really, it's all up to you!

The Cost: $14.95/month

What You Get: Each month you will receive one 8ml purse spray of the scent of your choice based on your profile.  The first month, you will receive the case for the perfume and a carrysack for it.

Scentbird has catalogue of over 350 luxury perfumes.  Anything from Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs and Dior to Thierry Mugler, Versace and Burberry.

Your first box will arrive with a sleek black twist up perfume case.  Subsequent months, you will just be sent the inner glass bottle.  Since this is my third month, I just received the 8ml, glass inner spray bottle of Dior Poison.

A Kitchen Box February 2015 The Brownie Box Review

A Kitchen Box put out a delicious February 2015 box!  This is a box that I consider an indulgence.
This month is all about brownies!  I love brownies.  I like them ooey, gooey and fudge y.  This box came with several recipes and a collab with Joy the Baker.

The box arrived this month via Priority Mail.  I love the 2-day shipping.  It's so nice compared to the ten days it can take other boxes to get to me when sent Parcel Select.  Ugh.

The Cost: $30/month

What You Get: A box curated with a specific theme in mind, introducing you to new artisans, products, concepts, and pairings. A featured recipe, artisan food product, something useful, free music for your kitchen playlist, art postcard, and kitchen wisdom.

RawSpiceBar February 2015 Spice Route: India

RawSpiceBar sends you spices every month.  The month of February 2015 sends us to India and has two delicious recipes and three spice blends.  This is a new subscription that debuted in January and I am totally in love with it.  I enjoy cooking and have also been  loving the introduction to new recipes as well as the fragrant spices each pouch includes.

When you open your mailer, the first thing you will see is the cutest packaging ever.  The pouch always has the BEST pattern.  I've been keeping them because I love them as much as the spices.

The Cost: $18 for 3 months ($6/month)

What You Get: Receive 3-4 hand-picked, small batch, freshly ground spice blends. Each monthly spice box contains 2-3 ounces of spice blends, creating three dishes for serving 8-10. You will also receive kitchen-tested, detailed recipes and ideas for each spice blend you receive as well as a background on our monthly chef and spice blends every month.

For $6 a month you can receive hand selected spices of the highest quality, most flavorful spices available. The spices are sourced globally and are fair trade and organic as often as possible. Not to mention the fact that they are ground and blended days before they are shipped to you for the best possible flavor.

Loot Crate February 2015 Theme and Free Gift with Sign Up!

Loot Crate has a new offer for those geeks and gamers who want to subscribe to one of the best subscription boxes for getting fun collectibles and related nerdy goodies.

The Cost: $13.37 plus shipping (ships internationally!)

What You Get:  A box of collectibles, toys and paraphernalia guaranteed to make a gamer geek smile.  Worth $40+ and occasionally offering T shirts so put in your size info when you sign up!

How awesome are you?  Which bonus will you choose when you sign up?

Memebox Mystery Box Leaders Edition

When Memebox released a Leaders Mystery Box, I was a little hesitant.  I mean, they just screwed over the whole world, right?  Am I supposed to still love them?  I know I'm still one of the "lucky" ones that can order from them since I'm in the USA but I still have a lingering resentment over how the whole thing was handled.

But after realizing that Leaders has some of the best masks in the kbeauty industry, I decided to take the plunge.  And secretly hope that there was something other than masks in this box.  Leaders Insolution does have a USA presence and it's possible that's why we are getting a branded box like this.

Normally, I have stayed away from branded boxes because the value hasn't been there.  This box was $25 and I added a Missha Strawberry Cleansing Foam to my order to get the free shipping over $30 deal that's available.

So, what do I think of this box?  Well, Leaders is a great brand and I do love masks so I can't complain.
All the masks in this box are Coconut Hydrogel.  I prefer this kind of mask because I feel it sticks better to my face.  These are made out of naturally fermented coconut juice which contains Vitamin B and C.  The gel adheres to your face and has natural soothing and hydrating properties.

None of these masks contain alcohol, artificial coloring, parabens or mineral oil.  I don't have a problem with mineral oil but I know many people do so I'm mentioning it.

Julep Red Carpet Free Gift Coupon Code

Julep is offering you a chance to snag a glittery clutch and a nail plish for FREE with any $25 order!

I love it when they do things like this.  It makes it everything a better deal!

You will receive a Gunmetal Silver clutch and a sparkly gold polish.

Get this set FREE with any $25+ order. Here’s how:

Add Julep Red Carpet Duo to your shopping bag

Keep shopping! The Red Carpet Clutch & Polish is free with any $25+ order

Enter promo code REDCARPET at checkout

Complete checkout

Offer expires 2/23/15 at 8 am PT, or while supplies last. 

Set includes:

Gunmetal Sequin Clutch: An 8’’ x 12’’ zip-top bag with two mini pockets and a whole lot of sparkle.

Oscar (It Girl): Ultra chic, multidimensional gold glitter.

I have to go out on a limb and say that the Gunmetal Clutch is probably better than the one that came with the Mystery Box because it at least has pockets inside.  I'm a big fan of gold polish myself but since I just got a clutch I probably don't need this.  Right?  ...  

*affiliate links were used in this post.

From The Lab February 2015 Review

From the Lab has partnered with major cosmetic laboratories around the world and they secure some of the best, most innovative formulations for beauty products before they hit retail shelves. Every product is cruelty free and is free from the major offending ingredients.

Each box comes with a card explaining each product and what is new, interesting and different about it.

The Cost: $19.95/month plus shipping

What You Get: One to three full size luxury beauty products delivered to your door each month. These products are estimated to be worth at least $100 on the retail market but you will get them before they are even available for purchase anywhere else.

Love With Food February 2015 Deluxe Box Review

This is my very first Love with Food Deluxe Box!  My new subscription starts with February 2015 and it's three months long.  I got this for an amazing Groupon Deal and I think I paid just $22 for all three months! Currently, the deal is still available, too!  I try really hard to get deals for my subscription boxes because saving money is awesome but having content for this blog and saving money is SUPER awesome!

It's becoming my cliche but I really do love Love with Food.  With nearly a year of subscribing under my belt, I can honestly and without reservation say that this is a wonderful subscription.  If you are looking for an awesome gift or snack box for yourself, I whole heartedly recommend this.  I got my mom a 3 month gift subscription and she loved it so much.  She would call me when she got her box and tell me her favorite things and anything she thought was horrible.

The Cost: $19.95/month (or you can get the regular Tasting Box for $10 + $2 shipping)

What You Get: 16-20 new snacks each month. Snacks are either organic or all-natural, GMO-free, gluten-free or free of artificial junk. (The regular Tasting Box has 8+ snacks)

The Deluxe Box is huge.  I would venture to say that it's more than double the size of a regular box and it came with so much that I can happily (and not begrudgingly) share with DH and have some leftovers for a week.

The theme this month is Mardi Gras and they've even included some beads! So funny.  Other than that the themes are pretty loose association.  They always have a theme but most of the time they don't really make much sense.  It doesn't matter, though, because... Snacks!

FabFitFun Spring 2015 Spoiler and Coupon Code!

Everyone will receive one of two Jules Smith Watercolor Scarves in their Spring 2015 FabFitFun box!!  I think they're both pretty but I think I like the one on the right better myself.

These scarves have a $42 value and are perfect for Spring!  They are also Fabfitfun exclusives!  They are made of lightweight cotton viscose with feather fringe detail.  Measures 60" long and 12" wide.

If you want to sign up for Fabfitfun make sure you use a coupon code!!  Use TENOFF to get $10 off your first box.  Regularly $49.95.

Here are some close ups:

Allure Sample Society February 2015 Review

I'm pretty excited about this Allure Sample Society February 2015 box.  There was a mix-up last month that included the StriVectin in the box when it wasn't supposed to be.  It was supposed to be in the February box so that's why there is a repeat.  I'm not complaining because I like StriVectin!

I like Sample Society because it's a reasonable price and the brands are pretty awesome.  I like getting Butter London and Laura Mercier, I won't lie. :D

The Cost: $15/month

What You Get: Five deluxe-size beauty samples from a curated mix of skin, hair, and makeup products, as well as fragrance. You'll also receive $10 BeautyBar.com gift card to redeem on any $50 Beauty Bar purchase every month.

New England Sack February 2015 Breakfast in Connecticut

I couldn't resist getting a February 2015 New England Sack after I saw the theme and spoilers. Breakfast, ya know.  Most important meal of the day!  Since my husband works from home, he can have a more elaborate breakfast that dry cereal.  This box takes breakfast to the next level.

The New England Sack arrives as a box and inside the contents are in a muslin sack that you can reuse as you see fit.  Previously, the Sack came with an info card but this time the wax sealed card is a list of artisans working out of Connecticut.

The Cost: $35/each, non-recurring

What You Get: Five to six thoughtfully curated, handmade and artisan items from the New England area. Expect anything from food products to home goods.

Tique Box February 2015 Last Box Review

This review is very bittersweet for me.  Tique Box has announced that they will be closing their doors and this will be their last monthly box. Those who have signed up for longer subscriptions will continue to receive their boxes until their subscription is up.

Be that as it may, this box is just as carefully curated as the last ones have been.  I have enjoyed receiving these boxes because they represent not only Portland but the Pacific Northwest and I have easily identified with so many of the products included in each box.

Since this is the last box, I will dispense with providing the usual information but in my secret heart I'm hoping that shutting down the subscription portion of Tique Box leads to even better and bigger things for the owners.

Steven Smith Teamaker Masala Chai and Peppermint Teas- If you've hung out with my on my blog long enough you will know I love teas.  This is a Portland area teamaker and I can't even tell you how excited I am to try these.  The two flavors included are my favorites.

Little Gold Fox Designs Bookmark- Little Gold Fox is an eco-friendly small business and their wooden bookmarks are gorgeous!  I love the design and the texture.  It makes me want to read a real book instead of my Kindle for awhile.  Except I am guilty of dog-earing pages.  Done it my whole life. :D

Haiku Organics Chocolate Lotion Bar-  This is a heart-shaped lotion bar that smells like chocolate.  I first discovered lotion bars in a Fortune Cookie Soap Box.  After showering and before you dry off, you rub this over your body.  When it hits your skin it melts and mixes with the water drops, making a nice lotion that sinks into your skin and leaves you smelling delicious.  In this case, like chocolate.  A perfect acknowledgement of Valentines Day.

Okamura Farmacopia Organic Lip Balm-  This is a vegan lip balm Made with olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil and rosemary extract.

KD Designs Felt Pouch-  This is a cute little pouch!  I love the color but I think it would be ineffective at keeping anything inside because the strap doesn't really hold the flap down.  I think I will sew on an antique button and make a button hole to keep it closed.  And maybe move that strap to become a handle.  I'm not an expert sewer but I can do that!  *wipes dust off sewing machine*

Rain Barrel Acres Farm Merlot Soap-  This is a hefty chunk of soap!  Its got actual Merlot wine in the recipe, too.  This is a colorful, small batch and handmade soap. What's not to love about that?!  This is the wine to go with your chocolate lotion bar, I suppose...

VERDICT: I think this is a well-curated February box.  It celebrates Valentine's Day without being too overt.  Personally, this makes me want to take a "spa" day for myself.  Take a shower with my new Merlot soap, use my Chocolate lotion bar and make some Chai tea. Then curl up with my tea and a book (with my new bookmark, of course), keeping my Haiku Organics lip balm close (inside my blue pouch) to keep my lips hydrated.  Sounds good to me!

I wish the very best of success and happiness to Paige and Inger as they move on into new endeavors.  The world needs more strong, generous and compassionate women leaders and I hope all their dreams come true.

Something Snacks February 2015 Review and Coupon Code

My Something Snacks Box for February 2015 arrived very quickly!  I was anxiously awaiting it (but trying not to act like it) because I was very curious to see what would be included in relation to Valentine's Day.  No disappointment here, that's for sure!

The Cost: $13/month total

What You Get: Each box will contain 7 new and tasty, hand selected snacks. You can expect something familiar and something more out of the ordinary.

Fortune Cookie Soap Box Spring 2015 "Wonderland"

The Fortune Cookie Soap Box for Spring 2015 has a "Wonderland" theme.  I had thought I'd cancelled this subscription but apparently I didn't so I got excited about getting it even though I don't think it's really worth the $20.  That's partly because I manage to lose the $10 coupon every time.  I don't know what's wrong with me.

Fortune Cookie Soap is an online retailer that specializes in small batch body products with unique and interesting scent combinations.  And yes, of course, their soaps are in the shape of fortune cookies which makes them extra fun.

The Cost:$19.99/quarterly

What You Get: 8 exclusive, pre-release specially hand-crafted Fortune Cookie Soap Co. exclusive bath and body products in deluxe sample sizes along with a $10 gift card for using with any purchase at their website.

Fortune Cookie Soap in "Almost Alice"-  It's soap! Shaped like a fortune cookie!  This has the scents of green snap peas, juicy pears, sweet pea flowers and freesia with a little berry tossed in.  It smells very good. Mostly fruity with a hint of florals.

I find that using a fortune cookie soap in the shower leads to a slippery, clumpy mess, though.  So while the shape is cute, actually using them isn't as pretty.

Inscence Cone in "Who Are You?"- I've never used anything like this! Most incense I've smelled stinks (nag champa, mostly) so I've never really been that interested. This, however, smells delightful.  It's a black cone that leaves black on my fingers.  I don't know what it's made out of but you're supposed to light the tip, let it burn for 10 seconds the blow it out.  It smells like pear, limes, vanilla orchid, and raw cane sugar.  In other words, good enough to eat.  If I end up not liking the lit incense I will leave these in the sachet and put them in a clothing drawer or something.

Bath Bomb in "Off with Their Heads"-  This is also another fabulous scent!  Meyer lemon, orange, bergamot, Egyptian musk with wild rose, violets and star jasmine.  This one isn't too flowery for me.  I can't use the bath bomb (and it's a liiiittle crumbly after it's ride in the box) but I might find something else with this scent and buy it.

Bath Tea in "Twisted Tea Party"- This is a teabag that you toss into your hot bath water.  I don't take baths so this will be passed to someone who will get more use out of it.  It smells VERY good.  I really like the Tea Party scent.  It's got sweet herbs, vanilla bean, cucumber, golden amber, neroli, geranium and spearmint along with green tea leaves.  Mmm!

Also included was a purty little flutterby. :)

Perfume Oil in "Eat Me"-  This is, hands down, my favorite scent in the box.  I *do* want to eat it.  It smells like yellow cake with vanilla frosting and pineapple with a dash of cilantro.  I smell my wrist and I drool.

Whipped Cream in "It's Only a Dream"- This body butter is a little too floral for me.  It has verbena, lemongrass, calla lily and citrus mixed with leafy greens, ylang ylang, rosewood, ozone and a lilttle musk and rose.  I much prefer citrus scents over floral and this one tips a little too far to the floral side for me. 

OCD Hand Sanitizer in "We're All Mad Here"-  I like this, too.  Mint with leafy green notes and cedarwood.  Plus I like getting these little bottles of hand sanitizer anyway.

Body Wash in "Futterwacken"- Lilies with grapefruit and a splash of fresh air.  This smells mostly of grapefruit which is good because lily makes me sneeze.  Easter lily anyway.  Grapefruit, though, is one of my faaavorites and this is my first body wash from FCS so I'm definitely trying it.  I do have to say that it seems like there could have been a better choice of bottle because this looks like it's not going to be easy to squeeze out.

VERDICT:  I thought this had a fun variety of products.  Some were new types to me and not ones I've received before which is fun.   The samples aren't huge, probably around 1oz each but the best part of Fortune Cookie Soap is their scent mixes.  The scents are why you want more.  They're unique and delicious with very creative names.  I need to spend a little more time narrowing it down to my top two favorite scents.  Once I do that I can use the $10 off code to buy a product or two that I would use in the scent that I want.  Fortune Cookie Soap makes all the things in all the scents.  Or pretty close.  

If you want to try Fortune Cookie Soap, head to their website www.fortunecookiesoap.com and find the Soap Box.  It comes out four times a year and does ship internationally.  Shipping gets pretty steep internationally, though.

The 3B Box February 2015 An Asian Beauty Subscription

This is the February 2015 3BBox!  This review is going to be very short because I'm quite ill but I know that everyone is excited about what 3B is doing and that an Asian beauty subscription box is one of the best things ever!

There is a growing desire for Asian beauty products because of their new and innovative technologies, use of unusual ingredients based on those technologies and also for the fun packaging that is available.

It does arrive in a box but when you open it up, this is what you will find.  A gauze drawstring bag with all your goodies and an information card.

The Cost: $12/month

What You Get: Five deluxe size Asian beauty samples from Korea, Taiwan and Japan.